Have you ever had central air installed?

[tamawrite]

We're considering buying an 1800 sq foot frame home on acreage...but it doesn't have central air (heating or cooling.) Does anybody know how much $$ we might be looking at to have a system installed? TIA!

[Kristilyn1]

I'm a firm believer in hiring people on the side to do things. We had central air and a second furnace installed so we'd have two zones and we paid $4,000. We got quotes much higher though for just the AC. It depends on what kind of heating system you currently have. If it's anything OTHER than forced hot air, it can be a lot more money.

Kristi

[donleyk]

A bunch :rolleyes: since you don't have duct work. Hopefully someone can come up with an amount for you but it will significant.

[Member10000]

What type of heating does the place have. If you have ducts, then you should be able to install central air. I'd call for estimates before buying the place, that's for sure.

[sneezles]

Originally posted by tamawrite
but it doesn't have central air (heating or cooling.)

I'm trying to remember how much we spent on two rent houses we own. I tried to find the information in DH's files but his system is very odd...I'm thinking it must have been between $5K and $7K...will be able to tell you better when DH is home this evening.

[tamawrite]

Good point about checking before we make an offer on the house. (Duh.) The seller is VERY motivated to sell, so maybe we can work that into the deal.

The current heat consists of baseboard heaters and a woodstove.

Sneezles -- thanks in advance for checking with your husband!


Maybe I should add another question: If central air proved impossible/impractical due to lack of ductwork, what solutions are there other than window units?

[donleyk]

what solutions are there other than window units

I can't think of one. That said, you mentioned acreage. Think about how much and where it is. Are there trees protecting the house? I say this because we live rurally and this year I did not have to turn on our A/C. We get a nice breeze and the midwest had a mild summer. Maybe just a window unit in the bedroom(s) would be all you need.

Sorry, I don't have any idea how humid it gets in Idaho. :o

[tamawrite]

Originally posted by donleyk


I can't think of one. That said, you mentioned acreage. Think about how much and where it is. Are there trees protecting the house? I say this because we live rurally and this year I did not have to turn on our A/C. We get a nice breeze and the midwest had a mild summer. Maybe just a window unit in the bedroom(s) would be all you need.

Sorry, I don't have any idea how humid it gets in Idaho. :o

The good news is, Idaho is almost never humid at all--especially in the high desert mountains where the property is located. There aren't any trees around the house (does sagebrush count? :D ) so that won't help, but we always have cool nights here so I think if we left windows open at night & closed up the house well during the day, we might not need central A/C. Then again, summer days can get pretty hot...

I'm more concerned about the heat, actually. (DH is the one who needs to be cooled.) I don't know how safe & effective the baseboard heaters are. We'll get them inspected, of course, but still I wonder.