Question:

Hi Don, We are adding on to the back of our 1940's 950 sq foot bungalow presently heated with a gas fired hot water boiler[we upgraded in 1997 with a Viesmann boiler]. Should mention we see ourselves living in this house for a very long time [approx next 20 years]. The addition is 12' by 14' with a same sized basement room underneath. We are removing the back wall of the kitchen turning it into a galley kitchen. This means we are removing the small RAD in the kitchen. The current basement is fully finished and heated with a free-standing gas fireplace. We want to end up with a heated and air conditioned house after all is done. Believe that for Air Conditioning, ductless AC is best [probably 2 heads]. We have heard many heating options such as: 1 - extend the current rads to the 2 rooms [concerned about construction mess]. 2 - Add gas 'Vermont' style firplace in above room and supplement with electric in basement. 3 Gas thru out with fireplace in upper room and another gas appliance in basement below. 4 - Been suggested to use electric heating throughout[concerned about future electricity costs]. 5 - OTHER options that you might suggest would be welcome. We are interested in the best heating and AC solution for the dollars spent. Thank you, look forward to hearing from you. John Arnold

Answer:

Mr Arnold, A site visit would be the best way for me to recommend the best alternative for you. Sight unseen I would suggest a forced air heating and cooling system. The cost of the ductless Ac and multiple fireplaces is going to be close to the cost of installing duct work and a new forced air system.

Answered By: Don Peters

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