120 year old home, mysterious HVAC configuration problem
zabarino
4 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (33)
kaseki
4 years agoAustin Air Companie
4 years agoRelated Discussions
New HVAC system in Midatlantic
Comments (18)Tigerdunes.. Thanks for the info. Yes it is from a different dealer! Price includes latest Connex evolution control thermostat. We are close to make a decision between the Trane and Bryant systems. Here is the comparable Trane Proposal from the same dealer who is proposing the second Bryant system in your reply. Trane System: ============ Trane XL16i model # 4TTX8048E1000A 4 ton (48K BTU) Trane XC95M model # TUHMC100A9V4VA Trane model # 4TXCD063BC3HCA evaporator coil. Trane model # TZONE950AC52ZA Comfort Link thermostat. Trane Perfect fir air filter. $9333 additional $850 for 10 year dealer provided labor warranty Discounts: $200 + $500(Federal Tax Credits) = $700 Bryant System from the above Trane dealer: ==================================== 6370489 Active Systems EVOLUTION SERIES PURON AC BRYANT HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS 187BNA048****A* CNPV*6124AL*+UI 987*A66100V21*** 49500 13.50 17.00 1 RCU-A-CB 352 Yes with the evolution control wifi thermostat $9193 additional $850 for 10 year dealer provided labor warranty Discounts: $200 + $500(Federal Tax Credits) = $700 Bryant system from a different dealer ============================== 6370416 Active Systems EVOLUTION SERIES PURON AC BRYANT HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS 187BNA048****A* CNPV*4821AL*+UI 987*A66100V21*** 48000 13.00 16.50 1 RCU-A-CB 352 Yes With wifi evolution control thermostat $9700 with $500 additional Bryant provided labor warranty. Discounts: $500 Federal Tax credit which one would you pick?...See MoreHelp designing HVAC for 4 level home in Seattle
Comments (16)The hydronic solution for the basement is an excellent idea if this hydronic air-source HP system were to be installed. First of all, the HP is essentially a geothermal HP without the ground loop; commercial quality that even includes a desuperheater for domestic hot water and an electronic expansion valve for greater control and efficiency! I would suggest properly insulating the slab in the basement with 2 to 4-inches of blue Styrofoam sheets, installing closely spaced in-floor radiant throughout the house for a lower supply water temperature and hydronic fan coil units in the basement and elsewhere where you want quick control of temperature, dehumidification or air-conditioning. Hydronic fan coil units are designed with drip trays and in some cases with condensate pumps for the removal of condensate (water) in air-conditioning mode. This system configuration does not require a gas line, chimney, side vent or much annual maintenance. I would install buffer tanks for both domestic hot water and for the radiant heating and cooling for energy efficiency and to prevent short cycling when only 1-zone is calling for heat or cooling. This is a big house. Even with gas forced air they will still require large electrically powered fan coils to distribute the air. With in-floor radiant they only have to heat from the floor till about 6-feet off the floor. Who cares what happens above that height - remember, this is radiant! Forced air requires that you heat the entire volume of air within the envelope – a completely different animal! Haven’t even discussed the possibility of using chilled beams for air-conditioning that’s possible with this system. Heating without ducts, A/C without a fan coil – imagine that! Think Water! http://www.multiaqua.com/index.php/water-fan-coils/mhww-3-hi-wall-120v#mhww-3-installation-operation-manual http://www.multiaqua.com/index.php/water-fan-coils/cffwa-universal-2p IMPO SR...See MoreNorthern CA HVAC Replacement Questions
Comments (12)Mike_Home - Thank you for the answers and advice. Here are some responses and follow-up questions. 1. SEER/EER - your answer is what I had been slowly understanding that these numbers are what drive the efficiency numbers. Rough calculations comparing my older 10 SEER unit to a 14 and 16 SEER unit plus using 1 year of energy bills, show a potential electricity improvement of $184/year for the 14 and $238.31 for the 16. Of course this is all dependent on a quality install as well as proper ducts, etc. as you've outlined in other points. 2. Payback will be uncertain as I was relocated for work. Not sure how long we'll be here and at this point, the energy savings per year is still important. 3. Understood. Before my research, I didn't realize that the furnace played such an important role in airflow. 4. My zoning explanation might have been poorly stated. The gist of what was mentioned, was that based on proper zoning, the more efficient airflow distribution within the home may allow for a 4 ton condenser. The condenser potentially wouldn't have to push air through all of the ducts at the same rate. Does that logic track with your experience? 