Heating Multifamily Property

[Matthew Keaton]

We are turning a large single family home into a five unit apartment. The single family home had a propane furnace but I don't want to use 1 furnace for all units, and it doesn't seem like adding 4 more furnaces is the best solution either. What is the best way to heat all units separately? Any ideas or recommendations are appreciated.

[Scott Mac]

Hi Matthew,

4 furnaces might require re-ducting because older systems share ducts sealed into walls throughout the house.

Not such a problem on the first floor, but as you go up it gets complicated.

And since it's a propane area, if the residents are going to pay for the propane, individual tanks would probably be a good idea unless you intend to sub-meter them.

And 4 mini-splits might require more amperage than the house currently has.

Plus if you have any common areas that need heat, that means a 5th heat source.

If I were looking to buy something like this, I'd prefer it to have furnaces (and separated electrical panels for each unit) vs a mini-split set-up. 

Although mini-splits would not be a deal killer for me depending on how old they were (service life remaining) if there was a comparable with individual furnaces I'd prefer that--even if they were older furnaces (not boilers).

Others might think about this totally opposite, it's just my personal (business decision) preference.

just my 2 cents.

Good Luck!