Best Of
Re: Torque Wrench
If it makes you feel better, no harm in owning an inexpensive torque adapter. Over tightening, by the guess method, is more of an issue with 6 mm bolts and aluminum block boiler, I would say.
I wish more tire shops would pay attention to torque specs :)
hot_rod
Re: Oil to propane, Kingston NY area - EDITED.
”Charging for the privilege of a service call…”?
People should come out and do it for free? When you go to the doctor, you pay them basically a diagnostic fee. And usually you get a cursory look over, take some vitals and “I think it’s probably xxxx. Take this and if you don’t feel better in a week, come back” (and pay another diagnostic fee). Then they try something different, maybe send you for a test, you pay more. Then you get to see them again, and pay a fee, to get the results. And hopefully that solves your problem. A HVAC tech couldn’t get away with that, could they?
A GOOD tech (emphasis on good) comes to you, with a vehicle they pay for, maintain and insure. With a full stock of tools and parts, they already paid for.
Then they do a full diagnosis checking all the relative components and usually fix it then and there and they are done. And if called back, most won’t charge unless it’s a new problem.
Modern oil done right almost always beats propane in price, reliability, and availability. You only get top efficiency if the equipment is sized properly, commissioned and condensing most of the time. Otherwise much less.
Re: Air to Water Heat Pumps
That's a system I would not consider on "The Isle of Long". Unless there is a fuel boiler back up. ..
Big Ed_4
Re: Oil to propane, Kingston NY area - EDITED.
Unless you purchase a lot of LP Oil is generally cheaper.
pecmsg
Re: New Propane Boiler Options
I think HPWH have a long way to go to be reliable. To me they are an expensive throw away appliance.
Who are you going to call when you have a refrigeration issue? The MFG will say scrap it its not worth fixing. The plumber who installed it probably does not know refrigeration. Is an HVAC company going to want to bother with it?
Unless it is a simple fix the cost of replacing a compressor or the controls will exceed the appliance value.
And guess what, any energy you saved is GONE. Quality is not ther.
I can't even find a window unit that will last.
Re: Now ya see why PVC on mod con flue is not a good idea
I just want to mention that when PVC is solvent welded, you're using a solvent like acetone or MEK to literally melt the plastic. Once the solvent evaporates it leaves the PVC solid again and in literally one piece rather than two.
I'm not sure that even counts as glue, technically.
If memory serves PVC cement is solvent with some pvc mixed into it to act as filler material.
ChrisJ
Re: Now ya see why PVC on mod con flue is not a good idea
In my opinion that PVC was not properly solvent welded, that isn't the materials fault it's the installers fault.
I don't think that even get hot warm, look at the barcode label on the coupler.
B vents can pull apart easily if they're not twisted and locked together correctly.
Single wall galvanized pipe can pull apart easy if there isn't the proper 3 screws per joint.
ChrisJ
Re: Now ya see why PVC on mod con flue is not a good idea
Obviously from what we have learned PVC for flues is not a good idea unless approved and the only one I know that is is Ipex,
It looks like the glue and primer is good but who knows.
Dis they sand the fittings and pipe?
was the glue old?
did they let the primer dry tooo long b4 gluing?
It doesn't look like the PVC was overheated, it usually turns brownish.
Re: Old HP system failed: new refrigerant choice? new equipment reliability?
I am at an age where the cost of labor and material seems way out of wack.
But, I also ran my own business for 8 years back in the 80s-90s. Things add up real fast.
I just went through this myself. I needed a new storm door which an Anderson is about $400. Got a quote from a contractor who wanted $1100. I thought it was really high so I did it myself.
- Go to lumberyard and order door & wait 10 days for it to show up.
- Remove tools & stuff from truck to make room for door. (truck has a truck cap) and lug tools to basement.
- Pick up door at lumberyard
- Remove old door
- Install new door
- Cut up old door and take to metal scrap yard. $15.50
- Put tools back in truck, lug them up from basement.
Yeah maybe a contractor would not have to go through all those steps.
But he has a truck, tools, liability insurance, workers comp, overhead , profit and truck insurance.
Somebody has to pay for that stuff.
$1100. was probably not an unreasonable price
No one should bash a contractors price without analyzing it.
Try it yourself.