By PAULA BARCLAY These systems are called ‘split systems’ because they consist of two components: an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit is installed on the wall and the outdoor unit on the ground outside. One of the biggest selling points for split systems is there is no need for ductwork, so homes that have existing baseboard or radiant heat are good candidates for this update. They can provide heating in addition to cooling plus good air filtration.
Ductless, mini-split heat pump. Courtesy photo
Installation costs are about $10-$17 per square foot, so a 300-square-foot room can be retrofitted for about $5,000 and a 3,000 square foot home for $20,000 to $30,000.
I can’t promise that you will recoup the entire amount of this investment, but buyers are definitely asking about air conditioning when they are comparing homes. So in addition to providing you a more comfortable home now, they might help you sell your home when you’re ready to do that.
There are a number of reputable dealers in the area; an on-line search will turn up those names. I also would be happy to tell you which companies some of my clients have used. In these gorgeous early spring days, it’s a little hard to think about the ‘dog days’ of summer ahead but if you’ve thought about refrigerated air conditioning for your home, now might be a good time to start your research.
Paula Barclay is an Associate Broker at RE/MAX of Los Alamos offering full service real estate expertise and complimentary advice about the best ways to improve your home to attract the most buyers.