5. Appreciate thermostat advice and handling all the features, etc. 6. The annual maintenance contract was from the contractor providing the detailed Goodman quotes. Participating in the yearly maintenance contract covers 100% of repair costs (Contractor backed, not OEM), includes a 10 year replacement warranty, and there are no dispatch or service fees for service calls. The replacement warranty is the full replacement of the failed unit rather than just repairing under the 10 year labor warranty with Goodman. If I don't do the yearly maintenance contract, there is no replacement warranty. Ever heard of this? The contractor (Goodman quotes) may have mentioned "calculations" at one point but I don't remember hearing about them doing a manual "J" load calc. As far as I can tell, Title 24 doesn't require the J calc. It does require a duct leak test performed by a certified 3rd party HERS testing company. This is required on ALL HVAC projects in CA. Rebates are only available as part of CA's Home Upgrade Program. This program has required testing and upgrades on items like ducts, whole home envelope, attic insulation, etc. I will go back to two of the contractors and ask them about performing the calculation. I am looking to replace the whole system at this point to make sure the equipment is compatible and most efficient. Goodman is making me increasingly nervous, especially with the Class Action lawsuit that was just set back last week based on a judge's ruling... As for the use of a different coil with the Goodman equipment, it seems to be very common with Goodman quotes (based on board postings like this). I think there is a relationship or commercial connection between Goodman and Aspen to drive the high use with Goodman systems. I don't know the true specs on the Ruud equipment, I was guessing a bit; I will ask for the models, etc. Thanks again!...See MoreBuying Home Built 1835 - Desperately Needs HVAC Help
Comments (15)“We are looking at buying an antique that was built in 1835 located in the Northeast.” “ No natural gas, just propane available. But no ducts and probably not practical to install in 175 year old walls. Quality of insulation at this point is unknown. My concern is both heat and cooling.” “The seller reports that the current electric bill runs between $700 and $900 per month… we need a better solution!” “If there's no room to install duct work, are splits my only option?” “Can you expect multiple interior split units to effectively and consistently heat a big house on a cold day (0-10F) and cool the whole house on a hot (90F+) day in the summer?” I am not discussing cost, as this is a ‘premium’ solution. Only the OP can decide what they’re willing to spend. A possible solution (the best solution in my professional opinion) is a single, integrated ‘liquid-to-liquid’ geothermal heat pump that with one - heat pump will both heat & air-condition – with zoning and supply most of your domestic hot water for the entire house. This solution is one of the most ideal solutions for large heritage homes where you don’t want to change the look of the property externally and where you want to retain the heritage ‘look and feel’ inside as well. Existing hot water radiators are kept and used for heating only – particularly if they are cast iron and of heritage value. Hot or chilled water is distributed throughout the home – no forced air ducts needed. Supplemental wall, hi-wall or ceiling mounted hydronic fan coil units are used for both heating and air-conditioning. https://www.waterfurnace.com/literature/water-to-water-product-comparison.pdf http://www.multiaqua.com/index.php/water-fan-coils/cffwa-universal-2p http://www.multiaqua.com/index.php/water-fan-coils/mhww-3-hi-wall-120v IMPO SR...See Moresktn77a
4 years agokaseki
4 years agozabarino
4 years agoHU-955941711
4 years agozabarino
4 years agozabarino
4 years agozabarino
4 years agomike_home
4 years agokaseki
4 years agoweedmeister
4 years agozabarino
4 years agozabarino
4 years agozabarino
4 years agoAustin Air Companie
4 years agozabarino
4 years agoUser
4 years agosktn77a
4 years agoAustin Air Companie
4 years agomike_home
4 years agolast modified: 4 years agosktn77a
4 years agoLyndee Lee
4 years agozabarino
4 years agolast modified: 4 years agozabarino
4 years agoAustin Air Companie
4 years agozabarino
4 years agolast modified: 4 years agoUser
4 years agoAustin Air Companie
4 years agomike_home
4 years agokaseki
4 years agozabarino
4 years ago
Related Stories
UNIVERSAL DESIGNMy Houzz: Universal Design Helps an 8-Year-Old Feel at Home
An innovative sensory room, wide doors and hallways, and other thoughtful design moves make this Canadian home work for the whole family
Full StoryMODERN HOMESHouzz Tour: 800-Year-Old Walls, Modern Interiors in Provence
Old architecture and new additions mix beautifully in a luxurious renovated vacation home
Full StoryREMODELING GUIDESThe Hidden Problems in Old Houses
Before snatching up an old home, get to know what you’re in for by understanding the potential horrors that lurk below the surface
Full StoryDECORATING GUIDES25 Design Trends Coming to Homes Near You in 2016
From black stainless steel appliances to outdoor fabrics used indoors, these design ideas will be gaining steam in the new year
Full StoryREMODELING GUIDESOriginal Home Details: What to Keep, What to Cast Off
Renovate an older home without regrets with this insight on the details worth preserving
Full StoryHOUZZ CALLHow Are You Handling Home Schooling Your Kids?
A writer reflects on the challenges he’s facing. Share your experiences of stepping into the heroic role of teacher
Full StoryGREEN BUILDINGGoing Solar at Home: Solar Panel Basics
Save money on electricity and reduce your carbon footprint by installing photovoltaic panels. This guide will help you get started
Full StoryBUDGET DECORATINGDumpster Decorating: Furnishing Your Home With Repurposed Pieces
Whether you call them reclaimed or recycled, these furnishings honor our pocketbooks and our planet
Full StoryHOUZZ TOURSAn Architect Designs a Passive Home for His Family
This pro puts energy-efficient principles into practice in his weekend home in Long Island, New York
Full StoryHOUZZ TOURSMy Houzz: Peek Inside an Artist’s Updated Shotgun Home and Studio
Gorgeous art and elegant style befit this New Orleans live-work property
Full Story
DavidR