cdguns75 asked:


3600 square foot house, bottom floor has its own HVAC and is fine. 2nd story needs to be replaced, as it is always hot in the summer and cold in winter.

Contractor told me I needed to replace because the current compressor is not capable….he says I need a 3 ton compressor, and have a 1.5 ton, so that’s why its not cooling sufficiently. Does this sound right? He said it’d be about 6k installed….does this sound right? Thanks.

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Michelle C asked:


I’m planning an upcoming basement remodel and of course the HVAC unit is smack in the middle of my basement! I was wondering if anyone knew anything about the cost/difficulty in general of moving such a unit around to another part of your basement (preferrably closer to a wall, to maximize usable space)!

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Bart Whiltmen asked:


Any homeowner will be better off if they are familiar with the HVAC system in their home. This can minimize aggravation when talking to a heating and air conditioning contractor and can help you save some money. If your contractor has adequate knowledge of your air conditioning and heating systems, he can be better equipped to give you the services you really need. It will be easier to communicate with your air conditioning contractor if you are informed about HVACs.

Keep in mind that the contractor you choose will affect your satisfaction as much as the heating and air equipment you select. For optimal results select your contractor based on qualifications, experience, and references, instead of just choosing one out of a phone book.

A well-trained, experienced HVAC contractor is a professional who understands that the heating and cooling system in your house does much more than just control its climate. It also is responsible for the quality of air that you and your family breathe, which can impact everyone’s health. If the moisture levels in the home are not controlled properly, harmful molds may grow. Not to mention that your HVAC system controls the amount of energy you use to control the environment in your home, which in turn determines how much money you spend monthly to heat and cool your house.

Your HVAC system should be designed to meet the unique needs of your household. A contractor who does a thorough job will choose each part of the system separately, so that everything will operate together to provide maximum efficiency for your family’s comfort. After figuring out what your home specifically needs, the contractor will decide which components are appropriate for your HVAC system. The system components are: a furnace, a condensing unit, a blower, a fan, an air conditioning condensing coil, and a duct work system that will run throughout the house.

Because a system that is always in good operating order is important to your family’s comfort, safety, and health, the heating and air conditioning contractor that you choose should be easy to get in touch with. You will want to be sure that he has a reliable messaging system in place in the event an emergency arises after hours, on weekends, or during holidays.



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John O asked:


I’m guessing there’s something I haven’t checked. I’ve replaced the air filters and vents but everymorning I wake up when the heatings been on that night I have a sore throat and stuffed up nose. Any HVAC geniuses out there? Thanks.

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Matthew Slocum asked:


Retrocommissioning” or “Redesign”?

 

Retrocommissioning is a new term for a process that has been implemented by engineers, service contractors, controls contractors and service technicians for years.  Many have taken “problem” systems and corrected the issues by a disciplined step-by-step approach correcting airflows, deferred maintenance, relocated sensors, settings and re-establishing sequences of operations.  The corrections (retrocommissions) can run from a building use problem (the microwave in the lunchroom has been placed under the sensor) to a diffuser location that is incorrect after an office renovation; to a lack of any maintenance on the systems; to a system with airflow issues due to a lack of balancing or commissioning of the original installation.    

 

Redesign by contrast looks at the building HVAC layout, building use and changes that have occurred over time since the original installation and deduces that the building will be best served by a completely new application of HVAC equipment and air/water distribution.  The redesign is usually a higher initial cost for complete system replacement but may be the best answer for improved comfort, indoor air quality, efficiency and building use.  

 

Ask yourself this question……Does the building have good “mechanical” bones?  Is the basis of design (i.e. the system layout itself) operable to serve the present use of the building?  Does the duct system (irrespective of the controls, dampers, etc) distribute air to the building effectively?  Can we work with the “mechanical bones” of the building and upgrade the muscular structure (the dampers, controls, ventilation, etc.)?  This determination needs to be the starting point towards a discussion of retrocommissioning or an ultimate upgrade or redesign of the building’s mechanical systems. 

