HVAC sekection question

[Satha Palani]

I am currently rehabbing a SFH that I will occupy myself. The house was in poor condition when I bought it and I have gutted it down to the studs.

House details :

18 x 50 brick Victorian built in the late 1800’s

Corner lot / attached on one side. I have windows on 3 sides .

Living space distributed over 3 floors. The first 2 floor are approximately 800 sq/ft and the 3rd floor is 650 sq/ft.

Located in Newark NJ.

I am trying to figure out the best HVAC system to use. We currently rent an apartment that has steam radiators and my wife loves them. I am considering keeping the steam system and installing multi head spilt unit A/C for cooling .

Does anyone have recommendation that are different ? Is there something I should be considering that I have not .

All inputs are appreciated

Thanks

[Nicholas M.]

@Satha Palani

I agree with the other comment. You should do central air if you are down to the studs, BUT, you should get 2 systems. 1 for the 3rd floor and one for 1st & 2nd. Using 1 central air system to heat 3 floors will not be comfortable. Not that it can’t be sized correctly but if you don’t get someone with the right experience, you will be unhappy when it doesn’t work properly. With heat rising one floor will be hotter or colder than the next. I’ve been doing HVAC since 2006. Located in Totowa NJ so I know this climate. You could do ductless systems like you said in your post but the equipment cost is higher and I’m my opinion more temperamental. The down side is they are an eye sore, and less appealing when it comes time to resale. The best advice I can give you is hire the right hvac company. The right company will tell you what’s best for your home based their experience. You could do central on 1 and 2 and a ductless just for the 3rd. 3rd floor will be the hottest in summer and winter that’s why I suggest it’s own unit either way. You can message me directly If you have other questions.