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About Fred Weldin
(Top Expert on this page)

Expertise
I can't help you if your whatsis won't work, people (Especially if it's a refrigerator); I have no experience with appliances, and I haven't been involved with H&AC service and repair since March 08, 1996 (Thank the Lord); I reject appliance questions and H&AC "Service and Repair" questions (about 18 a week), so if you want to know why your whatsis isn't working like it used to, ask someone else. I delete answers that are unread after one week (about three a month). If you have questions about how big a unit you need, if one room's warmer than the others, if you want an opinion on bids received, etc. just ask. Do visit askweldin.com, there's a lot of good information on sizing, ductwork, efficiency, as well as some techniques accomplished DIY-ers can use to troubleshoot and improve their H&AC. Finally, I want to thank all of the kind, serious people whom I meet here; I enjoy working with you.

Experience
50+ years in the business. See askweldin.com

Education/Credentials
B of ME U of D 1965, numerous classes and seminars since.

You are here: Experts > Home/Garden > Home Appliances > Heating, Air Conditioning, Fridge, HVAC

Questions Answered By Expert Fred Weldin
In Category Heating, Air Conditioning, Fridge, HVAC

Subject	Date Asked

cooling load	11/20/2009
Q: i have a oven its generating temperature of 170c, how to calculate cooling load for heat load ... A: Damodar: I assume this is a residential cooling load calculation. It is not normally necessary to ...
Kenmore Washer	11/16/2009
Q: I have a 11+ year old Kenmore top load washing machine model #110 (92575110 full model #, I think). ... A: Lynn: Thanks so much for thinking of me. Unfortunately I don't do appliance questions (My knowledge ...
WOODEN radiator cover effeciency	11/15/2009
Q: do WOODEN radiator covers make heating more or less efficient A: Jim: Think about it this way: The covers "insulate" the radiators and retard heat flow to the ...
Min. distance between supply and return?	11/5/2009
Q: sir. I'm hoping you can give me some assistance with a problem I'm having with a new home ... A: Doug: Let's start with the thermostat in the hall: The stair to the first floor is also in the ...
Carrier Heat pump Effiency	11/1/2009
Q: I recently purchased a Carrier 19 SEER heat pump and my house is more comfortable when the unit is ... A: Gary: Directly as the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors. No. See first answer. ...
in apartment, burning eyes, oder like gas	10/29/2009
Q: I live in a ground floor apartment next to room that is for storage ,9 hot water tanks, 2 furnaces ... A: Frederick (Nice name, by the way!): It sounds like combustion products are entering your ...
Mold in furnance and vent	10/29/2009
Q: Had my vent cleaned today. I was told there is mold in vents. I knew there was building material ... A: Amy: I have to agree, it does sound questionable. Is it possible water got into the ducts, either ...
Mold in furnance and vent	10/29/2009
Q: Had my vent cleaned today. I was told there is mold in vents. I knew there was building material ... A: Amy: They should have shown you images from a duct camera. Did they do that? Here's an image ...
Undersized geothermal furnace	10/24/2009
Q: We have a Trane Command Aire geothermal furnace in our second home in Galena, IL that we purchased ... A: Rich: Go to www.askweldin.com and read up on ductwork; it's quite likely there's a duct problem as ...
Commercial HVAC	10/23/2009
Q: I have a 20,000 sq ft building (Open warehouse retail setting)and 8)5-ton ac units (old) that are ... A: Joe: I signed on here to help homeowners who have issues. With all due respect, I did not sign on ...
help with furnace/AC decision	10/22/2009
Q: I am replacing my 16 year old , 2-ton Tempstar gas furnace/AC for my first floor (1000 sq. ft). I ... A: Francis: The only reason to buy into the high repair costs of 16 SEER (Not to say it's junk, just ...
gas heat and sinus infection	10/20/2009
Q: Does a forced hot air gas furnace cause severe sinus infections? We have a condo in Ma in which my ... A: Christine: Fred
Phyisical size of Attic AC units	10/19/2009
Q: Am a truss designer in the Texas region and have run into a question of how much room is actually ... A: Kobi: 10x8 is generous; I wish you designed the trusses in the homes I see! Seriously, that'll ...
Unit Does not blow hot heat	10/18/2009
Q: My unit does not blow hot heat only warm heat. It is an old unit in an old home. It is an Tappan ... A: Ginnifer: Why do you ask and make me spend my time if you're not going to read? The answer will be ...
Damper switch	10/17/2009
Q: We have a 2 story house with a manual damper switch and one heating unit that works for both levels. ... A: Cheryl: I've never seen such an arrangement! I'm sure Rube Goldberg would admire it. Go to ...
Thermostat Issues - Inconsistent	10/17/2009
Q: We recently purchased a house and had our furnace (oil, hot-water baseboard) serviced. When we ... A: Tanya: A "furnace" heats air; you have a "boiler", which heats water. As you've seen, I've been out ...
Follow-up	10/16/2009
Q: Erin: The part I'm stuck on is whole house 4 degrees BELOW setpoint during the day, but ONLY MBR 4 ... A: Erin: Thanks for the follow up; we'll get through this! Try indexing the "FAN" switch to "ON"; ...
Upgrade from 92-95% and adding variable valve/speed-Worth it?	10/16/2009
Q: I currently have TWO 80% 20 year old Tempstar 150K BTU furnaces, one for each floor in my 4600 sq ft ... A: Kris: Well, here's a once in a lifetime opportunity to get it right. Just STOP, do not pass GO, do ...
Follow-up	10/16/2009
Q: Erin: The part I'm stuck on is whole house 4 degrees BELOW setpoint during the day, but ONLY MBR 4 ... A: Erin: So it's 75 at the thermostat in the morning, you raise it to 77 before leaving; when you ...
insulation	10/15/2009
Q: I had a new furnace installed last month. It's much noisier than my old furnace. My question is ... A: Lynda: Furnaces heat air, boilers heat water; I was thinking some kind of furnace airflow problem ...
Rooms get hot at night only	10/15/2009
Q: We have two thermometers, one in our living-dining-kitchen combo with tall ceilings and one in our ... A: Erin: Cheez, you actually read my bio! God bless. So you are running AC now, you set both ...
Air Return	10/14/2009
Q: I had my 3 1/2 ton heat pump replaced yesterday with a high-efficiency 2-stage Ruud. The contractor ... A: Dave: If they're using stud spaces for air return, that's a problem: They're rated for 200 CFM, ...
Air Return	10/14/2009
Q: I had my 3 1/2 ton heat pump replaced yesterday with a high-efficiency 2-stage Ruud. The contractor ... A: Dave: The first question should have been "Why not install a three ton system instead?", and the ...
hvac, size of unit	10/13/2009
Q: i have: Model#48gs036090301 Serial# 0900g10481 system is 7 years old and would ... A: Tom: Service life for AC's should be at least 15 years if properly installed and serviced. Your ...
AC swap for Heat Pump	10/12/2009
Q: We had a new 4000sf house built (9 mo old) in the NW (Seattle area) so cooling is really not an ... A: John: Oxymoron: "...stay warmer with a heat pump...". You do know the heat pump's discharge air is ...
Water-sourced heat pump replacement?	10/12/2009
Q: We have a 1400 sq. ft. condo with about 30% of the walls facing west, getting a lot of sun in the ... A: Carl: You didn't say it was uncomfortable when the unit "would continuously run", and the unit ...
HVAC	10/8/2009
Q: What does the SFM and IPM stand for? A: Elayne: Fred
LED Codes and how to handle it	10/7/2009
Q: I have a Bryant Day and Night furnace, Model 350 MAV. When I changed from AC to Heat, it is giving ... A: Gilbert: Are you going to you help me or not? Fred Gilbert: I can't help you, but perhaps you'd ...
Is a Gas Boiler and Indirect Water Heater my best option	10/7/2009
Q: I currently have baseboard heat using a 25+ year old Utica gas boiler and a 10 year old gas water ... A: Martin: First, I believe the Utica boilers are cast iron; if so, service life should be 35+ years. ...
Humidifiers	10/7/2009
Q: i have a few questions regarding my furnace and installing a humidifier on it. What kind of ... A: Paul: If you read the Installation Instructions, I think you'll find there's nowhere to install one ...
supply plenum	10/4/2009
Q: I am having my ducting replaced. 5 ton unit. The contractor attached a new plenum 24" long. He ... A: Bill: I double-checked my numbers: The 12" design limit is 470 CFM (600 FPM); where'd the 620 come ...
supply plenum	10/3/2009
Q: I am having my ducting replaced. 5 ton unit. The contractor attached a new plenum 24" long. He ... A: Bill: The length of the plenum is a minor issue, as is the 12" out the end, which will tend to ...
Attic Furnace	10/3/2009
Q: I recently purchased a 2094 square foot townhome in Reno, Nevada. The furnace is in the attic with ... A: Carrie: Sounds like you need balancing. Go to www.askweldin.com and then click "Balancing". If ...
coleman presidential ii heater	9/30/2009
Q: i have a coleman presidential 11 heater in my mobile home and i can't find the filter to change it! ... A: Monica: The return duct connects to the blower compartment; that's the lowest part of an upflow ...
cost of running fans	9/30/2009
Q: I need to know how much it cost to operate over head house fans, can you help me with this. I have ... A: Carl: Not knowing what size fans you have, let's say they're 42" stem mount fans at high speed; ...
frunace venting	9/28/2009
Q: We are replacing our forced air furnace/air conditioner which will vent out the side of the house. ... A: Mary: Fred
SEER RATINGS	9/25/2009
Q: Will my unit efficiency suffer if I use a 13 seer unit outside with a variable speed air handler of ... A: Colleen: I don't know. You can search your model numbers at ahri. Go to www.askweldin.com and click ...
furnace	9/18/2009
Q: Can I ruin the furnace by turning it off while it is running? In the summer I turn it off by the ... A: Angela: It's not good practice, but I don't think you're hurting anything (That's "boiler", by the ...
Install ductwork w/blower fan	9/16/2009
Q: Hey Fred I have a wood insert in my basement family room and would like to get a little of that ... A: Boomer: Ductwork can spread fire and products of combustion. If you still want to continue with ...
Airconditioner	9/16/2009
Q: Had a heavy thunderstorm yesterday...power went out for several hours...I have two airconditioners. ... A: Thomas: Fred
A/C	9/14/2009
Q: My mothers apt had a leak that he ac guy said was under the foundation. He ran a new line along the ... A: Steve: This is refrigerant tubing, right? The old tubing was underground and developed a leak, so ...
Heat Pump Compressor Motor	9/13/2009
Q: I have a 5 year old heat pump. A service repair rep told me the motor on the outdoor unit was ... A: George: All units have freon/refrigerant. Your unit probably operates on R22, which will become ...
Heat Pump Compressor Motor	9/13/2009
Q: I have a 5 year old heat pump. A service repair rep told me the motor on the outdoor unit was ... A: George: A motor is one thing, but a "compressor motor" is quite another: That involves the ...
Just Not COLD Enough.	9/13/2009
Q: John, I only hope I provide enough info. I reside in Cal. L.A. I have a indoor/outdoor air ... A: Eric: Fred
fire measures in airconditioners	9/12/2009
Q: My question is what precautions will you take in your air conditioning systems to make it fire safe? ... A: Kamiya: NFPA 90A and 90B are the documents governing the topic (The former is for big systems, and ...
Manuel J	9/5/2009
Q: What is a Manuel J and how does it work. If someone does a Manuel J on my home to determine my a/c ... A: Dan: ACCA "Manual J" is a BOOK describing how to calculate heating and cooling requirements; ...
Lennox 10 ACC-036-230-02	9/5/2009
Q: Our AC quit working last night (around 7 years old) - the outside unit (compressor) won't function. ... A: Greg: As you know from reading my bio, I haven't been involved with "Service and Repair" for 13 ...
HVAC Carrier vs Trane and details heat vs electric	9/4/2009
Q: We live in Texas and in summer months which are long and HOT 100 plus most of the time our A/C is ... A: Diane: "...AC is always running..." is probably a bad thing: If you have a good duct system, it ...
ac improvising	9/2/2009
Q: Does anyone out there know how to improvise a 5000 btu ac ,(one that goes in a window,traditional ... A: Mike: Fred
central air conditioner	9/1/2009
Q: what is the best brand name central air conditioner to buy for my home that is a 4 ton that is ... A: Virgil: As you've read, I've been away from Service and Repair for 13 years, five months and 24 ...
filter base	8/29/2009
Q: We bought a house which already had a Payne natural gas furnace manufactured in Nov 2004, Model # ... A: Rochelle: Code requires a filter in or at the furnace; the Installation Instructions usually do, ...
New Home HVAC	8/25/2009
Q: Weldin, My name is Shirish and I am in the process of building a new home for my elderly parents. ... A: Shirish: Go directly to www.askweldin.com; there's a lot of info on sizing, ductwork, etc. I'd ...
A/C Unit Leak	8/24/2009
Q: 6 year old 3 ton Intertherm condenser dog peed on and ruined some fins about 3 years ago. Unit ... A: Rick: As you've read, I don't do service and repair questions. Whoever told you about "mismatch" ...
Heat pump	8/24/2009
Q: Our 1,786 sq ft single-story house was built in 1976 & had the original Fedders heat pump. Except ... A: Duane: Small world: My son lives in Clairemont (And he has NO AC). Congratulations to you: Service ...
CFM related to tonnage	8/24/2009
Q: I have a 2.5 ton heat pump and need to install a filter in the plenum. The plenum measures just ... A: Dick: Angling the filter is fine, I've done that many times; make sure they provide channels all ...
Best place to locate the Air Handle Unit in new home	8/24/2009
Q: We are in the floorplan drawing stages of building a custom home. We are building a 1 story, 3 ... A: Daniel: Do not put supply ductwork in an attic if you have a choice; it'll probably mean buying an ...
CFM related to tonnage	8/24/2009
Q: I have a 2.5 ton heat pump and need to install a filter in the plenum. The plenum measures just ... A: Dick: Let's assume you live in a "normal" climate: 2-1/2 tons x 400 CFM/Ton = 1,000 CFM. 20x20 = ...
AC C	8/23/2009
Q: I have Frigidaire Central air system. It has a piece that is not working. It is called a Vapomax ... A: Todd: There's copper or plastic tubing supplying water to the humidifier; follow it back until you ...
AC C	8/23/2009
Q: I have Frigidaire Central air system. It has a piece that is not working. It is called a Vapomax ... A: Todd: You really haven't given me much to work with (New home? Older home and this never happened ...
Amana Air Command 90 Furnace	8/21/2009
Q: Where are the filters located and how do we change them on the Amana Air Command 90 High Efficiency ... A: Pamela:
replacing a heat pump system	8/20/2009
Q: I am looking to replace my heat pump system and interviewing contractors. The house is 1980 sq.f, it ... A: Renaita: No, but you do need to thoroughly clean the space behind the grille (Note the spelling, ...
conflicting advice on air conditioner replacement and tax credit	8/20/2009
Q: One contractor said we need to replace our old A/C before it breaks, so the black acid inside the ... A: Merrill: Your guys specialize in disinformation and "Scare Tactics": 1. Service life of AC's is 15 ...
replacing a heat pump system	8/20/2009
Q: I am looking to replace my heat pump system and interviewing contractors. The house is 1980 sq.f, it ... A: Renaita: First, congratulations are in order! Service life for heat pumps is 15 years, for air ...
Central A/C retrofit in newer home	8/19/2009
Q: I have a home in northern Vermont that was built in 2001. The house is about 1800 square feet, and ... A: Tim: As long as every room needs 100 CFM or less, the existing 6" ducts could be used; you'd be ...
second A/C	8/19/2009
Q: I have a 2 story house with 2 heat/blower units. The unit upstairs is A/C/ and heat(swamp cooler ... A: Mike: Fred
ac in an apartment	8/18/2009
Q: I just moved into an apartment complex and live on the second floor. Certainly it has been extremely ... A: Scott: That's true, but I don't see how it could be the huge difference you're describing; how hot ...
air return volume	8/18/2009
Q: I am looking at replacing my 3.5 ton heat pump. I have had four proposals submitted. Two are Trane ... A: David: One of the biggest problems we see is restricted returns, and your concern is a valid one. ...
gas boiler	8/17/2009
Q: One it looks ugly it is not insulated or boxed in and is this safe to do this, because in scotland ... A: Sean: Scotland...lucky you! In the USA, there would be two concerns: 1. Protecting the pipe ...
heat pump, air handler and ductwork	8/17/2009
Q: we have a 31 year old air handler that functions but has built up debris inside and want to change ... A: Jay: Someone gave you very bad advice: You should have replaced the AHU at the same time you ...
A/C Rudd achiever	8/17/2009
Q: I am going to ask you this question even though I read your profile. Our floor a/c was working just ... A: David: Gee, you actually read my bio...what a refreshing difference; you'd be surprised at the ...
HVAC only vs Heat pump in conjunction with current oil furnace	8/17/2009
Q: We have a 2000SF rancher in Central PA and our older Central AC unit requires replacing. We ... A: Carolyn: You have the best form of heat known to man (Comfort-wise), and you're considering the ...
New Furnace and Heat Pump	8/16/2009
Q: I live in a 20-year old, 3 story 1300 sq. ft. condo in Cincinnati, OH. (It has a walk-out basement, ... A: Connie: The filter is large enough, so it shouldn't unduly restrict airflow; that assumes the whole ...
New Furnace and Heat Pump	8/16/2009
Q: I live in a 20-year old, 3 story 1300 sq. ft. condo in Cincinnati, OH. (It has a walk-out basement, ... A: Connie: Something's changed: The duct system should not "Oil Can", especially if it never did it ...
humidity and new hvac	8/15/2009
Q: We recently replaced our hvac system for a new 16 seer all electric heat-pump system. We've noticed ... A: David: Apparently you ran into a contractor whose Business Plan is to sell as many tons as he can. ...
Central Air unit won't turn on	8/15/2009
Q: I have a carrier central air unit. Last night there was a power outage due to a storm. When the ... A: Harold: Try turning off the outdoor unit circuit breaker; wait a few minutes, then turn it back on. ...
Type and size of h&ac unit	8/14/2009
Q: I have recently enclosed a 900 square foot screened in pavilion at my place in country and sectioned ... A: David: I really can't tell without getting a lot more information from you, and then spending a ...
Type and size of h&ac unit	8/14/2009
Q: I have recently enclosed a 900 square foot screened in pavilion at my place in country and sectioned ... A: David: PTAC is certainly an option. You might also look into "Ductless Mini Splits"; they're like a ...
Addition of second zone pump to system	8/14/2009
Q: I have a Burnham V-73-T hot water boiler with a single zone pump. The primary controller is a ... A: David: Then use circulator relays, Honeywell R832A1036; the nice thing about them is being able to ...
Luxair Furnace	8/13/2009
Q: I have to replace my furnace how would you rate the Luxair 2 Stage Mid Efficiency Furnace I've been ... A: Jackie: Why would you go to two stage? Buy a 90+ single stage and be done with it. It will cost you ...
Addition of second zone pump to system	8/13/2009
Q: I have a Burnham V-73-T hot water boiler with a single zone pump. The primary controller is a ... A: David: First off, it is archaic to use a tankless coil for domestic hot water in this day and age; ...
trane vs amana	8/13/2009
Q: I have 2 quotes and need to decide between trane or amana. I have read trane is great amana is ... A: Janine: As you've read, I haven't been involved with service and repair for more than 13 years; ...
central air dripping water from small pipe	8/12/2009
Q: the inside unit has a small white pipe near the bottom front and water was a slowly dripping from ... A: Brenda: As you know, I don't take "Service and Repair" questions. It sounds like you have water ...
Replacing condo unit AC	8/12/2009
Q: We live in a two bedroom condo on the beach in New Smyrna Beach,Fl and need to replace the central ... A: Margaret (My wife's name, by the way): Manufacturers offer AC's with outdoor coils having ...
Humidistat Setting	8/12/2009
Q: Have central air in our FL. condo. We live in MA in the summer. What do you recommend that we SET ... A: Judy: I assume your humidistat can operate the cooling. 62 degrees dewpoint is the limit for ...
high velocity system	8/12/2009
Q: I have a 1 year old 3.5 ton system that isnt cooling my house consistently. I have the tstat set at ... A: Dave: NOTE: I wrote this before seeing "High Velocity System"; I have no experience with those, and ...
AC	8/12/2009
Q: I hope you can help me!! I live in Charleston, SC where the heat index is over 100 right now with ... A: Rachel: Fred
looking for old model baseboard diffuser	8/11/2009
Q: Can you lead in the direction of possible sources/suppliers of the old model baseboard diffuser, ... A: Cindy: I think you're out of luck. If the old ones are rusted or damaged, you need to look into ...
heat pump efficiency in very hot climate	8/10/2009
Q: I understand that heat pumps are not efficient for air conditioning in a very hot climate like we ... A: Suzanne: Heat pumps are only slightly less efficient for cooling, because of the added resistance ...
Air Flow from AC vent makes Windy noise	8/7/2009
Q: Fred. We just lived in ths new house for 2 weeks, they have installed the Carrier AC unit and ... A: Shelly: Fred
air returns	8/7/2009
Q: My house is 1752 sq. ft 1 level. I am located Port St.Lucie Fl. My ac unit is a 4 ton. We had a leak ... A: Shelly: 1,752SF/4 Tons = 438 SF/Ton sounds like too much cooling; you're going down to 3 or 3-1/2 ...
unit too large for our square footage?	8/5/2009
Q: Fred, My husband and I live in the northern/central part of NC. We moved here about four years ago ... A: Kelly: If those two holes are the only leakage sites in your duct system, you're one of the few ...
until too large for our square footage?	8/5/2009
Q: Fred, My husband and I live in the northern/central part of NC. We moved here about four years ago ... A: Kelly: The upstairs is a two ton unit. 1,250SF/2 Tons = 625 SF/Ton seems like the unit is big ...
hvac air flow	7/29/2009
Q: I have been having air problems for a while now & was told it probably due to air flow. I only have ... A: Jennifer: 2,100SF/5 Tons = 420 SF/Ton means you have much more cooling capacity than you need; I'd ...
heat pump	7/29/2009
Q: My home was built in 1999. completed basement with air ducts/4 ton 10 seer Rheem unit. I was ... A: Jerone: Fred
Lineset ( flexible/ armored)	7/29/2009
Q: I'm looking to change out my 3 ton residential condenser and the suction line is encased in steel ... A: Justin: Yes, if you convert to R410A (And you should do that). Don't forget to replace the indoor ...
how to choose which model Lennox	7/27/2009
Q: I live in MA, and only use AC when it is in the 80s and 90s. (This summer I have turned it on about ... A: Sara: The standard efficiency is fine for what little use your unit receives; the $1,000 will ...
