NG BAN for new constructions
BT
4 years ago
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Comments (21)
Anglophilia
4 years agoRelated Discussions
If its not a JD, it must be NG
Comments (22)gypsmjim wrote: "No one answered my original question, i.e., don't you think that if Toro is licensing their equipment manufacturer to a subcontractor they would be having it made to their specs? I say that becasue the HD JD sitting right next to the HD Toro looked to be of equivalent "quality" (whatever that means), while the Yardman clearly looked a cut below." ********************************************************** MTD is in the business of manufacturing tractors to the specifications agreed upon between themselves and the party ordering the tractors. So, in my opinion, Toro calls the shots when it comes to choosing the quality of the components selected for tractors bearing the Toro name. When it comes to OPE, the selling price increases as the quality, size and features of the tractor increases. Better hydros, larger hp, larger deck sizes, larger tires are the obvious differences that salespeople point out to the consumer. Whether the blade spindles are stronger or the idler pulleys use larger bearings in them are things that the consumer can't be shown nor would many of them even understand. If all three tractors you looked at are within 100 dollars of each other, then you would expect them to be built to roughly the same quality and offer the same features. If the Yardman is several hundred dollars less expensive, then it will certainly be lacking in features and quality. If you are considering all three, then look up the specs and do a detailed comparison. Start with the hydro unit because, aside from the engine, that is the second most expensive repair part on the tractor....See MoreAdvice needed on CA new construction system
Comments (24)The thing about tracking hardware is that it is so expensive that for the say, 15% or so reduction you get due to sun angle you can buy enough extra panels to offset the loss, assuming you have the space. CA new title 24 states that on a new building you must provide an unobstructed roof area of 250 sq ft(no vents, chimneys, or roof penetrations). Those panels must be at least 3'below the peak to provide access for the fire dept. It pains me to say it but solar thermal is about dead in the current American market. I was in the solar and alternative energy business in CA back in the late 70's-early 80's and did hundreds of hot water and other types of solar systems. They work great, but a dhw system today is around $10,000. That money is much better spent on a PV system today. Much better return on that investment. Ground mount systems are fairly common up here in the foothills. My house is shaded by a Sequoia and a few 4' dia Black Walnuts. My only PV option will be ground mount out in the side yard or a new garage roof, I suppose, but then again I spent the garage on the house re-model;). I've seen several up here where they put the array up on a 15' or so tall post. There are, finally, initiatives underway now to establish better specification guidelines for DC power. Snidely, I think you and I would get along great in person, but boy, we sure don't agree on much here. That is in no way a critical statement, quiet the opposite in fact. I'm a fitter/welder in an early life and worked on gas lines from 1/4"-36". I am very comfortable with it, but I understand the process of pipe design and installation. I do think that as we have codes that require smoke detectors that every home should also have CO detectors and, if supplied with gas, have a combustible gas detector. I am surprised that the insurance industry hasn't pulled that off yet. I guess not enough houses/people have been lost that way. Anyway, looking forward to meeting you on the next post;)...See Morenew construction: geothermal VS air source hp VS conventional AC
Comments (12)Hey guys finally got the HVAC plans to our builders AC guy. They ran a j-calc and did cost comparisons for the units we specified. The calc shows that we need 3.88 tons including ventilation air. first, we looked at conventional units. Between 14 and 16 seer, there is a $2200 difference in equipment cost. 14 SEER = $10893 & 16 SEER = $13,100 b/c they buy so many 15 seer trane systems, they get the 15 seer system at the same price as a 14seer. For our home, there is only a $90/year difference in operating cost between 15seer and 16seer. so the payback would be 6.7 years to go from 15 to 16 seer. we would pick the 15 seer unit in this comparisson. Air source heat pump in the same range isn't even worth looking at. it only saves an additional $10/month. Again, not a big jump from 15 seer conventional gas. however, the dealer did mention that we would probably have to install a fresh air system if we go with gas heat -- this is due to foam spray in our attic and the corners of our house. we may need to rethingk a few things if we go with gas. this is where it gets interesting. we looked at geothermal. 1. the dealer sells all types of systems and manufactureres -- geothermal, air source heat pump, conventional ac... carrier, trane, frigidaire, water furnace... etc etc. 2. he assured me that he has hundreds of units in each system type installed in the local area. 3. there are two other geothermal companies in town, so should he and their whole company get hit by a bus tomorrow, there is still knowledgable geothermal service in the area. 4. I was initially interested in a closed loop system, but we do have a potable water well on site. a/c guy swears that in over 20 years he has not had a problem with open loop geothermal units on a potable water well in our area. local water quality is very high compared to other states where they have installed them. also says that the temperature in a closed loop varies b/c ground temp changes. says open loop is his preference due to consistent water temp from ground well. 5. top of the line Envision system from Water Furnace is $21,495 but the tax rebate is $6,449. 6. geothermal costs half as much to operate. operating cost for the three units is as follows... 15 seer unit = $142/month = $1708 per year 16 seer unit = $134/month = $1610 per year Geothermal = $ 61/month = $ 732 per year 7. we then put the units into a 6.5% interest loan scenario VS the monthly savings to calculate the investment payoff. Pay off for geothermal VS 15 seer is 4.1 years. Pay off for geothermal VS 16 seer is 3.8 years. 8. an installation tech showed us the geothermal loop piping. they use an iron to fusion weld the piping to the fittings. makes for a solid and thick joint. 9. hot water biproduct from geothermal can be used for hot water in our home. all comments are welcome. please shoot holes in all of this. thanks again!!!...See MoreBox in my NG water heater and plumb it for combustion and make up air?
Comments (21)"And that would be super-awesome if #5 applied. Read again." I just did. And I read it a few times before I posted. The section is "Fresh Air Openings for Confined Spaces." The subsection (B) is "All Air from Outdoors." #5 says: "5. Alternatively a single permanent opening may be used when communicating directly with the outdoors, or with spaces that freely communicate with the outdoors. The opening shall have a minimum free area of 1 square inch per 3,000 Btu/ hr of total input rating of all equipment in enclosure (see Figure 20)." Maybe you are focused on "all equipment in enclosure?" The only thing in the enclosure would be the WH. It would be helpful if you gave me a hint as to why #5 doesnt apply. Anyway, I think what I will do is ... nothing. Before I tear out a perfectly good WH that I haven't even made a mortgage payment on yet, I should probably wait and see whether I actually have a problem. I have CO detectors throughout the house so presumably I will know if there is a back draft situation. Thanks a lot for all the replies. They were very helpful in helping me think this through....See MoreOne Devoted Dame
4 years agoworthy
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