Is it possible to switch to central air from baseboard heating in a split-level house? How much would it cost?

Question

Should we just do radiant heating instead? Would it be cheaper if we switched to a central air heating system while new insulation and siding was being put up on the exterior of the house? Our basement is only under the kitchen and living room... Thxs

Answer 1

Idk. Might cost you to install central air but in the long run might help your electricity bill...

Answer 2

It is possible but I do not know the cost.

Answer 3

You may lose some living space in the placement of chases for the supply air maybe 10 square at most.  coffering a room's ceiling would disguise soffets for the ductwork.

Alternately, in the middleish portion of your split level you may throw a horizontal fau in the attic and feed minimal ductwork to the upper and lower areas.  

Price? idk; an fau costs around $900 for 100000 Btuh  Ductwork and labor are going to pump up the price with labor being about three to four times materials costs.  Also you want finish work done so you have a spiffy living space and are the envy of every tom d**k and harry in the lower 48, Mexico and Saskatchewan.

Or three zones.  Two horizontals in the two attic areas and an upflow down in the basement.  You buy three small furnaces, but this is probably the least invasive of the choices available.

Radiant electric heating is stupid.  Especially ceiling mounted.  The only time I would install radiant electric was if I were off the power grid and had solar electric panels supplying all my juice.  Even then I would go for a hydronic system that pumps hot water through a lightweight topping of concrete on your floors.

The prices of Natural Gas and Propane are not going down, but they are renewable compared to oil.  If you aren't generating your own electricity, go with gas.

Good Luck

Keep your sanity through it all and remember, if you don't laugh at it it will kill you.