Author Topic: HVAC (heating and AC) question  (Read 59742 times)

Offline somefield

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Re: HVAC (heating and AC) question
« Reply #20 on: August 16, 2016, 01:20:07 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.
Responding to Cons "1" ZONING is the way around that. Look up Arzel.
Con 4: Variable speed blower and/or modulating bypass can rectify objectionable air noise.
I totally agree that that ductwork needs to be properly designed that's why a load calc needs to be done. You really should only use contractors that are familiar with Manual, J,Z (HVAC design books) etc.

Online Sammy82

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Re: HVAC (heating and AC) question
« Reply #21 on: August 16, 2016, 01:34:23 PM »
Responding to Cons "1" ZONING is the way around that. Look up Arzel.
Con 4: Variable speed blower and/or modulating bypass can rectify objectionable air noise.
I totally agree that that ductwork needs to be properly designed that's why a load calc needs to be done. You really should only use contractors that are familiar with Manual, J,Z (HVAC design books) etc.
+1
Also, besides for zones, you could also use SmartVents (https://keenhome.io/). I planned on using a few in my house. Unfortunately they don't yet have my grate size (8*8).
Radiant heat costs a fortune.
But it is def important to get an installer that really knows what he's doing.

Offline somefield

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Re: HVAC (heating and AC) question
« Reply #22 on: August 16, 2016, 02:16:52 PM »
+1
Also, besides for zones, you could also use SmartVents (https://keenhome.io/). I planned on using a few in my house. Unfortunately they don't yet have my grate size (8*8).
Radiant heat costs a fortune.
But it is def important to get an installer that really knows what he's doing.
Just be aware that when products such as keenhome, ecovent etc. are used, they do not control the blower. That can potentially create some harmful static pressure and shorten the life of your blower motor. They have tried to get around that issue by opening and closing random zones but that totally negates your zoning and causes over-conditioning.

Offline dealfinder85

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Re: HVAC (heating and AC) question
« Reply #23 on: November 07, 2016, 09:34:36 AM »
how often do ppl get their gas heating and central air serviced?
every year? every couple of years?

Offline Boruch999

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Re: HVAC (heating and AC) question
« Reply #24 on: November 01, 2017, 07:51:13 PM »
I installed electric baseboard heating in my apartment in Israel.  I can't find flush mount programmable thermostats that fit into Israeli 503 boxes.  I found this on amazon.it.  It comes in a battery version and a 230v version.  My system was designed for 230v thermostats.  The problem is the seller who sells the 230v version doesn't ship out of Italy.  Can a battery operated thermostat switch 230v @ 16a or does it need some sort of relay?

Offline efflpetzel

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Re: HVAC (heating and AC) question
« Reply #25 on: November 02, 2017, 03:09:49 PM »
Cross posting as this might be a more relevant thread


I put in a hearing system which is a mix of radiant & radiator heating in my house, over 2 floors they're split into different zones.

It seems obvious that each zone gets it's own thermostats which leads to the question, if I want to put in smart thermostats will I need to buy separate ones for each zone $$$$$$?

Offline ChaimMoskowitz

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Re: HVAC (heating and AC) question
« Reply #26 on: November 02, 2017, 04:45:38 PM »
They sell thermostats that cover multiple zones.
I just found a new supply of forks!

Offline am7734

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Re: HVAC (heating and AC) question
« Reply #27 on: November 02, 2017, 04:56:36 PM »
They sell thermostats that cover multiple zones.
But each zone will need a sensor

Offline efflpetzel

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Re: HVAC (heating and AC) question
« Reply #28 on: November 02, 2017, 11:31:08 PM »
But each zone will need a sensor
Please elaborate on that

Offline skyguy918

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Re: HVAC (heating and AC) question
« Reply #29 on: November 02, 2017, 11:40:23 PM »
Please elaborate on that
You can't have them controlled separately (ie turn on and off based on the temp in each floor) without a way to sense the temperature in each floor separately. There may be systems out there where you can pair multiple sensors with 1 controller, but I think it's likely too niche to be cost effective - it'll be cheaper to just buy 2 separate wifi thermostats.

If you want everything to turn on and off at the same time, you can probably get someone to wire up 1 wifi thermostat controlling both systems at the same time.

Offline efflpetzel

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Re: HVAC (heating and AC) question
« Reply #30 on: November 02, 2017, 11:45:52 PM »
The echobee 4 works with remote sensors, would that do the trick

Offline somefield

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Re: HVAC (heating and AC) question
« Reply #31 on: November 03, 2017, 10:40:03 AM »
The echobee 4 works with remote sensors, would that do the trick
Its not a line voltage stat. it only works on forced air. You can ask your HVAC contractor to rig up some relays to make it work with hydronics i.e. radiant etc.

Offline Entrepreneur

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Re: HVAC (heating and AC) question
« Reply #32 on: January 18, 2018, 12:18:02 AM »
Any recommendations for someone who can replace my thermocouple for my gas furnace?

Thanks

Offline moko

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Re: HVAC (heating and AC) question
« Reply #33 on: January 18, 2018, 06:02:33 AM »
Any recommendations for someone who can replace my thermocouple for my gas furnace?

Thanks
I have a good guy in Boston if that helps...

Offline skyguy918

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Re: HVAC (heating and AC) question
« Reply #34 on: January 18, 2018, 11:25:51 AM »
Any recommendations for someone who can replace my thermocouple for my gas furnace?

Thanks
Youtube. Seriously. Save yourself the money. I've fixed my fridge and oven in the last few months with cheap, easy to order parts and some youtube videos for instructions. Some things need a professional - this is not really one of them.

Offline stooges44

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Re: HVAC (heating and AC) question
« Reply #35 on: May 29, 2018, 09:49:43 PM »
My ac is blowing cold air but it's coming out so weak it feels like someone is waving a paper fan. I changed the filter a few days ago which fixed it then but now it's back to being very weak and I'm not sure how long the normal operation lasted after changing the filter since it was cold outside the past two days.

Any suggestions?  Thanks
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Offline AVI D

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Re: HVAC (heating and AC) question
« Reply #36 on: May 31, 2018, 04:28:49 AM »
How long was it before you changed the filter before this most recent time? It's possible you need to get your coils cleaned.

Offline stooges44

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Re: HVAC (heating and AC) question
« Reply #37 on: May 31, 2018, 10:54:36 AM »
How long was it before you changed the filter before this most recent time? It's possible you need to get your coils cleaned.

Thanks, I had a guy come and he said my compressor is dead  :-\

Now the question is do I go with a split or central? It's for a separate small zone so I don't need a massive unit to cool a whole house.
If it's not free shipping it's not worth it.

Offline somefield

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Re: HVAC (heating and AC) question
« Reply #38 on: May 31, 2018, 12:27:09 PM »
Go with central and Arzel zoning. Will be cheaper and less maintenance headaches in the long run.

Offline elimmm

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Re: HVAC (heating and AC) question
« Reply #39 on: June 02, 2018, 03:23:23 PM »
anyone knows where i can rent a portable a/c in brooklyn for a few days? any recommended companies that work well?