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Re: Just to stir the pot...
The horse and carriage was replaced -- eventually -- by the automobile, because the automobile was accessible to more people and was desirable to them. Nobody mandated the replacement from Olympus (or Washington or Albany or Sacramento or wherever). There's a difference.
Re: DEAD WRONG
Ann Arbor I think has a process to line in place the clay main sewers to prevent having to replace most of them. Roots will get in the joints but unless it is a huge tree they can be cleaned out without destroying the pipe. Some probably has to do with the skill of the person operating the auger too. Getting rid of the tree gets rid of the roots. If clay is bedded properly and trees are avoided it lasts a very long time. I suspect corners were cut in packing and sealing the joints in a lot of installations which caused leaks and attracted roots.
mattmia2
1
[Price drop] Runtal UF-6 48" radiator in eastern MA
I have a runtal hydronic baseboard radiator/wall panel that we purchased in 2021 for a remodel and ultimately ended up not using. Still new in the box.
Length is 4 feet, height is 18 inches.
Price is $400. Location is in Metrowest Massachusetts. Local pickup strongly preferred, it is quite heavy.
https://runtalnorthamerica.com/product/hydronic-wall-panels/
Note the picture is of a shorter version.
Length is 4 feet, height is 18 inches.
Price is $400. Location is in Metrowest Massachusetts. Local pickup strongly preferred, it is quite heavy.
https://runtalnorthamerica.com/product/hydronic-wall-panels/
Note the picture is of a shorter version.
Re: Just to stir the pot...
This is a bit tiresome, so to add some fun, I will repeat the challenge I made some time ago -- and address it specifically to @ethicalpaul , @Hot_water_fan , and @GGross .
Here it is: provide and install a heat pump heating system of your choice in my building. Said system shall equal or exceed the performance of the existing heating system in all respects. If at the end of ten years, the total cost of said system, including operation and depreciation, is not more than the total cost which would have been incurred with the existing system, we'll buy it from you. Otherwise, you will, at your expense, remove said system completely and restore the building and all systems to the present condition.
Some useful parameters:
minimum ambient air temperature: -15 F
known (measured) total heat load: 270,000 BTUh
maximum peak electrical draw: 22 KW
provision to run during 10 day grid failure to be included
Time to ante up or fold, folks.
Couple of other useful bits...
Current power cost $0.35 per KWh, oil $3.00
Ducyt work is not an option
Ground source is doubtful
Here it is: provide and install a heat pump heating system of your choice in my building. Said system shall equal or exceed the performance of the existing heating system in all respects. If at the end of ten years, the total cost of said system, including operation and depreciation, is not more than the total cost which would have been incurred with the existing system, we'll buy it from you. Otherwise, you will, at your expense, remove said system completely and restore the building and all systems to the present condition.
Some useful parameters:
minimum ambient air temperature: -15 F
known (measured) total heat load: 270,000 BTUh
maximum peak electrical draw: 22 KW
provision to run during 10 day grid failure to be included
Time to ante up or fold, folks.
Couple of other useful bits...
Current power cost $0.35 per KWh, oil $3.00
Ducyt work is not an option
Ground source is doubtful
Re: Replacing a battery- operated thermostat with a EcoBee thermostat
Hello @tomsloancamp,
Since that unit appears to be cooling only (No Heat or Heat Pump) you probably don't need the White, the Blue could be used for the Common. The EcoBee thermostat may appreciate having the C wire connected. Here is a modified wiring diagram from the manual and other info.
Found here https://cdn.globalimageserver.com/FetchDocument.aspx?ID=C87180FE-DC30-45C5-B253-6C36B460A68C
I did not include the Pan sensor wires, I was not 100% sure of your description. It may just interrupt the Y from the thermostat to shut down the cooling, it may have power to it also.
Since that unit appears to be cooling only (No Heat or Heat Pump) you probably don't need the White, the Blue could be used for the Common. The EcoBee thermostat may appreciate having the C wire connected. Here is a modified wiring diagram from the manual and other info.
Found here https://cdn.globalimageserver.com/FetchDocument.aspx?ID=C87180FE-DC30-45C5-B253-6C36B460A68C
I did not include the Pan sensor wires, I was not 100% sure of your description. It may just interrupt the Y from the thermostat to shut down the cooling, it may have power to it also.
109A_5
1
Re: Replacing a battery- operated thermostat with a EcoBee thermostat
The Brown wire at the air handler (the one that has the Red to the condenser) is Common and connects to C on the thermostat.
Use the spare Blue wire as White is typically used for heat.
Use the spare Blue wire as White is typically used for heat.
HVACNUT
1
Re: DEAD WRONG
I've seen orangeburg outlast cast iron and still come across it in homes built in the 1940's & 50's.Mad Dog_2 said:Orangeburg was never sold or advertised as a Top Notch, Quality product. It was "The Builders Special" installed by G.C.s and outdoor Site Work, predominantly. It was the "PVC" Flex Supply of its day. Real plumbers knew it was cheesy, cardboard-Tar Pipe.
Speed and economy are the Hallmarks of A Market system. Many of the "new" technologies and systems turned out to be pretty durable like Soldered copper pipe and fittings, No-Hub Cast Iron for DWV, Copper DWV (my favorite system till this day!). Wirsbo/Uponor Pex Propex system. Mad Dog 🐕
In my experience, it was used most often on the outlet side of septic tanks; I think orangeburg was plentiful right after WW2 & was easier to install compared to terracotta or clay.
While I'm not a big fan of orangeburg, I hope the miles of pipe I've installed will last 75 years.
MikeL_2
1
Re: can these be changed from steam to hydonic?
They'll never get their money back. Besides, if any pipes are run in outside walls, they're likely to freeze. And the increased operating pressure WILL cause leaks if there are any weak spots in the rads or piping.
We've saved some of our customers a third on their fuel consumption by fixing the steam. There's no reason to convert to water.
We've saved some of our customers a third on their fuel consumption by fixing the steam. There's no reason to convert to water.
