Wisdom: Replace a furnace or upgrade to central air?

[Jacob Van Horssen]

Hi guys, I'm new to BiggerPockets. I just bought my first property in May 2022. It's a 4-plex that I am house-hacking. Each unit has its own furnace and two window AC units. One of the furnaces is in the process of dying and needing to be replaced. Here's the question: Should I just replace the furnace and keep the expenses to $3500-4000? Or is it wiser/more cost effective to upgrade to central air at the same time? I'm guessing the total bill will come out to $11,000. I plan to hold the property for 30 years since it's in a great location. Is it worth the upgrade? Love to hear what you think!

[Scott Mac]

What is your competition offering and how much more are they getting for Central AC?

What do you want to own for 30 years (4) furnaces with A/C built in or (4) furnaces with window A/C.

In some class C areas of Texas Window A/C is the way to go, in some areas of the Midwest it will fly the friendly sky's of Class C and Class B in the bedrooms.

Do you have the Amperage  to handle 4 new furnace AC units at the drops and do you have space in the breaker box for any needed new breakers (talk to an electrician).

The outdoor portion of the A/C will probably run on 240V, and will require certain special wiring done by an electrician.

Furnace A/C is NICE!!!, but like everything else in this business it comes down to a business decision.

If you don't want to bite into your cash, maybe look into a fixup loan for the funds needed.

Good Luck!