Air Conditioning in Duplex in Ogden Utah

[Alan Walker]

I'm considering a duplex in Ogden, UT. It's been gutted and rehabbed but doesn't have air conditioning (or a swamp cooler). Interested in other Ogden investors' take on installing air conditioning. Have you installed air conditioning on your properties? If so, central air? Swamp cooler? Window units? Thanks for your feedback.

[Corby Goade]

I live in Boise, similar climate to Ogden- hot, dry summers and we have a couple units that we are having this same conversation about. In my suggestions, I'm assuming you are planning to buy and hold? I'd guess if it doesn't have central air, it's probably a C to B- property. Central air is a big, messy undertaking in an existing property. If you are planning on some major renovations, you might consider it, but if not, I wouldn't do central air. When I show a property like this, if I have a potential tenant that brings up the lack of AC, I tell them that I'd consider installing a couple window units if they pass my criteria.

I've had several great tenants that will sign on and ask if they can buy and install window units, which is even better.

I guess the bottom line, for me at least, is that for a B- property, lack of central AC isn't a deal breaker if the numbers work. I can put a couple window ACs in for about $300. I wouldn't consider central AC unless I planned for a serious rehab. Good luck!