Duplex heating options - Shared or separate systems?

Question

Hi guys,

I would like some advice. I have a duplex that I am remodeling. The basement is down to studs and I want to come to a decision on the HVAC. Currently the entire house is on an electric forced air furnace. I wanted to change to natural gas.

I want to know if I should install two heating sources, one for upstairs one for down. It is not required in the bylaws in Oshawa. The only requirement is that it have a fire damper installed if it is common forced air heating. My real question is for the purpose of charging utilities. Some people charge 60%/40% splits if they share utilities/heating sources.

I would assume there would be problems if only one tenant is controlling the thermostat. Any comments?

Appreciate it.

Tyler

Tyler Parish · Answer

thanks everyone! Will do two systems!

Jim Adrian · Answer

I would separate the hvac system for each unit.  Keep this simple!   I would not do special motorized zone damper in a rental.  Not worth the money unless this is super high end units.  I would put in separate gas meters for each unit and let the tenants pay for there own bills.

Colleen F. · Answer

You are going down to the studs do two units and they can each pay their own heat directly.  No one feels cheated paying for a % of the total heat used.  The heat waster gets to pay for their own waste. You are out of the utility picture. In the long run it will pay off.

Account Closed · Answer

I would echo what everyone else says here. I'd just consider that the more utilities and costs you can turn over to the care of the tenants the more cash in your pocket, and greater ROI.

Linda S. · Answer

Absolutely do 2 systems!      It sucks, but bite the bullet... It's expensive, but it's a non-negotiable in my eyes... just because if you do a %, there will be drama about the meter not being correct, or if you do a set rate, they'll feel screwed when not using it a lot, and probably purposely use more!   If it's included in rent, people will leave windows open, they won't care, and in the end you'll lose $$$ and in stress.

David Hildebrandt · Answer

Am I correct that you don't want to install two units if one will do in order to save on the costs?

That must be the case because I can't imagine a tenant that would want someone else to control their unit temp. I am sure it happens in older buildings, but if you are upfitting from the studs just add the two gas blowers for easier metering/billing/comfort of tenants.

I have one building where a unit and a common area run off the same HVAC, she gets a discounted rent in accordance, but never two occupied units with one thermostat.

Duplex heating options - Shared or separate systems?

Most Popular Reply