Maintenance and Repairs

March 27, 2026 Published by Golden Horseshoe Chapter - By William Shin

Fan Coil Retrofits Done Right – Case Study

From the Volume 27, Spring 2026 issue of the CCI GHC Condo News Magazine

Your condominium enters its 20-year mid-life crisis, and your fan coils are due for replacement – where do you start? What began with a discussion on a tradeshow floor, we dive into a case study of what to expect and the steps necessary to successfully execute a large-scale capital retrofit project.

Aging Fan Coils

A fan coil unit (FCU) is the in-suite equipment that provides heating and cooling as part of a building’s central HVAC system. According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), the leading global organization of all things HVAC, fan coils typically have a useful lifespan of about 20 years, at which point there is an increased risk of floods, mould, and compromised air quality.

Water damage is already the leading cause of condominium insurance claims, accounting for more than 70% of cases. Aging fan coils can contribute to these issues. Valves may fail or seize, drain pans can rust, debris may clog drain lines, and fittings can loosen over time — all of which can lead to leaks or major floods.

In addition to flooding, moisture and dust accumulation can foster mould growth over time, especially when left untreated. As air circulates through the unit, the insulation inside may deteriorate, releasing fiberglass particles and mold spores into the air, leading to compromised air quality.

It All Starts with an Assessment

In this case study, a 21-year-old condominium complex consisting of two high-rise towers and townhomes began investigating the condition of its fan coils after the maintenance provider raised concerns.

To confirm the findings, the Board and Condominium Manager brought in a fan coil manufacturer for a second opinion. The assessment identified several areas of concern and confirmed the equipment was reaching the end of its useful life.

The Board then fulfilled its fiduciary responsibility to the community by clearly communicating the risks to owners and recommending a building-wide replacement program.

Because the fan coils were the responsibility of individual owners rather than the Condominium Corporation, participation in the program was voluntary — making the project more challenging. The key question became: how would the Board convince hundreds of owners to take action and commit to a large and unexpected expense?

Communicating with Owners

The project was expected to commence before cooling season to minimize flood issues. This time was used to clearly communicate to nearly 700 owners why the retrofit project was needed, how it would be executed, and ultimately at what cost.

To help owners understand the issue, the Board had allowed for a town hall meeting for all residents. A hybrid presentation format was used, as many of the landlords were overseas, and specialized AV equipment was brought in to ensure a high-quality broadcast. It was a tremendous success, as nearly 200 people attended.

Communication continued through multiple channels, including emails, lobby signage, elevator screens, and building notices. Owners were also offered several payment options to make participation easier.

Once orders were confirmed, the responsibility was now on the manufacturer to ensure that the new equipment met not only the building’s specifications, but also the quality and performance standards set out by HVAC governing bodies such as Intertek (ETL certification) and the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI 440 certification).

From Production to Installation

It is essential that the original specifications found in the mechanical drawings be reviewed before production. Twenty years ago, many performance specifications had been completed by hand and may not be deemed up to par with today’s standards. Physical coil sizes should be measured and inputted into AHRI 410 software to ensure that they meet specific performance, capacity, and efficiency standards.

The scope of work included changing the 20-plus-year-old isolation valves connected to each fan coil, requiring the building’s risers to be drained. It is essential that this step is not overlooked for the safety of the contractor, residents, and the building as a whole. Old valves can fail unexpectedly, and draining the system prevents the risk of a major flood during installation.

During installation, contractors followed the Environmental Abatement Council of Ontario (EACO) Level 2 protocol – a strict remediation standard used for medium-scale mold contamination. Each work area was sealed inside a containment tent with negative air pressure and HEPA filtration while the old units were removed. This allowed residents to remain safely in their suites during the work.

One unexpected challenge occurred in the townhome portion of the complex. The riser diagrams were outdated, and the associated riser valves no longer functioned. To avoid delaying the overall project, the townhomes were scheduled last while the plumbing team replaced the failed valves and mapped the correct riser layout.

The Benefits of Modern Fan Coils

Fan coil technology continues to improve with time. Older fiberglass insulation is now replaced with closed-cell foam that resists moisture and microbial growth. Drain pans are now made of stainless steel instead of galvanized steel, reducing the risk of corrosion. Modern units also feature improved drainage designs and built-in flood sensors that shut the system down if water is detected.

Another major upgrade is the motor technology. Older fan coils use Permanent Split Capacitor (PSC) motors, while new units use Electronically Commutated Motors (ECM). These motors can operate at multiple speeds, improving efficiency, increasing airflow, and reducing noise. Studies have shown that airflow improves by roughly 25%, while operating noise drops by about 25 decibels.

Proactive, Not Reactive

The Board and agents acting on behalf of the Corporation took the initiative to have their fan coils assessed at the end of their 20-year lifespan. It didn’t take a catastrophic flood, nor was it prompted by a large-scale mechanical failure of the existing equipment.

The contractor was also given permission to spread the retrofit offering over three years to accommodate as many owners as possible. It wasn’t just a matter of technical execution, but also administrative coordination to move into years two and three. It required collaboration between owners, the Board of Directors, building staff, and contractors.

Whether the assets are owned by the Corporation or the owners themselves, it is imperative to have your mechanical systems routinely inspected, serviced, and maintained. If ever in doubt, a complimentary fan coil assessment can provide the tools and information needed to better plan for replacement.

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William Shin, BA, is the Manager of Business Development for Unilux CRFC, specializing in retrofit fan coil solutions. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. An active member of the condominium community in Ontario for six years, William is involved in the Canadian Condominium Institute (CCI) Golden Horseshoe, Grand River, Toronto, South-Western, and Eastern chapters.