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Yes, it's another "Help me decide on my new Heat Pump purchase" question - from FL

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#21 · (Edited)
So run your system to see if your compressor is in low stage then see what the RPM of the outdoor motor, err I mean furnace motor, then run in 2nd stage and see if your compressor picks up and the RPM changes on the motor. Thinking after 11+ years you have a decent idea if system is in low stage or high stage without looking at the thermostat. I would not rely on the thermostat reading to tell you, but check the OD unit physically.

If you can’t get it to ramp up from low then you need a service call, maybe a different Contractor? to check sequence of operation.

I guess your all set, as reading your new post your going with a new system….
 
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Discussion starter · #22 ·
Bazooka Joe said:
So run your system to see if your compressor is in low stage then see what the RPM of the outdoor motor, err I mean furnace motor, then run in 2nd stage and see if your compressor picks up and the RPM changes on the motor. Thinking after 11+ years you have a decent idea if system is in low stage or high stage without looking at the thermostat. I would not rely on the thermostat reading to tell you, but check the OD unit physically.

If you can’t get it to ramp up from low then you need a service call, maybe a different Contractor? to check sequence of operation.

I guess your all set, as reading your new post your going with a new system….
Click to expand...

Yeah, IF they find the equipment. I look at it as an investment - buy a new unit at today's prices that will be more efficient, handle the humidity better, and do it before prices go even higher.
 
Discussion starter · #23 ·
Today another example - is it NORMAL to have an 11% swing in humidity inside the house? Hottest temp outside today was 85 - I fluctuated from 72-74 in the past 24 hours, and 50%-61% humidity.
 
#24 ·
pickledpelican said:
Today another example - is it NORMAL to have an 11% swing in humidity inside the house? Hottest temp outside today was 85 - I fluctuated from 72-74 in the past 24 hours, and 50%-61% humidity.
Click to expand...
That house has soms serious leakage then.
 
Discussion starter · #25 ·
pecmsg said:
That house has soms serious leakage then.
Click to expand...
Wondering from where - wish I could find someone in my area who could do an energy audit (while not at the same time trying to sell me stuff from their company). Perhaps it is the old, tired, compressed cellulose insulation in the attic - looks original and is barely 3.5" high.
 
Discussion starter · #28 ·
Good GOD was today interesting. Crawled all over my attic (not easy for someone my size and with the way the trusses and vaulted ceilings are laid out.) No mastic on any of the supply ducts, return ducts, or plenums. In many areas there wasn't even any tape. Straps were a mish-mash of roller-coaster like ups and downs, often along long stretches of duct. Found 30 feet of 10" duct not attached to anything - like they just left it up there and couldn't be bothered to remove it. Also found leftover pieces of PVC, PVC cement, soda cans/bottles from when I had my house plumbing redone. Also cut pieces of plenum box, open electrical wires, open electrical boxes, hot switches, and a open length of wire that is hot that is apparently not connected to any breaker - I flipped every breaker in my box and it is still hot.

This house is like a bad onion.

The mind wobbles.
 
#29 ·
pickledpelican said:
Good GOD was today interesting. Crawled all over my attic (not easy for someone my size and with the way the trusses and vaulted ceilings are laid out.) No mastic on any of the supply ducts, return ducts, or plenums. In many areas there wasn't even any tape. Straps were a mish-mash of roller-coaster like ups and downs, often along long stretches of duct. Found 30 feet of 10" duct not attached to anything - like they just left it up there and couldn't be bothered to remove it. Also found leftover pieces of PVC, PVC cement, soda cans/bottles from when I had my house plumbing redone. Also cut pieces of plenum box, open electrical wires, open electrical boxes, hot switches, and a open length of wire that is hot that is apparently not connected to any breaker - I flipped every breaker in my box and it is still hot.

This house is like a bad onion.

The mind wobbles.
Click to expand...
Sorry to say but it Sounds like typical Cookie Cutter residential new construction.
 
#30 ·
Crawled all over my attic…

Also found leftover pieces of PVC, PVC cement, soda cans/bottles..

The empty beer cans are probably buried in the insulation….
 
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Discussion starter · #32 ·
In my job, lazy or slack-tard execution can get patients killed. It is sad that so many installers (electricians, plumbers, HVAC) do such shoddy, slap-dash work. Most home owners never know.
 
#33 ·
pickledpelican said:
In my job, lazy or slack-tard execution can get patients killed. It is sad that so many installers (electricians, plumbers, HVAC) do such shoddy, slap-dash work. Most home owners never know.
Click to expand...
Unfortunately………… our job also!
 
#34 ·
pickledpelican said:
Wondering from where -
wish I could find someone in my area who could do an energy audit
__________ :putergreet: [ WWW MYSIMPLIFIEDHVAC COM ]
(while not at the same time trying to sell me stuff from their company).

Perhaps it is the old, tired, compressed cellulose insulation in the attic -
looks original and is barely 3.5" high.
Click to expand...
Replacement of the OLD Jalousie windows may have ALREADY
reduced the cooling load requirement by 25% to 60%.

