In this comprehensive retrofit on Bowen Island, we addressed a severely compromised Daikin Altherma monobloc system that had failed to deliver reliable heating or cooling. The original setup relied on a domestic pre-heat hot water tank backed by an electric boiler for hydronics and a propane boiler for domestic hot water. Issues included non-functional cooling, erratic heating that activated all fans simultaneously, uneven performance across zones, and severe bacterial buildup and sludge in the tank due to unmanaged hysteresis—revealed during demolition.

Our solution centered on an efficient IBC HPX 5 monobloc heat pump paired with an Altsource buffer tank for stable operation. We integrated an IBC Superflow combination boiler as a dedicated radiant backup, while routing domestic hot water directly through the IBC without pre-heating to streamline flow. To enhance zoning, we replaced the single oversized pump with multiple smaller zone pumps, improving distribution and energy use.

Controls were simplified from custom PLC logic to a reliable Tekmar 404 house manager, pump controller, and 557 thermostats, enabling precise mixed-zone management for both heating and cooling. This upgrade restored full functionality, eliminated maintenance pitfalls, and optimized efficiency for the island’s variable climate.

IBC Superflow 99 Air-to-Water Retrofit and Buffer Tank Setup for Heating & Cooling

For this straightforward retrofit in a 5-unit housing development on Bowen Island, we tackled a malfunctioning Daikin 5-ton monobloc air-to-water heat pump that had ceased delivering consistent hydronic heating. The unit’s integrated circulation was inadequate for the multi-unit demands, leading to pressure imbalances and unreliable performance across the shared system.

Our targeted intervention involved installing a dedicated external circulation pump to ensure robust flow distribution and a pressure relief valve to safeguard against over-pressurization events. This minimalistic upgrade restored optimal operation without major system overhauls, enhancing reliability and efficiency for the community’s radiant heating needs in the island’s temperate coastal environment.

In this upgrade nestled in the scenic community of Anmore, we decommissioned an aging atmospheric boiler paired with an indirect domestic hot water tank—a notoriously leaky iron relic that suffered from chronic corrosion, inefficient combustion, and escalating energy costs. The system’s outdated design led to frequent leaks, poor thermal efficiency, and unreliable hot water delivery, compromising comfort in the home’s hydronic setup.

We replaced it with a compact, high-efficiency IBC Superflow combination boiler, seamlessly integrating domestic hot water production without the need for a separate tank. This modern unit delivers precise on-demand heating and hot water, slashing energy use by up to 30% while eliminating leak risks and simplifying maintenance. Tailored for Anmore’s mild yet variable climate, the installation enhances reliability and sustainability for year-round performance.

During a thoughtful home renovation in Vancouver’s vibrant East End, we integrated a Rinnai 99i high-efficiency combination boiler to modernize hydronic heating for longstanding cast iron radiators while providing instantaneous domestic hot water. The original setup struggled with inconsistent temperatures from the aging radiators’ high thermal mass and sluggish response times, compounded by an inefficient separate water heater that couldn’t keep pace with on-demand needs in the bustling urban household.

The Rinnai 99i delivers compact, wall-mounted performance with modulating output for precise control, ensuring even heat distribution across the radiators without short-cycling and instant hot water at the taps to eliminate wait times. This seamless upgrade preserves the home’s historic charm while boosting energy efficiency by over 25%, reducing operational costs, and aligning with Vancouver’s progressive building standards for sustainable retrofits.

In a targeted retrofit for a Langley residence, we resolved persistent heating inconsistencies where certain areas remained underheated despite full system operation. The culprit was an original EcoKing boiler, poorly installed and vibrating loose from its wall mount, compounded by operation at a maximum 180°F water temperature without a primary loop or proper boiler separation—leading to inefficient circulation, short-cycling, and uneven distribution across the hydronic zones.

We replaced it with a reliable Rinnai combination boiler, incorporating a dedicated primary loop and hydraulic separation for balanced flow and protection against thermal stress. This upgrade included secure mounting to eliminate vibrations and precise temperature modulation for optimal performance. The result: uniform heating throughout the home, enhanced energy efficiency, and reduced maintenance demands suited to Langley’s fluctuating seasonal demands.

Called in at the eleventh hour during drywall installation for a sprawling West Vancouver estate, we engineered a bespoke controls solution for an intricate geothermal system featuring a custom-imported chiller serving 13 hydronic fan coils. The setup included dual buffer tanks—one hydronic, one geothermal—demanding tailored relays, pump timers, and freeze protection to manage complex flows and prevent operational hiccups.

