Mini-split Cooling/Heat Pump Proposals
By: BYCCA Architectural Control Committee
Changing Climate and Evolving Dynamics
Brickyard Creek has seen a surge in popularity and usage over the past several years, which has brought on special challenges both to the community and the BYC Architectural Controls Committee. Along with changes in climate patterns, more cottages are being used year-round by both owners and renters. With increased use, there are higher expectations for thermal comfort and a greater search for more energy-efficient ways to heat and cool the cottages.
Peaceful Autumn walk along the Old Rail Trail.
Advances in heat pump technologies have made them more viable for meeting heating and cooling needs. As a result, there has been a marked increase in proposals submitted to the ACC for the installation of mini split/heat pump systems.
Their proliferation in BYC has presented a challenge to the ACC. While a few units in the past may not have had a major impact on the boreal forest experience, their increasing numbers could have a cumulative negative effect. The ACC has therefore assembled the following guidelines to help mitigate these potential effects.
Sight & Sound Evaluations
The primary considerations the ACC reviews for mini-split systems are the visual and acoustic impacts.
The growing number of light-colored condensers for most mini-split systems presents a visual pollution challenge. Their sizes also make them difficult to ignore. Coolant lines and electrical conduits can also stand out visually. The condenser unit fans and motors generate noise levels that can detract from the natural forest experience.
Enjoying forest sounds from the screen porch.
Because no two cottage sites are the same, the ACC must evaluate the proposed location of each condenser unit and the equipment itself on an individual basis. Owners considering installing a mini-split heat pump system to provide auxiliary heating for their cottages should note that heat pumps are only effective down to certain temperatures. They should familiarize themselves with the potential limitations of the systems they are considering.
Product information from the equipment manufacturer is essential in making some of these determinations. The product data will generally contain sound pressure ratings, measured in decibels (dB). Mini-split systems that provide only cooling will have one sound rating. In contrast, heat pump cooling packages typically have separate ratings.
As more mini-split systems are being proposed in Brickyard Creek, the ACC is trying to understand their cumulative effect. Until field studies can be conducted, the ACC has set the maximum sound pressure level it will approve for a condenser unit at 56dB. Owners must submit product data and specifications, including sound pressure ratings and unit dimensions, from the system manufacturer to the ACC for review and approval.
Listening point.
The location and exterior visual impact of a mini-split system are also concerns of the ACC. The condenser must be mounted on an acoustical pad on the ground surface. This requirement reduces the unit’s visual profile and helps attenuate its sound vibrations. In addition, the top of the condenser unit shall not exceed 51 inches in height measured from the top of the acoustical pad.
A wood screen fence for the condenser unit shall be provided that complies with the drawing “Design Guideline for Mini-Split System Condenser Screening Fence”, as provided by the ACC. All electrical subpanels must be painted with a flat finish and a color that matches the existing cottage siding. Conduits and piping should be enclosed in a cedar wood trim and stained to match the siding.
Owner Requirements
The tranquility of a sunset walk at Brickyard Creek.
Along with product data and manufacturer’s specification sheets, owners must submit a scale plan drawing showing the proposed location of the condenser and any exterior work.
The plan should include appropriate notes describing the components, as well as dimensions indicating the unit’s location relative to the cottage and any adjacent structures. Additional drawings, such as elevations and/or items that help describe the project, should be provided. A brief narrative describing the project should also be submitted.
Requests that lack the manufacturer’s product information and required drawing(s) will be considered incomplete, and the owner will be notified. No further ACC action will be taken until the required material is provided.
Materials and equipment used for construction must be stored in the owner’s driveway and should not impede roads. The community dumpsters are not to be used for construction waste.
Any damage to vegetation should be repaired immediately.
All construction at Brickyard Creek must comply with the State of Wisconsin UDC (Uniform Dwelling Code) regulations.
All approved additions or changes must be completed promptly. The ACC will inspect the work to ensure it complies with the approval and any conditions.
As always, the ACC is available and willing to help with any questions owners may have with their projects, especially in the early planning phases. Just ask.
For submital and project requirements see the BYCCA Architectural Guidelines.
