We are buying a new home and the builder offers 1 air conditioner standard or for $1600 we can upgrade to 2 units. The house is 2400 sq ft and is a split wing. Would it save enough money to make it worth while?
2006-10-15 22:39:51 · 5 answers · asked by crawschecker 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
The HVAC contractor should be able to provide energy consumption information so you can evaluate the two options.
I personally would put in the two units. It may actually cost a little more overall but you will have a much more comfortable home. Also if you live in an area like we do where an AC is a must for over half of the year, having a "back up" unit in case of a failure is another selling point.
Our last house had only one unit, our current house has two. We love having the two units.
2006-10-16 02:13:44 · answer #1 · answered by oil field trash 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Must be a good builder. Very few will present you with options this way. Your question about savings is difficult to answer without more info, but having two units may offer you some level of zoning control. Not having to cool the entire home the entire time should save you some money. But the key here is that two units may do a more effective job than one. Having one unit may result in some hot spots in the home. I frequently install two units on two-story homes where all the bedrooms are located on the second floor. Upper floors are notorious for being difficult to cool so I put one in the attic. The other goes in the basement normally. Ask the builder for the reason for the option? Or, better yet, ask the HVAC contractor who will be doing the job! Good luck.
2006-10-16 07:54:14 · answer #2 · answered by Huero 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YES, i must say the real savings comes from the combined efforts of duel systems.
one could say a bigger single system is good enough; not when you can do it with two.
one up, one down that way if your system provides heat then the downstairs can supply humidity in colder climates.
my personal favorite is BRYANT "EVOLUTION" more money
oh so better long term savings and comfort.
don't let any other say different. they haven't installed enough :)
the SEER rating is great and many states & community's give money back to you.
make sure the duct workers seal every connection of duct with metal tape and or duct butter and wrap it with exterior 1-1/2 wrap or greater.
mechanical systems are overlooked in the homeowners eyes.
but the long term savings will pay for that kitchen.
2006-10-16 19:43:56 · answer #3 · answered by Specialist Ed :Þ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, if, the house is spit public & bedrooms, and you are careful not to run both unless absolutely necessary. also it's great to have a back up in the event your a/c craps out, go camp in the den till fixed, beats a hotel. don't get zoned... it's an undersized unit that cools only the areas you use. when you need all areas good luck!
2006-10-16 09:31:37 · answer #4 · answered by Bonno 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hands down go with the 2 units...
2006-10-16 09:40:09 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