Lennox AC	7/27/2009
Q: I have a Lennox Elite® Series CB29M and CB30M Unit. Apparently, the Hartell safety switch shut off ... A: Todd: As you know, I haven't been involved with service and repair for 13 years, four months and 19 ...
HVAC duct question	7/27/2009
Q: I live in the Dallas area am adding radiant barrier,a solar gable fan and soffit vents to my attic. ... A: Doug: Installation Instructions do permit flex to rest on rafters when running perpendicular to ...
air conditioning argument	7/26/2009
Q: "My father (88) and I (62) have a running disagreement about how to run the air conditioner in our ... A: Brigid: I open my windows every chance I get in mild weather, and we've had a lot of that this ...
rusty coils	7/25/2009
Q: I had someone come for a check-up on our furnace and air conditioner. When he opened the box at the ... A: Bev: Fred
poor cooling	7/24/2009
Q: I have a condo that is 10 years old and has the original split Ac system. It is not getting my ... A: Kevin: Based on my experience, your AC is bigger than necessary (Probably a lot bigger). So if it's ...
different size outdoor & indoor unit	7/23/2009
Q: Can you tell me if a 3 1/2 ton condenser is compatiable with a 3 ton indoor unit? Thank you. ... A: Bob: I've only seen that once in a 50+ year career, for what that's worth (a 60+ home project, run ...
Goodman Effiecancy not up to 95%	7/23/2009
Q: Ok,I just had a GMH950703BX Goodman gas furnace installed and everything seems to be running fine as ... A: Bob: As you know, I haven't been involved with service and repair since March 08, 1996 (Thank The ...
attic ventilation	7/22/2009
Q: I am about to install a gable fan in my attic. The gable vent is much larger than the "face" of the ... A: Doug: This is a GOOD idea: Anything you can do to cool the attic will save you money on AC, ...
quote	7/22/2009
Q: from what you have said, you are willing to answer questions re: size and quotes. We got a quote for ... A: Mary Ellen: The bedroom problem sounds like a balancing issue, not insufficient capacity; I've ...
quote	7/22/2009
Q: from what you have said, you are willing to answer questions re: size and quotes. We got a quote for ... A: Mary: 1,890 SF/4 Tons = 472 SF/Ton. It sounds like that's more cooling than you need; 3.5 tons ...
heat pump not cooling w/ice on fitting	7/18/2009
Q: I answer on allexperts in 5 other categories, but am not an expert on HVAC. My heat pump worked fine ... A: Dave. Yes. Why 70 degrees? It won't cool faster, all it'll do is waste energy by overcooling. And ...
AC not removing humidity	7/17/2009
Q: Fred, I have a 20 year old Trane AC unit which recently had 3lbs of freon added. After that for ... A: Robert: Service life is 15 years, so you've done well. If you decide to replace the AC, don't ...
freon change	7/16/2009
Q: When they changed freon from the old to the new,what kind of freon do I sure in my home a/c unit A: Patrick: Fred
sizing	7/16/2009
Q: how many cfms does a three ton system, horizontal furnace 13 seer and will it be enough for a ... A: Jerry: That's a shame, I wrote a really good reply. Fred
A/C central air duct work sweats and drips	7/16/2009
Q: Central air duct work is in ceiling and has begun to sweat around the duct pipes leading across ... A: Shelly: Fred
ac comparison	7/14/2009
Q: Fred, We need to replace our 10 year old system as it is leaking condensation from the evaporator ... A: Ed: You still have five or more years service life on your AC and eight or more on your furnace; ...
NEW A/C CAN'T KEEP UP WITH STAT	7/12/2009
Q: REPLACED OLD 3TON HP WITH GOODMAN 3.5HP.NEW UNIT WORKS WELL,BUT CAN'T KEEP 1900SQFT 1960s ... A: Bruce: So there was a 3 ton unit and you replaced it with 3-1/2 tons, right? 1,900 SF/ 3.5 Tons = ...
air conditioning	7/9/2009
Q: I just had a new compressor put in. I assumed it would be energy efficient. It is a Lux Air and ... A: Linda: Luxaire (SP?) is to York as Payne is to Carrier, the less expensive line of a major ...
Air Conditioning Vent Noise	7/9/2009
Q: ..we have a 3 year old 4-ton Ruud 13 Seer Condensor Air Conditioning Unit. It runs well, however, ... A: Barbara: There are two kinds of noise (These are my terms): "Air Noise" and "Machine Noise"; the ...
mildew in duct work	7/9/2009
Q: I recently had water in the basement and I now have a smell of mildew when I turn on the air/heat. ... A: Sheri: If the ductwork was wetted, you could have mold issues and you might want to call a duct ...
HVAC Replacement	7/8/2009
Q: I live in the DC area, in a 2000 sq ft 3 level townhouse, basement level is unfinished. It's time ... A: Ann: You now have a two ton system ("...024..."), and nowhere do you say it never cooled adequately ...
Insulating a platform return	7/7/2009
Q: I have a platform return (AKA air handler platform) on my HVAC system. This is just a 2x4 framed ... A: Gary: I assume this system is in a residence (Or at least serves a volume less than 25,000 cubic ...
Sizing of return air grill	7/7/2009
Q: Fred, I recently had a 2 1/2 ton Trane split system installed and the a/c tech stated the return ... A: Tim: We limit grille velocities to 400 FPM to reduce resistance to flow and eliminate air noise. ...
hot upstairs	6/26/2009
Q: My husband and I disagree on how to cool our upstairs with our central air. Our house is 100 years ... A: Jean: I'm a little confused: Window ac's upstairs, but you want to know about closing registers; is ...
air conditioning unit size	6/18/2009
Q: We have a rental home and the air conditioner is no longer working. We found a possible replacement ... A: Denise: 1,800SF/5 Tons = 360SF/Ton. It's way too big; you need 3 tons, give or take. Don't forget ...
Install quote on 5 ton Trane	6/18/2009
Q: We were quoted $9350 for everything install with 20 yr warr for a 5 ton split unit. This is on a ... A: Jim: It's too much cooling: 2,000SF/5 Tons = 400SF/Ton; should be 500+ (You need four tons or ...
a/c ceiling vents dripping	6/10/2009
Q: Live in 1500 sq ft mfg home in central Florida. Noticed today a/c ceiling vents (1 in kitchen and 1 ... A: Shari: Fred
Carrier/American Standard	6/10/2009
Q: I'm looking at comparable quotes from 2 companies. One is for a 16SEER, 3 ton American Standard ... A: Matt: 1,300SF/3.5 Tons = 371 SF/Ton - now THAT'S oversizing. Filter grilles are limited to 2 ...
installing tile under baseboard heater	6/9/2009
Q: I have excellent hot water baseboard heaters (gas heat)in a 1954 home. I am considering installing ... A: Louise: None of us like to spend money unnecessarily, BUT I'd suggest hiring a Plumbing-Heating ...
fin direction on baseboard hot water heat system	6/8/2009
Q: Does it matter which way the fins are turned on the baseboard unit? I believe the aluminum "fins" ... A: Ron: It depends on how the fins are fabricated: If they're square and flat, it's dumb-proof; if two ...
Carrier/American Standard	6/8/2009
Q: I'm looking at comparable quotes from 2 companies. One is for a 16SEER, 3 ton American Standard ... A: Matt: 1,300 SF/3 Tons = 433 SF/Ton means they're offering too much capacity. Suggest you consider ...
size of air handler stand if replaced	6/8/2009
Q: My air handler sits on a stand or drywall box with ductboard inside, the return plenum sits next to ... A: Susan: That's a very restrictive arrangement, and the system can't be delivering rated flow. Visit ...
Home	6/7/2009
Q: We live in a new home that about 1 to 2 years old. Our air conditioning stopped working the other ... A: Barry: That's a new one. You know oversized AC does a poor job controlling humidity: Simply put, it ...
unit size	6/6/2009
Q: I live in middle Tennessee in a two level, 2100 square foot house and my current air conditioning ... A: J: Go to askweldin.com and click on "More Is Worse". I bought Bryant, but what do I know? Your AC ...
Ductwork	6/5/2009
Q: We recently had our old (23 yrs) unit and handler replaced with an EcoTemp 2 ton r10 heat pump ... A: Michelle: This is one of those "Service and Repair" things I don't normally answer; there are lots ...
Make-up Air Questions	6/4/2009
Q: I am installing a 40K btu 92% nat gas furnace (horizontal mount). I have a concentric vent/supply ... A: Jason: Sizing and acceptable locations are covered by the Installation Instructions, suggest you ...
Adding vents to existing ducts?	6/3/2009
Q: I'm finishing my basement, and thinking about tapping into two 6" ducts that currently lead to the ... A: Clint: So you're saying in the whole basement there's not 12" or so of main to which you can ...
measurement for hvac system	6/3/2009
Q: I have heard sere and tonnage referred to with relation to air conditioner units. What do both ... A: Sue: I've seen 16's so poorly installed they used as much energy as a 13 (IE: 23% more than they ...
measurement for hvac system	6/3/2009
Q: I have heard sere and tonnage referred to with relation to air conditioner units. What do both ... A: Sue: "SEER" is the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, used to compare energy consumption between ...
HVAC Goodman Quote	6/1/2009
Q: I recently received a quote to replace my current 3 ton heating and air units with 5 ton heating and ... A: Rob: 2,000 SF/3 Tons = 667 SF/Ton 2,000 SF/5 Tons = 400 SF/Ton So this bozo is going to install ...
A/C has insufficient flow to house extremeties	6/1/2009
Q: I have a 10 year old house (2750 sq.ft.- 4 bedrooms) which I purchased 2 yrs ago, with a 2-stage A/C ... A: Marisa: It's definitely duct-related: You need to balance the system, and possibly correct some ...
Adding vents to existing ducts?	6/1/2009
Q: I'm finishing my basement, and thinking about tapping into two 6" ducts that currently lead to the ... A: Clint: This is not a good idea; I'd prefer you go back to the main and connect your new outlets ...
economizers	6/1/2009
Q: My boss told me that turning veins in ductwork don't really work, in fact they make the air swirl ... A: Brian: Economizers are most often accessories for package rooftop units. When there's a call for ...
Heat Pump Condenser	5/31/2009
Q: We live in Hockley, TX just outside of Houston where it is very hot! Our outside condenser unit ... A: Amy: That's a little early for a failure: Service life should be 15 years or more; if it's just a ...
White/Grey Powdery substance	5/30/2009
Q: I had a Goodman HVAC heat pump system installed about 1 1/2 years ago. This winter I started ... A: Jason: That's a new one on me, but I agree: It doesn't sound good, and it does seem linked to the ...
HEAT PUMP	5/29/2009
Q: I am replacing a 17 years old unit with carrier performance series (heat pump and airhandler)with ... A: Muhammed: Fred
Packaged Unit Versus Split System	5/29/2009
Q: I'm interested in your thoughts on a ground-mounted packaged unit versus a split system. I own a ... A: Jay: Air handlers are installed in crawl spaces all the time around here. There are Code issues ...
Packaged Unit Versus Split System	5/28/2009
Q: I'm interested in your thoughts on a ground-mounted packaged unit versus a split system. I own a ... A: Jay: I like it. A crawl space is a much better environment for ductwork, as the temperatures are ...
Replace existing A/C Unit	5/27/2009
Q: We have an 11 yr old Rheem unit - 10 Seer - 4 ton. 4 bedroom/3 bath home. It is not cooling as it ... A: Linda: Service life on AC's is around 18 years, seems a shame to replace something that has 40% of ...
lennox furnace replace or fix	5/27/2009
Q: lennox conservator III g16. when heat went on,the CO alarm went off. i turned of furnace & it ... A: Joe: Service life on furnaces is around 18 years, so if it's relatively new replace the heat ...
mold on grills	5/26/2009
Q: My boss told me that turning veins in ductwork don't really work, in fact they make the air swirl ... A: Brian: I've seen that happen before: Moisture from the room condenses on the grille; look for ...
Replacing heat pump/a.c.	5/26/2009
Q: Bought house 20 yrs ago. Live in Baltimore, Md. House is all electric. A.C. stopped working last ... A: MJ: Someone will have to calculate H&C requirements. Suggest you go to askweldin.com and click on ...
Split system compressor in a thru-wall sleeve?	5/21/2009
Q: Does anyone make an A/C split system which can mount it's compressor/heat exchanger in a ... A: National Comfort Products is one manufacturer; I wish your client the best of luck maintaining and ...
temp balance	5/20/2009
Q: I have recently asked questions about partially blocking vents in cold area of house which is right ... A: James: Askweldin.com has info on balancing; read the home page and then click "Balancing". You need ...
A/C SIZE ADEQUACY	5/19/2009
Q: My wife and I purchased a 4,600 SF home in February. The builder was strapped for cash, so he made ... A: Andy: So 4,600SF supplied by THREE AC systems. The good news is the MBR: 600SF/2.5 Tons = ...
air conditioner does not cool house	5/17/2009
Q: Summer is coming up and I am dreading it because our house does not cool off well at all. I live ... A: Diana: Lowe's and/or Home Depot offer kits of clear plastic sheeting to seal off windows; that'd ...
THE RIGHT FUSE!	5/16/2009
Q: My 5 ton 110btu a/c units in the attic always has a wire melt down. The fuse in the garage is a 20 ... A: Ankur: As you've read, I've been away from "Service and Repair" for more than 13 years; I've ...
oli fired steam boiler	5/16/2009
Q: I am replacing my oil fired steam boiler. Which one or two brands should I go with and what are one ... A: Steve: I always liked Weil-McLain. You can save a lot converting to forced hot water heating. AND ...
air cooler	5/14/2009
Q: Are you familiar with this "cool surge air cooler"? Is it what they advertise? Is it like the old ... A: Lindell: Fred
ac cooling problem	5/14/2009
Q: I have a 2 ton tappen r-16 unit for a game room that is approxamatly 500 sg.ft. the unit has never ... A: Thomas: 500SF/2 Tons = 250 SF/Ton means you have way too much cooling; you should be able to hang ...
Estimated Capacity of Refrigerant	5/13/2009
Q: I have a York Home unit of approximately 3 tons in an older home. The unit is around 20 years old. ... A: Thomas: That'd be R22, no clue how much it holds; make sure they weigh it with an electronic scale. ...
air flow	5/13/2009
Q: Not sure if you can answer this but Im going to ask it since it might involve duct issues. So I ... A: James: Go to askweldin.com, read about "TD" on the home page, then click "Balancing". You need to ...
turning veins	5/13/2009
Q: My boss told me that turning veins in ductwork don't really work, in fact they make the air swirl ... A: Brian: Don't know what else to tell you. The vanes reduce turbulence ("swirling") and therefore ...
turning veins	5/12/2009
Q: My boss told me that turning veins in ductwork don't really work, in fact they make the air swirl ... A: Brian: I'm sorry to hear your veins are turning, that must really hurt! :<) In fact turning vanes ...
Concerned about oil heating a house	5/12/2009
Q: I need help with question about oil heat in a house. What are the benefits of oil heating versus ... A: Ernie: What no one's talking about is that firing oil creates soot, which builds up and "insulates" ...
Huffing Puffing Oscillating noise coming from registers	5/12/2009
Q: Let me tell you a little bit about my system... I am cooling the 3rd floor of house which is 900 ... A: Arnold: 900SF/2.5 Tons = 360 SF/Ton is way too much cooling; I'd think 1.5 or 2 tons would be much ...
AC Ton	5/11/2009
Q: I Have a old 1979 double wide moblehome. It is 28ft wide and 55ft long. The ceiling height is 7' 4". ... A: Marty: As you've read, I haven't been involved with service and repair since 1996; my knowledge of ...
Duct sizing	5/11/2009
Q: Hope you would help. Since day one,of my newly constructed 1994 Florida home I have one problem ... A: Larry: You might want to read up on balancing and flex duct at askweldin.com. Basically, you need ...
New A/C System/ Problem with Zone System (Damper)	5/10/2009
Q: Hope you can help me. I just installed a 12 SEER GrandAir system made by York. I had an 8 SEER ... A: Marcos: The freeze is due to low airflow. That it has anything to do with the new system being a ...
BEST BRAND AC	5/10/2009
Q: Would you please tell me in your opinion what is the best central a/c and heat unit you would ... A: Rickie: As you've read, my service and repair experience ended in 1996; don't know what's "best" ...
Comparing SEER ratings	5/9/2009
Q: Fred I have existing 3.5 ton Carrier 28 years old still working. But the outside unit is getting ... A: Bob: See askweldin.com, click on "Evaluating Efficiency"; you'll need model numbers of indoor and ...
best ac for Phoenix AZ?	5/9/2009
Q: I'm looking to replace my a/c, not a split system, a single unit. I live in Phoenix, need a higher ... A: Rick: As you know, I've been away from service and repair for 13+ years; so my experience as to ...
Cold start with conventional boiler	5/5/2009
Q: Mr Weldin, The short version of myCan you use a cold start controller e.g., Honeywell AQ2000, with ... A: Chris: Cast iron is much more resistant to the corrosive effects of (acidic) moisture condensing ...
Cold start with conventional boiler	5/4/2009
Q: Mr Weldin, The short version of myCan you use a cold start controller e.g., Honeywell AQ2000, with ... A: Chris: Heating domestic hot water with a boiler in the summer is the least efficient operation ...
air conditioner	5/4/2009
Q: I have an air conditioner here at work, and don't know a name or the size of it and was hoping you ... A: Sue: 15 years is how long it'd last on the average; some units last a lot longer, others don't. ...
Odor from A/C	5/2/2009
Q: I have a 10 year old Trane XL1200 unit. I recently spilled some old gasoline (about 1/2 pint) into ... A: Steve: The only way that could happen is with a "package unit" (all components in one box outside, ...
air handler	5/2/2009
Q: we have 2 zone ac (separate system from heating) The air handler in the attic is 17 years old...it ... A: Wendy: Service life for the coil is 20 years, for the blower 25 years. I'd be very surprised if it ...
Our heat pump, your thoughts on R 22 and replacements	4/30/2009
Q: I spent part of a very pleasant afternoon reading your own company site. It taught me a lot, and ... A: Chris: Generally speaking today's units are bigger than older models regardless of refrigerant; the ...
Our heat pump, your thoughts on R 22 and replacements	4/29/2009
Q: I spent part of a very pleasant afternoon reading your own company site. It taught me a lot, and ... A: Chris: When you sell, you'll have to disclose the refrigerant leak; that'll drive the selling price ...
Heat Pump/Air handler choice	4/29/2009
Q: We are getting conflicting sales pitches on different makers. We have a master bed room, 525 sq ft ... A: Paul: Conflicting sales pitches - Imagine that. So you have a 525 SF MBR that has its own system. ...
New HVAC system question	4/29/2009
Q: I've visited your website and garnered a lot of knowledge from there so thank you for having that ... A: Tom: So you pay for three tons of (VERY EXPENSIVE) equipment and ductwork, even though you don't ...
New HVAC system question	4/29/2009
Q: I've visited your website and garnered a lot of knowledge from there so thank you for having that ... A: Tom: Oxymoron: High efficiency and low repair costs when it breaks. That dog won't hunt. Three ...
Heat Pump Postion	4/27/2009
Q: I am gettng a new Bryant All Electric Heat Pump and Furnace. My question is I am wanting to pour a ... A: Jason: 6" on one side, 12" on the others and 24" between adjacent units. I went 12" from the wall ...
HVAC Problem	4/27/2009
Q: Sir, you are the only available person, if you cannot answer this, I understand. I am a single lady ... A: Patti: I don't like the sound of this. You might consider dropping these guys and going back to ...
Why isn't my house cooler?	4/26/2009
Q: We live in southern Georgia in a 1800 sq. ft. house that is 17 years old. We've lived in it for 8 ... A: Brenda: By now, you've thoroughly surfed the website. You didn't tell me if the unit/ductwork is in ...
Why isn't my house cooler?	4/25/2009
Q: We live in southern Georgia in a 1800 sq. ft. house that is 17 years old. We've lived in it for 8 ... A: Brenda: Your problem is duct-related, three tons should be enough. You need to go to askweldin.com ...
Return Air Ducts	4/25/2009
Q: I have a 20 year old ranch style house with 2640 sqft located in South East Texas. I have a four ton ... A: Robert: I assume you have "filter grilles". They're sized at 2 CFM/sq. in. gross area. Yours are ...
Sizing issues on heat pump	4/23/2009
Q: I am tying to make a decision on what size heat pump to buy and need help. My house was built in ... A: Peggy: The first thing you should do is go through askweldin.com; a lot of your questions are ...
Air Flow	3/30/2009
Q: I cannot find an answer anywhere for this, so here you go... I have built a cigar room in my ... A: Charles: Six air changes exhaust per hour is a common design rule of thumb; that would be 210 CFM ...
new return	3/29/2009
Q: i have a rancher that was built int he 50s with oil heat and no air conditioning. the supply is on ... A: Joe: The first thing you'll need is a cooling load calculation to determine if the three tons is ...
new return	3/29/2009
Q: i have a rancher that was built int he 50s with oil heat and no air conditioning. the supply is on ... A: Joe: That's a 3 ton unit requiring 1,200 CFM; 20x8 is good for 800+ CFM, and the 1/6 HP blower ...
new return	3/29/2009
Q: i have a rancher that was built int he 50s with oil heat and no air conditioning. the supply is on ... A: Joe: First of all, you have a serious Code violation: Drawing return air from within the "furnace ...
HVAC zone vs. variable speed	3/26/2009
Q: I live in a 3-story row-home with forced heat and would like to add central air conditioning. I ... A: Ellen: You'll need three zones, assuming the basement is conditioned. See askweldin.com (click ...
New HVAC system	3/26/2009
Q: Fred, I recently purchased a new home and had the air conditioner inspected in preparation for the ... A: Jennifer: 15 years is the service life for that kind of equipment. As you've seen, I don't service ...
HVAC	3/11/2009
Q: Fred- Thanks again for your advice. I'll expand the opening and clean the unit. The heater gets it's ... A: Doug: I assume there's a ventilated attic above, is that the case? A single opening is acceptable, ...
HVAC opening	3/10/2009
Q: the opening through which my system intakes air from inside my home in order to cool/heat/filter ... A: Doug: I see your point, the floor (???) opening is 22% smaller than the unit opening; on the face ...
Copper piping for air conditioners	3/8/2009
Q: "I am interesting in a home where the previous owner stole the air conditioners. He cut the pipes ... A: Cindy: Four possibilities I can think of: 1. The pipes are cut off at the floor, and there's ...
Size of unit needed	3/6/2009
Q: The gas pack for our 100 year old house just died. Need to know best sized unit to replace it with. ... A: Lisa: As you've read, I erase answers that remain unread after a week. Fred
3 bids to replace air ducts	3/5/2009
Q: I live in N. Texas. HVAC unit was replaced 5 years ago. Installed a 5 ton Am. Std which is ... A: Janeen: "Flexible Duct Systems" are those in which there are very few rectangular ducts; there's ...
