Some misinformation here:
1) you can install a mini split without increasing your property taxes 1 cent.
2) you don’t need a huge report done if you do the lanai correctly: double pane insulated glass, insulation in the attic and good solar reducing blinds.
We built out our 33 x 12’ lanai using double pane egas windows, raised flooring, used the same tile as the house, electricity in the floors and columns, 97% solar blocking shades, and insulated attic. Our sliders give us 16’ of opening into the lanai so leaving the sliders open, we tried living for 1 year without a mini split and it got to uncomfortable out there, we use it every day.
So we put in a Mitsubishi mini split but they call it a dehumidifier so we aren’t taxed. We got the more expensive unit that installed in the ceiling so you don’t see that huge box ($1000 more but worth it). We also use the Cielo thermostat (threw away the remote) so I can program the heating and cooling cycles similar to the ecobee.
Being perfectly comfortable out there in any weather conditions, our electric bill has gone down because the mini split relieves the main hvac system from working overtime to heat/cool the increase of 350 sq feet.
When we got bids from multiple hvac people, they quoted us units that would heat/cool the additional sq ft. I also got bids to use our existing hvac to pipe vents into the lanai. Every vendor said that would overwork the existing unit because all of our hvac units in the villages are under sized so they get rid of the humidity. I looked at zoning with a new hvac system which was more expensive than a mini split.
There are 5 rules that the county has to see if you will pay taxes on your build. For me to get taxed, I would old have to take out my sliders. Since mine open up completely, I’m going to leave them there. I kept 3 boxes of tile so if I decide to remove the sliders, I have tile to replace the tracks.
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