Heat and Air Q's

The house we are hoping to buy has electric heat - does anyone have this? I've always had oil? What's the difference? pro's cons?


Also we want to put in central a/c - i'm assuming since it's electric heat there aren't any ducts in place - does anyone have a clue as to around how much that would cost?

2400 sq ft, 2 floors
3 beds 2.5 baths

THANKS!

Re: Heat and Air Q's

Electrical heat is very expensive to run. My DH had it in his first house. He had the basement finished by a weekend warrior and the heat was put in later (they forgot????). I used to only turn it on when I was downstairs on the computer. A few times I accidentally left it on for a few days and our LIPA bill tripled I don't think I'd buy a house with electric heat... JMHO.

As far as CAC... we just had ours done. You can either have the ducts run through the walls or the closets. Some companies don't do the walls because it's a little bit more work for them but IMO, if you do closets then you lose valuable closet space and it looks ugly when you open the closet.

We put in a 13 Seer unit. I don't know the sq, footage of my house but we have a large 4 BR/3Bath colonial... it was approximately $7K.

Re: Heat and Air Q's

Thanks!!!

They showed us their electric bills its a budget plan and they pay $238 a month. They also have 2 wood burning stoves - I guess that helps. I don't know anything about this stuff!!!

There's also an inground pool - no idea what to do with that!!!

I would totally do the walls if we do it. I've seen it in the closets and I agree it takes up too much space and it's not attractive!!!

Message edited 3/6/2006 7:21:03 AM.

Re: Heat and Air Q's

once you add the ducts & CA you can consider converting to forced hot air heat if the electric heat is too expensive. Is the house on LI? LIPA rates are out of control right now, I don't think electric heat would be the best. I also have heard its hard to get the whole house warm, but I guess the stoves would make up for that.

Re: Heat and Air Q's

I'm in Westchester so it's Con Ed.

That's a great idea to convert down the line.

Any idea on cost of putting in ducts and CA?