Central Air Options
We are planning a gut renov of a brick rowhouse. So if there’s ever a time to install central air this is it. But I keep hearing from so many people how ugly and large the soffits must be to hold the ductwork on the parlor floor. Anybody go through this? We hate the look…
We are planning a gut renov of a brick rowhouse. So if there’s ever a time to install central air this is it. But I keep hearing from so many people how ugly and large the soffits must be to hold the ductwork on the parlor floor. Anybody go through this? We hate the look of the ductless systems so that’s not an option for us. Any thoughts? Thanks.
Our friends have a beautiful Victorian in Ocean Grove with the Unico System that they are very happy with. Thought about it for our brownstone but after receiving quotes of $35,000 for the job, we decided to go with the Mitsubishi Mr Slim. After 2 years, couldn’t be happier. It is extremely quiet. Even the outdoor compressor is a whisper. We had 45 people in our parlor floor for a party on an extremely hot and humid day and the room stayed comfortably cool. There are many other systems like this but the word is that Mr Slim seems to have the best track record.
Thanks. I would love to see yr pix! lsolomon@bhsusa.com
Installing central AC is definitely a must. We dropped the ceiling in our dining room, in the center of the parlor floor, to run plumbing and ductwork. The contractor created an attractive transitional arch between the dining and living rooms which hold the registers and conceals the difference in ceiling heights. I don’t believe we can add a photo to these posts, but if you respond with your e-mail address I can send you a photo if you are interested. Your layout may not accommodate the same configuration, but I agree with the previous poster that there are many creative ways to accomplish this task and your contractor can guide you.
I got a 3-zone split system. Most of the ducts fit the space between the original plaster cieling and the floor above. Also, you can use floor or wall registers. Finally, your contractor can come up with creative ideas to make them fairly hidden. My estimates came in the 16-20k range for that.
Actually it’s the mini-duct systems that I perhaps incorrectly referred to as ductless systems that I don’t like. Not sure why they bother me. But I do want the ones with the bigger ducts, just not sure where to hide them in an older townhouse. I’m sure it can be done though! If anybody has photos please let me know, would love to see examples of good finish work. thanks.
When you say “ductless systems” I assume you mean the “mini-split” systems like Mistubishi Mr. Slim. I agree, I wouldn’t want one either. My dream system (if i were doing a big reno and had the dough) would be a “Mini-duct” system like a “SpacePak” or Unico system. They don’t require big Soffit work and deliver air through 2-3 inch flexible ducts that are concealed in the walls. I’m in a Victorian in Flatbush and this is what I would do. Pretty expensive though. I was quoted anywhere from 25-35K to cool all 3 floors of my place.
-PK