Does anyone have any familiarity with these systems at all? Have a quick question or two, was hoping someone could give me some insight. Let me know if you wouldn't mind me bouncing a question off of you, and I'll send you a PM with the details.

Thanks!

Re: WAAAAYYYY Off-Topic -- HVAC Systems

^We just had our hvac worked on, what kinds of problems is it having?

Re: WAAAAYYYY Off-Topic -- HVAC Systems

no "problems," just a design issue -- wondering how much adding an additional register or two (and accompanying ductwork) is going to impact the efficiency of the overall system.

Re: WAAAAYYYY Off-Topic -- HVAC Systems

I would just call a company and ask...just say your shopping for a good price and you have these questions:

Re: WAAAAYYYY Off-Topic -- HVAC Systems

decided to just go ahead with it -- only talking about a couple of short runs off of the main trunk, which is a drop in the bucket compared to the runs that go through the rest of the house.

Re: WAAAAYYYY Off-Topic -- HVAC Systems

Guess Im chiming in late. Depends on how your existing system was sized. Are you planning any returns from the newly supplied space?

Re: WAAAAYYYY Off-Topic -- HVAC Systems

[QUOTE=jarble187;856703]Guess Im chiming in late. Depends on how your existing system was sized. Are you planning any returns from the newly supplied space?[/QUOTE]

Was thinking about that myself. The main return trunk cuts across the space, but it's a basement, so it passes overhead, same as the conditioned air. Not sure that's the ideal configuration for a cold air return. Do you have any thoughts on that?

Re: WAAAAYYYY Off-Topic -- HVAC Systems

That sounds like a typical installation if I am understanding you correctly. Just try to keep your runs a short as possible and sized properly. Im not sure if your existing system is zoned and controlled with dampers, but that would be useful to help balance out all the supplies. Your system will not be generating additional CFM, so your other existing zones are gonna take a hit when you add the new registers. Im assuming from your explanation that you have finshed a room in your basement and need it to be conditioned. If the return is overhead, it should be fine. When you are supplying conditioned air to the room, try to keep the supply low and as far away from the return as possible. Through negative pressure, the hot air will be returned to the air handeling unit and reconditioned.

Re: WAAAAYYYY Off-Topic -- HVAC Systems

very helpful, thanks!

Re: WAAAAYYYY Off-Topic -- HVAC Systems

I have a question about HVAC systems as well, our old (96 Model) Unit seems like it's on its way out. We have ended up going with Lowes (which is the only game in my small town) who have quoted me an exorbitant amount for a (fairly top of the line) Trane unit and I was wondering if there was anyone on the boards who has replaced their outside and inside units recently and has an idea on prices?

Re: WAAAAYYYY Off-Topic -- HVAC Systems

[QUOTE=Kamal;1093814]I have a question about HVAC systems as well, our old (96 Model) Unit seems like it's on its way out. We have ended up going with Lowes (which is the only game in my small town) who have quoted me an exorbitant amount for a (fairly top of the line) Trane unit and I was wondering if there was anyone on the boards who has replaced their outside and inside units recently and has an idea on prices?[/QUOTE]

I have had and have heard multiple other stories of bad experiences with Trane units- they're just not what they used to be. The loft we owned several years ago had a commercial Trane system, which gave us all kinds of issues. My friend bought our loft from us, and now 2 years later, he's having to replace the entire unit, which isn only 7 years old. On top of that, several of the other residents in the building are having similar issues and are going down the same path. My other buddy, who also lives downtown in a different building, is having issues with his Trane unit as well. One of my friends and his father own a heating and cooling business, and told us at the time, and is now telling all of those people as well as he's servicing their Trane systems, exactly what I said in the first sentence- Trane just isn't what it used to be. Now, all of that said, these units were large commercial units to heat/cool open warehouse type loft spaces. I'm not sure what kind of a Trane system you're looking at for your home, so YMMV. I'd certainly proceed with caution however and get multiple bids if you can.

Re: WAAAAYYYY Off-Topic -- HVAC Systems

Tks Jenks, I too read some horror stories online about TRANE systems and quite a few of them seemed to point to questionable reliability.

However, a majority of the posts on various HVAC forums said that with most U.S. branded HVAC systems, they are all within a few points of each other (in terms of reliability), but the most important element to keep in mind is hiring the right contractor to install the system as a substandard installation will ruin a perfectly good system.

These are the pieces I'm going for

[url="http://www.trane.com/residential/products/air-conditioners/xl16i-air-conditioners"]Two-Stage Air Conditioner | Experience the XL16i 18 SEER Air Conditioner | Trane[/url] - AC / Heat Pump Unit [url="http://www.munchsupply.com/store/item.aspx?DepartmentId=4&ItemId=2227&F_All=Y"]http://www.munchsupply.com/store/item.aspx?DepartmentId=4&ItemId=2227&F_All=Y[/url] - Air Handler

The good thing is the AC / Heat Pump Unit has 2 years labor and 12 years parts warranty. Plus I have a very good relation with the manager at the local Lowes (through whom the order has been placed), so I'm not as worried about future repairs (they really helped me out through bad Microwave and Refrigerator products - well out of warranty).

Re: WAAAAYYYY Off-Topic -- HVAC Systems

Will be nice when the AC units come installed with solar panels in the near future to save on electricity costs. Our unit says "Payne" on it. Seems solid so far... Came with the house we just bought. Lowes seems overpriced for labor. Perhaps look into a company via Craigslist. If you dare. I've always had good luck with CL... the key is to interview the co on the phone, as long as your are good at reading people it seems to work well. If they don't seem legit, call someone else.this route is more time consuming but it saves $$$ usually. That tv thread I started a little while back for example. We bought our tv on CL (love it) and had our old tv repaired cheaply via CL. :lol:

Re: WAAAAYYYY Off-Topic -- HVAC Systems

Getting this installed along with our new system. Can't wait for it, existing system picks the best (hottest) week of the year to die on us.

[video=youtube;PS-ERQ07BIg]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PS-ERQ07BIg[/video]

Re: WAAAAYYYY Off-Topic -- HVAC Systems

AC nerdgasms :shock: :lol: the iNest looks ah mazing!