Radiant Ceiling Heat

[Adam Buchholz]

I'm shopping in Lansing, MI for my first rental property and have found a duplex that looks like a great deal to me. All the numbers work out well, and I think I can get a good price for it. I walked through with my realtor, and the only issue that I'm wary about is that it has radiant ceiling heat. I've never heard of this heating method before, but a google search tells me that it was popular in the '70s and can make for a high electricity bill. I'm not too worried about the cost to heat, since the each unit has a separate electrical meter and the current tenants pay their own electric bill and seem to be fine with it. But it's such an uncommon heating method, so I'm worried that I may run into expensive problems with it in the future. Have any other investors run across or had problems with radiant ceiling heat before? I'll want to get an inspector who knows about the system, but does it seem worth making an offer on if everything else works out?

Thanks!

[Robert Orel]

Hello and welcome to BP Adam

I grew up in DeWitt in a home with radiant ceiling heat that was built about 1972 and according to my mother it's still working fine to this day so the system can last quite a while. The heat does cost a little more currently then gas so that may impact the rent you can charge and ultimately your bottom line. ( just keep reminding your potential tenants of how it's a lot better for people with allergies lol) It is pretty unusual for homes in the Lansing area to have the ceiling radiant heat. Personally I wouldn't let it deter me from buying the property but I would get what I can checked out by a home inspector. The problem is if you convert to a gas furnace system you will have to run all new ductwork which could be pricey but that could also be a long time from now depending on the age of your current system. I would just keep it in mind as your negotiating on price and maybe even get an estimate or 2 from heating contractors for running ductwork during your inspection phase to get an idea of what you may be dealing with down the road.

Good luck with your first purchase!