My fiance' and I are looking at purchasing an old farmhouse. The major problem we see is that it only has one heating unit in the living room with a blower. This home has no ductwork. Is it even possible to put in a force air furnace system? And if it is....will it cost an arm and a leg? Thank you.
Shawn Smith
Worthington, Mn
COMMUNITY FORUM
We would be planning on tearing out the walls anyway. Which would cost us less in the long run as far as efficiency? I'm guessing depending on the house size we're looking at spending atleast 5 to 10,000?
By tearing out walls you will have the opportunity to upgrade wiring, plumbing, insulation and of course install HVAC. If you want AC as well as heat, a forced air system is best. A hot water distribution system will require much more expertise to install than a forced air system assuming you are going to DIY. If you have very good plumbing skills, a hot water system may be possible, but these are not generally installed by homeowners.
At this point we know nothing about the house. What fuel will you use, is there a basement, attic or utility alcove suitable for installation, what is the water supply (for hot water system is scaling a problem from well water); and what is the climate where you live?
To maximize DIY installation, I recommend you first identify a vendor or heating contractor for your central system. Find a good price AND someone that is willing to provide you with a distribution system design (duct sizes and location). If you have, or can create a drawing of the house, this would help with the design. The design plan can be provided by a good contractor at fairly low cost. The heating system and installation will consume all or most of your 5 to 10k budget, so I think you are going to be going with forced air. Its a good time of year to be doing this, you may get a better price.
At this point we know nothing about the house. What fuel will you use, is there a basement, attic or utility alcove suitable for installation, what is the water supply (for hot water system is scaling a problem from well water); and what is the climate where you live?
To maximize DIY installation, I recommend you first identify a vendor or heating contractor for your central system. Find a good price AND someone that is willing to provide you with a distribution system design (duct sizes and location). If you have, or can create a drawing of the house, this would help with the design. The design plan can be provided by a good contractor at fairly low cost. The heating system and installation will consume all or most of your 5 to 10k budget, so I think you are going to be going with forced air. Its a good time of year to be doing this, you may get a better price.
I was very very shocked to see that the storm cellar has been dug out and that they have replaced the old stone walls with concrete blocks. There is more than enough room to place a force air system. The storm cellar however is only under the kitchen section of the house....leaving the rest of the residence on a cement pad. I stuck my head in the walls yesterday and found that they have placed new insulation between the studs. But at the same time they only have four breakers for the whole five acre property...with no new wiring. The property includes 8 out buildings. Three of which have power. They only have a 60 line coming in from the pole. I'm guessing that will have to be rewired so i can power everything? And it's Minnesota....we have two seasons....winer and road construction. :-D
