Preserving the value of my home. (Dyer: houses, crawl space, buyers)

[boydfritsch]

Our home in Dyer, Indiana is a 2700 sq. ft. 2 story home on a crawl space built in 1972.
Currently we have gas, hot water baseboard heat with 2 zones, one for each floor.
Air conditioning is on the 2nd floor only. The only way for cooling to reach the first floor is through a 10’ x 8’ foyer. We need to cool the 1st floor. I have 2 thoughts.
We could install an electric forced air, down flow, furnace with air conditioning. This would mean running ductwork in the crawlspace. This would also give us the option of using the cheaper utility during the winter.
Or we could install 2 split air conditioning systems. One at each end of the house.
I think the installation cost would be the same.
My question is which option would not be detrimental to the value of the house?


Fred
Dyer, Indiana

[SoHoVe]

If I am understanding this correctly it will be "central air" either way?
Your question is if you should go with a whole house system OR have two units and two zones...correct?

If I am understanding correctly and the cost will be about the same I would go with the two units for that size house which would allow you to have two temp zones which is appealing to many buyers. At least in the markets I am familiar with this is the setup found in many newer homes. Both my houses have dual zones and I have found it to be a nice feature but that is just my opinion...hopefully someone will come along who knows more...and perhaps you could consider posting this or having it moved to the "house" section of the general forums as you would probably generate more responses there.

[Chuckity]

If I understand you correctly you have two options ....

1. Adding duct work and a traditional condensor - typically what most people think of when they hear "central air".

Or ...

2. A ductless split system with two separate units to cool the first floor.

Right?

I gotta ask - what do you have upstairs? Window units?

People prefer one system for the entire house - a central air unit (or two units). But it doesn't look like that's a choice for you.

That doesn't mean that either of these systems that you will install have an adverse effect on your home's value.

Your house is not new construction - and thus will have those "quirks" that go along with the age of the house.

[boydfritsch]

Originally Posted by Chuckity

1. Adding duct work and a traditional condensor - typically what most people think of when they hear "central air".

Or ...

2. A ductless split system with two separate units to cool the first floor.

Right?

I gotta ask - what do you have upstairs? Window units?

Thanks for the response..

Currently, for the "whole" house there is a condenser outside with an airhandler in the attic. There are no ducts bringing the air to the downstairs. Only the open foyer.

I would have to install ducts in the wall and increase the size of the current system to handle the whole house. Just hope not to devalue the house while cooling the downstairs.

[rrah]

Adding central air to an entire house will not cause the value to decrease. The type is not so important. Not having central would be detrimental.