 

The decision on whether to redesign or retrocommission can be made on initial visits and cursory review of the existing layout and distribution of the ductwork, piping, electrical and controls.  At this point, a retrocommissioning will take you in one direction while a building leaning towards some element of redesign or an entire BAS (Building Automation Systems) or EMS (Energy Management Systems) replacement will lead you towards budgetary and scope discussions.  Involving the owner and owner’s maintenance personnel in the initial discussions and getting them involved in the process will increase communication and commitment to the best end result. 

 

If systems are inherently sound and layout of the building has not completely changed then “retrocommissioning” is the best option while including some small design/layout changes that are not exceptionally costly. However, if the building has undergone a complete change in the use and operation of the space (i.e. the spaces used to be “labs” and have now become “offices”) then it is a candidate for a complete “redesign”.  New requirements for outside air, newest ASHRAE standards, energy efficiency considerations, air flow and water flow zoning improvements and today’s indoor air quality standards will all be part and parcel of the new “redesigned” HVAC systems. 

 

Original construction dollar and time limitations dictate that EMS or BAS are only as effective as the installing contractor left them and are dependent on the ability of the controls contractor to correctly locate and apply sensors, variable frequency drives, actuators and system layout.  Some of items such as system layout and sequence of operation are in the designing mechanical engineer’s arena of the project. However, the ever-present “canned” specifications or sequences of operation in Bid/Spec.jobs and the chilling term….”field verify” leave the “Actual” sequences and specifications to the decision of the low-bid installing contractor.  With most original construction contracts becoming more “value engineered” after the fact and as a result of the reduction of original capital dollars on the part of the building owners, systems are installed to the best ability that the contract dollars will allow.  This assures a large group of buildings that will, with the passage of time, become “opportunities” for re-design or retrocomissioning. 

 

The process of correcting/improving systems and their operation should NOT include any “finger-pointing” at facilities maintenance, service contractors or comments about the original engineering.  Anyone can have 20/20 vision in hindsight!  All of the installation and maintenance work on the aforementioned systems has been done by engineers, contractors and technicians who care enough to want people to be comfortable and for buildings to operate as good as or better than designed.  Our goal is to care about our trade (HVAC) enough to help correct problems and to convince owners that a well ventilated, energy efficient, comfortable building is in everyone’s best interests.  Partnering with them to do this in a cost-effective and consultative manner assures success stories and goodwill for the HVAC trade as a whole.

 



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James Fletcher asked:


Air conditioning systems are very expensive. If you are thinking of buying a new system you will want to make sure you are getting the best brand at the best possible price. Read on for 5 tips to help you with purchasing a new air conditioning system.

1. Get Three Quotes Minimum - As with any work around your home, you should always get at least 3 quotes first. If you have the time, consider getting 5 quotes so you have a wide scope of choice. Try to get similar quotes so you can compare apples with apples.

2. Offer To Pay Cash - Credit cards incur fees, cheques take time to clear but cash is king. Always offer to pay for your new air conditioning system via cash and ask for a discount for doing so. It is a simple thing to ask the contractor but may save you a few hundred dollars from the final price.

3. Purchase At The Correct Time Of Year To Save Money - Some air conditioning contractors charge anywhere from a few hundred dollars more to a thousand dollars more for a system in the peak periods. Try purchasing your system in autumn or spring to save money.

4. Choose HVAC Company You Feel Good About - In the end, it should not all come down to price. You need to choose a company that you feel comfortable with that you feel will do a good job. In the end, it’s not worth saving a few hundred dollars to use an unprofessional contractor with whom you don’t feel comfortable.

5. Do Your Research First - A little bit of research goes a long way. Study which systems and brands will suit your needs and you will be well on your way. This research will also help you decide on a system.

Follow these 5 top tips and you will be sure to get a great air conditioning system at an affordable price.



