All Forum Posts by: Jordan Malara

@Robin Searle did you look at adding baseboard heating in that unit? What made you settle on the mini split system?

@Colin Smith Thanks for the crucial insight. Looks like I will need to give my contractor a call today and talk through some different options.

Currently, the property does not have separately metered utilities so all utilities are split proportionally based upon per person occupancy.

@Teri Feeney Styers Great thought on the baseboard heaters. I hadn't thought of that but it seems like a good alternative.

@Marc Winter I'm not familiar with mini-split systems but I will certainly look into it.

I really appreciate the feedback. The cheapest option I can find right now is blocking off the ducts to the lower (600 sq ft) unit and connecting all ducts in the upper unit to one furnace. Then in the lower unit having baseboard heaters installed. Since the lower unit is already small I am not a huge fan of this since the heaters sit on the wall and take away from living space but it seems like the most cost effective solution I've found so far.

Hi all, I'm a new real estate investor out of Colorado Springs and I just acquired a duplex a few months back. The property was a SFH that was legally converted into a duplex some time ago and we knew when we bought the property that the 2 furnaces would need to be replaced soon since they are 40+ years old. When I had a contractor come out yesterday to give me an estimate he found out that the thermostat in the lower unit was controlling and sending heat to a few of the bedrooms in the upper unit.

After talking with the contractor more we discussed a few different options:

- Replace both furnaces and reroute the existing system so the thermostats correctly heat the units. Each furnace would cost about $3100 and the rerouting would be costly and depends upon further analysis of the overall duct layout ($8000+). 

- Replace both furnaces and leave the duct system as it is ($6200).

- Replace the two furnaces with 1 large furnace for the entire property and have only 1 thermostat ($4100).

- Replace the two furnaces with 1 large furnace for the entire property and also add A/C to the property and only have 1 thermostat ($8000). I've noticed through my tenant screening that A/C is becoming a bigger factor with higher quality tenants. I haven't had any issues filling vacancies so far, but I think it could help me fill them easier, would allow me to charge a bit extra per month, and would be better for resale in the long run. However, not a necessity.

Would love to hear if anyone has any experience with an issue like this or can offer up any advice. Thanks!