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What Passes for HVAC in my Area...

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mtfallsmikey
mtfallsmikey Member Posts: 765
in THE MAIN WALL
I used to have to come in after the fact and try to straighten out these messes. Or bid against other "contractors" who did not design ductwork properly and over/undersized equipment. And I truly feel sorry for those of you who still have this kind of grief to deal with every day. Like many others here on the Wall, I could regale you for hours with my tales of woe.

Comments

  • Mike T., Swampeast MO
    Mike T., Swampeast MO Member Posts: 6,928


    Newly renovated home a couple blocks from me. Went to open house Sunday. 2½ story, about 3,000 sf finished above ground. 215k. Figured it would have radiators.

    Nope, mainly the ORIGINAL forced air system with newly added A/C. Fairly new (but don't think brand new) gas furnace. Was afraid to look at input rating... Complete gut renovation so surely they added insulation.

    ONE return for the two main floors! In the downstairs floor at the rear wall, far away from the big open staircase. Two rooms upstairs that take up the entire front (south) wall served by a single (dual sided) 12" x 3" duct--FAR from the furnace.

    Large bath added at the upstairs back (north). At least 13' of exposure. No supply!

    Living/dining room down (big pocket doors between) had the one return for the house and five outlets (two appeared new), while a 2-room area nearly about 2/3 the size on the other side had only one (again "shared" through a common wall) and big kitchen with only one as well!

    Despite mid-90s and high (even for us) humidity, A/C was off. Asked realtor why. She said the owner (the renovator) said it took too long to cool... How about 60° in the one room down while still 80° up?
  • Constantin
    Constantin Member Posts: 3,796
    Manual D?

    Can I have a pizza with that?

    But seriously, I too wonder if the basement returns on our system are sized properly considering how much the air handler seems to be straining to supply the place. When I have the time, I will break out manual D to see how close we are...

    ...though on a simple observational basis the cross sectional area of the ducts feeding into the air handler return are about 1/2 the size of the air handler "footprint".
  • Tim_33
    Tim_33 Member Posts: 83
    This an example of

    why I am IN the business. I see or hear about a hack job like this one, and it assures me that I will never be without work. People ARE becoming more educated about the importance of a quality environment in their home. Though the hacks will always find work, the more they do, the more potential work for the professionals.
  • Fred Campbell
    Fred Campbell Member Posts: 80
    Subpar installations

    This happened with a gut rehab? That really is a shame. I've begged and pleaded at times to do some demo and soffit in "untouched" areas of rehabs. If they don't don't let me then the GC or owner signs off on a performance waiver. Good luck selling the place. Any purchaser with 1/8th a brain will have a home inspector. Unfortunately most of them are schooled in equipment rather than distribution.

    TG
  • Techman
    Techman Member Posts: 2,143
    Workmanship!

    Evening All! I agree with Tim!The hackers "make my day",finding solutions to their "leftovers" is challenging ,BUT, I like it!Have Fun!
  • Mike T., Swampeast MO
    Mike T., Swampeast MO Member Posts: 6,928


    Yes, complete gut rehab. There was even a poster covered with pictures of the demolition phase.

    I only noticed two things retained: the staircases and the original registers and ductwork!

    Judging by presumed age, I greatly suspect that the original heat was gravity warm air. I also suspect that one of the risers to the 2nd floor was removed (only four remain for at least 900 sf) as some walls were relocated to make an extra-large bedroom with good-sized bath and closet.

    Am willing to bet that the two added registers in the downstairs room with the single return were to maintain minimal airflow for the newly added A/C.

    If performance/economy are are bad as I suspect they will be (particularly A/C), I don't want to imagine the cost of correction.
  • mtfallsmikey
    mtfallsmikey Member Posts: 765
    Didn't mean to sound bitter but...

    It seemed like in 80% of the cases like this one, the HO did not want to spend the money to correct all of the ills, or in one case, were more interested in paint / wallpaper /and other asthetics being done. Years ago my Dad and my brother and I did some fabulous full retros with A.C., and primarily hydronic heat, some in houses dating back to the late 1700's. I miss that challenge terribly. And a lot of those systems are still in use today, even after 20-30 yrs., and it still is very sweet to hear about how well a mechanical system runs that you helped to install when you were very young from a customer,and getting the chance to upgrade things. I still go out and help my brother who is in the biz so I don't lose my mojo.
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