Air Conditioning options

[Jennifer T.]

I have just had a big blow to morale. I have a SFH with 4 bedrooms and the tenant is on Section 8 in New Orleans, LA. The cooling part of the HVAC system totally died about a year ago (HVAC can still heat house). I personally cannot stand the temperamental and expensive monster called HVAC. I refused to replace the system plus, for whatever reason, those systems seem to be much more expensive in my area compared to what I hear for other areas. I haven't gotten estimates for this house, but I did for an 800 sq. ft. unit a couple years ago and it was about $4K for a basic unit (including installation). I suspect this house would be more in the $6K range for a basic unit that is large enough.

So, what I did instead, was put window units in the main living room and one in each bedroom.  Most of them also heat.  I just had the Sec. 8 inspection for that unit and two of them need to come out for egress reasons.

Technically, I don't need to provide a/c.  But really, that tenant would move out if I don't find a solution and I wouldn't blame her. 

We thought about putting the units into the wall, but the house is made of bricks and we'd have to remove some of the exterior bricks to make that happen.  I don't want to do that because it would be bad for resale.

I know there are those split systems, but those seem pretty spendy.  Especially since I would have to get one for each room.

I'm also considering one of those portable air conditioners, but they still need to vent outside.  In the case of a fire, would one of those vents be easy to rip out of the window and escape from?  Those still might not be allowed with HANO, I've been trying to check on that.

Any other ideas, wise folks from BP?

[Greg Scott]

My personal opinion is that the best strategy for a 4 bedroom house is simply to bite the bullet and replace the system.  It will be the best decision for resale value, tenant retention, and likely energy usage.   Any other solution just saves up-front costs but is more painful down the road.