No heat, no cool, or no hot water? We can help.
January 15th, 2026
1 min read
By Alex Largent
In Follansbee, converting baseboard heat to central air costs about $13,000–$45,000+, depending on home size and electrical setup. Older homes near Main Street or Hooverson Heights usually fall near $25,000 once ductwork and a 200-amp panel upgrade are added. The upgrade delivers cleaner indoor air, balanced comfort, and better resale appeal.
Homes across Hooverson Heights, Raymond City, and the Ohio River flats were built before modern HVAC standards. Electric baseboards still heat many of them—quiet but expensive and uneven. When valley humidity peaks, those systems can’t keep up. Installing central air solves both problems: cooling efficiency in summer and steady warmth in winter, ideal for multi-story and hillside homes throughout Follansbee.
Expect total costs from $13,000 to $45,000+, depending on layout, wiring, and ductwork access. Ranch-style homes near Eldersville Road are simpler to retrofit, while older brick homes may need creative duct routing. Many properties still run on 100-amp service; upgrading to 200 amps ensures safe power for heat pumps or dual-fuel systems. Quality duct design often determines comfort more than the equipment itself.
Conversions typically take 4–7 working days. Crews open small sections of walls or ceilings to install ducts, then repair and repaint. In historic homes near Allegheny Street or the river, soffits may conceal trunk lines without altering architecture. Good planning minimizes mess—protective sheeting, sealed zones, and a detailed airflow map keep work clean and efficient.
A ducted furnace and AC combo suits most homes for even comfort and improved air quality. Ductless mini-splits fit well for smaller hillside houses or additions where ducts aren’t practical. Either system reduces energy use by 20–40% compared to baseboard heating, especially during the long Ohio Valley heating season.
Most projects finish within a week, depending on structure and accessibility.
Possibly not—older 100-amp panels often need upgrading for safety and performance.
Yes, central air is one of the most requested upgrades for resale across Brooke County.
Exact HVAC replacement quotes available at (740) 825-9408 or HonestFix.com/schedule-service.
Author: Alex Largent
Alex Largent is the Owner and Senior HVAC Efficiency Analyst at Honest Fix Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. With more than 20 years of field experience, NATE and EPA certifications, and a hands-on leadership style, Alex teaches his team to fix systems right the first time — with transparency, precision, and no upsells. He writes about HVAC diagnostics, home energy efficiency, and practical maintenance advice for homeowners across the Upper Ohio Valley. Read Alex Largent’s full bio to learn more about his expertise in the HVAC and Plumbing industry. Updated October 2025.