Cappy:
Not all forced-air heating systems have ductwork that will work
efficiently for central air. It depends on factors such as duct size
and location, insulation of the ductwork (if any), number and location
of returns, etc. With a large house, you may need more than one
compressor/blower system, too, so that the house has multiple cooling
zones. That would rule out using your hot air ductwork, which is all
tied together at the furnace. A competent installer should be able to
tell you whether or not your system is right for central air after a
thorough inspection. Anyone who tells you on the phone that it'll be
"no problem" should be avoided.
From my experience, and that of several others on this list, the best
-- albeit most expensive -- way to go is a Unico {"UNIque COmfort"}
system, which uses high-velocity air to create adiabatic mixing in the
rooms being heated or cooled. These systems are especially good for
older houses with high ceilings, and can be set up so that in the
future, when your furnace is ready for retirement, they can have
heating capability added to them.
The company I used for installation is Energy Concepts, Inc., in
Bensalem. Ask for Ron and tell him I sent you -- I'll get a referral
fee on my next annual maintenance if you end up going with him.
As for changes in house value, perhaps one of the list's real-estate
experts can comment. What I will note is that if the city ever gets
around to doing re-appraisals of houses, a central air system will
certainly affect the appraised value...and the use of satellite
photography in the appraisal process will make it obvious that you've
installed such a system.
--dave
-----Original Message-----
From: Cappy Harrison <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: UnivCity@list.purple.com
Sent: Sat, 7 Jul 2007 11:27 pm
Subject: [UC] Central Air Conditioning
Hi all,
I have a three-story row house and am pricing out central air
conditioning systems. Fortunately I have a forced-air heating system,
so I won't need extensive duct work to be done.
I was wondering:
1) does anyone have recommendations re: installation companies, and
2) how much value do you think this adds to the house? For example, if
I put $10,000 into the system, by how much do you think I could
increase the asking price of the house?
Thanks!Fortu
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