Hallowell Arcadia

jim_165

Paul,

I was wondering how the homeowner liked the Arcadia unit. What city/state did you do the install in? I'm in Mahopac NY, and want to know if it can handle our winters. How long has the unit been installed? How large was the home it is heating/cooling? How did the unit perform in the coldest part of winter? Does the homeowner have a backup heat source like oil/gas/wood/etc.? Any idea about the electric usage in Jan or Feb?

Thanks!

jim_165

Hallowell Acadia

Has anyone heard of this, or know anyone with one? Does it really work in the cold northeast climate?

Supposedly it is a heat pump that does not stop working at 30 degrees. It's efficiency goes down as the temperature gets lower, and it does have back up electrical strip heating, but that doesn't kick in until much much colder than 30 degrees.

If this is true, I want to use one in my new house. If true, it might be the most revolutionary product of the decade...

See my blog for my rant and more info on this...

http://ownerbuilderny.blogspot.com/2008/05/hallowell-arcadia-cold-weather-heat.html

Paul Fredricks_9

We just put in our first. I wasn't there and haven't seen it yet. Talking to the lead tech it sounds like a good product, but just needs some polishing as far as the snow stand goes, some of the wiring (needs a 10 wire to the thermostat). We also need service training, though I don't think it's offered.

I don't know about it's true performance, only the claims. I'll post more info when I get it.

tim smith

Why would you go to somewhat unproven

technology when you could go to the VRF heat pumps that are, 4 ton outdoor unit, full variable capacity, use multiple air handlers for zoning. Great pieces of equipment and the quietest heat pumps on the market. No back up needed to O if memory serves me. Take a look at the Mitsubishi or Sanyo 4 ton VRF units with there ducted horizontal air handlers. I think the most efficient equipment out there. Good luck. Tim
PS, just finished one on an open floor plan house boat, 2 zones, one for upper floor and one for lower. No place for ducting to get to both areas with one unit so this is what we did.

Paul Fredricks_9

Those too

Those are nice units. We put two in this year. No problems.

joel_19

because

most homeowners think they are ugly and don't want them in every room as the main heat source

Dave Yates (GrandPAH)_2

good point

And Fujitsu has models that hit 11-HSPF & 21-SEER.

The Acadia simply moves more refrigerant - AKA more BTUs - AKA more heat energy - by virtue of bringing on-line a second compressor. Simple physics, but more power consumed.

On the other hand, Inverter units like ones by Fujitsu, Mitsubishi, Daiken, etc...., also move more refrigerant by changing the speed of the compressor - AKA variable speed utilizing outdoor reset - just like a modcon & less power consumed!

The Acadia efficiency actually improves as outdoor temps drop below 30F (according to the mfgr when I spoke with them a few months ago).

The times they be a-changing!

Paul Fredricks_9

Here's some pics

From the install of our first Acadia.

Edward A. (Ed) Carey_3

Trap on the AHU

Paul,

That is a very shallow run trap on the condensate drain for the AHU.

Most manufacturers require a deeper trap with specific dimensions. If the mfg specs are not followed, the negative pressure on the trap can overcome weight of the water column, and flood the AHU, if the unit runs long enough to overflow the top of the pan.

I picked the one in the attachment from the internet, as an example. That is not the same unit.

I do not know about that unit you installed. Your trap depth may be fine.

Not being critical, just wondering.

Ed Carey

dana_3

acadia

absolutely correct on the trap, i believe they want 2" from the outlet on the a/h to the outlet side of the trap. plus you also need a vent after the trap assembly

Paul Fredricks_8

Thanks

I'll let the install people know. I'm not to happy with the whole condensate hook up. We'll have to hit them with a 2 x 4.

When I visited the site, the complaint from the homeowner was that they couldn't get the air from the registers warm enough, even when they turned the t'stat way up. I explained that this system has an outdoor sensor so that it knows how much heat it needs to put out. The system has four stages and I think stage 2 kicks in around 45 degrees. This is part of how it uses less energy. They were happy with the explaination, just different from the old oil furnace.

tim smith

You should look at the options

They have ducted air handlers that can be place in unoccupied spaces, high efficiency and "hidden units".

Paul Fredricks_8

Hi Jim

This unit just went in. The owner of our company went to the factory and saw it operating in a -20 degree room and cranking out 130 degrees. The unit we put in has electric backup which should handle the cold if the unit can't, though I have a feeling it will.

I don't have the other specifics, but I'll look into it and post more info.

Edward A. (Ed) Carey_3

Please keep us posted

Thanks Paul,

Please keep us informed on the progress of this unit.

This is interesting.

Ed Carey

tom_49

Acadia

Paul,

Hallowell strongly suggests putting armorflex on the 3/8" line as well as the suction. And installing the drier on the inside and wrapped as well. With these exposed you will be losing btu's through the tubing.

Not being critical, just tryin to help...........heatinghelp that is!

Paul Fredricks_9

No problem at all. I appreciate the info. These are new to us as well.