"pinging" noise from hvac/vents	3/4/2009
Q: Just moved into a new house and this "pinging" noise is keeping me awkake at night. It is coming ... A: Kelly: If your main ducts are metal, there's a phenomenon called "oil canning" wherein they make ...
trane air handler	3/3/2009
Q: I had a trane air conditioner installed a few years ago and it has never worked right either heating ... A: Gay: "Multipoise" units can be installed in many different orientations, so you're probably OK. The ...
Vent size	3/2/2009
Q: New install gas pack, I told the to make the furnace blow accross the living room. It is at the end ... A: Chuck: In answer to your question, I don't know how this could happen with a licensed contractor. ...
areas of the house we don't want to heat	3/1/2009
Q: We just got a new heating system, consisting of a heat pump backed up by a propane furnace. The ... A: Andrew: It is unusual for me to find a system delivering rated flow; there are usually duct ...
areas of the house we don't want to heat	3/1/2009
Q: We just got a new heating system, consisting of a heat pump backed up by a propane furnace. The ... A: Andrew: Your system is probably delivering less than rated flow now. Closing dampers will further ...
sizing of new equipment	2/27/2009
Q: I am helping a friend build a house in New Berlin, NY. The house has 2x6 framing on outside wall and ... A: David: He may be in never-never land with the second floor: The smallest system (1-1/2 tons) is ...
using a heat pump	2/27/2009
Q: I have an electric heat pump plus electric heat strips. I am told the heat pump is the most cost ... A: Lynne: You need an outdoor thermostat or an outdoor sensor to deactivate the resistance heat in ...
Bolier	2/25/2009
Q: Fred I am looking at a old house built in 1920's that looks like it has the original coal boiler ... A: John: Do not pass GO, do not collect $200; just get a new boiler ASAP! That thing might be 50% ...
the best?	2/24/2009
Q: I live here in the banana republic of miami.I have a Rheem 11 sheer old central unit at my house.I ... A: Jose: See askweldin.com for much of what you need to know about ductwork, sizing, efficiencies and ...
duct efficency	2/23/2009
Q: I am just completing building a home for myself high in the Colorado Rockies. This is a heating only ... A: James: I can't help with the gas conversion or fuel/air, I have no experience. I haven't worked at ...
duct efficency	2/20/2009
Q: I am just completing building a home for myself high in the Colorado Rockies. This is a heating only ... A: James: You need to view askweldin.com; lot of good stuff on ductwork and duct insulation there (At ...
Central Illinois Insulation	2/19/2009
Q: both pretty efficient I'm told (97% and 15SEER). I'm trying to make sure the house is right for ... A: Kevin: Check out askweldin.com to make sure you have a green duct system. Find someone to do a ...
Water in heating & Air vents	2/19/2009
Q: Please tell me how I can remove water from my heating and air vents. Last night my toilet in the ... A: Denise: Yes to the shop vac. Probably won't damage your unit, BUT I'd be very concerned about mold ...
a/c conversion	2/17/2009
Q: I would like to replace my 18 year old outdoor hvac unit without having to change out the inside ... A: Hank: I assume you have a split system, and you want to replace the air conditioner or heat pump, ...
Central Air/Heat	2/15/2009
Q: I live in a very small home (650 sf) in Los Angeles (so it doesn't get much below 40 in the winter ... A: Jan: There should be considerable energy savings from a ducted system, if you buy a 90+ furnace ...
What size central AC unit 3 quotes 3 different sizes	2/12/2009
Q: We live in a two story 1929 tudor in suburban ny. We put a 3 1/2 ton central ac system in our attic ... A: Ronnie: You need a two zone system for the first floor; the sun room must have its own thermostat. ...
Heater question	2/12/2009
Q: My house has all baseboard heating and some rooms have no heat. I would like to use the old cast ... A: Dennis: Absolutely! I did it successfully in a home I lived in for 25 years. The secrets: Pipe the ...
whole house humidifiers	2/11/2009
Q: We have a 3-story townhome that's 2500 sqft in size. We have 2 zones for hvac. 1st zone is lower ... A: Chris: I doubt you could add enough moisture in cold weather to create mold in the home; you'd need ...
whole house humidifiers	2/11/2009
Q: We have a 3-story townhome that's 2500 sqft in size. We have 2 zones for hvac. 1st zone is lower ... A: Chris: No and yes. Suggest you go for a "Steam Atomizing" humidifier; search that or AutoFlo (one ...
fresh air duct	2/10/2009
Q: we have a 50K BTU in / 39K BTU max out gas furnace. what size fresh air intake pipe do we need to a ... A: Bob: 2006 IFC offers two options: 1. 304.6.1 Two openings (one within 12" of ceiling, one within ...
New heap pump needed	2/10/2009
Q: Looks like I need to replace my heat pump, 4 ton size. Possibilities are a 13 seer Goodman, 13 seer ... A: Ken: Do go to R410A, R22's going to become more expensive than you and I can imagine. Go to ...
AC/Heat System Replacement	2/9/2009
Q: I have been getting quotes for the replacement of my AC/heat system, and the more information I ... A: Sara: If the AC were too small, it'd run 24/7 in real hot weather and the thermostat would never ...
Duct work	2/9/2009
Q: My 88 year old mother was given a bid to remove old/replace all ductwork in her 28 year old home, ... A: Lin: Metal ductwork doesn't fall apart, but fibrous glass (AKA "fiberglass", "duct board" or just ...
Heating	2/8/2009
Q: I live in a 200 year old home. Currently it is being heat by two under the floor furnaces that ... A: Maryellen: A "two zone" installation is quite common, as are ceiling registers on the second ...
FHW, gas fired boiler question	2/8/2009
Q: My gas fired boiler (15 years old)has 3 zones. Zones 2+3 (second floor, and finished basement)are ... A: Richard: Good for you! You might try sliding some "Armaflex" (black foam pipe covering) onto that ...
FHW, gas fired boiler question	2/6/2009
Q: My gas fired boiler (15 years old)has 3 zones. Zones 2+3 (second floor, and finished basement)are ... A: Richard: Now there's a question! I haven't worked on hot water heat in 16 years (shoulda never ...
U & R VALUES	2/5/2009
Q: I'm a geothermal contractor. I am working on a heat loss/gain of a stone house with no insulation in ... A: Gary: My 1968 Carrier Design Manual says R0.08/inch if it's limestone or sandstone and my ASHRAE ...
Burnham Holiday gas heating system	2/5/2009
Q: My heating system was probably installed in 1955. It is a gas boiler. I have lived in the house for ... A: Sandy: See yesterday's reply to "Ashley": You probably need to bleed air from the baseboard(s); ...
furnace	2/5/2009
Q: My 3600 sq ft house has a 2001 Carrier furnace We live in TX HVac guy says we need 2 new evaporator ... A: Elizabeth: I'll need more info to answer this sensibly. I believe there's an underlying condition ...
BTU,s	2/5/2009
Q: Just moved into a house and have concerns that the FAU may not be adequate. The nomenclature on the ... A: Steve: I delete answers that remain unread for a week. Fred
no heat in finished basement	2/4/2009
Q: It's our first winter in this home and we just discovered that the recently finished basement has ... A: Greer: No and probably not. Most systems are so oversized that adding a finished basement (or two ...
Humidification	2/4/2009
Q: I have a gas forced air heating system for a house that's around 2000 sq. ft., and my old Walton ... A: Clark: Do you notice any difference without the humidifier? Most of them don't really do much, ...
heat pump	2/4/2009
Q: We live in central florida, when it gets very cold outside, under 32 degrees for several hours, it ... A: Cathy: Your auxiliary heat is coming on because the heat pump can't keep up. It probably doesn't ...
BASEBOARD HOT WATER SYSTEM	2/4/2009
Q: I HAVE A BASEBOARD HOT WATER SYSTEM . WHEN THE HEAT COMES ON I SOMETIMES HAVE BANGING IN THE PIPES. ... A: Ashley: You probably need to bleed air from the baseboard(s); there should be manual air vents ...
Heating and air unit	2/2/2009
Q: Does a home AC/heating unit that heats by gas need a sediment trap/drip leg? A: Rodney: Yes. 2006 IFGC para. 408.4 "Sediment Trap" requires it, but exempts illuminating ...
Fresh air piped in for newer furnace	2/1/2009
Q: I just bought an old house (built 1919) with a newer natural gas furnace (installed 2001). There is ... A: Josh: It's a good thing to bring in air for combustion; properly done, it cuts down on infiltration ...
Cold Air Return	1/31/2009
Q: I have dual zone heating and cooling in a tri-level 3250 sq ft house. 4 bedrooms, a kitchen, living ... A: Ted: The older system can't affect the newer one so long as the ducts aren't interconnected. I ...
Home Heating	1/31/2009
Q: I notice that when the thermostat reached the cut off temperature of the room the water goes right ... A: FOLABI: The relief valve must be discharging at that pressure, you're losing heated water and ...
Home Heating	1/31/2009
Q: I notice that when the thermostat reached the cut off temperature of the room the water goes right ... A: FOLABI: I really don't understand your description. Please tell me about your system: 1. Do you ...
Splitting the supply trunk	1/30/2009
Q: First of all, thanks for providing this service. I am learning, and this is a great resource that ... A: Amit: 22x8 = 1,000 CFM (2-1/2 tons) 12x8 = 500 CFM Capacity-wise you're fine (those numbers are ...
using pipe dope on nat. gas fittings	1/29/2009
Q: I need to know if pipe dope is all the same, same as what you use for water pipes, can it be used ... A: Debbie: Read the label to determine suitability. Check with your local AHJ ("Authority Having ...
Air conditioning	1/29/2009
Q: I would like to install a new Carrier air conditioning system in my house. The installer recommends ... A: Lorena: This is the same house, right? If so, I'm having trouble with the scenario: 1,100 SF ...
thermostats	1/29/2009
Q: I need a new thermostat for an all electric home, but I have a sump pump/heat pump and need to know ... A: Diana: The first important thing is to read the label to make sure it's heat pump compatible. ...
home heating	1/28/2009
Q: Our house was built in the early 1970's. It has electric ceiling cable heat. Sometimes called ... A: Sandy: Sounds like you're going to be buying a ducted system of some kind. If you don't care about ...
rheem gas furnace	1/28/2009
Q: I need help on a gas furnace by company listed above.Model#rgdg10ebrjr.unit would not operate,check ... A: Curtis: Excuse me, but you're the fourth person today to ask a question I haven't the experience to ...
Air conditioning	1/27/2009
Q: I would like to install a new Carrier air conditioning system in my house. The installer recommends ... A: Lorena: That'd be a 24APA530 with an FX4CN; ARI lists six combinations with SEER's ranging from ...
Outdoor Gas Pack	1/27/2009
Q: I had a outdoor Gas Pack unit installed and used flex ducting to connect to my under house metal ... A: Harold: This Code dates back to the 1890's. There has always been a concern about "Runaway ...
Hydronic Air Handlers	1/27/2009
Q: What are the key features to look for in hydronic air handlers for new home construction with a ... A: Robyn: You've raised a number of interesting design issues. Unfortunately, I've spent about all the ...
Hydronic Air Handlers	1/26/2009
Q: What are the key features to look for in hydronic air handlers for new home construction with a ... A: Robyn: There you go with "Bells and Whistles": That's a variable speed blower that'll cost dearly ...
propane heater	1/26/2009
Q: I would like to purchase a propane heater as a secondary for my basement. Most of the units are ... A: Luc: I doubt it, and you REALLY want a direct vent type. I investigated a few vent free fireplace ...
Heat Pumps	1/26/2009
Q: We recently purchased a home in West Virginia that has two heat pumps...one for each floor. We have ... A: Jeff: Yes, see images under "Basics" on website. Fred PS: 2,500SF/5 tons = 500SF/ton; that's what ...
air conditioning	1/26/2009
Q: what should be the cooling temperature coming out of the ceiling registers, and what should be the ... A: Harry: 1. You should have a 15 or 20 degree TD at indoor coil, so it's a function of return grille ...
Heat Pumps	1/25/2009
Q: We recently purchased a home in West Virginia that has two heat pumps...one for each floor. We have ... A: Jeff: Welcome to the Wonderful World Of Heat Pumps! What a paradox: The more heat you need, the ...
Amtrol boilermate leak	1/25/2009
Q: I have an Amtrol WH-7P 41 Gal. boilermate which is working fine,however the ciculator pump flange ... A: Mark: You should be OK. If I may ask, why are you heating domestic hot water with a space heating ...
lowering heat bill	1/25/2009
Q: If I open a window in a room of my house which is not the room where my thermostat is will my heater ... A: Jim: There's a lot of inaccurate "Dinner Party Chic" out there. Opening a window in a room not ...
Outdoor Gas Pack	1/25/2009
Q: I had a outdoor Gas Pack unit installed and used flex ducting to connect to my under house metal ... A: Harold: NFPA 90B requires metal supply ductwork within 36" of the heat exchanger measured along the ...
central heating	1/24/2009
Q: if l leave my heating on continuos and turn my stat down at night would this reduce my gas bill A: Dawn: Absolutely! All of us involved with energy conservation in the 70's agreed with Honeywell's ...
Old baseboard heaters	1/24/2009
Q: I'm a 24 year in business electrical contractor. I have run across a situation where old baseboard ... A: Robert: 18A x 240V = 4,320VA (call it 4,500W). 14A x 240V = 3,360VA (call that one 3,500W). Could ...
HVAC	1/24/2009
Q: how i can controlled my AHU(HVAC)system through Temp,RH,Pressure set point.Insort how i can change ... A: Mithilesh: I delete answers that are not read within one week. Fred
underground terracotta duct work repair	1/23/2009
Q: I am adding a bathroom to our laundry room, quite simple until we talk about digging underground to ... A: Fred I remove answers that remain unread for a week. Fred
AC in den	1/22/2009
Q: Have a 12x25 room in basement... used to be a storage room off of garage... house is 3 stories ... A: Nate: A ductless mini-split (Sanyo, etc.) is the way to go. That way, the heat is rejected directly ...
Geo-Thermal Water Furnace	1/21/2009
Q: I am being told my Water Furnace has a bad accumulator and needs replaced. The unit is 20 years old ... A: Joe: Its service life should be 19 years or so (you're there). I don't like the idea of funding a ...
What is a Air Flow Regulator	1/21/2009
Q: 18 yo 2300 sqft house, baseboard heat, Weil McClein (sp?) nat gas burner located in heated utility ... A: Daryn: Lucky you with hot water heat!!! By drawing combustion air from the home, the boiler could ...
york furnace 3 red flashes	1/21/2009
Q: i am working on a york gm9s100c16up11g n/g furnace.it has 3" pvc vent pipes on it and will run fine ... A: Mike: I remove answers that remain unread after one week. Fred
Trane XR90	1/20/2009
Q: I have a trane XR90 that was new in 2003. I had it serviced in October of 2008 and the service ... A: Dan: This question falls under the general description I call "Service and Repair"; as such, I have ...
High pressure switch	1/19/2009
Q: Replaced 3 ton 12 year old York Stellar with Coleman Echelon series heat pump end of November 2008 ... A: Frank: You know I don't do service and repair, so you may take what follows for what it's worth. ...
Heating	1/19/2009
Q: Sir, My question is if I heat my main house by use of a pellet stove. Can I fininsh my basement and ... A: Raj: I leave the answers up for a week. If they're not read by the end of that time, I erase them. ...
replacement unit	1/19/2009
Q: my 5,500 ft. house in South FL is 15 years old, we recently had a huge freeze and defrost of our ... A: Nadine: I leave the answers up for a week. If they haven't been read by the end of that time I ...
Furnace or thermostat	1/18/2009
Q: I have a Carrier propone fueled furnace with a four zone thermostat. In my great room, which is ... A: Tom: I've never heard of a zone damper arrangement wherein all zones are controlled from one ...
HVAC Opinion	1/15/2009
Q: Frank: Hopefully this fits in with your profile request for types of questions :). I posed this ... A: Nathan: I spent 15 or 20 minutes on a reply, clicked "Preview" and off it went into cyberspace, ...
new installation / siding type	1/15/2009
Q: Fred, I was reading your reply to Gay in north Alabama. I'm also from Alabama and building a new ... A: Karl: Answers removed after onwe week. Fred
Day&Night 5 ton 14 seer	1/15/2009
Q: My wife and I just purchased our first home, a foreclosure. Were told that the heater is shot, by 2 ... A: Daryl: 5 tons is too much for 2,350SF. 3 to 4 would be plenty. You won't need much in that climate; ...
reducing cooling cost w/whole house fan	1/14/2009
Q: Like everywhere else, here in Virginia our utility rates are constantly rising with a total increase ... A: Robin: A whole house fan is probably not for those with allergies. Evaporative cooling is no good ...
How to clean natural gas Wall Heater?	11/13/2008
Q: How to clean combustible chamber of a Williams Monterey double sided 50K BTU wall furnace? I have ... A: Munir: As you know, I don't do service and repair questions. I do know "soot" is formed when the ...
Carrier 38CK Air Conditioner	8/15/2008
Q: I have a 12 year Carrier 38CK 11.5 sear air conditioner that appears to have a bad compressor. It ... A: Pat: Brand new 10 SEER??? It's been sitting around for 2+ years??? "Same cooling ...
AC fan to be used to cool house	8/14/2008
Q: Fred, I will read your answer. Is having the AC fan set to "ON" at all times more energy efficient ... A: Keith: Sounds like you have supply side leakage for sure. That means you probably have return side ...
leaking water from the floor where ac drains	8/14/2008
Q: while ac is running, water is seeping up around the drain pipes and freon pipes located below the ... A: Robert: Sounds like the condensate drain line might be stopped up and/or broken (if I read you ...
AC fan to be used to cool house	8/14/2008
Q: Fred, I will read your answer. Is having the AC fan set to "ON" at all times more energy efficient ... A: Keith: 7/(7+9) = 0.44 9/(9+13) = 0.41 So with the fan on, the compressor is running less often (if ...
Bathroom Exhaust Ventilator	8/14/2008
Q: I am remodeling my upstairs bathroom that currently has a skylight but no exhaust system. Can the ... A: Vickey: Yes, just get out the drywall saw. There are models that mount above the roof, and models ...
gas furnace sizing	8/14/2008
Q: I had several HVAC contractors coming to my house for an estimate to replace my natural gas furnace. ... A: Joel: Design for Des Moines is -4, for Fort Dodge -7; it's been illegal to use "coldest ...
AC fan to be used to cool house	8/14/2008
Q: Fred, I will read your answer. Is having the AC fan set to "ON" at all times more energy efficient ... A: Keith: "Energy Efficient" - Doubtful; that'd mean 24/7 blower operation, and implies there'd be ...
Replacing heat pump system	8/14/2008
Q: We are having to replace our heat/air system. We have had Carrier,American Standard,and Amana ... A: Judy: I'm probably not the best one to ask, since I don't do service and repair work. Having said ...
Washer filter	8/13/2008
Q: Does my 3-speed timed bleach automatic washer have a filter, and how do I clean it, if so. A: Patricia: There's certainly a lint filter; just pull it out, remove the lint, and put it back. ...
Heater	8/13/2008
Q: I recently had central air installed in my house which is very old. They had to run duct work ... A: Rob: Yes; have no clue as to cost. You may have comfort problems if the air outlets weren't located ...
Over cooling and Hunting of Air conditioning units	8/13/2008
Q: Hai, Could you please explain me about what is hunting in Air conditioning Unit. A: Basheer: I used the term "hunting" working with pneumatic temperature controls back in the 80's and ...
Freon Line Distance	8/12/2008
Q: I am building a bonus room and I want to place the outside unit about 80 feet from the airhandler ... A: Tim: No and no. Carrier, for one, permits up to 175 feet. Once length exceeds 50 feet, it's a ...
Where is AC Drain outlet	8/12/2008
Q: Hey guys, i just need to know where is the drain outlet for my AC. Its model number is Supra SA1810. ... A: Usman: This is one of those service and repair questions I'm not good with. My best advice is "Call ...
hvac	8/12/2008
Q: There is an bad odor like sardines coming out from my vent only in the masterbedoom usually in the ... A: Diana: I don't know, there might be a small dead fish in the branch duct. Seriously, there may be ...
Water collecting	8/12/2008
Q: I have central air and my vents are on the floor in each room. I have noticed that water is ... A: Daniel: That's a new one! So you have "Floor Diffusers", and you've noticed water inside the ...
Sizing A/C Unit to House Square Footage	8/11/2008
Q: My house is 2,400 square feet and I have a Lennox Model 13ACC-042-230-01 A/C unit. I want to know ... A: Christopher: I have no clue. You didn't indicate your location/climate, much less any of the info ...
NG conversion burner for EFM oil burner.	8/11/2008
Q: We presently heat the house with a hot water ~190 deg F oil burner, but the price of oil is way out ... A: Don: EFM is the manufacturer of the boiler; the oil burner is made by Beckett or some other burner ...
trane split system a/c	8/11/2008
Q: .I set the thermostat switch to 'on' at night for air and leave the a/c temp set at 75 to kick on ... A: Dave: Whatever you like; you can't hurt it. I should tell you there are "experts" who don't like ...
electric furnaces	8/11/2008
Q: i have a gaffers & sattler forced air electric furnace and air conditioner in my condo. I am ... A: Steve: Well just buy an air handler and an accessory electric heater; you just won't use the ...
water shut off for vacation	8/11/2008
Q: My neighbor recently returned from vacation to find extreme water damage so I want to shut off water ... A: Brenda: Most AC's are air cooled, meaning there's an outdoor unit with a fan, to reject heat to ...
water flow from refrigerator dispencer	8/10/2008
Q: We have a GE Profile Performance model # TFX30PP, with a water dispencer on the outide of the door. ... A: James: Unfortunately, I don't do appliances. The best answer I can give you is "Call A Repairman" ...
Airconditioner	8/10/2008
Q: I have a central air unit over my furncae it is a split central air unit my filter was being sucked ... A: Greg: This is a service and repair question, I have no recent service and repair experience and ...
Faulty compressor	8/10/2008
Q: I would like to know if there is a way to tell if a compressor is good by checking between the ... A: Don: To answer your question, yes; you can check the electrical part, but not the mechanical. You ...
york n2ahd10a06c code 8	8/10/2008
Q: my brother in law is hvac but works mostly on commercial. our unit is about 15 years old and the ... A: Gidget: Thank you for the follow up. Unfortunately, this is one of those service and repair things ...
york n2ahd10a06c code 8	8/9/2008
Q: my brother in law is hvac but works mostly on commercial. our unit is about 15 years old and the ... A: Gidget: That's a blower for a cooling or heat pump coil, right? I wasn't aware York made a "10", ...
Black Air Filter	8/9/2008
Q: Fred, Thanks for taking the time to try to answer my question. I live in an apartment and have ... A: Jason; Thanks for the new information. I just want to make sure I understand the situation: 1. Your ...
