I'm in the process of renovating my 2family in Western MA. Any advice on what heating solution to go with: mini-split or furnaces? Current heating is a single furnace and is a total loss since exhaust and distribution was done incorrectly.
Mini-splits is what I've been advised on since it offers both AC and heating but I'm concerned of the maintenance. Each unit needs 5 and so there's 10 individual units that could need servicing; more chances for things to go wrong.
I'm looking for advice on general pros and cons from those with experience. I've already done some online searching/reading and looks like mini-splits have a lot of advantages but I've always lived in homes with furnaces so I'm partial to that.
Pros for mini-splits: both AC/heating, efficient (no loss of heat from ducts), MassSave program gets you a rebate of up to $10k per unit.
Cons: if mini-splits are the only source of heat/AC then they could not heat or a cool a unit well; in my case they'd be the only source. Each unit is about 1,200 sq ft.
Some Qs:
+ what's ongoing and preventative maintenance look like?
+ any pros/cons with installation? anything to watch out for with mini-splits?
