Author Topic: HVAC (heating and AC) question  (Read 59677 times)

Offline sguitarist18

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HVAC (heating and AC) question
« on: August 14, 2016, 11:53:24 PM »
Had an old steam heating system, boiler broke. Was planning on replacing with hot water boiler, baseboards.

Now reconsidering, leaning towards forced air and central AC< which contractor says will only cost a little more.

Other options include staying with the hot water heatin plan and adding central AC in addition (though a lot more expensive that way). or adding split units ( 1 or 2 would do it), or sicking with plain old window units.

Curious to hear your thoughts.

Offline jackofall

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Re: HVAC (heating and AC) question
« Reply #1 on: August 15, 2016, 12:04:04 AM »
IMHO forced air heating is the worst thing ever. Only marginally better then no heating at all.
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Offline Alexsei

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Re: HVAC (heating and AC) question
« Reply #2 on: August 15, 2016, 09:52:53 AM »
IMHO forced air heating is the worst thing ever. Only marginally better then no heating at all.
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Offline satturn

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Re: HVAC (heating and AC) question
« Reply #3 on: August 15, 2016, 03:21:33 PM »
Is forced air the same as ductless heat? What's the issue with it?

Offline sguitarist18

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Re: HVAC (heating and AC) question
« Reply #4 on: August 15, 2016, 03:27:56 PM »
Ductless is probably split units...forced air is with ducts, the heating version of central AC.

Offline somefield

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Re: HVAC (heating and AC) question
« Reply #5 on: August 15, 2016, 03:29:11 PM »
Have it it's horrible
I have forced air with no issues. Especially like the fact that I was able to add UV lights as an inline air purifier. Also added a humidifier and zoning and have been very pleased with the result.

Offline JoeyShmoe

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Re: HVAC (heating and AC) question
« Reply #6 on: August 15, 2016, 04:54:40 PM »
Have it it's horrible
IMHO forced air heating is the worst thing ever. Only marginally better then no heating at all.
I'm guessing your issue is that forced air is too dry, a humidifier can usually be installed for ~$500.
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Offline sguitarist18

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Re: HVAC (heating and AC) question
« Reply #7 on: August 15, 2016, 04:59:35 PM »
I've heard that the humidifiers have a tendency to leak...?

Offline JoeyShmoe

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Re: HVAC (heating and AC) question
« Reply #8 on: August 15, 2016, 05:24:17 PM »
I've heard that the humidifiers have a tendency to leak...?
I did a fair amount of online research (I haven't installed one myself yet, just moved in this past Winter) and found no downsides, I didn't speak to anybody that actually did it though.
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Offline JTZ

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Re: HVAC (heating and AC) question
« Reply #9 on: August 16, 2016, 07:01:10 AM »
There is nothing wrong with forced air heat.

How does baseboard heat filter out some of the dirty air you are breathing?
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Offline JTZ

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Re: HVAC (heating and AC) question
« Reply #10 on: August 16, 2016, 07:16:07 AM »
I did a fair amount of online research (I haven't installed one myself yet, just moved in this past Winter) and found no downsides, I didn't speak to anybody that actually did it though.
had one for the last 25+ years and not one leak.
https://www.aprilaire.com/whole-house-products/whole-house-products/humidifier/model-700
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Offline Sammy82

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Re: HVAC (heating and AC) question
« Reply #11 on: August 16, 2016, 08:52:35 AM »
I have a hydronic heating system connected to my central. No problems and no dry hot air.

Offline JoeyShmoe

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Re: HVAC (heating and AC) question
« Reply #12 on: August 16, 2016, 09:56:56 AM »
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Offline sguitarist18

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Re: HVAC (heating and AC) question
« Reply #13 on: August 16, 2016, 10:17:15 AM »
I have a hydronic heating system connected to my central. No problems and no dry hot air.

From a quick google, hydronic heating seems to be either hot water baseboards, or radiant (underfloor) heating. How does that connect to the central AC?

Or am I missing something?

Offline satturn

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Re: HVAC (heating and AC) question
« Reply #14 on: August 16, 2016, 11:25:50 AM »
I have a hydronic heating system connected to my central. No problems and no dry hot air.
which company? Do you mean this?
http://www.daikin.com/products/ac/lineup/heat_pump/

Offline somefield

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Re: HVAC (heating and AC) question
« Reply #15 on: August 16, 2016, 12:18:25 PM »
From a quick google, hydronic heating seems to be either hot water baseboards, or radiant (underfloor) heating. How does that connect to the central AC?

Or am I missing something?
Hot water heating coil and blower assembly. Pretty common in some parts of North America.

Offline sguitarist18

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Re: HVAC (heating and AC) question
« Reply #16 on: August 16, 2016, 12:37:32 PM »
So it's like regular forced air, but the heat comes from a hot water source that gets blown through the ducts?

Offline JTZ

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Re: HVAC (heating and AC) question
« Reply #17 on: August 16, 2016, 12:39:47 PM »
So it's like regular forced air, but the heat comes from a hot water source that gets blown through the ducts?
Yes so no dry heat.
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Re: HVAC (heating and AC) question
« Reply #18 on: August 16, 2016, 12:46:37 PM »
When I moved into my house (in Brooklyn), I got rid of the old steam radiators and replaced with central air/forced heat.

I did my research, etc etc and decided to go ahead with it and install it with humidifiers.

After years of experience I can tell you that I regret it (though not fully).

Pros:
1. Probably the most cost efficient way of heating.
2. Can get area temperature up quite fast.
3. Much lower installation cost (and simpler maintenance).

Cons:
1. Heat more or less "evenly" distributed, rather than having more heat where needed (next to windows/doors).
2. Ductwork, vents, returns, etc. are a lot more scientific than many people realize. Especially if you are working with rooms rather than open spaces. You really need someone that knows how to properly balance the ductwork (I learned this the very hard way).
3. Unlike radiator based systems, the second the system stops, so could comfort level, as opposed to radiators which remain hot and emit heat even when system is cycled off (due to thermostat reaching set temperature - location of thermostat is also of utmost importance, no matter what kind of heating you install).
4. Radiators are silent (mostly), whereas forced air will always create some level of noise.

Bottom line, in retrospect I think the ideal setup is what a friend of mine did (he could afford anything easily) which was radiant floor heating, with forced air backup. If I were to choose one, I would select radiant floor or radiators.

Interestingly enough, outside of NYC forced air is a lot more prevalent. I think it might have to do with the type of construction as well as the availability/reliability of gas/oil supply.

PM if you want to discuss more about my personal experience.
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Offline Sammy82

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Re: HVAC (heating and AC) question
« Reply #19 on: August 16, 2016, 12:55:22 PM »
From a quick google, hydronic heating seems to be either hot water baseboards, or radiant (underfloor) heating. How does that connect to the central AC?

Or am I missing something?
Basically there are water filled coils going through my boiler. Then those pipes go up to my air handler. Instead of it blowing hot air from a burning furnace (which dries out the air), it blows those on those hot water pipes. It cost me an extra $3000 (for 2 zones).