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Showing posts from September, 2026

Adding a Mini-Split to a Maryland Condo or Townhouse: HOA Approval and Rebate Tips

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TL;DR In a Maryland condo or townhouse, your board approves the mini-split before your utility pays for it. Get written HOA or condo board approval before anyone drills an exterior wall, then hire a participating EmPOWER contractor so the rebate comes off the invoice. Maryland's 2026 programs are scheduled to end December 31, 2026. The short answer: Usually, yes. Associations tend to prefer mini-splits over window air conditioners because, as Filterbuy notes, they need no ductwork and only a small wall opening . In our review, two documents decided everything: your governing documents (where the unit goes) and your utility's EmPOWER rules (what it earns). Key Takeaways Condo boards control most exteriors; townhouse owners still need architectural review committee (ARC) approval. EmPOWER instant rebates run roughly $800-$1,700 per heat pump; ductless units often sit near the low end. Two fine-print rules trip up attached homes: whole-home rebates require attic work, and Mont...

Adding an Air Conditioner to an Old House Without Ductwork: Is a Mini-Split the Answer?

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TL;DR For most older homes without ductwork, a ductless mini-split is the most practical way to add air conditioning. In Filterbuy's experience, the equipment is rarely what goes wrong in an old house. The wiring and drafts are, so check those first. A mini-split air conditioner pairs an outdoor compressor with indoor units linked by a thin refrigerant line through a roughly three-inch hole, delivering room-by-room comfort without opening walls or ceilings. Key Takeaways A mini-split adds cooling without cutting into plaster, lath, or original trim. Outdated wiring and drafty envelopes cause more old-house trouble than the mini-split itself. Size based on a load calculation instead of a rule of thumb. Old houses tempt people to oversize, and oversized units short-cycle. The federal 25C heat pump credit ended with 2025 installs, but state and utility rebates may still apply. Why Is Adding Central Air to an Old House So Hard? Many pre-1960s homes have plaster walls and radiator heat,...