AC/Heat Pumps to replace condo fireplaces

[John Foster]

Hi All, my first post.
Thanks for any input, apologies if this offends anyone.

Can anyone point me to solutions to replacing gas fireplaces with an AC and/or heat pump?
Any existing threads on this board?
I found a few hoaky DIY installs on youtube & elsewhere, but no "made for fireplace insert" products.

Looking for all types of flue, but mostly sidewall direct vented. Prefer 115V/15A, but 208V might be available in some cases.
We have a bunch of clients interested in this;
* Retirement homes because they are worried about people dying with no AC, and are tired of maintenance and old fireplaces with pilots blowing out.
* Condos want to add cooling without having to do a separate envelope penetration. Also because many buildings have no suite gas meters and the strata councils squabble continuously about members using too much gas.
Since 600 people died in BC in the "heat dome" last summer everyone has been looking for any possible way to add AC in apartments. Window units are very uncommon in lower BC, and cardboard with holes for portable AC ducts are popping up everywhere. People have suggested using the fireplace flue as a place to get AC outdoor air in & out of suites.

Thanks!

[He’sThePup]

You could look into mini splits if you don’t want window units. It’s only two small holes, no ducts, and a small outdoor footprint. Even most window units require 208/230. I think your better off with window units or mini splits, than trying to retrofit a fireplace.

[kdean1]

People have suggested using the fireplace flue as a place to get AC outdoor air in & out of suites.

Thanks!

Air conditioners do not move air in & out of suites.
It might be possible to route refrigerant tubing out a chimney but then the issue where to put the outdoor unit. I can't imagine mounting one near a chimney.

[JackDavis]

I don't think you should remove the fireplaces, even though they heat worse than AC, but they are much cheaper to maintain. So I agree with those who wrote you above that you can leave the fireplaces for heat, and for cooling put a split system