The struggle of construction
So our house is 1150 sq ft. It is becoming increasingly cramped as our two children grow. At some point we need another room. We have a 3 bedroom, 2 bath house that isn't cutting it anymore.
Right now we are looking at adding a 16x20 room on. That means evaluating contractors, talking to the bank about a loan or equity LOC, weighing the costs vrs the payout later.
I've talked to realtors to appraise the home's value now and with the addition. That was a nightmare, but it only served to reenforce my choice. Even if we don't get back the complete amount back, it will cost less than moving. So unless the Army reverses the black hole that is Fort Hood, we are stuck here. (and worst case, we rent it out)
Anyway, my new issue is the A/C unit. Both contractors have said that if I build on, I need a bigger unit. I conceed that this one doesn't seem to do a very good job, but as I research the topic I am 1)blasted with more information than I know what to do with right now and 2)not given any definitive comparison between manuf./brands/models
Any advice you have would be appreciated!
Back to topic, I have learned of other methods that would help reduce the strain on the A/C unit such as Attic Foil, ceramic paint and ridgeline venting. All great topics, but not stuff that comes cheap. Sigh. If you are building, upgrading or just looking to save a few bucks, check this stuff out. You would be surprised.
The A/C units though: higher SEER = better effiecency. This year marks the first year that 13 is the baseline. It's probably MUCH better than the one I have. Upgrading from a unit built in 1969 (SEER 7 at best) to a SEER 14 would save 50-60% according to some websites. However, I wonder if the Super-high models (ie: SEER 18-21) are a good idea. They are new, more complicated.....does that mean they are more likely to break in the near future? In '69 things were still built to last. Does the built in expiration of today mean that I should buy cheaper, knowing that I'll replace it again in 15-20 years? Or should I go for the energy eff., save money with my bills but have a bigger outlay upfront....and still possibly replace or repair in 15 years?
Oh, and back to the Attic foil and the other methods to reduce radient heat in the attic.....does this mean I'll struggle more in the cold months to heat my house? Or should the current level of insulation render the other changes obsolete in winter?
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And I've just brushed the surface.