Multifamily HVAC Retrofit Recommendations

[Matthew Haubrich]

Hello BiggerPockets Community,

I am working on a renovation project to replace a central heating plant with decentralized heating, cooling and domestic hot water and would love to hear about other people’s experience with this type of project.

The building has 15 one-bedroom apartments and is located in Connecticut (climate zone 5). It currently has hot water radiant heat. Fuel source for heat and hot water boilers is gas. I am considering 3 options for in-unit replacements.

1. Gas furnace with a/c coils, gas hot water tanks
2. Navien combi-boiler for heat & domestic hot water, ductless mini-split a/c
3. ccASHP for heat & A/C, electric POU water heaters

Each system has different pros and cons including initial cost. I would love to hear about other people’s experience with these systems and what they would recommend.

Thanks,

Matthew