New construction - cost difference between single and dual zone HVAC
pcxt
3 years ago
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New HVAC System different loads 2 different equipment lines
Comments (11)The reasoning doesn't make sense. The 3 ton condenser will provide about 35,000 BTU of cooling depending on which size coil is used. This would give you at least an 18% margin on the hottest days of the year. It seems the dealer does not trust is load calculation. The duct work reason makes even less sense. Increasing the condenser means the duct work would also need to increase in size. Is he claiming your duct work is too big to handle a 3 ton unit? If you got the 4 ton unit the condenser will operate in the low stage most of the time. You are paying for a 2-stage unit but will use it as a single stage AC. You are also paying for a bigger furnace that will also operate in the low stage most of the time. You could probably save yourself about $1000 by getting the proper sizes. What are your gas and electric rates? Unless you have below average electric rates you will find the furnace cheaper to operate for most temperatures. If you go with the Carrier I recommend getting the Infinity controller....See MoreHVAC in New Construction
Comments (1)it takes more than adding blue board on the exterior of walls to make a house tight enough to require make up air. however, getting a house tight enough to require make up air isn't a bad thing. in my world..we call that build it tight, ventilate it right. if the house tests (with a blower door) below a certain amount of air changes per hour, then ashre 60.2 ventilation strategy is used to determine how much fresh air is needed. zoned systems are not achieved with multiple systems. zoning is one hvac system with multiple t-stats that control motorized dampers at the plenum of the unit. you should still be able to do that, if the hvac company has installed zoned systems in the past. if the ducts are designed well, there should be no problem with multiple stories. duct design & sizing of ducts should be done prior to install. I don't get the bit about additional wrapping of ducts. R-value should be R-8 all ducts, plenums, and supply boxes should be mastic sealed. also all recessed lights should be ICAT. insulation contact air tight. then it doesn't matter if they are in between floors or in attic. one of the benefits of building better..and foam sheathing to exterior is a definate better thing..is that hvac systems are downsized. do you have a load calculation for your new build? also is the goodman 13 SEER? if so you may want to invest in more than just the lowest efficiency manufactured. I'm sure they will change whatever you are willing to pay the upcharge for. best of luck....See MoreDual HVAC - New Construction
Comments (31)Duct work changes would depend on the layout of the house. Air flow has to go to the one zone calling for heat and cooling and have a return back to the furnace. You need another thermostat with wiring, and dampers. The Infinity dampers are very expensive. Builders have big profit margins on upgrades. In most cases it is hard to justify the cost. I am not familiar with nuWool other than watching the YouTube videos. It looks like it has the same insulation value per inch compared to a fiberglass batt. I can see it would be better at stopping air infiltration. I think applying a house wrap may be just as effective, but perhaps nuWool has data that shows there product is better. You can see installing nuWool is a less labor intensive than installing batts. So there is a lot of savings in labor costs. There must be a reason why nuWool has not displaced traditional fiberglass batts in wall insulation. Perhaps some insulation experts can offer their opinion....See MoreNeed help with HVAC zoning between first floor and basement
Comments (4)Basements which are mostly underground have a small heat load. In the summer the basement can actually become too cool if you leave the vents open. When I installed my new system I didn't get a separate zone for the finished part of the basement. I didn't think it was needed but now I know better. I would be concerned creating a zone for the 1500 sq ft basement with a single stage furnace. I am willing to bet the first floor system is over sized which further aggravates the problem. I suppose a contractor who is very good a zoning could do it correctly. But then again someone who understands the physics behind good zoning design would probably recommend upgrading to a variable speed 2-stage furnace....See MoreDavid Cary
3 years agosktn77a
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agoCharles Ross Homes
3 years ago
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