Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – 2024 — Arctic Heat Pumps is proud to announce the successful design and supply of a state-of-the-art heating and cooling system for a newly constructed condominium complex in Saskatoon, Canada. This project demonstrates Arctic’s ability to deliver reliable, energy-efficient climate control solutions even in some of Canada’s most extreme winter conditions.
A Scalable, Centralized Solution for Multi-Residential Buildings
The Saskatoon development consists of four multi-unit residential buildings, each containing 12 individual multi-story condominium homes with single-car garages. In addition to private residences, each building includes shared common areas and a centralized mechanical room designed to support efficient system operation and maintenance.
To serve the entire complex, Arctic Heat Pumps supplied five Arctic 060ZA/BE 5-ton air-to-water heat pumps, forming a centralized plant capable of providing both heating and cooling to all buildings. This configuration allows the development to benefit from a shared mechanical infrastructure while maintaining individual comfort control within each condo unit.
Engineered for Extreme Cold Climates
Saskatoon is well known for its harsh winters, with outdoor temperatures regularly dropping below -30°C. To ensure uninterrupted comfort and peace of mind for residents, the system was designed with natural gas backup to supplement the heat pumps during the coldest periods of the year. This hybrid approach delivers the best of both worlds: high-efficiency electric heating for the majority of the season, combined with proven gas backup for extreme conditions.
Zoned Comfort with Arctic Hydronic Fan Coils
Inside each condominium unit, comfort is delivered through four Arctic hydronic fan coils, providing zoned heating and cooling throughout the living space.
These hydronic fan coils were selected for their combination of performance, aesthetics, and occupant comfort:
- Ultra-slim design at just 5.5 inches thick
- Quiet operation, ideal for residential environments
- Modern glass face with integrated touchscreen controller
- Individual zoning, allowing occupants to set different temperatures in different rooms
This zoned approach gives homeowners full control over their indoor climate, improving comfort while reducing unnecessary energy use.
One System, Heating and Cooling at the Same Time
One of the standout advantages of air-to-water heat pump systems—particularly in condo and hotel applications—is their ability to simultaneously distribute heating and cooling throughout a building using the same plumbing infrastructure.
During shoulder seasons, it’s common for some occupants to want cooling while others prefer heating, depending on sun exposure, floor level, or personal preference. Unlike traditional systems, Arctic’s air-to-water solution makes this possible without adding complexity or redundant equipment.
Using a single hydronic network, the system dynamically delivers heating and cooling where it’s needed—an efficiency and flexibility that is exclusive to air-to-water heat pump technology.
A Model for Sustainable, Future-Ready Developments
This Saskatoon project highlights how modern multi-residential buildings can reduce emissions, improve occupant comfort, and maintain resilience in cold climates. By combining centralized air-to-water heat pumps, zoned hydronic distribution, and gas backup for extreme conditions, Arctic Heat Pumps continues to set a new standard for high-performance building design across Canada.
As cities and developers look for practical pathways to electrification and decarbonization, projects like this demonstrate that air-to-water heat pumps are not only viable—but highly effective—even in the coldest regions.
