Alternatives to Installing Central Air Conditioning

[Garrett Dilley]

Since it was -10 here yesterday I figured what better time to ask a question of you all regarding AC :).  consider it planning ahead.

We have a SFH in the Highlands neighborhood (what has become a more upscale area) in Denver which currently has a swamp cooler. The swamp cooler is on its last legs and while replacing it is an option, it seems many of the similar SFH's rentals and certainly all the newer apartments in the area now have moved to AC.

My question is - What options do you recommend for the most cost effective install of AC in your rental houses?  Have you gone with Central Air?  I have heard of mini-splits but have no experience?  Are there other options?  Or have you proposed to tenants for them to purchase floor standing units, or possibly provided them yourself  - And if so how have you set such up so they can be vented securely? (some tenants have understandable concerns with having a vent in a window).

I have received a ball park estimate of ~$15 - $17K for Central AC, New Furnace, and New Electric Panel.

We do plan to have a new electric panel installed for other reasons regardless of whether we upgrade to AC or not.  The furnace is 20yrs old but operating fine (with exception that its a little oversized for the house and at least according to one HVAC tech apparently the motor runs on the higher side of normal amps range).  I'd rather leave not replace an operational furnace simply due to age.

Thank you in advance for any and all suggestions/thoughts/considerations/conversations on this topic.  

Garrett