1. BLOWER DOOR TEST __ AIR ZONE
... https://airzonetampabay.com/duke-energy-blower-door-testing-contractor/
... Provide results
__ Goal/ Target: < 1,100 CFM50 MAX.; << 4.0ACH50

2. Performance:
___ AHU Outlet Temp.: ___ ~ 55'F
___ Supply Diffusers Temperatures: ___
___ External Static Pressure: ___ " W.C.

3. Send me Duke Energy Florida Electric
use for EACH of the last 12 months.

4. Thermostat set-point ~ 77'F
-------- - ? - ___ < 55% R.H. WHEN ODT > 87'F

5. Manual J Block Load Calc

Building Thermal Envelope Preliminary Description
__ 2,050 SF, 1982 Built
__ Perimeter: 57' x 36' .?. __ 186'; presume 200'
__ Wall Height: 8'; Wall Area: 1,600 + SF

__ Walls: R-6
__ Floor: Concrete Slab
__ Ceiling: R-10 Existing; R-38 renovation

Windows: qty. 14, ~ 241 Sq Ft
Low E, Argon Filled __ ?
SHGC < 0.29; U-factor < 0.31 if less than 10 years old
_______ ___ ________ ___
Dir _ Qty
North: 2 __ 35 SF
South: 3 __ 51 SF
. East: 4 __ 70 SF
.West: 5 __ 85 SF

Sliding Glass Door: __ ' x __ '; Direction ?

SEAL house envelope to achieve < 1,100 { ? } ACH50

6. Equipment Selection

7. Cooling Operating Cost Estimate

Electricity Cooling / Total Use should be < ~ 0.58 for June - September

$ 170 Total; Other Uses $ 70; Cooling $ 100
 
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#35 ·
Do you want <55%RH regardless of the size of the heat pump? How about fresh air ventilation during the calm mild season months in FL?

Evenings and rainy days in a "green grass climate" like FL, the outdoor dew points are high and the sensible cooling is near zero, not even a VS a/c can maintain <55%RH!

Adding a small whole house dehumidifier to a properly setup single speed a/c will maintain will maintain <55%RH even with the a/c "off". This is a well kept secret.

You size the dehumidifier to remove the moisture from the occupants and fresh air infiltration/mechanical ventilation(needed to purge indoor polllutants and renew oxygen, a fresh air change in 3-4 hours to maintain 50%RH. Healthy and very comfortable. The heatpump/a/c is simple and can be a little over-sized.

+100,000 dehumidifier are sold per year and rising.

I change to a ventilated, dehumidified home 25 year ago in WI and 12 years ago in FL. Always comfortable and healthy. My friends and relative slowly joining me. Believe me, I here about it when something quits.

These complex 2 speed or more complex VS a/c are unable to maintain 50%RH unless reheat is added. All "green grass" climates benefit from adding a whole house dehumidifier. Including the "fresh, filtered option mosty for the mild season months of year to purge indoor pollutants and renew oxygen is also is a big improvement is health and comfort. (So it is Sunday Morning).

What do you think? Recommended by the American Medical Assn. and many others.

Regards Teddy Bear
 
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Discussion starter · #36 ·
teddy bear said:
Do you want <55%RH regardless of the size of the heat pump? How about fresh air ventilation during the calm mild season months in FL?

Evenings and rainy days in a "green grass climate" like FL, the outdoor dew points are high and the sensible cooling is near zero, not even a VS a/c can maintain <55%RH!

Adding a small whole house dehumidifier to a properly setup single speed a/c will maintain will maintain <55%RH even with the a/c "off". This is a well kept secret.

You size the dehumidifier to remove the moisture from the occupants and fresh air infiltration/mechanical ventilation(needed to purge indoor polllutants and renew oxygen, a fresh air change in 3-4 hours to maintain 50%RH. Healthy and very comfortable. The heatpump/a/c is simple and can be a little over-sized.

+100,000 dehumidifier are sold per year and rising.

I change to a ventilated, dehumidified home 25 year ago in WI and 12 years ago in FL. Always comfortable and healthy. My friends and relative slowly joining me. Believe me, I here about it when something quits.

These complex 2 speed or more complex VS a/c are unable to maintain 50%RH unless reheat is added. All "green grass" climates benefit from adding a whole house dehumidifier. Including the "fresh, filtered option mosty for the mild season months of year to purge indoor pollutants and renew oxygen is also is a big improvement is health and comfort. (So it is Sunday Morning).

What do you think? Recommended by the American Medical Assn. and many others.

Regards Teddy Bear
Click to expand...
Its funny - I started this entire journey with the intent of a whole house dehumidifier - the problem is the very first person who came to quote me told me how expensive they are and started pitching a new HVAC.

Then when I tried to find other companies that specialized in dehumidifiers it was difficult.

In your experience, just how expensive IS a whole house dehumidifier for a 2050 square foot home? I assume it is installed inline/attached to the air handler?

Any suggestions on a company that might service my area?
 
#37 ·
Get us your zip code, we will see what we can do for a wholesaler/contractor list. From me point of view, you will help us by getting a good young contractor interested in the concept and giving him the work. We need new blood.

Regards Teddy Bear
 
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#39 ·

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dan sw fl
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