All Forum Posts by: Ethan Sonnichsen

Thanks all for the advice.  It seems window units are not that uncommon in baltimore rentals from what I've seen.  That said, I want to provide a nice unit and differentiate from some of the others.  To respond to Jeff, the extra cost is because I need to install the A/c compressor/fan outside (all I have is furnace right now) and a cooling system needs returns up high to pull the warm air into the system for cooling.  Right now, the only return is on the main floor because for heating, it will pull the cooler air on the lower levels and the warm air rises up to where the bedroom are.  Yes, you can just add cooling to the existing ductwork, but it will never cool upstairs where all 3 bedrooms are without a return pulling that warm air from upstairs back down to the a/c system.  Hopefully they come back and says it's only 5K for all the work (including drywall and paint and electrician hookup).  If so, I'm inclined to bite the bullet.  

I just bought my first rental property near Johns Hopkins in Baltimore - a nice 3bed/2bath about 1500 square feet.  The house has forced air heat, but no cooling.  I'm debating putting in A/C but I'm guessing to run the additional duct-work for cooling returns and to hook everything up, I'm going to be looking at about $8-10K (i have two estimates coming back later this week).  Assuming that's close to the right numbers (and if you think i'm crazy, please say so), have other investors in Baltimore found central A/C to be a key feature, and provide a return on investment in cashflow and/or resale worth the upfront cost?  I haven't listed it for rent until I get some other work done, so I'm trying to get a sense of whether this investment in time/money is going to help enough to justify it.  Thanks for any advice!