Heating and air conditioning are essential for the comfort of condo owners, especially in a city like Montreal, where winters are harsh, and summers can be very hot. However, when an issue arises, a common question emerges: Who should pay for repairs—the condo owner or the condominium association?
In this article, we explain how responsibilities are divided between condo owners and the association, as well as best maintenance practices to avoid costly repairs.
1. Heating and air conditioning in condos: Who pays for repairs?
In a condominium, responsibility for repairs depends on the type of installation and the condo declaration. Here are the general rules that apply to most buildings (always check your condo declaration to confirm):
– If the system is centralized (managed by the association):
- Some buildings have centralized heating and air conditioning, often using a forced-air system or collective boilers.
- In this case, the condo association is responsible for:
- Maintenance and repairs of common installations.
- Replacing defective equipment affecting all units.
- Managing energy costs (often included in common fees).
- The condo owner is responsible for:
- Maintaining elements within their unit (e.g., air filters, thermostats).
- Promptly reporting issues to prevent further damage.
– If the system is individual (boiler, heat pump, wall-mounted air conditioner):
- Some buildings have independent systems for each unit, such as wall-mounted air conditioners, heat pumps, or electric heated floors.
- In this case, the condo owner is responsible for:
- Maintenance and repairs of their unit’s system.
- Replacing old equipment.
- Installing new appliances if necessary (subject to condo rules).
- The association may be involved if:
- The issue affects a common area (e.g., heating pipes running through walls).
- The installation or repair impacts the building structure (e.g., air conditioning requiring an external wall connection).
– Special cases to check in the condo declaration:
Your condo declaration may specify additional rules, such as:
- Cost-sharing arrangements between the association and the owner depending on the source of the issue.
- Requirements to use certified technicians for certain repairs.
- Restrictions on the types of appliances allowed (e.g., prohibiting outdoor air conditioning units).
Tip: Before proceeding with any repair or installation, check your condo declaration and notify the association to avoid disputes.
2. How to properly maintain your heating and air conditioning system in a Condo :
Regular maintenance helps prevent costly breakdowns, improves energy efficiency, and extends the lifespan of your equipment.
- Clean and replace filters regularly:
- A clogged filter reduces system performance and increases energy consumption.
- Change or clean filters every three months (or more frequently if you have pets).
- Have your equipment inspected annually:
- Professional maintenance can prevent 90% of major failures.
- For centralized heating, the association often schedules annual maintenance.
- For individual systems, it is recommended to hire a certified specialist.
- Check thermostats and controls:
- Test your thermostat before winter or summer starts.
- If your system does not respond properly, recalibration or replacement may be needed.
- Avoid electrical overloads:
- Some heating and cooling systems consume a lot of energy.
- Ensure your electrical panel can handle the load to prevent power surges.
- Report issues immediately:
- If you notice unusual noises, reduced performance, or leaks, contact your building manager to prevent serious damage.
3. How to Reduce Heating and Cooling Costs in a Condo
Energy expenses make up a significant portion of a condo’s budget. Here are some strategies to optimize consumption and cut costs:
- Opt for energy-efficient equipment:
- Installing a heat pump instead of traditional electric heating can reduce energy consumption by 30%.
- Replacing an old boiler with a more efficient model can save up to 20% on shared costs.
- Implement a collective maintenance program:
- Group maintenance services can secure lower rates from service providers.
- Some condo associations negotiate maintenance contracts for all owners.
- Improve building insulation and sealing:
- A well-insulated condo reduces heating consumption by 25–40%.
- Check doors, windows, and roof conditions to minimize heat loss.
- Educate condo owners on best practices:
- Encourage the use of programmable thermostats.
- Reduce air conditioning in summer by promoting natural ventilation.
- Adopt eco-friendly habits to lower collective energy consumption.
Conclusion: Proper management for optimal comfort in condos
Heating and air conditioning play a crucial role in residents’ quality of life. To avoid misunderstandings and unexpected expenses, it’s essential to understand the division of responsibilities between the condo association and owners, follow a regular maintenance routine, and adopt energy-efficient practices.
Need help managing your condo? Contact Condo Stratégis today!