Furnace in attic	8/9/2008
Q: I am sorry to hear that people are wasting your time. I would appreciate any guidance you can give ... A: Kay: This is outside my expertise. You're going to need a general contractor, or perhaps a framing ...
Locating A/C filter & determining if there is more than one?	8/8/2008
Q: I live in a rent house & the entire heating & a/C system was changed-out about 18 mths ago. ... A: Sheri: There's normally only one filter location; the manufacturers whose Instructions I've read ...
Black Air Filter	8/8/2008
Q: Fred, Thanks for taking the time to try to answer my question. I live in an apartment and have ... A: Jason: "Maintenance" may not be able to diagnose the problem, or willing to disclose their findings ...
Replacing Heat Pump - freon vs puron?	8/8/2008
Q: I live in a approx. 2600sq ft townhouse in Philadelphia. I need to replace my 15 year old 3.5 ton ... A: Dameron: This is one of those service and repair things I'm not good at. I can tell you 22 costs ...
Jenn-Air JCD2289AEB	8/8/2008
Q: I built my house 9 yrs ago and at the time purchased all new appliances. I have hads good luck with ... A: Mark: WOW, what a tale of woe. I checked Consumer Reports, they didn't rate JA refrigerators; ...
A/C	8/8/2008
Q: My A/C seems to be running a long time. Its 87 outside and thermostat is set on 78. Unit ran for 40 ... A: Terry: Check your TD, described under "Basics" at askweldin.com. This is getting into the service ...
hvac	8/7/2008
Q: my hvac is 22yr. old and i want to replace both the gas forced hot air unit and the ac unit. what ... A: Al: Well, you're five years older than me; that's not old! Attic ductwork is as bad as it gets: ...
hvac	8/7/2008
Q: my hvac is 22yr. old and i want to replace both the gas forced hot air unit and the ac unit. what ... A: Al: There is absolutely no need to put in new equipment that has more capacity than you now have; ...
Whole house humidifiers	8/7/2008
Q: Have forced hot air heat and wish to have humidifier professionally installed. Pros/cons of ... A: John: The ONLY type of humidifier to buy is an "Electronic Steam Generating" type; AutoFlo S2000 ...
Heat pump and A/C line pressure	8/6/2008
Q: I just a had tech tell me I need a new a/c system for my house. Here are the facts. It was 91 ... A: Benjamin: Heat pumps are fine in DE, as long as you wear sweaters when it's below freezing outside. ...
NORCOLD 1200 in Beaver RV	8/6/2008
Q: I'm having a problem that started with my Norcold RV Refrig. (two-door) not cooling (in fact it was ... A: Kathiy (Interseting Name!): As you saw when you clicked on my name, I don't do appliances. The best ...
placement of cold air return	8/6/2008
Q: I have to move my cold air return to a different location. I noticed that cold air returns are ... A: Jack: I assume you have floor supplies (since you're concerned about floor returns). It'll be fine ...
combi boiler	8/6/2008
Q: my water wont fire up when i turn the shower on A: Ssuly: Didn't know water could burn. Seriously though, as my bio says (you read that before you ...
Air Conditioner Replacement	8/6/2008
Q: I'm sorry for the way others have treated you, but I have a real question and value your response. ... A: Sam: Thank you for taking the time to read my bio! Doncha love the dry climate? The moisture ...
tapping into existing hot air duct	8/6/2008
Q: How do i tap into existing duct without takeing away from existing rooms A: Raymond: Your best bet is connecting to the main near your unit; do not connect to a branch duct. ...
Glass Window R-Factor	8/6/2008
Q: “I have a pane of glass that has a 1" space on the inside and is 18" x 20" in size. Each side of ... A: Vic: I had to get the book out on this one. I'd estimate R4 or R5 center of "glass", for the ...
A/C Unit Sizing	8/6/2008
Q: i love your answers and attitude. i would like to know what size a/c units would be appropriate for ... A: Bob: Service life for furnaces is 18 years, 15 years for AC's; they can last a lot longer if ...
Condensation forming on real warm days	8/5/2008
Q: I live in a home built in the 20's. The AC/Furnace unit is against the outside wall in the bathroom ... A: Bill: You may have low airflow, which makes the discharge air colder and increases the tendency for ...
Replacing AC	8/5/2008
Q: Do I also need to replace my furnace? Two companies bid and have quoted me for a 14 seer, one with ... A: Mary: My son lives in San Diego, doesn't even have AC; I always tell him the weather out there is ...
Dual Zone - How is it suppose to work	8/5/2008
Q: we have installed a dual zone - 2 zones (main level and upstairs) - 1 unit outside, and our initial ... A: Julie: You have a "Zone Damper System", wherein two thermostats control supply duct dampers (AKA ...
Cooling systems in the attic	8/5/2008
Q: I rent in NJ, and my apt is very small. My unit is about 5 yrs old. I have a huge electric bill ... A: Peggy: One of the first questions I answered here (Dec 07) was an apartment in Hockessin, DE where ...
Cooling systems in the attic	8/5/2008
Q: I rent in NJ, and my apt is very small. My unit is about 5 yrs old. I have a huge electric bill ... A: Peggy: Not having an attic fan, and insulating the ceiling below the attic, is the norm. The "major ...
ventilation	8/5/2008
Q: i am desgining ventilation for the schools toilets the room size 9X4X3 = 108cu.m and i take 10 ACH ... A: Baskar: Bathroom ventilation goes as the number of urinals and water closets: 75 CFM each, by Code. ...
Replacing AC	8/5/2008
Q: Do I also need to replace my furnace? Two companies bid and have quoted me for a 14 seer, one with ... A: Mary: Service life on furnaces is 18 years, 15 years for AC's; no need to replace the furnace now ...
Which central AC condenser is better?	8/5/2008
Q: I need to have my 4-ton condenser unit replaced. I've received 2 quotes from 2 different companies ... A: John: The condensing unit and evaporator coil (note the terminology - the condenser coil is ...
Programable thermostat for 2 stage, twinned units	8/4/2008
Q: I have a system where two hvac units have been paired with a dual coil above them. Both blower ... A: Danny: I'd go to Home Depot or Lowe's and see what's on the shelf; mine's a Honeywell TH8000, ...
Return duct sizing/setup	8/4/2008
Q: I am replacing a furnace/AC. Existing return is: 20x25 remote filter in ceiling to insulated run ... A: Al: Set for 875 CFM for moist climate, 1,000 CFM for normal climate, 1,125 CFM for dry climate. ...
Home A/C Evaporator coil	8/3/2008
Q: I read your expertise explanation and fully respect your honesty. I am more than willing to wait ... A: Tom: The line connecting to the plumbing vent is a Code violation. Repipe it to a downspout, or to ...
Heat pump excessive condensation	8/3/2008
Q: I see you don't answer service and repair questions but this is similar to one you have answered ... A: Brendan: Thank goodness - someone did read my bio! I get so tired of people asking about their ...
air conditioning	8/3/2008
Q: heat pump system-outside unit is humming, but fan is not running. So I assume breaker is ok, power ... A: Joe: You might turn it off at the breaker for five minutes, and then turn it back on. As you've ...
HVAC	8/3/2008
Q: I have a Lennox HVAC system. The condensor is broken and teh AC does not work. Twenty five years ... A: Jeremiah: Find some more contractors: 500 SF per ton is meaningless. It's about SF of glass, ...
HVAC	8/2/2008
Q: I have a Lennox HVAC system. The condensor is broken and teh AC does not work. Twenty five years ... A: Jeremiah: Congratulations! Service life on AC's is 15 years, you've done very well! As for the ...
Need to buy new heat pump	8/2/2008
Q: I need to replace my 14-yr old Trane 3-ton heat pump. I have a somewhat unique system that has 4 ... A: Paul: You can probably buy a smaller system, as I doubt your original designer was sophisticated ...
A/C Freezes up, leaks, doesn't cool to temp setting	8/2/2008
Q: I live in a condo and I have an Apollo Hydroheat system; I've had three techs in the last month come ... A: Erica: Refrigerant doesn't wear out, it leaks out. If your unit is low, there's a leak. Make sure ...
Radiant heat Barrier	8/2/2008
Q: Fred, I can appreciate your cynicism. I assure you I will read your answer. My problem is related to ... A: Ed: I'd be looking at the ductwork: Is there inleakage (to the return ducts) in the attic? Is ...
AC problem!	8/2/2008
Q: Fred - We have a new home and live in Texas. So it is very hot. I have several questions that I hope ... A: Shell: If it's low airflow, you need to determine the sizes of the units, and then analyze the duct ...
AC problem!	8/2/2008
Q: Fred - We have a new home and live in Texas. So it is very hot. I have several questions that I hope ... A: Shell: 1. No. Find and repair the leak(s). 2. Check askweldin.com for info on balancing and TD; see ...
Trane XB80	8/1/2008
Q: Will a Trane XB80 gas furnace 3 ton unit work with a Trane XL15I heat pump? A: Kenny: If the gas furnace is rated for three tons' airflow, the heat pump can't be any bigger than ...
thermostat replacement/ wiring	8/1/2008
Q: .. I am replacing an old Payne mercury thermostat with a new Honeywell RTH6300B thermostat. The ... A: Mike: I know you read my bio, and saw I don't do service and repair (this is one of those things); ...
KitchenAid Refrigerator is not getting cold	8/1/2008
Q: my KitchenAid refrigerator model no. KSRP25FNBL00 with two door. my frezer works great, but the ... A: Luis: I guess you read my bio (I don't do appliances), saw the other experts were maxed out and ...
Air intake for Furnace in crawl space	8/1/2008
Q: About 2 years ago my husband and I replaced our furnace with a Trane XR80. This home has a crawl ... A: Karen: The concern here is air for Combustion and Ventilation (for the furnace), a VERY BASIC Code ...
airconditioning	8/1/2008
Q: my a/c unit will freeze up please tell me why and how do i fix this problem A: Johnny: Might be low on refrigerant and/or airflow. There are many thoughts on ductwork and airflow ...
Wall Unit A/C Humidity Control	8/1/2008
Q: I am having trouble lowering the humidity in my room. I have a small temperature and humidity reader ... A: Jason: Using a psychrometric chart, find pounds per pound and multiply by 7,000 for grains per ...
Dual Zone - Electronic vs manaul	8/1/2008
Q: We currently have a Electronic Dual Zone system that seems to have went bad after 12 years the other ... A: Joe: Repair the zone damper system. Can you see yourself running up and down the stairs every time ...
home Air Condition	8/1/2008
Q: Few weeks ago i have problem with my outside unitneed a new a/c unit because compressor burn out.I ... A: Donovan: I'm old, I don't text. I assume you're used to texting, wherein abbreviations are used ...
Wall Unit A/C Humidity Control	7/31/2008
Q: I am having trouble lowering the humidity in my room. I have a small temperature and humidity reader ... A: Jason: You are in fact lowering the moisture content of the indoor air about 7 grains per pound, ...
Duct work to addition	7/31/2008
Q: I recently added a garage and a room and bath above it. I need to connect both the room(160 sq.ft) ... A: Atul: Provide 7" flex duct to each; two (02) branch supply ducts required. Put a volume damper in ...
fridge freezer door	7/30/2008
Q: all of a sudden the bottom rubber on the fridge door is getting hot and the temperature gauge is ... A: Brian: I know all the guys who can answer this question are maxed out, so I guess you read my bio ...
Air blowing from the return	7/30/2008
Q: I just recently noticed that cold air is blowing out from one of the second floor returns (where the ... A: James: Thanks for the follow up! You do have a zone damper system. Look for the "Bypass Damper", it ...
Wiring for a Thermostat	7/30/2008
Q: I have a split system heat pump. I am replacing a totaline thermostat with a Honeywell RTH 7000 ... A: Michael: You need all the wires that were in service before. On my TH8320, L is "Equipment Monitor" ...
Central air works but does not get cool in house.	7/29/2008
Q: I live in a mobile home and just had the compresser replaced last week for my unit. I had just ... A: Glenna: There are probably duct restrictions, and too little airflow. Measure the temperature at ...
AC Compressor issue	7/29/2008
Q: I have 2 units, unit 1 recently not running, but unit 2 is ok. I checked them and found the ... A: James: My bio says I don't know anything about service and repair. You probably asked me because ...
Water Leaking	7/29/2008
Q: I have central Air & heat pump in my basement. Water is leaking at the connection between the PVC ... A: Dinesh: Sounds like a normal installation. You haven't asked a question, you'll have to send a ...
AC Compressor issue	7/28/2008
Q: I have 2 units, unit 1 recently not running, but unit 2 is ok. I checked them and found the ... A: jjton: Haven't a clue, but thanks for asking me; used to do a lot of "megging", but I've forgotten ...
Air conditioning	7/28/2008
Q: I am going abroad and have bought a fan, but am worried this might use up too much electricity. Do I ... A: Patrica: I can remember when a lot of the churches weren't air conditioned. People had (gee, don't ...
air conditioner continues running long hours after reaching set temp	7/28/2008
Q: I just bought a brand new house with brand new American Standard air conditioner installed. When I ... A: Vivian: Poor airflow and/or duct leakage; we've NEVER seen a residential AC that was too small - ...
AIR CONDITONER WALL VENT	7/27/2008
Q: Hello i rent a room from a lady that lives upstairs i have no control of the airconditoner And she ... A: Carolyn: So do you have a wall "register", or a "grille"? The former has dampers behind the face, ...
out of area of expertise	7/25/2008
Q: I'm sorry if that question was misdirected, but you are listed first on the web page for Heating, ... A: Melani: Thanks for writing back! When I access the page, my "bio" shows (read it), stating my ...
Air flow dypass around closed damper	7/25/2008
Q: Fred, I have a 2-story house (1 A/C unit) with 2 heating/cooling zones. When the heating/cooling ... A: Yinshan: There are two important safety devices required in a zone damper system: The "Bypass ...
replacing 20 yrs old unit	7/23/2008
Q: i will be short: replacing 20 yrs old bryant ac/ furance. ac compressor died 2 days ago buit furance ... A: ARUN: Did they do a Manual J? Your existing AC is probably bigger than you need, don't put in a ...
A/C needs replacing - replace furnace too?	7/23/2008
Q: I have a 12-year-old, 2300-square-foot house in New England with a gas furnace and central A/C (two ... A: Paula:No, furnace service life is 18 years; there should be a lot of life left. AND when it's time ...
going duel heat	7/22/2008
Q: This is an older house. Built in 1965. I am thinking about going with a duel heat system. I live in ... A: Tim: Well, let's see: A heat pump would use about 1/3 of the energy as electric resistance; so you ...
air conditioning filters for central air	7/21/2008
Q: would just like your opinion on the best a/c filters (affordable!!) for my central units here in ... A: Maria: You'll have to send a follow up: 1. What size(s) and quantities filter(s) are installed? 2. ...
Central Air Freezing	7/21/2008
Q: Fred, My house is 3500sq ft with a 5 ton dual zone system (servo Dampners)After several hours ... A: David: Go to askweldin.com, look at the bad installations shown there, and see if you have any of ...
Vents open or shut	7/21/2008
Q: I have a two story home. 3 bedrooms upstairs and the same downstairs. Should I leave the vents open ... A: Keith: "Vents" should always be open, so the combustion products and sewer gases they convey can ...
Power Consumption	7/20/2008
Q: What is the power consumption kw/hr of a Trane XB13 5ton unit. We have a 2500 sq ft condo and we are ... A: Ryan: You can estimate that from the nameplate info: Volts x amps x 1/power factor (use 0.8); be ...
Return air duct adequacy	7/20/2008
Q: I cool 2960 sf with a Rheem 5 ton. Since the day it was installed it has never cooled below 82 when ... A: Joe: Funny, I just looked at a five ton unit with 18" flexible duct mains Saturday (you didn't say ...
Re: Air Noise	7/19/2008
Q: What causes loud air noises at the return air unit? How can it be remedied? Can you buy return air ... A: Thomas: Return air "grille" (we're not talking barbecue here). Air noise can be caused by too much ...
No A/C coming from one vent	7/19/2008
Q: Our home is about ten years old, it is a one level with around 12ft. ceilings. I have read through ... A: Autumn: "Vents" convey combustion products or plumbing odors to the outdoors. You have "outlets" ...
second floor Return Air location	7/19/2008
Q: I am building a two story home, and the HVAC contractor is putting all of the return air grilles for ... A: Mike: High is it. Lima says "low returns are acceptable for heating only." Having said that, I've ...
Outside air temperature vs. A/C output temperature?	7/19/2008
Q: I live in New Hampshire. My space is 1,200 sqft. I have a 3 ton central A/C unit. The air handler is ... A: John: First off, your unit is oversized for your home. As the outside temp rises, it becomes ...
air conditioning when you have hot water heat	7/19/2008
Q: We have hot water heat therefore no ductwork. Is there a way we can install central air ... A: Maureen: Congratulations! You have the best heating known to man (no air movement). You're not ...
Did I make a istake	7/18/2008
Q: I have replaced an old oil furnace with a new one I feel that I have made a mistake and should have ... A: Rob: "Furnaces" heat air. "Boilers" heat water and generate steam. So you have an oil-fired steam ...
Replacement parts	7/18/2008
Q: I have boiler heated house. Various parts of the house has copper pipes covered with fins. They are ... A: Rich: You lucky guy! Hot water heating is the best form of heat known to man: No air movement. You ...
Furnace Replacement	7/17/2008
Q: We've just moved into our new (50 yr old) ranch house with partially finished basement. The main ... A: Mae: Don't recall your saying where you live. Phase III would be appropriate in Nome, but not in ...
Fiberboard duct	7/17/2008
Q: I have just had an AC repair man tell me that my upstairs would stay cooler if the duct in my attic ... A: John: Old wives' tale; disregard what he's saying. The "board" has better insulating value than a ...
Furnace Replacement	7/17/2008
Q: We've just moved into our new (50 yr old) ranch house with partially finished basement. The main ... A: Mae: Here's yesterday's answer to Richard for background. The hidden cost of burning oil is the ...
How do I choose the best equipment and contractor for HVAC replacement and addition.	7/16/2008
Q: I have a gas furnace which supplies heat into a forced hot air system and the duct work, supply and ... A: Pat: Check askweldin.com for some thoughts. 3-1/2 tons = 42,000 BTU/hour; that sounds like too much ...
replacing oil burner furnace with tankless htr	7/16/2008
Q: I have been thinking about replacing my boiler(oil) which is 25-30 yrs old with a new Takagi ... A: Richard: The hidden cost of burning oil is the terrible inefficiencies oil dealers sometimes permit ...
going duel heat	7/16/2008
Q: This is an older house. Built in 1965. I am thinking about going with a duel heat system. I live in ... A: Tim: It looks like what you have now. The only change to manufacture a heat pump is adding a ...
Second cold air return	7/16/2008
Q: We live in Phoenix, AZ and are about to replace our heating/cooling system with a Trane XL15i 4 ton ... A: Roger: There's no reason to increase tonnage. Check askweldin.com for a discussion. Adding the ...
AC/H design	7/16/2008
Q: Fred; am about to add rectangular 20' X 16" room, flat roof, lots of windows. Mobile, AL. 90-95 deg. ... A: Duane: That's only 320SF. You probably have enough cooling now, if it's a central system; the key ...
Second cold air return	7/16/2008
Q: We live in Phoenix, AZ and are about to replace our heating/cooling system with a Trane XL15i 4 ton ... A: Roger: Let's step back. 1,785 SF/ 4 tons = 446 SF/Ton. Aren't you afraid that's too much cooling? ...
New Air Conditioner	7/15/2008
Q: I recently moved in the house where I was raised in TX, my parents just recently moved to another ... A: Kathryn: Check askweldin.com; then send a follow up describing your duct system (is it metal, ...
"Power Down" Furnace?	7/15/2008
Q: I am nubie in the rehab business, and recently got duped by a contractor who sold me a system that ... A: Mara: "Power Down" is not good: You'd be field-modifying a manufactured product; that'll void the ...
Condesation dripping from register box	7/15/2008
Q: I have a catherdal ceiling in my living room with two registar boxes that drip water when the AC is ... A: James: Sounds like the surface temperatures of the registers, boxes or attached ducts are below ...
AC venting	7/14/2008
Q: In my work place there are multiple AC units vented into the shop floor. There is also a AC unit ... A: Gary: I assume you're saying the AC's use the Shop and Lunch Room as a source for condenser air (in ...
Replacement HVAC system	7/13/2008
Q: We are looking for a replacement system. Our current HVAC system is a Trane and was installed in ... A: Linda: I like Carrier, Trane and York and their siblings. Now's the time to correct any duct ...
moving HVAC unit	7/11/2008
Q: I recently built a house and the builder would not move the HVAC unit out of the middle of the ... A: Chad: The unit can be anywhere, so long as the duct system is designed with that location in mind, ...
Thermostat settings in a 2 story house	7/11/2008
Q: I have a 2 story home, 5 years old and 2 a/c units. I am looking to reduce my costs of the a/c as I ... A: Heather: The higher you set it, the less you spend. I wouldn't worry about heat rising, ...
HVAC	7/11/2008
Q: The ducts in my home looks like insulation, and has lots of dirt in them. I thought ducts had to be ... A: Kathy: Check askweldin.com. Click on Fiberglass Ducts, sounds like what you have. Using the product ...
replacing window A/C unit	7/11/2008
Q: I need to replace my 24,000 BTU window a/c unit in my clay/ pottery studio. The building is around ... A: Ann: "Ductless Mini Split" is much quieter than a window unit, and they usually have the capability ...
heating and cooling using propane	7/11/2008
Q: I have a ventless stove using propane to heat. I use window airconditioners. I live in a log home ... A: Sherri: A ventless stove is a "Decorative Appliance", not a "Heating Appliance". That means it's ...
Rheem Heat Pump	7/11/2008
Q: Good evening Fred, I have a couple of older pieces of equipment. The air handler unit under the ... A: Rich: Service life for AC's is 15 years. With your service history, I'd replace everything now ...
Poor Air on Second Floor	7/10/2008
Q: I have a home in Indianapolis that is essentially 3 stories: Walk-out Basement, Main Level, and ... A: Jim: I've never seen a 5 ton system deliver rated airflow, so it's safe to assume you're low on ...
proper temperature setting	7/10/2008
Q: We had a service tech tell us to never set our thermostat below 72 for our a/c. Is there any truth ... A: Christy: You're risking freezing the coil and damaging the compressor, especially if your airflow's ...
heating/cooling returns	7/8/2008
Q: for fire safety, where should you not put heating/cooling returns?garages,bedrooms,ceilings,dining ... A: Colethia: Don't know about fire safety. Returns are usually prohibited in Kitchens and bathrooms. ...
air conditioner replacement	7/7/2008
Q: Does it make any sense to just replace the compressor on a 10 year old Goodman 2 1/2 ton 10 SEER ... A: Shawn: Service life on AC's is 15 years, so there should be a good deal more life left. "Grounded ...
