New build HVAC question
Luke Seddelmeyer
6 years ago
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Comments (9)
Luke Seddelmeyer
6 years agoRelated Discussions
HVAC: 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 MoreSingle HVAC zoned or two HVACs without zoned system
Comments (27)The biggest problem with HVAC zone systems is knowing when to choose it as a solution and when not to. Some HVAC companies it's about "sell, sell, sell" whether or not it works... there's more money in "sell, sell, sell" --- when it's only about money? So does the comment above mean I do it for free? No. If you think that you are reading things that aren't there. New construction? best to choose separate systems 9 times out of 10. In order for a zone system to work, you have to know what you are doing. Most HVAC companies staff (the techs they send you) are 20-30 year olds. How much practical experience could they possible have? It's best for HVAC zone systems to be an elegant solution. A HVAC zone system is a tool in the tool bag. Not all homes are suitable for zone systems. Some homes there is no other way, and in some cases complications to those problems will make an HVAC zone system design possibly more prone to problems. You have a problem now, do you want more problems. These decisions among others are decided "in person" --- so considering that becareful what information you decide upon from the internet. Just because it's here doesn't necessarily mean it's true. That said: Depending on equipment level chosen, how many different floors you have in your structure, how much room you have available... will all be factors that make you decide one way or another. From there it's in your best interest to pick a contractor that is skilled: especially when it comes to HVAC zone systems. (there's a lot of garbage out there.) (click to enlarge if necessary) I service the Katy, Texas area....See MoreHVAC questions regarding units and zones for new home build
Comments (20)Just to echo - zoning will not help much in energy costs. I am very strict on energy use - like top 1%. My newer 3800 sqft house on 2 stories is not zoned (but we do have 1 unit per floor). There are no areas in Florida that see extreme temperatures that I know of. The outside temp is always pretty close to the desired indoor temp. So shutting off one area is of little value even if the house is poorly insulated. If you lived in Minn and it got to -10 or you lived in Arizona and it got to 120, it would still not be worth it but at least it would be closer. The issue in Florida is solar gain and humidity control. Focus on those things with humidity control being about air sealing and proper bathroom venting (I am really like humidistat controlled fans - especially for children). It is always fairly helpful to consider what $7k would get you in solar panels. Perhaps 50 times the savings of zoning? Do basic things like make sure ductwork is in conditioned space (I think FL code strongly encourages this). But mostly, overhang your southern windows and avoid western windows (and east too). Also balancing the number of east and west windows will help with sizing and long run times. If you just have western, you will get long run times in the second 1/2 of the day but short in the first. Make sure you have long a/c run times to maximize humidity removal - and generally zoning will shorten runtimes which leads to suboptimal humidity control. Also - I can't imagine zoning a single unit to cover your house. Not in Florida with a modern house. Now you can do a mini or two for special circumstances. But that is another can or worms. I have to laugh at the "four filters" to change. Oh the horror. I think I have 8 filters in my house. One in each bedroom. After a year, they still look new. Heck, I have 2000 sqft houses that have 3. It isn't that big of a deal. I would rather have more and change them less often. Rule of thumb for filter removal is pretty dumb - like 30 days or 90 days....See MoreNew house build: "Pretty Good House" - I'm stumped on the HVAC system!
Comments (29)@booty bums See here to respond to the questions you bring up. @Seabornman That's exactly true here, too (another NE state) on the solar. Just so folks who aren't familiar understand how this works. It's called "net metering". I live in one of the darkest states in the country, but the sunnier months produce excess electricity. This goes on the grid, and I get credits for it that I use in the winter. As I mentioned, I have NO heat bill. I actually have no electric bill year round. My house is all-electric. This also means the electric company doesn't have to buy (expensive) electricity; instead, it can use the excess electricity coming from folks' solar panels. This keeps prices down for everyone on the grid. IMO Most anyone with a home would want to check to see if there's net metering in their state. You might pay off solar panels way faster than you think. For instance, are you paying $500/month for heating or cooling as many people do around here? Also, if you can't do solar panels (maybe your house is in the shade), in some states there's community solar. You buy into it. The panels around here are in old meadows and landfills, generally out of sight. I'm guessing excess energy from any alternative source could be uploaded to the grid. I had thought of using a windmill in winter! But I'm not sure how my electric company handles this. IMO every state should have the net metering option or get them legislated ASAP. Soon solar (or another alternative energy source) will be essential for selling a house. ****** Incidentally, my state also audits the "tightness" in your home. There are extra incentives that go along with this. ***** Footnote: while the netZero set up in my home might sound complex, it's actually very simple. Just clever. Basically: 10" thick walls, energy-saving materials like double-paned windows, solar, shed roof, CERV, heat pump. Habitat for Humanity is building houses like this around here; it is LESS EXPENSIVE than what they otherwise build....See MoreLuke Seddelmeyer
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