Barrie and Jaqie Coxe own a two-story, 2,400 square foot, three bedroom home in Kaleden, BC.  Three years ago they bought the 16year-old house.  But the family’s discomfort settled in as they experienced the approach of their first winter in the home. 

“Some parts of the home were too warm.  Other spaces were too cold.  And the cost of attempting to heat the house added a whole new level to our discomfort,” said Jaqie.  They quickly discovered that the home’s electric resistance heaters were burning the bank account. 

“Window rattlers” were used to battle the heat and humidity, but they soon found that this was not a good solution.  “So we set out to find the best way to heat and cool our home more comfortably and efficiently,” said Barrie.  “We researched several types of systems, including the possibility of installing central HVAC.”

But the Coxes became more discouraged as they explored their options.  The best estimate they received for installation of a central system was $16,000.  In addition, they’d need another $900 for an electronic air cleaner, plus the substantial added cost of repairing ceilings and walls where the ducts would be run. 

Their search led them to Jim Damberger who owns Penticton, B.C.-based Tri-City Heating and Air Conditioning, and Kathy McKenzie, Tri-City’s salesperson, at a local home show.  Tri-City is a full-service firm that focuses on the installation of residential and light commercial ductless systems.  “We knew almost immediately we’d found the solution to our problem,” said Jaqie. 

Following an on-site home evaluation, Jim recommended a three-zone inverter system.  And when he quoted it, the Coxes were delighted to learn that the price for a Fujitsu mini split system came in at well below estimates for installing a traditional, central air system.  Two weeks later, it was installed and operational. 

The Fujitsu Halcyon system that Tri-City installed for the Coxe family consisted of one multi-zone condensing unit and three 12,000 BTU indoor air handlers, placed in strategic positions within the home. 

The R410A system offers efficiency ratings of up to 15 SEER and 9.0 HSPF.  Damberger explained that the system’s standard features include wireless remote control, plasma filter, sleep timer, 24-hour timer, dry mode, auto louver and auto mode with automatic restart/reset and efficient operation with low, or high ambient temperatures. 

In the area where the Coxes live, summers reach 100°F and winter temperatures can dip to 0°F.  “The ductless system supplies all of the heat for the Coxe family until exterior temperatures reach 14°F, or below,” added McKenzie.  “At that point, supplemental heat is provided by the existing baseboard electric resistance heaters.  Cooling is easily handled by the system.” 

“The three air indoor units are providing even, quiet, comfort for the upstairs and downstairs,” said Jaqie. “The installers did a great job and there was minimal invasion into our home,” said Jaqie.  “There was very little dust or noise.  The system was neatly installed and looks great. “

“Our home is more comfortable, year-round, than we could imagine,” concluded Barrie.  “The ductless systems really live up to their claims.  Cost of the system was a good investment, and we were rewarded not only with a much more comfortable home, but with much lower energy bills too.”

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