Add Air conditioning in CT ?

Question

I have a leaking oil tank.  I'm strongly leaning toward gas conversion.  My contractor suggested central air for half of what it would cost if I wasn't putting in new boiler and converting.  How do I evaluate its worth?

Rich Tirado · Answer

@Chris Wilde - I would probable do the gas conversion and leave out the central AC, especially if it won't help you attract a higher rent or quality of renter. It just one more thing that can break down and add unnecessary expense and diminished cash flow.

Chris Wilde · Answer

Thanks for your feedback.  Rich - it was nice to meet you too.

I got a good price to convert to gas - oil burner is old.  Contractor gave me a good price to add ac.  Not much central air in my neighborhood although I do have a neighbor who did this. I am not in a higher end of town

Currently there is baseboard so contractor would put in whole new vents for forced hot air/ac.  Furnace in attic, new gas water heater in basement.  And the baseboards heaters would be there with no use. (Sound silly?)

Payback for new gas boiler heat 5 years, contractor, gas company says.  Just don't know about spending more to add , central air, given other houses at this level.

Jaysen Medhurst · Answer

@Chris Wilde, I'm not following exactly. You're getting the A/C for 1/2 price because you're installing at the same time as the new boiler?

• Is the heat currently force air? 
• Are the utilities currently split out? Central A/C is definitely a selling point in CT, but not required. 
• Do you think you'll be able to push rents? If so, what the pay-back period?
• Have you looked into mini-splits?

Rich Tirado · Answer

@Chris Wilde - It was nice meeting at the Central CT Meetup last night. The question you are asking isn't really a mathematical but from my point of view as a realtor most clients prefer Gas heat over oil or electric. When I am doing comps I usually give gas heat a $5000 adjustment when compared to Oil or electric. I also give a $5000 adjustment for central Air.

The buyers expectation is going to depend on the comps in the neighborhood. What do other sold, deposit and active comps have as far as heating and AC?