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About Frank A.
Expertise
I will be happy to answer any basic HVAC question by a homeowner, installer, or technician about their split-system maintenance, repair, and installation. I would not be willing to do extensive research into the particulars of a specific system, but any homeowner looking to get questions answered about why we contractors charge what we do, explanations of why a certain part is needed, how to improve indoor air quality and basic repair. I specialize in ELECTRIC HEAT and HEATPUMPS...NOT gas or oil. Although I may be able to answer the odd question about gas and oil, please do not ask me questions pertaining to them because I am not an expert in that aspect of the field.
Experience
I repaired my father's unit when I was 9, and always had an interest in the field. Became a helper at 16, and am now a certified contractor for residential systems in HVACR. So I have 16 years experience in the field, and add about 7 more of just dabbling and study.
Publications
HVAC Insider, A/C Experts, HVAC Contractor South Florida, mentioned as a reference in Trane Instructional Videos 2-5.
Education/Credentials
EPA, Journeyman, Licensed contractor, NATE, Puron, Trane, Carrier, Rheem Team.
Awards and Honors
I won the ACCA technician award on the state-wide level 8 years running. This is the all-around A/C repair competition where most large companies each send their best guy to compete for the plaque. I am 8-for-8, rated as the #1 technician in Florida. I have the plaque to prove it.
Past/Present Clients
Tommy Lee Jones, Santana Moss, Wayne Brandy, Jennifer Lien, Patrick Stewart, Jason Taylor, Kirsten Dunst, Majel Barrett Roddenberry, Robert Picardo, Ethen Phillips, Ashley Judd, Debbie Gibson among others.
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You are here: Experts > Home/Garden > Home Appliances > Heating, Air Conditioning, Fridge, HVAC > how close to hvac vent can furniture be placed
Expert: Frank A. - 11/2/2009
Question
We purchased new furniture and the sofa now blocks the wall vent if we place it against the wall. Can we pull the sofa out from the wall and still have enough air flow? If so, how much space should we have between the wall and the sofa? Also, how close can furniture be placed to the return vent?
Answer
There should be a clear line of airflow coming from the vent, uninhibited in a straight line. It really depends on the CFM of the air, hence, the speed of the air coming out. CFM is a measurement of this, standing for "cubic feet per meter." I would estimate on a residential home of around 3-tons of unit, which is 36,000 BTUs, leave at least 2 feet of clearance in a straight line. If after running you have any sweat or condensation on the part of the couch that the air is hitting, you need more room. It is normally not a problem, because most vents are in the ceiling in Florida, where I work. Are we talking about a mobile-home where the vents are ground-level? If so, try the 2 feet but I would stress that in that case, i would not block them at ALL because you will be restricting airflow and in a mobile-home, you usually have only about 5 vents or so and losing 1/5 of the flow is detrimental to cooling the space. If the vent you are talking about is your RETURN, possibly where the filter goes, DO NOT BLOCK IT AT ALL. This will cause an air restriction, force your unit to work harder, and cause your unit to have issues prematurely. It is best not to block ANY vent, but if you must, make certain that it is NOT the return, and you don't want to restrict your cooling or damage the blocking furniture with condensation from a cooling vent. I am only trying to help, I don't mean to burden you with everything, but it is my job to make it as clear as I can to you with all the outcomes.
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