Install AC or not?

Comments(8)

• 
  azbirddoggy24th April, 2003

  I am PRO A/C, I live in AZ and have passed through FL. You need A/C.

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  DaveT24th April, 2003

  What do you want to do with the property?

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  schallerp25th April, 2003

  I plan on rehabbing and selling. I am not yet at a state to hold anything very long.

• 
  KEA25th April, 2003

  By all means install central A/C!!!!
  
  Not only will A/C bump up the value of the property, it will be a good selling point. The value of the home will raise more than enough to cover the expense of installing it. Also, a brand new A/C unit in the heat and humidity of Florida would be an excellent attraction for buyers.
  
  Hope this helps.
  
  
  [addsig]

• 
  DaveT25th April, 2003

  I am not sure I agree with Kevin, yet. You don't tell us anything else about the property and the neighborhood it is in.
  
  Is the property small enough that window air conditioners are more than adequate? Do all the other properties in the neighborhood have window air conditioners (if anything at all)?
  
  If you install central air, is there someplace inside the structure where the air handler could be installed, or will you have to add on a "utility closet". How about ductwork -- will it be easy to install concealed ductwork?
  
  Next check with an appraiser. How much will the value of the property increase with central air? If the property appraisal will not change, then you may never get your money back for the installation. If the appraisal will only increase by the cost of the installation, then why bother? A major rehab could create more issues and become more costly than you expect.
  
  Only if the appraisal will increase by approximately twice the cost of the central air installation, would I say go for it. You want to get at least $2 back for every $1 you put into this effort.

• 
  kenmax15th April, 2004

  an hvac will be worth its cost. it will pay for its self from the props. increase in value. the difference in having and not having on will surely be felt when it comes time to sell.

• 
  alexlev15th April, 2004

  Okay, this is where I show just how little I know about FL housing. I was under the impression that AC in Florida homes is pretty much a must not only from the standpoint of heat and market attractiveness, but also because if you don't have AC, you end up with mold in your house. I have friends who had their second home in SE Florida. While they were in Europe on a 6-month assignment, their AC broke down. When they came back they found their entire house covered in mold-like growth. If AC is really that important in Florida, it just seems logical that your potential buyers may actually be expecting central AC in any middle-class and higher home.
  [addsig]

• 
  Lufos15th April, 2004

  Please install the airconditioning and when you do go a little above the true engineer'd requirement.
  
  Are heat pumps applicable in that area? Please explore with local heat engineer.
  
  Rather then install the big round bulky looking stuff on the roof. If possible install the new flatter looking duct work if it is exposed. It looks a lot better and comes all set to do. Insulation and all.
  
  I would also while you are at play, examine the replacement of windows with the the double sealed glass. They help in insulation. Also check your insulation what are its R factors and is it sufficient? Check out with the friendly Heat Engineer the status of those little vent openings underneath the house. Put them to their true task or if not a necessity in that area have them sealed or removed..
  
  I am a believer in Air Conditioning in the modern aspects of living. I must admit that there was a time on a Hill Station in India when we employed a small native boy who sat upon a rafter seat and around his toe was a piece of string and it was tied over a pulley to a rather large cloth fan. He would raise his leg and the toe would pull the string and the cloth fan would sweep across the ceiling. It did create a breeze of sorts but alas it also disturb'd many of the small insects which were also resting and they would on occasion tumble down landing on a small sandwich composed of watercress and other goodies. Those that were lucky would land in the teacup.
  Rather interesting confrontations with a small insect climbing out of a tea cup while you were trying to drink. I always hated competing with a rather large bug as to who could eat the sandwich fastest.
  
  This of course makes you rather keen and enthusiastic about air www.conditioning.Nothing like a little early in life conditioning.
  
  Lucius 8-) 8-)