HVAC is ruining my basement space
mlg32
7 years ago
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chispa
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agoRelated Discussions
Need advice on hvac as cancer patient coming to my home in 3 week
Comments (2)tomylake I would not zone the upstairs area. You would probably get better airflow though if air handler was relocated to attic. I assume current arrangement is a chase from crawlspace to attic ductwork and ceiling registers for 2nd floor area. is this correct? I would proceed with return modifications for upstairs. If you are happy with current comfort for 2nd floor, then keep new air handler in crawlspace. I would address issues for heating/cooling finished basement area off main floor system separately. Zoning controls may be a possibility and/or improving supplies and return to this area. Obviously needs an evaluation by experienced dealer. I have to admit that your issues are difficult to advise and solve without an onsite inpection/assessment. I would lean on your dealer for best advice as long as you have confidence in him and he has demonstrated experience in zoning/zoning controls. IMO...See MoreNew Construction/ plan HVAC for unfin. basement now?
Comments (2)Include the basement in the load calculation now, and I'll bet you'll find it adds little to the sizing requirements (cooling wise at least). My basement has a few "taps" into the main trunk line with no real issues. I'm the first to admit this is not the best way to go. The bottom line is, the basement will almost always NEVER be quite as comfortable in the winter as you want it unless it is zoned off the main system or has its own system. I know that is the case for mine. You know it's a cool basement when you walk down the stairs. If you just add taps into the existing ductwork, make sure it doesn't starve the main home of its supply air. This may mean upsizing a bit, but it's likely already "upsized" a bit as most new construction installations are. What size system is going in as of now?...See MoreNot using outside air for basement only HVAC?
Comments (4)Cindy, Below is a paragraph from page 10 for the installation manual for the Carrier 59MN7 modulating furnace. I think you will find something similar for other furnace brands. "When the furnace is installed as a direct vent (2-pipe) furnace, no special provisions for air for combustion are required. However, other gas appliances installed in the space with the furnace may require outside air for combustion. Follow the guidelines below to insure that other gas appliances have sufficient air for combustion." All furnaces need combustion air to work properly. New homes are built very tightly so it is important to have enough oxygen so the fuel burns completely. If the furnace and other gas appliances are operating at the same time it could cause a dangerous situation. If it were my house I would want the PVC air intake to be installed so it has access to outside air. In my opinion this is an improper installation caused by laziness by the installer. It may be fine, but why take a chance with your parent's home? As you stated they paid a lot of money for this furnace and basement. There is no reason it should not have been done properly. Here is a link that might be useful: Carrier furnace installation manual...See MoreHVAC: House Design - HVAC input please
Comments (6)I suggest separate systems for the first and second floor. That is the best way to have even temperatures on each floor. It costs more up front, but you potentially have lower operating costs. You could zone the loft off the second floor system. However if you are going to be working 10 hours days with multiple pieces of equipment generating heat then spend the money on a mini split....See Moremlg32
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