New HVAC, which one to buy?	7/7/2008
Q: I would like your opinion on the three bids we have received for a new HVAC to be installed. The ... A: Geoff: Go back to Bryant and Lennox, ask them to rebid on 13 or 14 SEER with "Multispeed" blower ...
Thermostat settings	7/6/2008
Q: We recently bought a new 2story house w/ 1HVAC for a 2 story home. My question is on how to set the ... A: Jan: So you have one system with two zones. Set the thermostats wherever you want them, the higher ...
low air flow	7/6/2008
Q: New system including duct. The distance from the unit is very long. How do we increase flow to the ... A: Beth: You have ductwork issues: Airflow should be 1,600 CFM. Check askweldin.com - this'll take ...
boiler setting	7/6/2008
Q: our water temp for usage is very hot at 140 degrees.quite simply,how do i lower the temp? thank you ... A: Bob: So, you're using a space heating boiler for domestic hot water. That's the most inefficient ...
BTU Hourly Usage for a Burnham Seies 2 Boiler	7/5/2008
Q: I am estimating gas use per appliance per hour so as to size our gas meter . . . thank you . . . A: Martin: You haven't asked a question, but I'm assuming you want the boiler input. Try looking at ...
air filter	7/5/2008
Q: I just recently bought a house with a York Diamond 80 furnace and I can't find the air filter. Any ... A: Allison: York requires the filter to be in the furnace at the air inlet (return) connection. It ...
C/A	7/5/2008
Q: We have a 2 unit central system and the 2 nd floor is installed in the attic area. When the air ... A: Iori: You have ductwork design and/or installation issues, it'll take some time to develop a ...
A/C	7/4/2008
Q: I have salvaged a TRANE High Efficiency XB 1000 from a house that was bulldozed to make way for a ... A: Terry: It's AC. I have an old Trane disk, but I upgraded my Acrobat Reader recently and now Trane ...
Threaded opening on air handler	7/4/2008
Q: My air handler, which is in my attic, has 2 round threaded openings on the side. One has a cap over ... A: Marc: "Multipoise" air handlers can be installed horizontally or vertically. There are usually FOUR ...
condo air conditioning unit placement	7/4/2008
Q: Last year, I purchased a condo with a wall mounted air conditioning unit. My upstairs neighbor ... A: Annie: I'm familiar with the Carrier family; their instructions require 24" between adjacent units ...
Fan on ac unit	7/4/2008
Q: I have a simple question, I think. When you turn the Fan to On instead of Auto, where does the fan ... A: Leslie: The blower operates just like it does in heating or cooling, drawing air from the return ...
condo air conditioning unit placement	7/4/2008
Q: Last year, I purchased a condo with a wall mounted air conditioning unit. My upstairs neighbor ... A: Annie: There's no Code that I know of covering the topic; it will depend on the Installation ...
lowest thermostat setting	7/4/2008
Q: We own a 2 story frame colonial built in 1962. We have a 7 day programable thermostat with a ... A: Peter: It's a question of freezing the water pipes. Yes, I know water won't freeze at 50 degrees, ...
reinsulating 34 year old duct word	7/4/2008
Q: I am remodeling my home from 1974 which I purchased in January. I am in the process of re-insulating ... A: Tony: I guess you're confused: My website speaks to the old Code in effect where I live, R5 is ...
reinsulating 34 year old duct word	7/4/2008
Q: I am remodeling my home from 1974 which I purchased in January. I am in the process of re-insulating ... A: Tony: Manufacturers of duct wrap REQUIRE staples. For rectangular ducts, you cut the wrap 14-1/2" ...
A/c fuss	7/3/2008
Q: I have been having a huge amount of some kind of yellow fuss which I think is coming from the A/C ... A: D. Do you have a fiberglass duct system? Could be fibers from the ducts. If the ducts are ...
AC design Criteria	7/3/2008
Q: I build a new 3000 sf house in SC. The contractor installed a 5 ton heat pump. When I complained ... A: Tom: Outdoor design in SC ranges from 90 (Myrtle Beach) to 94 (Columbia & Florence). The ...
YORK HOme A/C Unit Question	7/3/2008
Q: I am told that the Ground short has killed the Compressor but if i replace the compressor it will ... A: RN: The compressor motor windings "burned"; that means there are contaminants in the refrigerant, ...
Mystery Duct	7/3/2008
Q: This is a heat/AC/duct work question that has me completely stumped. I’ve included a link to my web ... A: Scott: It's probably an outdoor air intake duct, used to ventilate commercial occupancies, but not ...
AC coil installation	6/15/2008
Q: I am installing an AC coil on a down flow oil furnace. Due to height restriction by furnace flue ... A: Don; Destruction of the heat transfer surfaces due to acid formed when the condensate combines with ...
Leaky Secondary drain	6/14/2008
Q: Our house was built in 2005 with a Trane HVAC system. It has always had some condensation draining ... A: Terry: 1. Absolutely not, the unit may be out of level. See manufacturer's Installation ...
new system??	6/14/2008
Q: I have a rental property that has a 1996 carrier unit in it pro's say can be repaired but no ... A: Stephanie: Service life is 15 years, and they can last a lot longer when properly installed and ...
Carrier system	6/13/2008
Q: I am considering upgrading my HVAC system. My house is approximately 1900 sq ft in Charleston, SC, ... A: Bret: 1. ari.org has estimates of heating/cooling energy costs, you can input your M/N's and ...
York AC 25-year old unit	6/13/2008
Q: We have an old York AC. Model MMLM177168. H10D036A06A, 208 220 440. Shut down last fall by ... A: Bill: Service life is 15 years; don't put any more money into it. The new unit can probably be ...
convert 1zone ac into 2 zone	6/13/2008
Q: live in 2 story home with ac/hot air in 1 zone, would like to convert into 2 zone, unit is upstairs, ... A: Mike: You need a "Zone Damper" system, to include two important safety devices: A "Discharge ...
Condense water	6/13/2008
Q: i have central AC. and the drain water is not coming out from the drain PIP. the PIP is not totally ... A: Syd: Water inside the ductwork can promote mold growth, you may have a serious health hazard. Have ...
3 tons unit with 5 tons furnace	6/13/2008
Q: We need help...we bought a house with the condition they will put an a/c unit. They did. We moved ... A: Dina: Furnaces are rated for heating capacity and cooling airflow. It's possible your furnace is ...
compressor	6/13/2008
Q: 2 units(carrier), 2 zones ea.--8 year old home--5200 sq.feet--model 38cko36340, serial 0300e13565 ... A: Dimitri: Sounds like you have a three ton and a four ton. I like the big three (Carrier, Trane & ...
New System	6/12/2008
Q: I am looking at getting a new AC Unit installed, I currently have Gas heat, but I am thinking of ... A: Brad: Check "How Much Cooling Do I Need" at askweldin.com for a discussion about why too much ...
HVAC trying to figure it out!	6/12/2008
Q: I'm also an Expert in the Computer section here on the allexpert network. Figured I would try it for ... A: John; Sounds like a wiring problem somewhere, only other thing would be if the "FAN" switch is ...
Replacing A/C unit with heat pump	6/12/2008
Q: I have an oil fired upflow furnace with a 3.5 ton A/C unit. What precautions are there to replacing ... A: Ray: The heat pump is shut off and the furnace is used exclusively below a certain outdoor ...
UV lights for ducts	6/12/2008
Q: I had a UV light installed and the light from the lamp lights my hallway up like a night light. It ... A: Tony: I don't like the idea, but that's just me. Check the cautions in the manufacturer's ...
Replacing A/C unit with heat pump	6/11/2008
Q: I have an oil fired upflow furnace with a 3.5 ton A/C unit. What precautions are there to replacing ... A: Ray: I don't like oil heat, but I like heat pumps less after living with two in the last 15 years. ...
HVAC or Plumbing	6/11/2008
Q: Simple question to start with- should I be looking under HVAC or Plumbing when I have a water heater ... A: Crystal: Air for combustion and ventilation for fuel-fired appliances is a Code issue, I can help ...
AC vent -	6/10/2008
Q: I have a problem with one of the 2 vents of my AC unit located in my bedroom. I have a central AC ... A: Saverino: Let me know if you're serious: 23 days and you haven't read the answer I gave you. Fred
HVAC Unit Size	6/10/2008
Q: I have a 2300 sq ft home with a 12 year old 4 ton Goodman contractor grade 10 seer split unit (I ... A: Chris: Can't help with the venturi ring; I wouldn't modify the condensing unit, though. If those ...
New Heat Pump Selection	6/10/2008
Q: The A/C of our 34 year old rancher is original to the house, and is on its last legs. We live in ... A: Deb: If you have some time check askweldin.com, there's a lot of on point info. Assuming it's ...
Thermostat troubles	6/10/2008
Q: I have a new Honeywell T6575 but am having trouble regulating temperarute. When I adjust the ... A: Alex: You've picked a digital, line voltage fan coil thermostat like you'd find in a hotel where ...
air flow or air balance issues	6/10/2008
Q: Fred, I own a townhouse about 2200 sq ft total. It has four floors (the 4th floor is part of the ... A: Harold: Funny you should ask, I'm just in the process of uploading askweldin.com, and the first ...
humidity in basement	6/10/2008
Q: i live in a 50 yr old house with the heat/air return in the basement,i am running a 70 pint ... A: Manoj: Long time no see. If the carpet's not glued down, remove it and paint the floor (you'll ...
Furnace replacement recommendations	6/10/2008
Q: I would like to replace my forced air oil furnace (20 years old?) with gas (already have a gas line ... A: Todd: Oil is a terrible fuel: There's always some soot (especially if your dealer services the unit ...
a/c unit	6/10/2008
Q: i have currently a 2 ton york a/c unit with a lennox oil heater. my a coil is located on the bottom ... A: George: So I spent a good deal of time answering a complicated question, 23 days have passed, and ...
A/C runs constantly	6/9/2008
Q: I have an approx 5 yr old ac unit, with the blower being approx 18 yr old. This is a 2 story, ... A: Andy: We design for 75 indoor at the "ASHRAE 1%" outdoor temperature; we don't design for "Worst ...
HVAC in attic	6/9/2008
Q: I am renovating and adding onto my house. A new HVAC system that is being put into my attic to ... A: Dee: The 90+ furnaces drain moisture, and the condensate trap and/or piping can freeze; the furnace ...
Condensation in duct lines	6/9/2008
Q: My house is 23 years old. Four years ago I had a exterior heat pump and a new interior furnace ... A: Tim: Moisture is condensing on the surface of your supply ductwork, and you need to insulate all ...
AC Sizing	6/8/2008
Q: I live in North Carolina and just purchased a new house. The house is approximately 3000 sq ft. ... A: Andrew: I rarely see undersizing; usually it's the opposite, and I advise reducing installed ...
ductwork	6/8/2008
Q: I'll try to make this short. Just bought a 3 ton rheem heatpump. I live in a 14x80 mobile home. ... A: Donnie: 3 tons = 1,200 CFM (normally, wouldn't use that in a very dry or very moist climate) 20x10 ...
steady stream of water	6/7/2008
Q: .. i recently got a brand new trane split system installed in my house in 12/07 the heater really ... A: Eddie:
Manuel J	6/7/2008
Q: How much does a company charge to run a Manuel J? The Manual J must use the ASHRAE 1% value for ... A: Clover is not in the database; the nearest city appears to be Charlotte, NC. Is that about the same ...
A/C	6/7/2008
Q: We have a 3600 sq ft home in SC, what tonnage of AC unit should be running, should it be one unit or ... A: Resa: Two story homes are required to have two thermostats; if there's a room with large windows or ...
A/C	6/7/2008
Q: When I set my A/C thermostat lower, does the air actually blow out from the vent at a lower ... A: Ray: Your AC lowers the air temperature a certain amount ("TD" temperature drop or "split"). As the ...
New A/C Unit --Continued from previous question	6/7/2008
Q: I asked a question on 5/24 about my house in Florida and you recommended a Carrier..."Carrier can do ... A: Janet: Thanks for remembering me. This is a long, involved1. Check SEER ratings at ari.org to see ...
Picking the right HVAC contractor	6/7/2008
Q: Fred - Really appreciate your expertise: Our home, (built in 1995) is 1800 sqft patio home with ... A: John: I always like small companies where the owner works with the tools; I don't like the idea of ...
2 year old central air	6/6/2008
Q: about 2 years ago I had a new furnace, air cleaner, and complete central air installed replacing a ... A: Janet: It can be serviced anytime, but it's not good to open or charge the refrigeration piping in ...
humidity in basement	6/6/2008
Q: i live in a 50 yr old house with the heat/air return in the basement,i am running a 70 pint ... A: Manoj: The vapor barrier should take care of the walls; depending on what was done with the vapor ...
FURNACE FILTERS	6/6/2008
Q: My furnace is in the attic. I replace the filters in the up stairs and down stairs hallway returns ... A: Lem: I don't know (you'll have to look, or you'll have to call a pro to look), but I can tell you ...
2nd story A/C problem	6/6/2008
Q: We have a 1972, 2 story, 4,000 Sq/ft home in NC. The weather is in the upper 90's and our problem ... A: Bill: It's definitely a ductwork issue, and you have to be wasting money controlling two units from ...
freon	6/5/2008
Q: House is cooling pretty good at night and during the day, but as ususal, I like it cold. It will not ... A: Jerry: Indoor design temperature is 75. Sounds like your system is doing OK. Freon doesn't go bad, ...
Central air	6/5/2008
Q: The drainage pan in my air handler in my attic is leaking. It leaks into the overflow pan. The ... A: Don: Here you need a drain pan and some guy's trying to hit a home run. Service life for cast iron ...
No air getting to master bedroom, rest of condo freezing	6/4/2008
Q: We just moved into a ranch style 20 year old condo with the master bedroom being on one side and the ... A: Joani: Some of the things you might look for are: Flex duct not attached to register, flex duct ...
humidity in basement	6/4/2008
Q: i live in a 50 yr old house with the heat/air return in the basement,i am running a 70 pint ... A: Manoj: I searched Humidex, it appears to be a blower to bring in outdoor air. That won't directly ...
air conditioning unit runs continuously	6/4/2008
Q: I live in New Orleans, where the heat is always a factor, and I live in the upstairs apartment of my ... A: Lupita: You can't hurt a motor by running it continuously; what does more damage is starting, ...
a/c inobile	6/3/2008
Q: I have a double wide mobile home with the a/c vents in the ceiling. We have had very large electric ... A: Belinda: Sounds like you have duct leakage problems. I'd start at the unit connections, then check ...
central air	6/3/2008
Q: Our 20/yr/old central air unit has sprung a leak. It is a 4-ton Bryant unit and has been wonderful ... A: Grace: Service life for AC's is 15 years, 18 years for furnaces; yours are both older, you ...
heat & air units	6/2/2008
Q: In your years of experience what is the best unit & what guarantee is there with them. We are about ... A: Linda and James: I like Carrier, Trane and York and their relations (Bryant, American Standard, ...
Replacement HVAC	6/2/2008
Q: We live in a 1100sq ft home built around 1940 in the foothills of North Carolina. We just installed ... A: Rob: OK, so the insulation reduced the cooling load to somewhat less than system capacity. Good for ...
residentail central air loses freon	6/2/2008
Q: Weldin< I have a two 2.5 ton carrier central systems in my home. both were installed 8 years ago. ... A: Richard: I'd be very surprised at an equipment leak beginning only five years after installation; ...
Water Leaking from Trane	6/2/2008
Q: I had a Trane XR-12, installed in my home 1/14/04, I live in Florida. Every summer when the ... A: Mike: Two drain lines are required by Code: 1. The primary drain line is connected to the lower ...
Replacement HVAC	6/2/2008
Q: We live in a 1100sq ft home built around 1940 in the foothills of North Carolina. We just installed ... A: Rob: You just told me the AC is properly sized for your home and duct system, I was thinking ...
how many air ducts needed per room	6/2/2008
Q: We have just replaced 1 unit last summer that serves the basement and 1st floor of our house. Our ... A: Michelle: Please send a follow up. I understand one unit serves the basement and first/main floor, ...
Replacing unit	6/1/2008
Q: Our current HVAC unit is a Rudd UGVC-07EA-ER and was installed when the house was built in 1988. We ... A: Tom: Service life for AC's is 15 years, 18 years for warm air furnaces. They usually last longer, ...
Stuffy room in Basement, best option to handle it	5/30/2008
Q: We have a room of about 406 sq ft in the basement. We use it at this time mainly for our dogs. ... A: Valarie: Please send a follow up: 1. City and State? (Need to assess weather) 2. How much of the ...
Home Air Conditioner Replacement	5/30/2008
Q: I have a 19 year old 2-story 3,100 sf home in the Dallas area. The downstairs unit was a 4 ton ... A: Larry: ari.org has operating expense estimates as well as efficiency ratings; look for "Certified ...
AC unable to keep up	5/26/2008
Q: I have a 1265 sq ft home built in 1992. Located in central Florida. Three years ago we had a goodman ... A: Craig: One rule of thumb is 1 sq. in./2 CFM, or 200 sq. in. per ton (ton being 400 CFM); that's for ...
new goodman ac/heat pump installation	5/26/2008
Q: We are having a new heat pump and ac installed including all duct work. The unit is a Goodman 3.5 ... A: Raymond: Hopefully your contractor performed a "Manual J" calculation to determine required size. ...
replacing a split system	5/25/2008
Q: We live in a 4,400 sq ft home that is 2 story on one end and single story on the other. The single ... A: John: Service life for AC's is 15 years, 18 years for furnaces; having said that, they can last a ...
AC return has no duct work	5/25/2008
Q: Is it normal on a house built in 1974 to have the main AC air return NOT have sheet metal ductwork, ... A: Wally: It's legal, and it's done a lot, even today. I don't like it because all that wood can ...
Replacing Existing Air Conditioning System	5/23/2008
Q: Let me explain our situation. It is a little lengthy but I figure the more you know the better. I ... A: Janet: Service life for AC's is 15 years, so you're not too early. 1,677SF/3 tons = 559 SF/ton ...
New AC that uses R-22 refrigerant vs. another	5/23/2008
Q: We are building a house in NW Arkansas and have narrowed our choices to these two units. House will ... A: Dean: Funny you should mention a high efficiency Trane 3 ton heat pump. I just looked at the ...
2 story, 3 zone system	5/23/2008
Q: I'm sure you get these a lot with 2 story homes. We bought our new home last June, 2460 s.f. with a ... A: Alarie: Move the thermostat to the most heavily used room. The biggest room isn't receiving enough ...
Hot water heat	5/22/2008
Q: Is it more cost efficient to leave your boiler on, or turn it off and on on cool mornings and ... A: Joe: Your boiler should be arranged so that it only fires on a call for heat, so it doesn't matter ...
Goodman A/C and heat pump	5/22/2008
Q: I apologize because I'm not sure my first question went through, in case it did I'll try to make ... A: Leona: The compressor is in the heat pump (outdoor section). If the compressor malfunctions, the ...
adding a sun room	5/21/2008
Q: room size(30'x12").(30)outside wall with 2, 3 panel sliding glass doors, and a 9'x5' 3 panel slider ... A: Tom: The sun room has completely different thermal requirements than the rest of the house, must ...
which heater to go with?	5/21/2008
Q: We are in the process of getting a new boiler - oil system. The one we have now is 100,000 btus. We ... A: Sheila: That boiler's still a youngster; why replace it? I understand your concerns about your ...
Residential Water heating system	5/21/2008
Q: Residential Water heating system We have/had (started leaking yesterday and is now off-line) a ... A: Randy: Read my answers to Sheila (today) and Raymond (05/14) for background; I don't like oil. ...
which heater to go with?	5/21/2008
Q: We are in the process of getting a new boiler - oil system. The one we have now is 100,000 btus. We ... A: Sheila: Let's start with the fuel: Is natural gas available? If so, switch to gas: The thing about ...
air conditioning in a two story house	5/20/2008
Q: We have a two story house with separate air conditioning units for each. Since it is hotter ... A: Rosemary: No, in fact you can save money by only operating the units when the respective areas are ...
force of air	5/19/2008
Q: I own a home that is one year old. This is the first time the Air Conditioner has been turned on. In ... A: Jay: I assume some rooms are warmer than others. If so, you need to balance airflows. The installer ...
Need Heat/AC Unit in the ATTIC	5/19/2008
Q: When we had our house built in 1999, we opted for ONE high efficiency AC/Heat system in basement w/2 ... A: Pier: This is a bad idea, because you'll have to replace/downsize the existing system to have any ...
Size of A/c Unit	5/18/2008
Q: How do you figure the size of central A/C unit ?? A: Claudia: Areas and U factors of walls, windows, doors, walls separating unconditioned spaces from ...
a/c compressor	5/18/2008
Q: Hey Fred W, My A/C compressor is shot (it keeps shorting and has tripped the thermostat to where ... A: Greg: Service life for AC's is 15 years; yesterday I heard from a guy whose unit just died after 36 ...
Choosing a central air conditioner	5/18/2008
Q: I have a 2300 square foot two-story that's 36 years old. The air conditioner and furnace are 36 ... A: Robert: Service life for AC's is 15 years, 18 years for furnaces; you've done very well! If you're ...
Adding second AC unit	5/17/2008
Q: Fred - I've enjoyed and learned from your answers. I'm moving into a house that is 2 story with no ... A: Saul: I'll need a follow up. Let's make sure the system works properly before adding more capacity; ...
Placement of defusers in a ceiling for A/C	5/15/2008
Q: Where in the ceiling should the defuser be placed in reference to the outside wall or the inside ... A: Jerry: "Diffusers" come in a lot of different "patterns": One way, two way, two way corner, three ...
New HVAC installation	5/15/2008
Q: We're building a new house in Temple, Texas and are getting bids for new HVAC systems. The house ... A: Fred: Code requires contractors to perform a "Manual J" calculation to determine how much cooling ...
Oil Furnace gets a lot of ashes... running rich ?	5/14/2008
Q: We have a WAHL McLain oil fired "Gold Oil" series. Heats home of 3000 sq.ft. . Question is the ... A: Raymond: Search Rinnai; they make instantaneous gas heaters, quite efficient. Gases are required to ...
Frozen AC unit	5/14/2008
Q: We live in TX where our Summers are always above 90. We just moved into a home with a central ac ... A: Melissa: Low airflow or low refrigerant charge, probably the former. Measure air temperatures at an ...
Central air conditioning	5/13/2008
Q: We live in Irvine, Ca and would like to install a central air conditioning system. We have a heater ... A: Milan: I like the major brands (Carrier, Trane, York) and their affiliates. You might ask someone ...
air flow	5/13/2008
Q: I just had a new house built the first unit the contractor put in would not keep the house cool when ... A: Ashley: You had a 3-1/2 ton system to start, then they increased it to 4 tons, right? What did they ...
