CondoBusiness - Building Systems
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Building Systems

Reserve fund budgeting: A fan coil unit retrofit

One of the most under addressed issues in aging condos is the fan coil unit. Residents often take an “out of sight, out of mind” approach.

How is COVID-19 impacting reserve funds?

Many reserve fund projects have not been able to proceed this year. Even now as construction has “opened up,” contractors have backlogs that will allow them to complete only some of the previously planned projects.

Budgeting the unknown amid a pandemic

Condo corporations are facing new budgeting challenges in 2020. Planning for unexpected and increasing expenses is difficult to anticipate.

Condo communities build up resilience in 2020

With always evolving guidelines and pandemic uncertainty, building resilience in condo communities is more important than ever.

Are condos prepared for climate change?

While many condos haven’t yet experienced the major effects of climate change, statistics and case studies foreshadow the impacts that could come.

When a condo board becomes interim manager

When most people run for the condo board of directors, the last thing they imagine is a situation where they’re actually running the condominium.

Tech aids condo compliance during COVID-19

ICC Property Management is using technology to digitally track its response to COVID-19 and enhance safety for residents and staff.

Energy demand load shifts to residential base

The energy demand load has shifted in sync with much of Ontario’s workforce from commercial to home offices, prompting calls for suspension of time-of-use pricing during the current COVID-19 related upheaval

Energy efficiency powers condo to LEED Platinum

Perched on the edge of the waterfront, south of the Distillery District near Sugar Beach, Toronto’s first LEED Platinum high-rise condo stands in the Bayside

IAQ standards dissect freshness of outdoor air

Guidance related to natural ventilation, particulate filtration and compartmentalization of multi-residential HVAC systems are prominent in the list of identified "significant changes" compared to the incumbent 2016 version of the standards.

Do you know the condition of your fan coil?

Fan Coil Units (FCUs) are a vital, yet often overlooked part of an apartment/condo complex. Nevertheless, they are directly responsible for the climate control within the apartment complex in the form of heating and cooling.

HVAC switch over snared by hot spell

Tensions boiled over last week at Toronto apartment buildings without air conditioning as temperatures soared into heat wave territory in late September.

Required upgrades to single-speed elevators lifted

The TSSA recently lifted the requirement to undertake certain upgrades to the controls of single-speed elevators, but it doesn’t mean building owners should abandon modernization.

Drone use comes with flight risks for condos

A drone can capture data about the building structure as it scales the envelope, but consider too the images or video it could unintentionally capture.

A property manager’s guide to roof inspections

At least twice per year, property managers should conduct roof inspections and maintenance on their roofs.

How to start a preventive maintenance program

The question of how to start a preventive maintenance program is extremely common, and for good reason. With budgets tight and workers stretched thin, preventive

Pros and cons of solar panels on apartments

Solar power generation is a green way to reduce energy costs. But there are pros and cons of solar panels when it comes to apartment buildings.