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Scott HVAC Thompson asked:


Looking to have a new HVAC unit repaired or installed at your home? Nowadays finding a good one is no longer difficult especially with the advent of Internet marketing and the like. People who own businesses have websites to cater their services to the prospective customers looking for stuff online, so everything becomes easy and accessible. You can contact them or you may even ask them for an on-site visit or send in your plans to their showrooms. Some companies offer free and no obligation advice on the most effective and energy-efficient heating, air conditioning and refrigeration options for your living or business spaces, whatever your budget is.

To do what is best and to get what is right, you need to be informed. Some contractors do have their sites to where you can browse and find out exactly what you are looking for. Their site is specifically designed to help you become an informed consumer when it comes to your home’s heating and cooling systems. Browse their site and see a range of air conditioners, heating, AC repair, remodeling, refrigeration and air conditioning maintenance services. Services may also include Air conditioning sales and spare parts, commercial industrial cool rooms and refrigeration maintenance, expert installation and maintenance of split system air conditioning, ducted reverse cycle air conditioning and evaporative air conditioning systems and transportable cooling options for the building industries.

If you find the one that suits your interest and budget, make them your first choice for all of your heating and cooling service, sales and installation needs. Some are a full service residential and light commercial HVAC contractor, serving Houston and the surrounding areas like Memorial and River Oaks. Their specialists offer sales, replacement, remodeling, installation, add-ons and servicing of air-conditioning systems, evaporators, whole house humidifiers, and much more. They may offer service maintenance agreements, whereby they give your systems check-ups twice a year just to make sure they are running smoothly. Don’t forget to ask about their air filtration systems as well. So go ahead and avail the right service from the right people.



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Scott HVAC Thompson asked:


Air conditioning is a major purchase with an ongoing impact on your comfort, budget and business operations. This is the reason why finding a quality Air conditioning service is so significant whatever is your purpose for having one. Of course, you need to get it right. What you want to do now is to look for Houston Air Conditioning and Heating Services that caters quality service and will do the job the right technique or just the exact way you want it.

If you are looking for a quality air conditioning service HVAC contractors will do the job for you since their full service air conditioning experts are well-equipped and ready to serve you. There is nothing they don’t know, and nothing they cannot do when it comes to air conditioning and ventilating services whether for your home or business. There is no doubt that their experienced tradesman will attend to your premises at a specific appointment time, which is suitable to both you and the person doing the business. Additionally, they can solve any problem with existing air conditioning systems, whether they be mechanical problems, design faults, or a combination of both, in residential or commercial applications.

So where can you find them? There are a number of ways you can get through them, and doing a search online is one of the most accessible methods of finding just the right service you are looking for. You can browse online and look for sites for a view of the company’s range of air conditioners, refrigeration and air conditioning maintenance services whether for the residential or commercial applications. You can look for the HVAC contractors located near your area so that everything else will be accessible.

You may ask how long will the units will last? Well the lifespan of your unit greatly depends on age, condition, and whether it has been maintained. Find a contractor who uses customer assurance pricing where they quote a job up front and no matter how long it takes you to pay that price. The brand of AC does not matter near as much as the installation. The truth is a well installed off brand will always outperform a poorly installed named or known brand air condition every time. Now you can begin your search.



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Daniel Stouffer asked:


Refrigerant gases are those used in climate control in commercial and business facilities such as warehouses, stores and office buildings. The refrigerants used in commercial heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) or regular air conditioning (AC) units include hydrofluorocarbons (HCFCs), chlorofluorocarbon (CFCs) and perfluorocarbon (PFC). HCFCs are used instead of CFCs which are known to destroy the ozone layer of the atmosphere. HFCs do not have any of the organic chemicals chlorine or bromine, but they still do have a possibility of causing ozone depletion.

Refrigerants have been around for many years. Refrigerants are pressurized to condensed them which in turn reduces air temperature. Refrigerants are able to extract heat out of the air and moderate the internal temperatures through the repetitive evaporating and condensing of the refrigerants.