Water in plenum	5/13/2008
Q: Reading question by Eve in Ft. Wayne, I am also in Ft. Wayne & had lots of condensation this year ... A: Carol: I don't recall Eve (six months at this site times six to twelve questions a day), but I ...
Oil Furnace gets a lot of ashes... running rich ?	5/9/2008
Q: We have a WAHL McLain oil fired "Gold Oil" series. Heats home of 3000 sq.ft. . Question is the ... A: Raymond: Saw this in the pool, I'll tell you what I can. First off, I'm not a "hands on" type, so I ...
INSULATION OF DUCT	5/6/2008
Q: WHAT IS THE SELF STICK PINS NO. REQUIRED IN THE DUCT INSULATION AND THE DISTANCE BETWEEN IT. A: Walid: I assume this pertains to "duct wrap". Stick pins are applied to the bottoms of ducts once ...
hvac	5/5/2008
Q: applied for A/C helper this is a entree level posistion and i know nothing about hvac what kind of ... A: Joseph: I think your best bet is to be up front: You know nothing about the trade, have no ...
A/C with humidstat	5/3/2008
Q: I have a small guest house in south Florida. It has AC thermostat and a humidistat. Can you tell me ... A: Saw this in the pool, here're my thoughts. I'd think the primary concern in your climate is ...
New Split System	4/26/2008
Q: I just purchased a Goodman 2 ton 13 seer Split System and this is all new to me being a first time ... A: Cathy: $3,200/2 Tons = $1,600/ton. That's very cheap for a well installed system, and I'd be ...
Second floor will not cool down	4/26/2008
Q: I built a new home (2007), and am having trouble keeping my 2nd floor cool. I have a 4 ton unit ... A: Ray:A thermostat in a second floor hallway will not respond to second floor temperatures, and it ...
furnace sizing	4/25/2008
Q: I live in a 1976, 1215sq ft bungalow in Regina, Sk, Canada. We are looking at getting a two stage ... A: Nicole: Have you personally verified that only a variable speed two stage furnace will qualify as a ...
Installing return vents	4/25/2008
Q: I am moving into a new house. When i checked out the crawl i noticed a hole in the floor covered by ... A: Danny: FYI, it is permissible to use a crawl space as a return "plenum"! There are conditions: ...
furnace sizing	4/25/2008
Q: I live in a 1976, 1215sq ft bungalow in Regina, Sk, Canada. We are looking at getting a two stage ... A: Did the bidders tell you replacement blower motors cost $1,000 for the PART? Contractors like to ...
Clogged Dryer Duct	4/24/2008
Q: My question is two-fold. First, how do I go about cleaning my dryer duct? Second, don't laugh, but I ... A: Susan:A duct cleaning company is just the ticket for cleaning the dryer duct, something that should ...
Residential water cooled air condition	4/24/2008
Q: I have a newly installed brand new "Ice Air" brand water cool air conditioner. When I turn it on for ... A: Kay: There's not enough water flow. It could be related to installation of your unit or the central ...
A/C	4/23/2008
Q: How many amps should a carrier XR-12 A/C unit with varible speed blower be using or what is the ... A: Bob: Send me a PM with your email address, I'll send you a PayPal invoice. Fred PS: I get a lot ...
AC ducts on double wide mobile home--cross over duct work	4/22/2008
Q: My problem is that in my double wide mobile home the back side of the house cools well but very ... A: Zibbi: The flex crossover can't be helping. Replace it with metal, sized for 50% of the total flow. ...
HVAC internal fan	4/20/2008
Q: My roomate frequently turns the internal fan on our hvac system on to circulate air throughout the ... A: Samantha: It can't hurt anything. I open windows in our house every chance I get in mild weather ...
HVAC systems	4/18/2008
Q: We are considering installing a new HVAC system and are looking at Lennox (don't have the exact ... A: Yolanta: Do they offer a rebate for 14 SEER (you can do that with conventional technology)? If not, ...
AC Air Purification	4/18/2008
Q: Fred, How crucial is installing an Air Purification Unit on a residential AC system. Is the ... A: Brian: I like better filters; a 1" pleated type is good enough. Make sure the face velocity is no ...
HVAC systems	4/18/2008
Q: We are considering installing a new HVAC system and are looking at Lennox (don't have the exact ... A: Yolanta: I'm not a fan of two stage, variable speed, etc. The incremental savings going from 14 ...
one final ?	4/18/2008
Q: The only thing I didn't get was the part about "fixing the ducts" in your last reply. I couldn't ... A: Ken: Here's an excerpt from another thread: You definitely need a better filter, and you can ...
one final ?	4/17/2008
Q: The only thing I didn't get was the part about "fixing the ducts" in your last reply. I couldn't ... A: Ken: I usually mention duct leakage to people who have existing systems, shouldn't have made that ...
Best size for new central AC unit	4/17/2008
Q: I have a raised ranch(split level)home in CT built in 1979. We are getting quotes on a complete ... A: Ken: I just read through your previous communiques. You say the rebates apply for 14 and 15 SEER, ...
Expansion into	4/17/2008
Q: We purchased a 12 year old home in lower Eastern NC last year. It is approximately 3000 sq ft with ... A: Loretta: The condenser end of any self-contained unit must be outdoors; they don't run if they're ...
Expansion into "attic" space	4/17/2008
Q: We purchased a 12 year old home in lower Eastern NC last year. It is approximately 3000 sq ft with ... A: Loretta: "Plan Unrealistic" is not, assuming it's one big room with no partitions. Buy a "through ...
Replacing central A/C and baseboard heat with HydroAir	4/17/2008
Q: Good morning Fred, Hi Fred, I have a 25 year old 3000 square foot ranch near New York City that has ... A: Steve: Balancing is always the first step, might be you could improve the MBR for free (DIY); why ...
Blocking an intake vent	4/16/2008
Q: I recently bought a house with forced air heat. There is an intake vent in the room where we want to ... A: John: I assume "intake vent" means "return grille" (for air going back to your furnace); is that ...
Freon line deterioration	4/16/2008
Q: We recently had to replace the entire HVAC system due to a deteriorated freon line located within ... A: Ron: If the Code required the insulation, I believe your builder is responsible (assuming the H&AC ...
Replacing central A/C and baseboard heat with HydroAir	4/16/2008
Q: Good morning Fred, Hi Fred, I have a 25 year old 3000 square foot ranch near New York City that has ... A: Steve: You've done some homework; good for you. Here are some thoughts. I've based this on what I'd ...
Not enough hot water for shower	4/16/2008
Q: I have just purchased a home. My furnace is a Beckett? Forced hot water. 5 years old. Heat works ... A: Bill: My bio does not list plumbing, and specifically cautions against asking service and repair ...
Changing from evaporative cooling to refrigerated	4/15/2008
Q: Currently, I have a gas forced-air furnace (Rheem, I think) and an evaporative cooler. They blow ... A: Jeff: Attic fan is good. Make sure there's some way for replacement air to enter the attic (soffit ...
New Insulation and ductwork	4/15/2008
Q: I've had rats chew through my ducts and want to replace all the insulation and ducts in the house. ... A: Mark: This is not an attractive job for a contractor, from a business standpoint (no equipment ...
Awful smell in floor vents	4/14/2008
Q: We have a brick home that was built in the 1940's with heating and air conditioning ducts and vents ... A: Joy: You'll have to send a follow up. So you have an abandoned duct system under your floor, and ...
AC Duct Flow	4/14/2008
Q: I recently had a company which cleans AC ducts within my home give me a quote for cleaning them. ... A: John: I think you might have misunderstood him. Call and verify what he told you and send a follow ...
Changing from evaporative cooling to refrigerated	4/14/2008
Q: Currently, I have a gas forced-air furnace (Rheem, I think) and an evaporative cooler. They blow ... A: Jeff: Buy a new cooling coil and "air cooled condensing unit"; stick with 13 SEER, the incremental ...
Electric radiant floor heat....air conditioning??	4/14/2008
Q: I read your expertise and I think your the right guy for my question. I am currently looking at ... A: Chris: Sounds like you have a plan. I'd be concerned about the cost of operating the resistance ...
First-time furnace buyer	4/13/2008
Q: I recently purchased an 1850 house and the furnace died this weekend. My main question is what ... A: Ellen: Sorry for the delay, saw your question last night but wanted to think about it before ...
baseboard register sizing	4/13/2008
Q: I have a baseboard register that is 24" wide, the opening for the duct work to come through is 14" ... A: Karl: Duct is sized for airflow, your type of outlet is 24" wide. Try a Hart & Cooley #406, 18" ...
REPLACING UNITS	4/13/2008
Q: WE HAVE TWO HOME TRANE UNITS THAT WERE INSTALLED AROUND 1986. I NEED TO GET TWO NEW UNITS BUT DON'T ... A: Vic: You have a 2-1/2 ton and a 2 ton ("...30..." & "...24"). They're probably bigger than you ...
Forced Air Return Plenum in Summer	4/12/2008
Q: I have a forced air furnace and a central air unit as well. A suggestion was made that I have a ... A: Greg: If it's not a finished basement, I wouldn't take air from it. Could be "nasties" and/or ...
HVAC Dampers	4/12/2008
Q: I recently purchased a home with a damper system that controls the upstairs vents, the thermostat is ... A: Archie: Does the thermostat operate the damper, or is it a manual damper? Is the damper in a main ...
AC Install code issues	4/12/2008
Q: I am having some construction on my home done and while replacing the 25 year old furnace it seemed ... A: Robert: Gas guy is spot on: No "Ignition Sources" within 3 feet of a gas meter; interestingly, ...
return air duct	4/11/2008
Q: What is the maximum (quiet) capacity of 8 X 14 non insulated return air duct? We have (1) ea. 12X32 ... A: Jason: Sounds like you're having problems with inadequate airflow and/or air noise. 14x8 @ 800 FPM ...
replacing gas furnace, central air	4/11/2008
Q: I've had three quotes for replacing a 2 ton gas furnace and a split system air conditioner. One ... A: Dale: First time I've heard the phrase "gas pack"; I assume it's a "package unit" wherein all the ...
outdoor air/make-up air	4/11/2008
Q: In a medical building that I manage, when all of the HVAC units are off what is it that I hear as ... A: Joy: Sounds like an exhaust fan. By Electrical Code, supplied from another circuit. I normally ...
in floor heat air conditioner ducting	4/11/2008
Q: OK. 2 story home with kitchen 2 stories with loft on half of it. Can i duct the ac in the ceiling ... A: Bill: I don't see many electric boilers. Here's how to compare: 1 KWH = 3.4 MBTU (thousands of ...
Replacement of condenser. central air	4/10/2008
Q: I have two 12 year old trane a/c units, for two zone cooling and heating. the upstairs a/c system ... A: Do make sure you end up with an approved combination to validate your new outdoor unit warranty. ...
in floor heat air conditioner ducting	4/10/2008
Q: OK. 2 story home with kitchen 2 stories with loft on half of it. Can i duct the ac in the ceiling ... A: Bill: I'm jealous: I'd love to live with radiant heating. You should provide air outlets at the ...
Best size for new central AC unit	4/10/2008
Q: I have a raised ranch(split level)home in CT built in 1979. We are getting quotes on a complete ... A: Ken: You might want to check several manufacturers, I'm sure you can get 14 without variable speed. ...
Best size for new central AC unit	4/10/2008
Q: I have a raised ranch(split level)home in CT built in 1979. We are getting quotes on a complete ... A: Ken: You have two options here: 1. Buy a larger unit than you need; go for variable speed and hope ...
4 ton or 5 ton	4/10/2008
Q: I am replacing my 4 ton heat pump split system. My house is 2836 sq feet. should I increase the size ... A: Roger: Put in 4 ton. Repair all duct leaks and reinsulate the ductwork in unconditioned spaces to ...
New home Heat Pump & Venting Install.	4/9/2008
Q: We have a new house framed, two floors and a basement, 1600 sq ft per floor. We want to install a ... A: Carol: Yes. Just run the second floor branch ducts from the basement up through interior partitions ...
ac	4/9/2008
Q: I have a 2400 sq ft split in new jersey,with a 20yr old seer 10 carrier 5 ton and the condenser is ... A: Hank: There is no 4-1/2 ton, your choice is 4 or 5, so go with 4. You must have an approved ...
Need HVAC help	4/8/2008
Q: I have a split level house. 1500 feet upstairs. Currently I have an OLD airhandler and the duct ... A: Not as good, because the board systems I see are not constructed to Industry Standard. Here's an ...
New System but house not warm	4/8/2008
Q: Fred The house just feels cool/drafty all the time especially the floor, but the thermostat says it ... A: Michael: Does that help the sizing issue? I did some math: A heat pump should be at "balance point" ...
multiple air filters	4/7/2008
Q: Are multiple air filters a good idea? I replaced my "main" air filter (the one next to the ... A: Jason: "Efficiency" is not the concern (that's a nebulous term anyway). You run the risk of ...
New System but house not warm	4/7/2008
Q: Fred The house just feels cool/drafty all the time especially the floor, but the thermostat says it ... A: Michael: Throttling the branch(es) supplying the Great Room will cause the system to run longer, ...
Dust Reduction - Filtered Return Air Register	4/6/2008
Q: What can we do to reduce the dust inside our home? For over a year now, we have been using the ... A: Dave: Here's the math: 20"x25" = 3.47 SF Three ton ("...36...") 1,200 CFM/3.47 SF = 346 FPM (feet ...
cool draft in house	4/6/2008
Q: We have a 1 level home with zone heating. The last several months it has felt as if there is a draft ... A: Kathy: The dampers are there to control the flow of air to the two zones in response to the ...
Dust Reduction - Filtered Return Air Register	4/5/2008
Q: What can we do to reduce the dust inside our home? For over a year now, we have been using the ... A: Dave: Please give me the filter sizes and the outdoor unit model numbers; it's quite likely you've ...
cool draft in house	4/5/2008
Q: We have a 1 level home with zone heating. The last several months it has felt as if there is a draft ... A: Kathy: So this is the first winter it's been troublesome; I can't imagine what's changed since last ...
Heating a basement recreation room	4/5/2008
Q: We have a 2-story 4-bed house with furnace and central air. our finished recroom basement will are ... A: Ron: Yes. Make sure two safety devices are provided: 1. Discharge sensor - Protects your heat ...
Need HVAC help	4/4/2008
Q: I have a split level house. 1500 feet upstairs. Currently I have an OLD airhandler and the duct ... A: Barry: So the whole house is only 1,500 SF? I took that as just the upstairs. When it's time to ...
FURNACE AND CENTRAL A/C SIZE	4/4/2008
Q: I have a 1,250 sq ft split level townhome and want to know what size is needed for the a/c and ... A: Glenn: Someone needs to look at the structure and perform a Manual J calculation. There are just ...
Need HVAC help	4/4/2008
Q: I have a split level house. 1500 feet upstairs. Currently I have an OLD airhandler and the duct ... A: Barry: "Worked awful"...what are the problems? Sounds like you need to improve the ductwork, but ...
how big of a unit do I need	4/4/2008
Q: Fred, I have to replace a couple of split units in two duplexes. How do I figure out how big of a ... A: Bill: Service life of outdoor units is 18 years, so you've done well at 25 years. You'll have to ...
No return - BEST option advice needed!	3/17/2008
Q: Fred, I can't use my AC on the second floor because it does not cool the floor down. There are NO ... A: Sean: You've made it quite clear from Day One there are no returns on the second floor, now you're ...
No return - BEST option advice needed!	3/17/2008
Q: Fred, I can't use my AC on the second floor because it does not cool the floor down. There are NO ... A: Sean: Where is the 3.5 ton unit? Where is the return? What size is the return grille? What size is ...
No return - BEST option advice needed!	3/17/2008
Q: Fred, I can't use my AC on the second floor because it does not cool the floor down. There are NO ... A: Sean: This is a question of air balance: The second floor is not receiving enough SUPPLY (note the ...
HVAC floor intake vent	3/17/2008
Q: This is somewhat related to the question that I read that was posed on the site. My house was built ... A: Jeff: Connecting the return to the back of the furnace is prohibited by all the manufacturers I've ...
HVAC floor intake vent	3/17/2008
Q: This is somewhat related to the question that I read that was posed on the site. My house was built ... A: Jeff: Summit Manufacturing only makes coils (the shiny box on top of the furnace); they do not ...
HVAC floor intake vent	3/16/2008
Q: This is somewhat related to the question that I read that was posed on the site. My house was built ... A: Jeff: The furnace jpeg did come through; I can't see the return duct on either side (well, there is ...
Popping and ticking sound from ductwork	3/16/2008
Q: Our house is 1 year old and there is lot of popping comes when furnace on and also when furnace turn ... A: Harish: The noises are associated with metal duct systems warming up and cooling down. Do you have ...
HVAC floor intake vent	3/16/2008
Q: This is somewhat related to the question that I read that was posed on the site. My house was built ... A: Jeff: The quick answer to both questions is is "NO". I assume you're describing "machine noise" ...
zone heating	3/16/2008
Q: I have a newly built ranch home with 3 zones in a forced air system. Air "seeps" through "closed" ... A: Jack: Here's how the bypass damper (I see Honeywell calls it a "Static Pressure Regulator Damper") ...
ATTIC FURNACE	3/15/2008
Q: I AM IN NEED OF ADDING A FURNACE TO MY HOME AND HAVE LIMITED SPACE. MY HOUSE 24 X 40 & IS STICK ... A: John: It is a shame the unit and main ductwork have to go in the attic; you'll pay a penalty in ...
Humidifier	3/14/2008
Q: I recently had an Aprilaire 700 humidifier installed. From the best of my knowledge, this unit was ... A: Keith: Couldn't find the Installation Instructions on aprilaire.com; I'd be quite surprised if they ...
Heat Pump/Ceiling Fan	3/14/2008
Q: We are going to build a house. We had a heat pump at our last house and liked the energy savings. ... A: Stuart: In the last home, either the "floor diffusers" were improperly selected, or the ducts were ...
What Brand	3/14/2008
Q: Fred, If the Carrier Infinity, 2 stage sytem is more than what I need considering I run AC for only ... A: Brian: Go with Comfort on both floors, and hold his feet to the fire about trying to sell you a 2 ...
condenser size.	3/14/2008
Q: I just move to this new home, but somebody stole the a/c condenser. Originally it had a Payne ... A: lucho's: I've heard (from one of the contractors with whom I work) that manufacturers are ...
question	3/14/2008
Q: What is your opinion of ductless air cond. in general? Also, whether ductless or central have you ... A: Patty: Ductwork is labor intensive: Materials costs are low, and it takes a lot of time to put it ...
Burning up in the summer!	3/14/2008
Q: Our unit is a gas/ac Carrier which is 11 years old. We have lived in this 950 sq. ft. home for 9 of ... A: Kristy: I'd check the ductwork: 1. Is it sealed airtight? 2. Is the duct insulation properly ...
What Brand	3/13/2008
Q: Fred, If the Carrier Infinity, 2 stage sytem is more than what I need considering I run AC for only ... A: Brian: I can't comment on the differences between brands; you'll need someone with service and ...
Air sounds like its fluctuating coming out of vents	3/13/2008
Q: Fred I tried to follow up on your last response but this forum told to I had to many responses to ... A: Mike: I need inside diameters on the flex; the sizes are stamped on the outer jacket. If there are ...
Air sounds like its fluctuating coming out of vents	3/13/2008
Q: Can you please help solve my air delivery problems from a new heatpump system? Its a new 16 seer ... A: Mike: I like better filtration, don't get rid of the Skuttle; you just might have to do something ...
Carrier Infinity	3/13/2008
Q: Fred, A Manual J was done on my home and determined that I need: 16,524 BTU's for cooling the 2nd ... A: Brian: I agree, you won't recoup the added cost. AND you don't want to have to replace the $1,000 ...
Air sounds like its fluctuating coming out of vents	3/12/2008
Q: Can you please help solve my air delivery problems from a new heatpump system? Its a new 16 seer ... A: Mike: You had a three ton system; that required 1,200 CFM (cubic feet per minute, the measure of ...
Air sounds like its fluctuating coming out of vents	3/12/2008
Q: Can you please help solve my air delivery problems from a new heatpump system? Its a new 16 seer ... A: Mike: I'm not sure I can help, but I'll try. You'll have to send a follow up to get started, and ...
Heat Register Location (per code)	3/12/2008
Q: Our home is in Colorado Springs and was built in 1993 by Richmond Homes. I am finishing the ... A: Mark: Flex is the single most abused product in the H&AC Industry, it wouldn't surprise me to hear ...
air forced heat pump	3/12/2008
Q: Looking to install an air forced heat pump in a two storey home (building in Canada and its cold!) ... A: Krista: So there's no propane? You don't want oil, it's a very dirty fuel. Ask your contractor if ...
air forced heat pump	3/11/2008
Q: Looking to install an air forced heat pump in a two storey home (building in Canada and its cold!) ... A: Krista: DON'T put in a heat pump. Use gas. The ducts should be inside the home (concealed by ...
Old air conditioning unit	3/11/2008
Q: I have 3 1/2 ton Rheem outside A/C unit that was only used a couple of months before my house burned ... A: Gary: Depends on how the refrigerant connections were treated: 1. If they were positively sealed ...
Heat Register Location (per code)	3/11/2008
Q: Our home is in Colorado Springs and was built in 1993 by Richmond Homes. I am finishing the ... A: Mark: It's not necessary to use a "top takeoff" (I guess that's what they did before?); you could ...
"Intraduct humidifier"	3/11/2008
Q: Hey Fred, For some reason your answer didn't allow me to write a follow up question so I had to come ... A: Gary: Didn't mention it last time, but installing a humidifier in ductwork that's lined or ...
Heat Register Location (per code)	3/11/2008
Q: Our home is in Colorado Springs and was built in 1993 by Richmond Homes. I am finishing the ... A: Mark: Don't think there's a Code requirement for hallway registers (is it a "floor diffuser"? ...
temperature different between two levels	3/10/2008
Q: I have a two level house in Washington DC w/ crawl space under the first floor. Recently I did a ... A: Lin: This is a tough one. The installer must balance the system to deliver the required ...
temperature different between two levels	3/10/2008
Q: I have a two level house in Washington DC w/ crawl space under the first floor. Recently I did a ... A: Lin: Please send me a follow up: 1. You have one central system and it serves both floors, right? ...
AIR HANDLER MINIMUM CLEARANCES	3/8/2008
Q: FRED, I want to replace my central a/c. The air handler is currently in the attic, and I want to ... A: Richard: You'll need 36" front clearance; not sure about side clearance (see mfgr's Installation ...
return air	3/8/2008
Q: I have a wall between the living room and entry of my 60's tri-level with a closet at the end. The ... A: Leslie: Hart & Cooley #657 baseboard return air grille (has a 7/8" margin "turnback" - the height ...
