I just bought a 1920s house and I'm working on renovations. My next big project is air conditioning. Currently, I have a natural gas forced air system that works well in upstate NY. I initially thought about installing central AC since there are supply vents in every room, but I ran into a problem: there's no cold air return upstairs. One contractor suggested that I should go with mini splits for the four bedrooms upstairs to avoid temperature disparities. However, another contractor said central AC is still an option if we use an old laundry chute for ducting and install a cold air return. I've received quotes that vary widely in price and advice, and I'm confused about which route to take. I'm also curious about the temperature difference between upstairs and downstairs with a small cold air return and whether mini splits are genuinely my only option. Lastly, I want to know if $22,000 for mini splits is a reasonable quote or if I should be cautious. Any insights would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
A lot of HVAC pros avoid running new ductwork in existing homes because it's extra work. That's likely why you're getting mixed messages. Check the tonnage of the systems in the quotes, as that can really change the output. I think with a small return, you should be fine given your low cooling demand. Also, keep in mind that $22k for mini splits seems sky-high; what exactly are you getting for that?
I've got central air, and honestly, the upstairs can be 5-10 degrees warmer than downstairs. I added a smart thermostat with remote sensors so it adjusts based on which floor needs cooling. If you don't need to constantly move between the floors, I think central air could work well for you!
I like the idea of the smart thermostat! That might help me maintain a better temperature upstairs, especially because that's where I spend most of my time.
I can't weigh in on which system is better since I've only had mini splits installed, but I recently got two Mitsubishi units. The total cost was under $8,000, which seems like a lot less than the quotes you're getting. It might help to compare both setup styles and see if you can negotiate the price based on local averages.
Wow, that seems like a huge price difference! I'm curious if those quotes you received are inflated due to your location or if they just really don't want the job.
They quoted four separate mini splits for that price, which feels outrageous. I'm leaning towards a less complicated option now.