bobbie

a couple of clarifying questions?

you have nat gas availability?

what is size of existing system and how did it perform? it is an AC/nat gas package system?

you have a separate small system for the upstairs 600 sq ft area? if so, what kind of system? size, brand, etc?

I have to adsmit I am puzzled about the 30K price and what it includes.

It seems if the upstairs system is working properly and you are satisfied with its performance and comfort for that area, then leave it alone.

concentrate on replacing system that is broken. Is there a reason why you have a package system rather than a split system?

sorry for the questions. just trying to understand.

post back.

IMO

http://www.dsireusa.org/

http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/homeowner.cfm?state=LA&re=1&ee=1

Thank you for the questions tigerdunes.
Downstairs unit is a 5 ton AC/nat gas package system.
The downstairs 5 ton package unit did not sufficiently cool the house (partly because the ductwork in the crawl space had/has breaks in it).
I think the package system was chosen because only a portion of the downstairs has useful attic space. A 24x24 foot area of the house is two story and the rest is single story with two of the downstairs areas having roofs with very small pitches, almost flat, thus no room for ducts. The living rooms and bedroom areas have gable roofs with attic access.
The ductwork is under the house in the crawl space and there are floor registers in the hardwood floors.
It is difficult, if not impossible to figure out how to get ductwork to the downstairs portion of the house which is covered by the second story except by running it in the crawl space. I am told some of the ductwork is rectangular metal which is in good shape and can be reused but some is round and has holes in it and must therefore be replaced.
The upstairs unit is not a package unit. Ideally, it should also be replaced but it can probably limp along a bit longer.
One technician recommended we put in one unit to take care of the upstairs and a portion of the downstairs with two thermostats and add a second unit to cover the rest of the downstairs. Since I do not see how ductwork could be put in to manage this without dropping the ceiling, this doesn't sound like a good idea.
I think we should delay replacing the upstairs unit unless it really is a good idea to try to get the upstairs unit to service a portion of the downstairs.
I think we need to focus on the downstairs.
Probably need two package units for the downstairs to cover the present 2700 sq. feet and the 400 to 600 square feet we are planning on adding.
What kind of package unit? What size?
Would a heat pump be an idea?
Hope I answered the questions and thank you for your thoughts.
B

bobbie

my suggestion is to find a qualified and authorized dealer for a brand like Trane/AmStd and Carrier/Bryant.

The dealers need to agree to perform a Man J load calc for correct sizing as well as perform a complete ductwork system evaluation with recommendations for any repairs or modifications.

I think a dual fuel system is indicated. A straight HP package unit might also be desireable but you would need strip heat which might be expensive to upgrade your electric service. Something though to ask about and look into.

Now would also be a good time to address any hot/cold spots in your home along with insulation improvements. I know these older homes present many challenges to the homeownners.

I would leave the smaller system for the smaller area alone and save that for another day.

IMO

Thank you very much for the suggestions. I agree on the dual fuel. I am not well informed on the way to analyze the needed size so that suggestion is particularly helpful.
Could you please tell me what seer rating I should look for and
what should I consider relative to tax credits and/or rebates?
Thank you again.

bobbie

I can't speak to manufacturer rebates or any HVAC incentive programs that the state of Louisiana might have.

for Fed Govt HVAC tax credit:

as far gas/AC package systems-12 EER and 14 SEER

HP or dual fuel package systems-12 EER, 14 SEER, 8 HSPF

IMO

Thanks you tigerdunes and energy rater la! As a result for the link, I connected with a La. state energy representative and learned about the "Hero" program. You must have your house evaluated BEFORE any undated is done. The person doing the rating is registered with the state. He had an opening this afternoon and the process is started. If we improve by 30% we may qualify for a $3000 tax credit. Since our house is an energy disaster, this will be very valuable information.
The AC person also came today. Hopefully we can get another bid or two and make a decision next week. The input I received was so helpful, THANK YOU!

bobbie

let us know how the evaluation goes and any recommendations.

you are fortunate to have this program regardless of whether you qualify or not. you are on the right track.

IMO

We are definitely on the right track. So relieved. We are leaving town and going to an air-conditioned space. I may not have internet but will let you all know what develops. Thank you again for your kind response.

B

The efficiency rater has evaluated the house. As expected, we have many things to correct; repair, replace ducts, new HVAC unit or units, insulation plus other things. The following are the charges from my energy company in Baton Rouge:

electricity cost= $320.20 devided by 6371=0.05026 per k plus .03758 x 6371= $239.42, total for Aug. thus far $566.23

natural gas cost= $11.28 devoid by 35= 0.32229 35 CCF @ 0.63354 = $22.17, total $41.54

Should I consider a HP or go with all natural gas?

Can a HP be installed as a package unit outside? Only part of our house is accessible from the attic.

I am told a 5 ton package unit is the correct size for our 2700+ sq. ft. downstairs ( a replacement for our present dead 5 ton unit). A portion of the house is accessible from an attic space but some of our space is only accessible from beneath the house. Additionally, the east side of the house is 4+ feet off the ground but the west side is only about 20+ inches off the ground. If the unit (units) are on the east side the run from east to west is about 68 feet. Some contractors tell me there is not enough space from the bottom of the facia board to the ground to place a package unit on the west side.
We intend to add on some space. Probably 200 to 400 square feet but since it is 90+ now in Baton Rouge and window units can only be placed in bedrooms, we need to get new unit now and then remodel.

Which of the following makes the most sense?
1. Consider a HP? Does a HP have to have attic access?
2. Try one 5 ton unit outside house and hope it will work? (Long return air run)
3. Ask for two smaller units, maybe two 3.5 tons? Placing both outside.
4. Put one unit in the accessible attic space and one unit outside.

I would like to qualify for tax credits and rebates if at all possible. Thanks to all of you who are trying to help. I appreciate it.
Bobbie

Just a homeowner near you in MS., but when we converted to nat gas for heat about 8 years ago, we kept the HP for A/C. It's in our crawl space. HP is 24 yrs old and still chugging along. Our elec bills are remarkably low given the age of the unit and you know we have some serious summer heat here too. A relative in LA replaced their heating/cooling system 2 years ago with a Carrier HP. 2400 sf house and last month elec bill was $100. We'll replace our HP with another soon.
Good luck - hope you find relief soon.

Thanks all. I think we should go with a package unit, natural gas heat and AC, in one unit with reusing some of duct work. I see it should be 14 seer. Please advise on the furnace rating. Our AC person says 80 FU is the right size. From some of the posts here, maybe 90, 92 or 95 would be better. He says no. Also, he is willing to install a used 5 ton and loan it to us until the construction is finished. I am uncomfortable because he does not want to give us a price. He has done work for us for 19 years and has always been reasonable and I trust him but I don't like not knowing anything definite when there will be many expenses. Even a ball park would help. He also wants to install Rudd rather than Carrier at the end. Thoughts?