Domestic hot water was prioritized via a heat pump tank, with seamless failover to a Rinnai combination boiler that doubled as geothermal backup, orchestrated through a modulating valve for on-demand switching between tank storage and boiler production. At the core, we deployed a Tekmar 404 house controller, augmented by multiple zone controllers, mixing valves, and wireless outdoor sensors for intelligent, adaptive performance. To complete the smart-home ecosystem, we integrated energy-efficient LED lighting, security cameras, and full-home Ethernet networking, transforming potential chaos into a harmonious, reliable system tailored for coastal luxury living.

Tekmar Control Panel for Geothermal Hydronic System

For Oxygen Yoga and Fitness in Port Moody, we crafted a mesmerizing, dot-free LED lighting ambiance that elevates the studio’s serene yet invigorating atmosphere. This labor-intensive yet rewarding endeavor involved meticulously wrapping the studio perimeter with 45°-angled diffuser channels to diffuse a vibrant spectrum of colors, creating an immersive rainbow glow without visible hotspots. We strategically placed four infrared panels in the corners and beneath the expansive studio mirror to enhance warmth and visual depth.

The system features 15 independently programmable zones, all seamlessly wired to a central decoder and transformer panel, allowing effortless customization of any hue, intensity, or dynamic lighting sequence via intuitive controls. Sourced from BL Lighting in Vancouver, this installation not only supports the studio’s wellness-focused vibe but also ensures low-maintenance, energy-efficient operation tailored to Port Moody’s dynamic community of yogis.

For this custom home on Bowen Island, we implemented a tailored controls system for two Mitsubishi ducted 5-ton heat pumps and fan coils. One unit handles zoning for the top floor and basement, while the second serves the main floor, ensuring balanced climate management across levels.

We deployed three Tekmar 086 mud sensors to average temperatures in each zone, paired with three Tekmar 557 thermostats centralized in the mechanical room. These connect via a Tekmar Gateway, enabling seamless integration with the home’s automation platform for remote monitoring and adjustments.

Additionally, a dedicated Tekmar 557 thermostat activates electric floor heating in the breezeway, using remote temperature and humidity sensors. Elevated humidity levels automatically engage an inline fan to promote air circulation and ventilation, enhancing indoor air quality in this transitional space. This setup delivers precise, efficient control suited to the island’s coastal conditions.

In this elegant home in West Vancouver, we enhanced the interior ambiance with seamless ambient white LED lighting, installing several hundred feet of high-quality strip lights into recessed features throughout key spaces. The setup illuminates the living room and kitchen for a warm, inviting glow during gatherings, extends to the upper hallway for safe and subtle navigation, and adds a spa-like serenity to the master bedroom and bathroom. This energy-efficient solution provides customizable brightness levels, long-lasting performance, and minimal heat output, perfectly complementing the home’s modern design while reducing electricity costs in the coastal setting.

Perched along Belcarra’s stunning coastline, this glass-filled home had undergone multiple renovations, resulting in a fragmented Trane centralized HVAC system that delivered uneven heating and struggled to meet demands, leaving occupants uncomfortable in varying zones.

We dismantled the outdated setup and introduced a Daikin Fit system, dividing the home into two efficient zones: a 2-ton medium static fan coil—carefully disassembled into sections for access into the confined attic space before reassembly—with fresh ductwork for precise upper-level control, and a 3-ton coil atop a Daikin 90k BTU furnace serving the lower three floors. Both zones draw from a robust 5-ton heat pump for optimal performance.

To ensure redundancy, we incorporated a manual damper that, when opened during heat pump malfunctions, channels gas furnace heat to the top floor, maintaining consistent comfort and reliability amid the coastal microclimate.

For a valued long-time client whose system failed during a harsh cold snap in late 2024, we performed a rapid retrofit by replacing the outdated York 5-ton heat pump with a high-efficiency Samsung Hylex unit. Keeping the existing indoor coil in the attic simplified the installation, making it a straightforward upgrade—aside from the challenging hours chiseling through thick ice that had bonded the old unit to its curb. Now mounted on a sturdy stand, this inverter-driven system with customized controls not only slashes energy consumption and reduces reliance on the attic’s electric resistive heater but also operates remarkably quieter than the original, minimizing noise disruption for a more peaceful home environment well-suited to British Columbia’s variable winters.

