Skip to content
×
PRO
Pro Members Get Full Access!
Get off the sidelines and take action in real estate investing with BiggerPockets Pro. Our comprehensive suite of tools and resources minimize mistakes, support informed decisions, and propel you to success.
Advanced networking features
Market and Deal Finder tools
Property analysis calculators
Landlord Command Center
$0
TODAY
$69.00/month when billed monthly.
$32.50/month when billed annually.
7 day free trial. Cancel anytime
Already a Pro Member? Sign in here

Join Over 3 Million Real Estate Investors

Create a free BiggerPockets account to comment, participate, and connect with over 3 million real estate investors.
Use your real name
By signing up, you indicate that you agree to the BiggerPockets Terms & Conditions.
The community here is like my own little personal real estate army that I can depend upon to help me through ANY problems I come across.
General Landlording & Rental Properties
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

Updated almost 5 years ago, 03/06/2020

User Stats

106
Posts
39
Votes
Josh Cook
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Minneapolis, MN
39
Votes |
106
Posts

Replace 66y old Gravity Furnace with New Furnace and AC or not

Josh Cook
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Minneapolis, MN
Posted

Should I replace my gravity furnace from 1952 for my rental property located in Minnesota? It's 66 years old so I am worried it may just die in the middle of next winter. I'm not sure how long they are supposed to last. It's spring right now and I have already gotten bids for installing a new furnace and central air. The bids range from $6500 to $11,000. 

I'm torn right now, do I wait until the furnace dies or do I replace and install AC? I told my friends who rent from me that I was planning to replace it with a high efficiency furnace and central air but I did not anticipate it costing this much. I'm currently house hacking and live on the other side of the duplex from my friends. I'm also planning to install AC on the side I live on which will run me about $3,000 since I do not need a new furnace and ductwork because the side I live on is forced air. I can not raise the rent when they renew since their incomes are lower. They plan to move out August of 2019 which is when I plan to raise the rent and move in someone new. Basically I feel as though I will be giving subsidized housing at the rent they are paying and adding a new furnace and ac.

My other option is to buy energy star window units for them and let them use those. They pay their own utilities. Also, I had the center for energy and environment come test their furnace which tested out at 75% efficiency, my furnace is 80% so not much better. They also updated the house for them to make it more energy efficient. I realize I got myself into a sticky situation.. this is my first rental property. If i do not do this I'll be over promising and under delivering but I also didn't know it would be this expensive since this is my first time doing this. There is nothing in the lease that states I need to replace the furnace or install central air.

Please help! Or give me some insight!

Thanks!

Loading replies...