3unit building w/ furnace in each unit. How much for central air?

[Byron W.]

Hello everyone! I'm considering purchasing a 3unit building in chicago and the building does not have central air. However, I've been told each unit has a separate furnace for its unit. Does anyone have a ballpark estimate on how much it would be parts + labor to add central air to all 3 units? Thanks!

[Roy N.]

@Byron W.

If each unit has it's own forced air furnace.  You may obtain central air conditioning for each of the units by using either a dedicated air conditioner or {better} a heat pump with a plenum insert heat exchanger.   There are available thermostats which will control both the furnace and heat pump (or air conditioner) allowing the heat pump to provide cooling and stage 1 heating.