HVAC for architect-designed new construction in MA
caseyb
5 years ago
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Mark Bischak, Architect
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agocaseyb thanked Mark Bischak, ArchitectRelated Discussions
new hvac install new construction
Comments (8)Really depends on the construction and that is where the manual J comes in. You have some real heat gains with a 2 story & lots of glass. It would be beneficial to have a local do a heatload for you. A lot less money than having the wrong size unit and unhappy wife for years to come. With that big sqft split you may consider two systems too. If you don't want to go that route it is usually 400 sqft per ton here in s fla. See if there is a local Johnstone Supply in the area, if you have one that does not lock out non-tradesman you should find what you need. Besides Goodman A/C is made in Tx. Good luck Been more than a few years since I did installs but a cheap ductulator (slide rule for duct sizing)will give you the duct size. Use .08 for the multiplier on the ductulator for quiet ducts. Return air grilles are 144 sqin per ton less they get noisy....See MoreFeedback for new construction HVAC proposal
Comments (7)Yes, install a separate zoning control for the basement. Now is the time. Yes, I think both furnaces are oversized. Makes me wonder if he sized the furnaces not for the heating BTU capacity but for the 4 ton rated blower that would be needed for the 3 1/2 ton condenser. Yes, based on heat gain calc, a three ton condenser seems to be right size, not 3 1/2 ton as quoted. This should be questioned. Keep in mind, 36 KBTUs=3 tons. I would want to know the design temperatures used both inside temp and outside temp both for winter heating and summer cooling. You want excellent ductwork insulation for attic. That's a long way to blow air. You might consider an 80% furnace for second floor installed in attic. This would eliminate the long distance or perhaps insulate attic where it can take a high efficient condensing furnace without fear of freeze ups. The 80% would be a less expensive option. Discuss the options with dealer/GC. Nothing is easy is it? IMO...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 thoughts for our new home construction?
Comments (102)"Crawlspaces are not in the conditioned space though." Crawl spaces, like attics, can be either "vented" or "unvented" and meet the requirements of the International Residential Code. Sealed, conditioned crawl spaces are indeed in the conditioned space (thermal and pressure boundary) of a home. "That's what the fuss is all about. Efficiency is great if it has a monetary gain. Of course if money is no object, then you're just doing it to impress strangers." While you're looking at this from an HVAC standpoint, Ray, there are a number of reasons to construct a conditioned crawl space in lieu of a conventional, vented crawl space. That's the building science part. Our company has been designing and building conditioned crawl spaces since 1999. We've found that there isn't a big savings in energy cost, but there are significant benefits gained by minimizing the potential for condensation on duct work and other surfaces, minimizing the potential for mold/mildew, improving the air quality in a home, and maintaining conditions which are less hospitable for termites and other insects. Think "big picture," Ray....See Morecaseyb
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5 years agolast modified: 5 years agocaseyb
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