Hey everyone! I'm tackling my first big home improvement project and could use some guidance. I own a single-family home in Massachusetts that currently relies on an old oil heating system, and it's on its last legs. I've been quoted around $21,000 to switch to an electric heat pump and mini-split system. However, that price is for the max number of mini-splits for a single heat pump, and adding even one more would skyrocket the cost to about $36,000, which isn't feasible for me right now. So, I need to decide which room I can afford to leave out of the mini-split installation.
I'm considering either: 1. A bedroom that's surrounded by two others, with an exterior wall and two windows. The contractor says it could be heated/cooled by the other rooms and the basement, but I'm skeptical if that will really be effective. 2. A finished basement that serves as livable space but could have mold/moisture issues. I'm leaning towards getting the mini-split installed but can't decide which room should be left out. I'd appreciate any advice you can offer!
2 Answers
I’d recommend skipping the basement and keeping the bedroom. You can always add a mini-split for the basement later if needed—it's not a permanent choice. Also, I find it hard to believe that adding one mini-split would cause the price to jump by fifteen grand!
Have you checked with Mass Save or your local utility? They often have lists of HVAC contractors and can offer financial assistance for projects like this. From what you’ve mentioned, the quote seems high, especially in a similar cost-of-living area. If moisture in the basement is a big concern, consider getting a proper dehumidifier; it could help a lot. For summer heat, a small window AC unit or even an ecoheater could work well, too!
That sounds great! And about potential buyers, I wouldn’t worry too much. Two out of three bedrooms with mini-splits shouldn’t be a deal-breaker, especially if the other has some cooling options.
Thanks for the tip! We're on municipal utilities, and the contractor mentioned a $4,000 rebate, which would bring the cost down to around $17,000. We do have a bigger dehumidifier already, but maybe it needs to be run more often. I'll also consider my options for keeping the basement dry.