Goodman A/C Model CKJ42-1AB	3/7/2008
Q: We have a goodman ckj42-1ab. We live in texas and it gets hot. This AC was installed in the home in ... A: Heather: "Split" is the temperature difference between air going into your (attic) unit and air ...
Goodman A/C Model CKJ42-1AB	3/7/2008
Q: We have a goodman ckj42-1ab. We live in texas and it gets hot. This AC was installed in the home in ... A: Heather: First, look for inleakage to the return ducts; they should be tightly sealed. Second, ...
Radiators not heating up	3/7/2008
Q: The house is 1700 sq. ft. Two storey, 6 years old and is heated by gas-fired water boiler and pump ... A: Noel: If he's right, that'd mean those radiators never heated properly. Is that the case? Is this a ...
HVAC/Duct work	3/7/2008
Q: ..as part of the redo we are thinking now would be a good time to go from one zone to two zones of ... A: Matt: I can't say whether $7,100 is good or bad; it never hurts to get multiple bids, you know. ...
return air "vents"	3/7/2008
Q: I have a wall between the living room and entry of my 60's tri-level with a closet at the end. The ... A: Leslie: Please send a follow up: 1. Outdoor unit make and model number (if there's no AC, same for ...
Closing air vents.	3/6/2008
Q: Not sure who to ask this question, so I'll try you first, haha! Kay so it's winter time, which ... A: Kayla: The thing you don't want to do is close a lot of the "air outlets"; closing one won't hurt, ...
furnace do I replace?	3/6/2008
Q: 20 x 25 1 1.5 story house, old windows, minimal insulation, the pink stuff in the walls, 8x20 cement ... A: Wendy: $200 per month in cold weather is not bad, but I see it's a small home (700 - 800 SF). Let's ...
HVAC/Duct work	3/6/2008
Q: ..as part of the redo we are thinking now would be a good time to go from one zone to two zones of ... A: Matt: Here's some background info from another post; seems like everyone wants to know about ...
Finishing Attic	3/6/2008
Q: I am seeking a bit of design expertise to help with the sizing/placement of ductwork for a walk-up ... A: Doug: The ducts are in a very hot area, could be as high as 130. Less heat will be gained by ...
How many returns are needed?	3/6/2008
Q: I have a 1400 sq ft, single story house with 15 ft vaulted ceilings in about 1000 sq ft of the house ... A: Betina: Service life of "Air Cooled Condensers" (the AC outdoors) is 15 years, 18 years for ...
How many returns are needed?	3/6/2008
Q: I have a 1400 sq ft, single story house with 15 ft vaulted ceilings in about 1000 sq ft of the house ... A: Betina: The best thing you could do to reduce energy consumption every time the system runs is to ...
return?	3/6/2008
Q: the return in our house is so small compared to other houses smaller than ours, and i was wondering ... A: Melissa: Let's forget about the other houses and think about yours. Your heat is inconsistent ...
Conversion from swamp to refrigerated	3/5/2008
Q: Wanting to convert my swamp cooler to refrigerated air. I live in ABQ NM in 2yr old 1600 sqft home. ... A: Ben: AC is not sized by SF of floor space. You need to find a contractor to perform a "Manual J" ...
Banging Pipes	3/5/2008
Q: the tenants from my rental property, which is an older ho e with an older heating system ... A: Harline: You mean "boiler", right ("Furnaces" heat with air)? Banging pipes usually occur in steam ...
Cold air returns in two storey house	3/5/2008
Q: While doing home renovations, I discovered that the first floor cold air return is using two 16x7 ... A: Yvan: So the 32x8 is connected to two stud spaces AND two joist bays? And the middle stud space ...
Cold air returns in two storey house	3/5/2008
Q: While doing home renovations, I discovered that the first floor cold air return is using two 16x7 ... A: Yvan: Meant to tell you before - The ends of the joist bays are notorious air leakage sites, and ...
basement ventilation	3/5/2008
Q: I am converting an unused basement room into a family room. It is 375 square feet, no windows in ... A: Nathan You need to connect to main ducts, not the branch ducts you've described. By connecting to ...
Cold air returns in two storey house	3/5/2008
Q: While doing home renovations, I discovered that the first floor cold air return is using two 16x7 ... A: Yvan: It is permitted to use building cavities for return air. I don't like to see that, because ...
Electric Bill	3/4/2008
Q: My plan is to check my meter, and also find a friend or two who have more than 500 kwh on a ... A: Kathy: Nice detective work! What size was the DP breaker (rating is imprinted on the handle)? Is ...
Electric Bill	3/4/2008
Q: My plan is to check my meter, and also find a friend or two who have more than 500 kwh on a ... A: Kathy: Yes, that's right. It may not be spinning quickly, but you'll be able to see it moving. If ...
Electric Baseboard Heat	3/4/2008
Q: I live in Hockessin, DE in a studio apt. (appx 600 sq ft) above a heated garage, attached to main ... A: Kathy: I'd say there's a good chance some other load on your meter is using 300 to 400 KWH. Outside ...
a/c	3/3/2008
Q: I live in Tucson, AZ and am switching from Swamp cooler to A/C. My house currently has two heaters ... A: Dot: Thanks for the info. FYI: Outdoor design for Tucson is 102 degrees; if the contractor's ...
Microwave vent	3/2/2008
Q: Fred, I just installed a microwave over the range. The old range hood was a direct straight vent ... A: Mark; I thought you had round duct, so it's 2x10 rectangular? Sorry about that. Sounds like your ...
Microwave vent	3/2/2008
Q: Fred, I just installed a microwave over the range. The old range hood was a direct straight vent ... A: Mark: You may have created a hazardous condition, are you OK with the grease and moisture that will ...
a/c	3/2/2008
Q: I live in Tucson, AZ and am switching from Swamp cooler to A/C. My house currently has two heaters ... A: Dot: If I may ask, why did you decide to start paying your utility to run AC compressors? Yours is ...
a/c heat system replacement	3/1/2008
Q: I have a nine year old Lennox system 5 ton.My house is about 2200 sq ft. I live in the Dallas/Fort ... A: Lydia: Read my 3:55 AM reply to Rachel for basics; you're in the same boat, but for a different ...
central return sizing	3/1/2008
Q: I am installing a 2 ton Rheem AC unit for the first floor of my existing house and was wondering ... A: John: 2 tons x 400 CFM/ton = 800 CFM Return grille < 500 FPM (velocity): 30x10 or larger (or ...
Condensor and Evaporator Coil	2/29/2008
Q: I have a one story 2300 s.f. home with one return air duct and an a/c unit that is 16 years old. I ... A: Rachel: Service life for "air cooled condensing units" is 15 years, so it's time. The temperature ...
AC overflow pipe - correct position	2/29/2008
Q: We purchased a new construction house a year ago. During summer last year I noticed a steady drip ... A: Joanne: Not sure what an "overflow pipe" is, but I can tell you two "condensate drains" are ...
exhaust from furnace	2/29/2008
Q: I have a old Milwaukee furnace runs on propane. We are renting. The exhaust vent going in the ... A: Erik: Has anyone cleaned the heat exchanger? It's not necessary every year, perhaps every six or ...
apartment IAQ	2/29/2008
Q: I live in an old (1920'S ) triplex, 3rd floor. There is an as-yetI-inconclusively identified IAQ ... A: Kevin: Just a suggestion: Why not open a window a little bit, to see if CO2 levels reduce to the ...
Return air	2/28/2008
Q: Mr. Weldin, I have a 2500 sqft home 1000 sqft of that is in the basement. I have a 3 ton heat pump ... A: Dick: 3 tons is 1,200 CFM (cubic feet per minute); the 16x25 filter grille is rated for 800 CFM, so ...
Noma Thermostat with Baseboard?	2/27/2008
Q: My house is currently heated with oil hot water. We will be getting rid of our furnace, oil tank ... A: Ann-Marie: You need a Canadian postal code to access the site, I am "acluistic" (wife's a teacher, ...
Noma Thermostat with Baseboard?	2/27/2008
Q: My house is currently heated with oil hot water. We will be getting rid of our furnace, oil tank ... A: Ann-Marie: I couldn't make the link work, so I searched Noma Thermostat. What I found was a 24V ...
duct size: 6", 4",and 3"	2/26/2008
Q: My house is 48 years old, the furnace looks original and is one of the first Water Furnace ... A: Bobby: 5" is the smallest size I spec; it's OK for small rooms (6" ducts deliver 100 CFM, you might ...
Reutrn Air ceiling box issue...	2/26/2008
Q: This is a 2-story brand new home; master bed room is in the first floor and other bed rooms in the ... A: Duke: Last time I looked, 18" was the largest size flex manufactured; are you sure the printing on ...
HVAC for 2 story home	2/25/2008
Q: Im considering purchasing a 2 story rehab home / 3 bed + 3 bath / living rm/ dining rm/ apprx 1600 ... A: Richard: You'll have to interview contractors, check references, etc. Atlanta does get hot, so two ...
HVAC for 2 story home	2/25/2008
Q: Im considering purchasing a 2 story rehab home / 3 bed + 3 bath / living rm/ dining rm/ apprx 1600 ... A: Richard: This is a small home; the smallest system made is 1-1/2 tons, so with two systems you'd ...
cold air returns	2/25/2008
Q: My basement is finished with a full bedroom and a full bath. Also there is a large family room ... A: Jim: You need my famous "Basement Door Test": Crack the basement door open an inch with the unit ...
Low humidity / heat pump problem?	2/25/2008
Q: Fred, I don't know if this is a common problem but for me it's a big one. I hope you can help. I ... A: Gary: You need an "electronic steam-generating" humidifier; "AutoFlo" and a few others manufacture ...
air return vents	2/24/2008
Q: I own a single level ranch house built in the late 60's. In each of the bedrooms there is a what ... A: Joel: "Return grilles" enable the air to return to your system; they have to be there. You could ...
Roof over a new mobile home	2/23/2008
Q: Fred, I just moved into a new Deer Valley mobile home - a small one, only 810 sf. This brand is ... A: Bill: It doesn't measure humidity; dehumidification is a necessary byproduct (as you thought) when ...
Roof over a new mobile home	2/23/2008
Q: Fred, I just moved into a new Deer Valley mobile home - a small one, only 810 sf. This brand is ... A: Bill: 810SF, 3 tons - you ought to be able to hang meat in there, something's seriously wrong. ...
Reutrn Air ceiling box issue...	2/22/2008
Q: This is a 2-story brand new home; master bed room is in the first floor and other bed rooms in the ... A: Duke: You'll have to send me a follow up, because I don't understand the installation details. You ...
Central Air Specs	2/22/2008
Q: Fred, I have a 4 year old, two story home. The first floor is 1,568 sq ft which includes as 24x22 ... A: Brian: You won't need a lot of AC, the four MA databases (Boston, East Falmouth, S. Weymouth and ...
efficiency	2/22/2008
Q: I have a natural gas Hydrotherm Boiler (HC125C 125,000 BTU) that was installed around 1983. Can I ... A: Jeff: Checked H'therm website, no literature on your model, so I have no specs. I believe it's a ...
Excessive vent noise	2/22/2008
Q: I have a ranch home, 1950 sq. ft., in eastern Pennsylvania. For the last 36 years we've had a 2 1/2 ... A: Art: Just make sure you keep total airflow above 350 CFM/ton, and you should be fine insofar as ...
Excessive vent noise	2/21/2008
Q: I have a ranch home, 1950 sq. ft., in eastern Pennsylvania. For the last 36 years we've had a 2 1/2 ... A: Art: Excuse me, I sometimes react harshly to things I see in my industry; the following is not ...
Placement of supply register	2/21/2008
Q: In my basement, I placed a second register in the supply duct with the hope that the addition would ... A: Brian: You're in an area where there's a lot of turbulence in the main duct. Here are two options: ...
blower ratings	2/21/2008
Q: I was wanting to know how do you rate the output of a squirrel cage blower. i have a Dayton ten and ... A: Allan: Go to your Dayton/Grainger catalog (page 3790 on in my 2005-2006 book); look for a match of ...
Dual Zone issues	2/20/2008
Q: We did dual zone - 1 zone the main floor and 1 zone the upstairs. We also have a two story ... A: Sean: Two very important safety devices are required by most manufacturers of ZD systems: A ...
Dual Zone issues	2/20/2008
Q: We did dual zone - 1 zone the main floor and 1 zone the upstairs. We also have a two story ... A: Sean: There are two schools of thought on thermostat location, and people in the "Fred" school ...
Pellet stove or electric fireplace	2/20/2008
Q: I hope you can answer this question. We have a semi-converted garage that we use as a playroom fro ... A: Julie: Even if you are on an electric heat rate, the electric fireplace will be quite expensive to ...
Dual or Single Heating/AC System	2/11/2008
Q: Sir, we recently bought a 60 year old. 2300 SQ foot Colonial home in Demarest, NJ. Oil powered ... A: Steve: If you're going to be there a while, a "blower door test" might be a good investment; it ...
want to buy a new electric heat & air con. unit	2/11/2008
Q: I just built a 24'x 24'x 12' shop. what size all electric unit will I need and what electrical ... A: Dave: Well, let's see. You haven't given me anything I can use to help you; it would be nice to ...
HVAC supply vs. return	2/10/2008
Q: I have discovered what seems to be a highly lacking supply for our new, 90% efficient 3 zoned ... A: Jeff: Return and supply should be sized the same. Both should be matched to the cooling airflow. ...
venting 80+ furnace	2/8/2008
Q: can you vent into clay chimney ? A: William; Answer: Yes, but check with your local mechanical official to be sure (he might require ...
Central Air Estimates	2/8/2008
Q: .. I have posted this question in a few other forums and have not gotten any answers. Actually, I ... A: Joe: I see two ducts that aren't sealed, and it looks like the second floor duct is quite small. ...
air conditioning	2/8/2008
Q: your response was fast and clear; a lot of neighbors have swamp coolers; however during the ... A: Wulf: I can review your Manual J calculations and develop a duct diagram (a hand drawn sketch, not ...
Radiant heat	2/8/2008
Q: i recently acquired a house with a 6 zone Nat gas radiant heating system using a boiler. it is very ... A: Robert: FYI: "Radiant heating" utilizes loops of pipe/tubing laid in the concrete floors when the ...
Central Air Estimates	2/8/2008
Q: .. I have posted this question in a few other forums and have not gotten any answers. Actually, I ... A: Joe: Apples, oranges and grapes. Wonderful. Let's start with the return grilles: 24x24 1,850 CFM; ...
air conditioner	2/7/2008
Q: We plan to install an air conditioning system to our 30 year old home. We have a boiler and ... A: Carol: Doncha love HWH (no moving air)? Without details on the home (number of floors, full ...
2nd floor	2/7/2008
Q: i am in the process of remodeling my 2nd floor attic space and my contractor had his HVAC guy out to ... A: Paul: Find another H&AC guy; keep looking until you find one willing to do a Manual J. Here are the ...
heating/ac 2 story house with 2 heat pumps	2/7/2008
Q: how would you suggest I set the 2 separate thermostats for the upstairs and downstairs. There is 1 ... A: Robert: Didn't realize you were looking for a single temp year round. That's no good, you have to ...
2nd floor	2/7/2008
Q: i am in the process of remodeling my 2nd floor attic space and my contractor had his HVAC guy out to ... A: Paul: So you have an 800SF single story home and you're finishing the attic to add 600SF more? ...
heating/ac 2 story house with 2 heat pumps	2/7/2008
Q: how would you suggest I set the 2 separate thermostats for the upstairs and downstairs. There is 1 ... A: Robert: Set them where you're most comfortable; don't get hung up on warm air rising and cool air ...
Propane Use	2/7/2008
Q: I built my home last summer, I installed Ducane HVAC equipment with flex duct. I insulated above ... A: Tim: Sounds like the furnace is running all the time: Your average usage for the less than 24 hour ...
Air handler age	2/6/2008
Q: Just moved into my condo conversions. I was told that the water heater and ac system were less than ... A: Sue: Lendell Martin is the name of the owner of All Style Coil Co.; they manufacture air handlers ...
drain pipe from pan	2/6/2008
Q: It has led to anotherRegarding the drain pipe that runs from the drain pan (pan under coils): If the ... A: John: Here are Code-required support spacing for various piping materials: Copper - Ten feet ...
air conditioning	2/6/2008
Q: your response was fast and clear; a lot of neighbors have swamp coolers; however during the ... A: Wulf: Thanks for your kind thoughts. I signed up here to "give some back", not to generate business ...
Furnace Sizing	2/5/2008
Q: I'm planning the installation of a 92 - 95% efficient furnace in my 2,000 s.f., one story house in ... A: Jim: Oakland's not in the weather database, but San Francisco is; winter design there is 39 ...
Cold air return from attic?	2/5/2008
Q: I own a home built in '52, a ranch on a full unfinished basement with a gfa furnace in the basement ... A: Greg: Based on your description, it's not a source of combustion air; that's the only thing I could ...
generator requirements	2/4/2008
Q: I live in Maine and have a Miller furance about 10 years old. Still works great, but when we lose ... A: Rick: You don't mention if it's gas or oil. Gas furnace would be about 11A @ 120V (about 1,500W), ...
hot air oil furnace and dryer venting	2/4/2008
Q: I failed to mention that we always shut off the heating system when drying clothes knowing the ... A: Michael: You can't use openings into the finished basement, because of the dryer. Your oil burner ...
installation of a heat pump system in a new residential construction	2/4/2008
Q: I am in the process of estimating the heating and cooling load using the Manual J. This manual has a ... A: Wulf: You must use the ASHRAE 1% value for cooling, and the 99% value for heating; they're found in ...
new unit size	2/4/2008
Q: i'm being sold a 2 ton unit for a 780 s/f house and am told by someone else that is too large, that ... A: Kimberly: Bigger is not better when it comes to humidity control: You want the compressor to run ...
Cold air return from attic?	2/4/2008
Q: I own a home built in '52, a ranch on a full unfinished basement with a gfa furnace in the basement ... A: Greg: The one thing we need to be careful about is blocking a source for combustion air, it may be ...
heating	1/31/2008
Q: I have an old house with pretty old radiators. How do I know whether the system runs on hot water or ... A: Johann: Here are some of the many clues associated with steam: 1. Banging noises (they can be quite ...
HEATING	1/30/2008
Q: I live in a ranch style home that has been added on to. Most of the house is over a basement but an ... A: John: Balance the airflows. There should be "volume dampers" in the (round) branch ducts near the ...
Electric heaters-240v vs 120v	1/30/2008
Q: I have a Berko HHB504D, an electric baseboard heater, but has not installed. It says 240AC, 500W and ... A: Makoto: 500W 120v heater consumes as much power as a 500W 240V heater: 500W. The current draw will ...
water heater	1/30/2008
Q: I have a new home and have had a problem with the water heater from day one. I live in a windy area ... A: Gary: The vent termination could be in a bad location. Check the manufacturer's Installation ...
Split vs. Package Unit	1/30/2008
Q: I have recently purchased a lake house in east TX (exposed on all sides) built in the 50's. It had ... A: Louis: Sounds like you're not adverse to spending your hard-earned money where it'll do some good. ...
Changing ductwork	1/30/2008
Q: I have forced air heat and central ac. I'm looking to remodel my basement but there is a maze of ... A: John: Probably not, you'll have to have a H/C contractor look at the maze. Rearranging the ductwork ...
furnace size	1/29/2008
Q: I have a 1680 sq ft home over a full basement. The furnace is up stairs. Can I put vents in the duct ... A: Rick: There must be enough excess capacity to heat and cool a basement. Just keep in mind the ...
new Heating/air system	1/29/2008
Q: We are building a new home and have decided to use the spray on, open cell foam insulation. ... A: Gay: The foam insulation doesn't make the house any tighter; that's a function of weatherstripping ...
new Heating/air system	1/29/2008
Q: We are building a new home and have decided to use the spray on, open cell foam insulation. ... A: Gay: I said wall "R Factor", they'll need "U Factor" (the inverse of R); it's 0.0611 (FYI: 3-1/2" ...
Adding AC to a house with Forced Hot Air Heating Only	1/29/2008
Q: I have 40 year old home just outside of Boston, MA with forced hot air heating supplied by a ~15 ... A: Ed: In your climate, you'll pay back the increased cost (relative to the cost of a standard 80%) of ...
a/c upgrade	1/29/2008
Q: I'm thinking of replacing my entire central air system with a more efficient and healthier air ... A: Joseph: Replacing the windows was a great move. Now if you could just give me City and State, I'll ...
a/c upgrade	1/29/2008
Q: I'm thinking of replacing my entire central air system with a more efficient and healthier air ... A: Joseph: I cut and pasted Martha, see end of message. Baton Rouge 92 degree dry bulb, 77 degree wet ...
a/c upgrade	1/29/2008
Q: I'm thinking of replacing my entire central air system with a more efficient and healthier air ... A: Joseph: Service life on split system AC's is 15 years, so you're not thinking about this too soon. ...
new Heating/air system	1/29/2008
Q: We are building a new home and have decided to use the spray on, open cell foam insulation. ... A: Gay: You need a "Manual J" cooling load calculation, performed by a H-C contractor who knows what ...
ac	1/28/2008
Q: we are renting a house and found visable mold in hall way closet wall is so wet you can put your ... A: shlly99: You need to call a government agency, to apply pressure. "Consumer Affairs", "Landlord ...
Air flow	1/28/2008
Q: my house is heated by a Heat pump and the air handler is located in my attic, it has been working ok ... A: Sal: You're approaching a service and repair issue here, not my strong point. It sounds like the ...
Adding AC to a house with Forced Hot Air Heating Only	1/28/2008
Q: I have 40 year old home just outside of Boston, MA with forced hot air heating supplied by a ~15 ... A: Ed: Today's coils are huge (it takes bigger coils to improve system efficiencies), so you won't be ...
price quotw on trane split unit	1/28/2008
Q: I received an estimate on a new trane XR13 4 ton with variable speed split system unit that also ... A: Martha: Wednesday, that's the day after tomorrow; sounds like you're locked in. 14 years ols, so ...
propane back up system	1/28/2008
Q: I bought a new home in Central PA in Sept. 2008. It's a big house with several heating zones. We ... A: Dan: Propane backup is different than electric: With propane, the heat pump is off below the ...
price quotw on trane split unit	1/28/2008
Q: I received an estimate on a new trane XR13 4 ton with variable speed split system unit that also ... A: Martha: At this point, more questions than answers: 1. Why are you buying new equipment (TWR ...
problem with heating all rooms	1/28/2008
Q: it is a vaulted ranch plan w/3 bedrooms, great room with sliding door facing west, dining room and 2 ... A: Sue: Every system must be capable of being balanced to deliver the required distribution of air; ...
