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!