In the 1970s, scientists discovered that certain refrigerants such as Freon and many others in the HCFC category could cause spontaneous, chemical reactions and destroy the delicate ozone layer protecting Earth´s atmosphere. Developments in mandatory refrigerant usage and new regulations were passed to restrict the methods of manufacturing and the ways that refrigerants could be used in common AC or HVAC systems. Refrigerants can not be purposefully vented or let to escape into the atmosphere.

Scientists know that refrigerants contribute to global warming since they have a very high global warming potential (GWP). GWP is a ratio developed to determine which chemical substances and refrigerant gases released into the atmosphere create more warming. These gases are considered Greenhouse Gases (GHGs). The most common greenhouse gas (GHG) talked about the most often is carbon dioxide (CO2) or just carbon for short. Little to many people know, there are many other substances such as many of the refrigerant gases that are used in many AC or HVAC systems that also contribute to Global Warming. Because these are not naturally occurring and the amounts vented are very high, damage to the ozone layer happens as these fluorinated gases degrade into different chemical compounds. How do HCFC refrigerants like R-22 harm the Earth’s Ozone layer.

When refrigerants escape and drift up into the atmosphere, they go through chemical changes which react to the ultraviolet (UV) sunlight. This disintegrates the CFC molecules and rids the molecule of its chlorine atom. The free chlorine atom now reacts with the ozone (O3) molecules in the atmosphere and changes it to oxygen (O2). The reduced oxygen molecule is not as efficient as ozone at filtering out ultra violet radiation. This allows the strong and dangerous ultraviolet (UV) radiation to come through the atmospheric layers and down to the earth. For this reason as well as the greenhouse warming caused by some refrigerant gases, it is important that refrigerant gases are contained and not allowed to escape into the atmosphere.

Regulators like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) monitor manufacturing plants and commercial or industrial buildings and the related AC or HVAC systems they contain to make sure the refrigerant gases are not escaping into the atmosphere. Many systems, especially those over 2,000 pounds of refrigerant, are equipped with a gas monitors and auto detection technology to assure the accuracy of the system and its integrity to contain the refrigerants.

Compliance regulations make businesses monitor for system leaks and require repair of any damaged AC or HVAC systems within 14 days. Service maintenance verification is required in addition to detailed service records of all refrigerant usage. All records must be maintained for up to 5 years.

The European Union has been at the top of the list for regulating greenhouse gases and refrigerants. Regular inspections of AC/HVAC systems are made to monitor for leakages. As with the US EPA, inspectors check records for recovery systems. Refrigerants must be recovered in closed systems so that the gases don’t escape into the atmosphere.

The EPA will issue fines to commercial facilities that violate the regulations or are not complying with refrigerant tracking and monitory reporting. In the early 1990s, Section 608 of the U.S Clean Air Acted certification is required for HVAC technicians to fix or maintain systems or to buy more than 20 pounds of refrigerants to recharge the systems.

The US Clean Air Act is a regulation that spells out the EPA’s role in air quality, especially in protecting the ozone layer and the tracking and reporting of Greenhouse Gases. The U.S. Clean Air Act is maintained by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the US government. The Clean Air Act has had changes made in the 1990s and again in 2008 that are more stringent than when it was first written over a decade ago.

New legislation being writing and being passed in early 2009 and 2010 will further restrict refrigerant gas usage, reporting, and phase out of damaging HCFCs. With continued tracking of carbon emissions and the pending mandatory reporting of carbon, organizations of all sizes maintaining refrigeration systems with more than 50 pounds of refrigerant gas will need to maintain detailed service records.



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Reality. asked:


I am looking for some sort of surge suppressor for my HVAC unit that will protect the compressor from damage resulting from brown outs and other power fluctuation issues. I can’t seem to lock down what I am looking for with a simple Google search. Does anyone know about these and/or where I can find a couple?

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