Radiant heat	1/28/2008
Q: i recently acquired a house with a 6 zone Nat gas radiant heating system using a boiler. it is very ... A: Robert: How old is "very old", and what material (copper tubing, steel pipe, plastic tubing, etc.) ...
heating/cooling system for new house	1/27/2008
Q: We are building a new house and the contractor is giving us the option of upgrading from a trane ... A: Ron: The variable motor will cost at least $1,000 when it breaks (PLUS LABOR); energy savings will ...
electric heat pump in NE Ohio	1/27/2008
Q: Weldin, I have an electric heat pump, and this is new for me, just bought the house. My electric ... A: Michelle: The first thing I'd do is make sure it works as I described. The second thing is to make ...
electric heat pump in NE Ohio	1/27/2008
Q: Weldin, I have an electric heat pump, and this is new for me, just bought the house. My electric ... A: Michelle: There is no "seasonal switch" per se. You probably have a "Heat-Off-Cool-Em Heat" switch, ...
air intakes	1/27/2008
Q: I am having a 10 x 30 addition added onto my home and the contractor also is installing a new gas ... A: Hey, Joe! I need more info, you'll have to follow up. Here's what I can tell you now. I assume ...
filter size	1/27/2008
Q: My unit has a 18 inch dia. return duct what size should the return filter be. ANSWER: Chris: Good ... A: Chris: Wasn't able to find that M/N on goodmanmfg, probably an older unit, right? Anyway, the ...
Venting wood stove to existing chimney	1/27/2008
Q: I would like to install a wood stove into the existing vent hole to the chimney in the cellar (hole ... A: Steve: I didn't know, so I went to the 2003 IMC Commentary (Int'l Mech. Code). Solid fuel burning ...
filter size	1/27/2008
Q: My unit has a 18 inch dia. return duct what size should the return filter be. A: Chris: Good question, but to answer it I need to know rated airflow. Please send a follow up. What ...
SEER 13 Condenser with older Evaporator Coil	1/26/2008
Q: I have a 3.5 ton Condenser with 4 ton air handler/coil installed in 1988. I want to replace the ... A: Steve: 3-1/2 tons sounds OK for 1,800 SF, unless you're in Las Vegas or similar climate. There's ...
heating systems	1/26/2008
Q: we have a split heating system with a heat pump 3&1/2 ton york and a luxaire furnace with a 94% ... A: Art: You have a very efficient furnace; that's a good thing, and I can't imagine anything you could ...
Central Air- Frigidaire	1/26/2008
Q: Good Afternoon, can you tell me if there is a relay switch in the air handler and also a relay ... A: Lisa: I'm not good with service and repair, but I think I can help you with what you've asked. ...
air temperature	1/26/2008
Q: The air coming out of the vents when the heat pump is set to heat feels cool. What temperature ... A: Kathy: The outlet temperature fluctuates with outdoor temperature. Here're two things I love about ...
SEER 13 Condenser with older Evaporator Coil	1/26/2008
Q: I have a 3.5 ton Condenser with 4 ton air handler/coil installed in 1988. I want to replace the ... A: Steve: Many manufacturers are insisting on matched combinations of indoor and outdoor sections to ...
A/C ducting	1/26/2008
Q: In a 1700 sq ft commercial space that is part of several contiguous commercial suites that we own ... A: Brian: Watch what they do with the "new runs", assuming they're running flex: 1. Supports every 5 ...
A/C ducting	1/26/2008
Q: In a 1700 sq ft commercial space that is part of several contiguous commercial suites that we own ... A: Brian: Your comment about "efficiency" tells me you pay for your tenants' energy. Let me know if ...
humidifier	1/26/2008
Q: I installed a honeywell he120a humidifier 2 weeks ago. Do to lack of space at the plenum, the ... A: Larry: You're describing a "bypass" humidifier; they're relatively ineffective, because they only ...
recurring zone valve issue	1/25/2008
Q: In my 12 year old hot water heat system I have had zone valves get sticky (not opening or closing ... A: Kris: If you're going to call Honeywell anyway, describe the operation of the valves and see what ...
heating	1/25/2008
Q: I just built a new home, when I turn on my heater cool and warm air comes out at the same time. I ... A: Shirley: We'll get through this, but you'll have to give "the anal retentive one" (my wife's ...
Variable speed fan	1/25/2008
Q: I am looking to purchase a new Furnace with a variable speed fan. They are supposed to be more ... A: Dor: Buy a standard 90+ furnace instead. There will be no measurable energy savings going to ...
Air in system	1/25/2008
Q: I have a 2 storey house with a hot water boiler and a mix of cast iron and tube fin baseboard rads ... A: Steve: Lived with a setup like yours 24 years, loved it: No air movement, just nice, warm heat. ...
Tight Shell	1/25/2008
Q: Fred, We are following your advice...having the shell tightened next week and another blower door ... A: Ed: "...boxes...fire hazard?" No, sounds like the fixtures are not "IC rated" (Insulation Contact); ...
heating /ac	1/25/2008
Q: why are the heating/ac vents in the south in the ceiling and the vents in the north in the floor? A: David: I assume you're asking why air outlets in predominantly cooling climates are best put in ...
recurring zone valve issue	1/24/2008
Q: In my 12 year old hot water heat system I have had zone valves get sticky (not opening or closing ... A: Kris: Whatever you do, stop using a (large) boiler to supply a (very small) water heating load in ...
recurring zone valve issue	1/24/2008
Q: In my 12 year old hot water heat system I have had zone valves get sticky (not opening or closing ... A: Kris: Nice to see someone with HWH! Send me a follow up, if you don't mind. These valves have ...
coleman furnace	1/24/2008
Q: Since you are more into the design of how things work I'm hoping you are the right person to ask ... A: Amy" Your job just got easier: They only had "five wire" on the truck that day. Definitely put one ...
Central Air - Blower on third floor	1/24/2008
Q: I'm looking into purchasing a three story 100 year old house. Steam heat. The air conditioner is ... A: Holly: You're a quick study! That's exactly what the radiator valves are for; they also prevent ...
Return air for bath in garage	1/24/2008
Q: I'm considering adding a tiny bath in my attached garage that will have a shower and sink only, in ... A: Murph: Good question! Returns are prohibited in bathrooms, to eliminate the risk of circulating ...
coleman furnace	1/24/2008
Q: Since you are more into the design of how things work I'm hoping you are the right person to ask ... A: Amy: Good question, nice detective work, too! Can't believe they spent the money for a two stage ...
Central Air - Blower on third floor	1/24/2008
Q: I'm looking into purchasing a three story 100 year old house. Steam heat. The air conditioner is ... A: Holly: Yours is a cooling only application, and air outlets in the first floor ceiling is the right ...
Emergency Heat	1/23/2008
Q: Two-foldWe were told we should always keep our thermostat on Em Heat Mode(we have gas heating). Is ... A: Kelly: Sounds like a heat pump with a gas furnace. That's a good choice, because you have the ...
Hot Water heat for garage	1/23/2008
Q: Good Day, I live in Nova Scotia, Canada I just recently built a 30 x 30 garage with an upstairs ... A: Darryl: Beautiful country! And you have first hand experience with the term "heating climate". I ...
air intake vents	1/23/2008
Q: My house has intake vents in every room at both the top and bottom of the wall in line with each ... A: Dianne: There is a school of thought that advocates using the high ones in the summer and the low ...
Ok to partially cover an air intake vent?	1/23/2008
Q: My home was built in 1928 and currently has a new Payne 80%gas furnace (installed fall 2007). Our ... A: Mike: I lived with a similar arrangement for ten years, never had a problem: The largest "floor ...
nightmare crawl space	1/23/2008
Q: Weldin, I live in a 1000sq.ft. ranch. Problem is the crawl space. This thing goes from 2.5 ft. in ... A: Victor: Seal and insulate all the ducts you can. First, buy some good aluminum foil duct tape ...
rerouting an air vent	1/22/2008
Q: this CAN'T be a hard question, but am having problems finding the right product. I have ONE ... A: Jojy: I assume the vent is in the floor ("Floor Diffuser"), and that the rear of the dresser does ...
replacing furnace	1/22/2008
Q: I am currently using propane hot air furnace. Would a Heat Pump or floor radiant heat or anything ... A: Wayne: A 90+ furnace will reduce fuel consumption 12% or so, assuming the existing is 80% and it ...
Heating Pump has no Nitro	1/22/2008
Q: I was wondering, what would happen if our outdoor heating pump does not have nitro in it? We ... A: Kareem: Use the word "Refrigerant"; there's no "nitro" involved. Sounds like there was no (or very ...
CFM roles in airconditioning.	1/22/2008
Q: What does CFM means & what roles does it play in airconditioning? What does CFM stands for? A: Pramod: Cubic Feet Per Minute, the measure of airflow. Flow rates for AC range from around 350 ...
heating unfinished basement	1/22/2008
Q: I have a question about heating option for an unfinished basement. My house is a 2 years old, 30x38 ... A: Robert: Cutting "registers" directly into the mains is an option, the problems you may face are: 1. ...
LP or gas?	1/21/2008
Q: We are building a new home(about 2000 sq ft)in the midwest. We will be taking some heating equipment ... A: Kim: Surfed, couldn't find your mfgr. Sounds interesting, though. The 20 degree figure sounds very ...
Central Home heating system	1/21/2008
Q: I have two 16"*30" air filters on south and north sides of my house. For the past 2 months I have ... A: Musthaq: I assume the filters are in wall grilles. Let me know if that's not the case. The flow at ...
Our family room is 10degrees colder!!	1/21/2008
Q: We live in an 8 year old home - approx 3400 sq ft, not counting the finished basement - and our ... A: Remy: The Home Inspector may be able to recommend someone. You might also try "Energy Conservation" ...
gas furnace size	1/21/2008
Q: Little over a year ago, my wife and I bought a new house. I was not able to be here to look at ... A: Steve: Welcome back! I'm guessing you have a well-insulated home with decent windows and doors, as ...
gas furnace, fresh air intake, water on floor	1/21/2008
Q: i recently had half the basement finished (corning system), and the unfinished half has the gas ... A: Dennis: This'll be a two part answer: Part now, part later after you give me more info; see below. ...
Our family room is 10degrees colder!!	1/21/2008
Q: We live in an 8 year old home - approx 3400 sq ft, not counting the finished basement - and our ... A: Remy: You have to address the structural issues first; no heating system can be adjusted to "heat ...
Microwave vent	1/20/2008
Q: Fred, I hope you can help. I'm desperate to solve a water problem in my attic. I have a four ... A: Bruce: I assume this is your first winter in this home; you didn't live there last winter. Warm ...
Inefficient Heating - Residence	1/20/2008
Q: You "also troubleshoot airflow problems in duct work". I'll start off by saying that I am a tenant ... A: Heather: Don't waste your money fixing his problem (the ceiling fan won't help). There must be a ...
heating unfinished basement	1/20/2008
Q: I have a question about heating option for an unfinished basement. My house is a 2 years old, 30x38 ... A: Robert: There's enough excess capacity in the first floor furnace to heat the basement, but it'll ...
Auxillary Heat options on Heat Pump	1/20/2008
Q: My parents use a heat pump/AC for their home. When it gets down to freezing (and below), the ... A: JC: Using fossil fuel (natural or LP gas and oil furnaces can be used in place of the existing "air ...
heating and air	1/13/2008
Q: we have a pool in the center of our home, inside. the room is 24 ft wide by 40 ft long. we are ... A: Chance: The pool will have thermal characteristics unlike anything you've ever seen, something ...
Heat Pump efficiency questions	1/13/2008
Q: Hudson Valley, NY here. 750 sq ft house. 4 year old heat pump in attic. Hot water emergency with ... A: Wally: Here are the answers to some very good questions: 1. Yes 2. Yes, but I can't do the math; ...
Proper System for and Earth Sheltered Home in Texas	1/13/2008
Q: I am building a 2300 sq. ft. earth sheltered home in Texas and am getting conflicting advice about ... A: Mike: Good question, and what a great idea for a home. Congratulations on your foresight! Small AC ...
Noisy air return	1/13/2008
Q: I have a 5 ton vertical mounted air handler. It has a 20x25 return air opening for the filter. ... A: C.C.: The grille and (especially) the filter are too small, and it's no surprise there's noise. ...
goodman furnace	1/13/2008
Q: just bought a 9 yrold house with a Goodman GMP075 gas furnace. The house is 2000 sqft, 2 story with ... A: Scott: Hearing the blower and fan is probably a duct problem; is there a short, direct route from ...
goodman furnace	1/13/2008
Q: just bought a 9 yrold house with a Goodman GMP075 gas furnace. The house is 2000 sqft, 2 story with ... A: Scott: One problem you may have is not knowing the home's annual utility bills. If so, call your ...
Replace separate heat and cooling thermostats	1/12/2008
Q: In my old house, we have two separate thermostats for heating Honeywell T822A( Furnace with base ... A: Vicky: Caution: You have two different control power sources, and it's necessary to keep them ...
Basement HVAC	1/12/2008
Q: Payne Model PG8UAA I am presently finishing my basement and wondering if I need to upgrade my ... A: Bill: Is the home itself seven years old? Sounds like the heater is plenty big, UNLESS you're ...
New unit vs Dehumidifer	1/12/2008
Q: Please advise your opinion - Built home in 2001, Carrier Heat Pump 4 tons for 2450 sq. ft. Have had ... A: Ed; Us seniors got to stick together (1942). The compressor must run for long periods of time for ...
electricity bill	1/11/2008
Q: I live in a 1500 sq ft. two year old ranch home on a full basement. I have a rude furnance. Our ... A: Eryn: "Electric bill" and "furnace" tell me you're buying natural gas from the utility that's also ...
installing forced hot air system/oil fired	1/11/2008
Q: Is it wise for me to install this system if designed by a professional. I have never done this but ... A: Robert: HUGE liability there, if the worst happens. Hire a licensed, insured contractor; insist on ...
New unit vs Dehumidifer	1/11/2008
Q: Please advise your opinion - Built home in 2001, Carrier Heat Pump 4 tons for 2450 sq. ft. Have had ... A: Ed: What did the person who did the Manual J assume for infiltration? If you're going to fix the ...
relocate vents from floor to attic	1/11/2008
Q: I live on a slab , had water in the floor vents. I hired a Waterproofing Co, $13,000 worth ,still ... A: Laura: I assume this is an older home in an area where there's a groundwater condition. There are ...
New unit vs Dehumidifer	1/11/2008
Q: Please advise your opinion - Built home in 2001, Carrier Heat Pump 4 tons for 2450 sq. ft. Have had ... A: Ed: I always try to fix the problem, not the symptom. Don't buy the dehumidifier. Mold can develop ...
Air Conditioning Noise	1/11/2008
Q: We live in AZ so as you know we need a good AC unit. We just purchased a 5 Ton Lennox system. We ... A: Victoria: AC capacity increased 25%; that means airflow went up 25% too. Unless there was a very ...
Air leaking out from between two sections of furnace	1/10/2008
Q: I have a Ruud furnace that has two sections. These two sections get bolted together so that one sits ... A: Andrew: The furnace and cooling coil are shipped separately for assembly in the field. The space ...
ductwork banging	1/10/2008
Q: In the middle of the night we are woken up by a loud banging noise that sounds like it's coming from ... A: Renee: I have nothing but questions, please send a followup, I'll try to help. I assume it's a ...
Rheem Classic 2 ton	1/10/2008
Q: For a new Rheem Classic A/C heating system, is $2,900.00 a reasonable price to pay? A: Dee: $1,450/ton sounds too low (we're paying at least $2,000), especially if there're Energy and/or ...
A/C heating Rheem Classic	1/10/2008
Q: What is your opinion of a Rheem Classic A/C heating system-2 ton for a 1,050 sf condo with cathedral ... A: Deefal: Rheem is what I'll call a "Builder Line", less inexpensive than a Carrier, Trane or York; ...
Cold walk out basement	1/9/2008
Q: We just finished the 950 sq ft walk out basement and it is cold down there. The house is a new 2 ... A: Mark: I'm assuming "The floor plan" is for the walkout. This is a matter of air balance (the room ...
Heat pump and backup propane?	1/9/2008
Q: I have a feasibility question. My current heating system is an 11 year old Lennox 92 efficient ... A: Dave: I agree: There's no need to replace the furnace, but you will need a new indoor coil. Go for ...
how much torque to use	1/9/2008
Q: i have a steam boiler , circa 1970's, that heats my home. i need to replace to steam pressure gauge. ... A: Mark: I think the 3/8" pipe would be the first thing to go, and it might take your weight to loosen ...
water in heat ducts	1/9/2008
Q: hope you can help me. our house sits on a slab and we have had allot of rain (like flood level) in ... A: Eve: Sounds like you have a groundwater problem, and the ductwork has failed; this is not good, ...
Operating a Furnace without a filter	1/9/2008
Q: I moved into a new home this past summer and noticed in the fall that thermostat display indicated ... A: Darlene: This is about the quality of the air you breathe, it's unlikely to result in furnace ...
airflow	1/9/2008
Q: when running my heater the air flow pressure is the same at all vents.Why are some vents blowing ... A: Charlie: Have you measured outlet temperatures with a thermometer? I don't know why the ...
Heat Pump in Attic	1/9/2008
Q: We are getting estimates for installation of a heat pump mainly for cooling. One installer wants to ... A: Carmen: We call this type of system a "split system" because there are two parts: An outdoor unit ...
air flow	1/8/2008
Q: I have a question about airflow? I have two furnaces side by side ( carrier mod 58gs150-3 seris ... A: Tony: Are you sure it's ten tons (should be "120" somewhere in the M/N)? 32x12 is good for 7-1/2 ...
airflow	1/8/2008
Q: when running my heater the air flow pressure is the same at all vents.Why are some vents blowing ... A: Charlie: I'm assuming your question relates to the heat cycle; let me know if that's not the case. ...
Heat Pump in Attic	1/8/2008
Q: We are getting estimates for installation of a heat pump mainly for cooling. One installer wants to ... A: Carmen: Thanks for your interest. At this point, I have more questions than answers; you'll have to ...
fan speed	1/8/2008
Q: I recently noticed different speed connections on my fan motor while cleaning the system. The ... A: Joe: You may be delivering too much air for the heating and cooling equipment; check with the ...
dual zoned heating/air	1/8/2008
Q: When just got dual zoned heating and air installed.Averaged about 50 deg. outside last night. We ... A: Leslie: I'm assuming you just had a single zone system converted to a two zone by adding zone ...
Heating	1/8/2008
Q: I am looking at buying a house that is only 2 years old. A home ispector found that when heater is ... A: Tom: I've only seen one instance of that and I've been looking for 20+ years, so it's unlikely that ...
HVAC & Plenum	1/8/2008
Q: I have a 2 story home with two HVAC units (Upstairs/ downstairs and we have a problem getting the ... A: I've asked twice now, still no response. Send another question, mark it "Private". Give me your ...
Heating	1/8/2008
Q: I am looking at buying a house that is only 2 years old. A home ispector found that when heater is ... A: Tom: I have seen one case where the installer forgot a branch duct, even though he cut an opening ...
B vent pipe close to wood joist in roof	1/7/2008
Q: B vent pipe close to wood joist in roof and need to pass inspection, maybe by an 1/8 of an inch. ... A: Anne: I'd be extremely reluctant to cut a joist; but if that's the ONLY option, have it done by a ...
Hot water heating systems	1/7/2008
Q: My husband wants to change our home heating system from natural gas forced air, to hot water. But ... A: Cindy: Now you're going to get me in trouble! Unless there's something wrong with your furnace, ...
Hot water heating systems	1/7/2008
Q: My husband wants to change our home heating system from natural gas forced air, to hot water. But ... A: Cindy: I'm married, so I can relate. Hubbies get some unusual ideas sometimes, don't we? For ...
HVAC & Plenum	1/7/2008
Q: I have a 2 story home with two HVAC units (Upstairs/ downstairs and we have a problem getting the ... A: Dee/Dennis: After I answered, I emailed All Experts about uploading images, no reply; I'll e-mail ...
sizing for 2000sqft colonial	1/7/2008
Q: can i use an air handler in my attic for cooling 2nd floor and sneak some ducts through closets to ... A: Ken: Sounds like you're adding cooling to an older home constructed with heat only. If that's the ...
Heat Pump Output	1/6/2008
Q: My house has two heat pumps, one 4-ton and one 2-ton, both with auxillary heaters. With the heaters ... A: Charlie: I'd expect the "temperature rises" (I think that's what you're referring to with the ...
Heat Pump	1/6/2008
Q: I have a two story home. 3-1/2 tons down and 1-1/2 up. Adequately sized units for the size of the ... A: Kipp: By shutting off rooms, you're lowering the average temperature of the home, thereby reducing ...
heat pump efficiency	1/2/2008
Q: I have a Carrier heat pump-12 seer- and would like to know at what outside temperature I should ... A: Jason: The answer depends on how oversized the unit is for cooling. We see a lot of oversizing in ...
HVAC & Plenum	1/2/2008
Q: I have a 2 story home with two HVAC units (Upstairs/ downstairs and we have a problem getting the ... A: Dee: First, I wouldn't let an H&AC person cut a truss; that should only be done by a skilled ...
Tempstar Gas Pac air filter	1/2/2008
Q: Where do I locate the air bear filter on Model PGF330080K to change it? A: Dianne: The filters are provided by the installer; they're not a part of the standard unit. They ...
moving hot air	1/1/2008
Q: I want to cut into one of my ducts in my cellar from the furnace [oil] to bring heat to my shop ... A: Dave: You have "air to spare", so it sounds OK (albeit somewhat unorthodox). Do provide dampers at ...
condo unit	1/1/2008
Q: We live in a high rise building in a very sunny 1500 square condo with McQuay 10 year old a/c system ... A: Vesna: Sounds like either a water to air heat pump (has a compressor, incoming water is not ...
Can hear water in vents	1/1/2008
Q: i can hear water in a couple of my vents and no air moving thru these to vents as well. The rest of ... A: Jerimy: You don't mention whether the ducts are accessible. If they are, just take them apart to ...
Looking at a house with Propane FHW system	12/31/2007
Q: I am looking at a 1,500 sq ft, three story cape, with a Propane fired FHW three zone system. The ... A: Joel: Assuming "FHW" means forced hot water. Checked the Peerless website, looks like they ...
Can hear water in vents	12/31/2007
Q: i can hear water in a couple of my vents and no air moving thru these to vents as well. The rest of ... A: Jerimy: Sounds like you had water from a hot water pipe leak which somehow ended up in the branch ...
trunk lines and ducts in conditioned spaces	12/30/2007
Q: Fred, you are the man. I am a contractor in Jonesboro AR. I am not an HVAC contractor, but I read ... A: Jeb: You don't say what Code applies. Your reference to "registers" leads me to believe the plenum ...
moving hot air	12/30/2007
Q: I want to cut into one of my ducts in my cellar from the furnace [oil] to bring heat to my shop ... A: Dave: Sounds like you're suggesting connecting a new 4" branch to an existing 6" (round) branch; do ...

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