Splitting Out Gas In a 4 Unit

[Dan L.]

Hi All.

I am purchasing a four-unit, all one-bedroom apartment. It is a very good deal, especially because of the value-add with the giant garage in the back. However, one problem is the house has only one electric meter and one gas meter. All units use the gas boiler for radiant heat. I'm closing on this house in a week or two.

I've already talked to my electrician, and I've got plans already set to split it into 5 electric meters (one for each apartment plus the house). Even though electric is a lot of money to split, conceptually it's pretty easy.

Gas is what I'm more concerned about (perhaps because I don't have a good gas guy). It is in Upstate New York, cold winters. I’m looking at purchasing four new furnaces, hopefully use most/some of the existing plumbing, and provide radiant heat per unit.

Any thoughts or comments from anybody who has done this before? I would rather do mini splits, but I think we get too cold up here and they don't work so well at 0 degrees. And I know that electric baseboard would be too expensive for the tenants.

Any suggestions what kind of furnaces to buy?

Thanks for your input!

[Russell W.]

I'm sure you've already done this, but I would strongly recommend talking to one or two more electricians to get their opinion on splitting the electric. It may not be as easy as your first guy makes it out to be...  Think about all the branch wiring that is likely shared from one apartment to the next. It's going to require a lot of new wire pulling and without access to common junction boxes you may be in for a headache. Just food for thought.

To the question at hand, splitting gas should be significantly easier. Depending on the number of appliances and types, you have a maximum of 4 locations per apartment to take the gas to; furnace/boiler, oven, hot water heater (if not common) and gas dryer (if provided). You mention wanting to keep radiant heat but also wanting to purchase 4 new furnaces. I assume you mean boilers? In my opinion trying to retrofit existing radiators from a common system to individual isn't worth the effort. Since you mentioned the mini-split I assume you're open to considering a traditional split system as well, and one other option is a "packaged unit". I've recommended them before on the forums because I've used them and like them so much. Take a look at the link below for just one of the manufacturers. They require ducting like a traditional system but the benefit is, as the name implies, it's one piece of equipment. And although you may not need it as much in upstate NY, it has the option to have cooling as well. Something to consider.

Edit: won't let me post a youtube link. Lookup Magic Pack, Comfort Pack, Condo Pack, etc.