In this expansive 27-unit housing development comprising six three-story buildings in Langford, we delivered a comprehensive HVAC solution tailored for multi-family efficiency. Each unit features Samsung ducted fan coils discreetly installed in drop ceilings: a dedicated coil for the bottom floor, a 12,000 BTU model serving the main floor, and dual 9,000 BTU units on the top floor to independently condition the primary and secondary bedrooms, ensuring zoned comfort and minimal noise intrusion.

Complementing the system, we integrated FanTech HRVs with bathroom timers to promote fresh air exchange, humidity control, and energy recovery—vital for maintaining indoor air quality in the humid coastal climate. This scalable installation optimizes energy use, supports sustainable building practices, and enhances resident comfort across the development’s diverse layouts.

Samsung Multi Zone Heat Pump on Langford Rooftop with Refrigeration Gauges

As part of an upscale patio renovation in picturesque Anmore, we installed a 50-foot gas line to power a custom firebowl, transforming the outdoor space into a cozy gathering spot. The line was trenched and buried to code-compliant depths using durable corrugated stainless steel tubing for safe, efficient propane delivery, ensuring reliable ignition and flame control without visible disruptions to the landscaped area. The integrated firebowl features adjustable heat output and weather-resistant construction, enhancing ambiance and extending usability through cooler evenings while adhering to local safety standards for gas appliances in residential settings.

In this outdoor enhancement project, we ran a dedicated gas line to power a high-performance outdoor pizza oven while upgrading a Paloform Bolo fire pit with a new electronic ignition burner. The Bolo, a 42-inch diameter modern fire bowl crafted from weathering Corten steel, now features seamless electronic ignition—activated simply by turning on the power supply for automatic pilot and main burner lighting, with safety features to prevent gas leaks. Compatible with natural gas or propane, this installation ensures efficient, reliable flame control and easy operation, elevating backyard gatherings with minimal maintenance and enhanced safety standards.

For this residential project in Vancouver, we designed a simple radiant baseboard heating system integrated with an HRV for balanced ventilation, ensuring even warmth and fresh air circulation throughout the home. To meet municipal standards, we prepared detailed heat loss and gain reports alongside ventilation checklists required by the City of Vancouver, facilitating smooth permitting and compliance while optimizing energy efficiency in the urban setting.

For this off-grid residence in the remote expanses of Delta Junction, Alaska, we engineered a robust mechanical design centered on a wood-fired boiler for primary heating, seamlessly integrated with an electric backup boiler dedicated to domestic hot water production. This hybrid system ensures reliable hot water availability even during extreme cold snaps or low wood supply, optimizing self-sufficiency while minimizing reliance on external power sources in the harsh subarctic environment. The setup promotes sustainable energy use through renewable wood fuel, with the electric component providing efficient, on-demand redundancy for uninterrupted comfort in an isolated setting.

In this innovative design for a Vancouver residence, we specified the SANCO₂ heat pump water heater system from ECO₂ Systems, a split air-to-water unit that utilizes eco-friendly CO₂ refrigerant to extract heat from ambient air—even in temperatures as low as -25°F or below—delivering hot water up to 150°F. This efficient setup integrates domestic hot water production with radiant in-floor heating, achieving up to 80% energy savings over traditional electric resistance heaters and over 40% compared to standard hybrid heat pumps, while minimizing environmental impact with its low Global Warming Potential refrigerant.

The system features an outdoor heat pump connected via two water pipes to an indoor insulated storage tank (available in sizes from 43 to 505 gallons), providing a high first-hour rating for abundant hot water and rapid recovery exceeding 20 gallons per hour. For seamless operation, we incorporated custom controls design using Tekmar 532 Thermostats, a TACO ZVC406-5 Zone Control Valve, and Taco X Pump Block to manage zoning, temperature modulation, and priority switching between DHW and space heating demands, ensuring balanced performance and user-friendly automation.

SANCO2 CO2 Air-to-Water Heat Pump System Design with Domestic Hot Water and Controls

At a bustling metal manufacturing facility in Delta, we were dispatched for urgent service on an automated machine plagued by a failed proximity sensor and substandard, unreliable splices in the wiring between the controller and equipment. These issues caused intermittent downtime, halting production lines and risking safety protocols. Our team swiftly diagnosed the faults, replaced the faulty sensor with a durable, high-precision model suited for industrial environments, and rewired the connections using secure, code-compliant terminations to eliminate shorts and ensure stable signal transmission. This quick intervention restored full operational efficiency, minimizing losses and preventing future disruptions in the high-demand manufacturing setting.