Single-Multi Family Conversion Project

[cappy73]

We're converting a single-family house into a multiple family residence consisting of five 1-bedroom apartments (~2300 sq ft total). We're in southern California, so it doesn't get super cold here. AC will be provided via electric window units.

Right now we've got one gas furnace. It's a 5 year-old Bryant with 88000 BTU/hr input and 71000 BTU/hr output.

Is there enough capacity in the one furnace to heat 5 units?

Also, is there some type of control or air flow valve to allow each apartment unit to regulate it's own temperature using one furnace? i.e., a thermostat in each apartment running to the single furnace.

thanks!

[the dangling wrangler]

Easiest way out. Install window units with heat.

[jdkasper]

I have to agree with individual units with heat. If I was a tenant, I would not want to share return air with the other units.

[the dangling wrangler]

There might be a way to make the system he wants to work. But, as far as working right and being safe, I really don't know how.

[jdkasper]

A multi-zone system is not something you want to attempt without a professional. There are a few ways to accomplish it. None of which I would attempt myself. Even if it works, you'll never make everyone happy. I deal with a multi-zone system in an office area and it's a complete nightmare twice a year, and a PITA the rest.

[the dangling wrangler]

A multi-zone system is not something you want to attempt without a professional. There are a few ways to accomplish it. None of which I would attempt myself. Even if it works, you'll never make everyone happy. I deal with a multi-zone system in an office area and it's a complete nightmare twice a year, and a PITA the rest.

Might not be up to code either.

[beenthere]

If it heated the house when it was a single famiy dwelling, it can heat the building when its a muli occupant house.

[the dangling wrangler]

My take on this is, it will be a boarding house. How ya gonna have five stats control this? It's bad enough, with trying to satisfy five office workers, in the same office. Maybe I'm reading too much into this but, I think there's a budget involved. I can't think outside the box on this one. What can you come up with?

[jeff520]

Forget the window AC units. Go with a minisplit system. Can run several indoor units from one outdoor unit, only problem might be that some of the multi indoor unit systems do require all the indoor units to be doing the same thing (i.e. all cooling or all heating).

Everyone gets their own thermostat. Landlord pays electric bill. Shut down the furnace, it will only be a hassle if you try to use it to satisfy such a potentially unpredictable heating load.

[t527ed]

Everyone gets their own thermostat. Landlord pays electric bill. Shut down the furnace, it will only be a hassle if you try to use it to satisfy such a potentially unpredictable heating load.


5 seperate systems of whatever type you choose, each tennant pays their own utilities......;)

[machery]

Easiest way out. Install window units with heat.

Agree'd.....Window or wall units with heat. Cheaper for replacement when time comes, as most rentors or tenants won't take care of them or clean filters.

[the dangling wrangler]

Agree'd.....Window or wall units with heat. Cheaper for replacement when time comes, as most rentors or tenants won't take care of them or clean filters.

I see you've played in this ball game before. I used to service a set up like this. One person's hot, the other cold, t-stat bouncing up and down all the time. Put a lock box over it. You know how much good that did. I'm gonna stick with the window unit idea. Wall units would be more permanent but, cost more. But, we really don't know all the details here.