jacko10

I have an old rowhouse 700 sqft each floor in Wash DC. I am installing central air into the 1st and 2nd floor. The question is should I run ductwork into the basement aswell? The condenser / air handler are going to be on/in the roof/attic respectively. 1st and 2nd floors with have ceiling vents.

I want the basement to be livealbe space, a small office and maybe watch movies down there too. I want to remove as much humidity as possible to prevent mold growth and even throw carpet down there if possible. I have allergies to mold.

In order to run ductwork down to the basement it will be an extra 0.6k to 1.0k
Ductwork to the basement will also mean sacraficing more closet space.
If I run ductwork it would be difficult to have a vent and return that are far from each other then might only be 10 to 15 ft away.

Contractors have suggested combinations of:

1. do nothing to the basement
2. put a few dehumidifiers in the basement
3. put a central dehumidifier in the basement
4. put dehumidifiers and a window AC unit in the basement.
5. put a duct vent in the basement
6. put a duct return in the basement
7. put both a duct vent and a duct return in the basement.
8. only have one return for the whole house at the top of the stairs on the 2nd floor.

What should I do?
I want my basement to be quiet, comfortable, and mold free.

Thanks in advance for your kind assistance.