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Heating & Air Conditioning

Duplex Built in 1900. What kind of heating/cooling to choose?

last month

Hello all, brand new user here.

I just purchased my first rental home. It’s a duplex with a top and bottom unit.

There is no forced air system in the home. There are the remnants of an old coal heater in the basement and some now-closed-off chimneys in the rooms above. I’m in West Virginia and temperatures range from single digit lows to 100° highs over the year.

Both units of the duplex have an upright gas-powered space heater, as well as one electric floorboard heating unit per floor that hardly puts out any heat.

I am exploring options for heating/cooling systems. Also, I have absolutely no idea what I’m doing so treat me like an idiot, because for now that’s what I am.

Ductless mini-split seems like a good option. But maybe have a traditional forced air system installed? Or other options might be better? Please, all advice is welcome. I want to get this place up and running ASAP.

Thank you.

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Comments (10)

tigerdunes
last month
Is nat gas service available to the duplex?

how would you describe the insulation and building qualities of the duplex, ie ext doors, windows, r rating for walls, attic? Is there a basement or crawl space?..

IMO
Travis Metz
Original Author
last month
Natural Gas is available.

I don‘t know enough about what constitutes “good” insulation to say whether or not what I have is good (remember, I’m an idiot), but... I would say it’s not very good If I had to guess. Very old house. Plus, there is a big basement with dirt floor, and an attic as well.
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tigerdunes
last month
If mine, I would start with getting an insulation contractor to survey your duplex, find out what you have, make a recommendation for upgrade, and get a cost. Second, with a basement and attic, I will assume that ductwork could be installed. Two systems, one for each apartment. For an older home, think you will be better off with gas furnace/AC systems as opposed to mini splits. as to building qualities, you need good windows and ext doors. Good Luck. You have a big project in the.making. Is your duplex habitable as is?
mtvhike
last month
Are you planning for this to be a rental for both apartments or are you going to live in one?
Travis Metz
Original Author
last month
Tigerdunes, thanks for the insulation advice.

For my own understanding, why would gas furnace and AC be better than mini splits in your opinion?

The duplex is habitable Except for it’s too cold. There is a nat gas space heater that is not yet active, but I am skeptical it will be strong enough to heat the entire unit. I’m getting it activated in 12 days to see. If it’s powerful enough, I’ll not need to upgrade, but I doubt it will be. Also, I know good heat/ac would likely raise rent a bit, and certainly improve resale value.

It will be exclusively a rentaL.
kevin9408
last month
last modified: last month
I'd recommend looking into a High Velocity HVAC system. They have pros and cons but easier to install since the duct work consists of 2" flexible tubing throughout the house and doesn't require much tearing into walls to install. I'm not trying to sell it like some do with their love affair with mini splits, but just giving you an option to look into.
mtvhike
last month
How noisy is a High Velocity system?
kevin9408
last month
Depends on installation and number of outlets but a big old house it the perfect application. Installed right 25 to 29 dB.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=78&v=JmIRCN9F7v8&feature=emb_logo

Compared to an decibel rating of 21 to 32 db's for an average mini split.
tigerdunes
last month
For an older home, I think gas furnace/AC is preferred over mini splits for comfort and operating cost. But it would be helpful to know your rates both for nat gas and electric. Try to get an insulation contractor in to survey your home. You need good DP windows and ext doors for your duplex.

TD
fsq4cw
last month
Since it's a duplex with one unit to be rented, I'd install two separate - and separately metered systems regardless of what you install.

Have the tenant pay for their own heating & air-conditioning!

IMPO

SR

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