[ByronAlpha]

Not sure if these pics are good enough to give a good idea on what going on. Let me know if you need more. In the 3rd pics that duct is pulled really tght. It looks to have a crease in the duct.

 

[Todd S 2]

Not sure if these pics are good enough to give a good idea on what going on. Let me know if you need more. In the 3rd pics that duct is pulled really tght. It looks to have a crease in the duct.

Boy, that's some ugly workmanship.

 

[skippedover]

There you go showing off again.

And I suppose they say you charge too much.

LOL.
I hear that complaint all the time from those who haven't already found out how expensive it can be to hire someone who doesn't do the whole analysis and ends up coming back time after time, charging each time and still can't figure it out. I do it completely to the best of my knowledge and ability, charge accordingly and guarantee the results. I also advise the client up front what the repair costs will be before repairs are made.

Originally trained as an aircraft mechanic, practiced that for several years and decided that career was too unstable. So I took my mechanical training and skills and moved over to HVAC. Hence the 'black or white' attitude when it comes to repairs. In aircraft, there's no half way. It's either right or people face the very real prospect of death. It's unforgiving. I don't think working on someone's HVAC product should be much different, even if they're not going to die if it's not repaired correctly. Just a work ethic methinks.

 

[garya505]

Looks like your builder contracted the HVAC work to the low bidder.

 

[ByronAlpha]

yeah honestly I didn't really remember it being that bad until I was up there trying to take pics of everything. I have found the more I dig into the house the more problems I see. My contractor sucked I guess. So I guess fixing the ductwork would help out tremendously?

 

[Todd S 2]

LOL.
I hear that complaint all the time from those who haven't already found out how expensive it can be to hire someone who doesn't do the whole analysis and ends up coming back time after time, charging each time and still can't figure it out. I do it completely to the best of my knowledge and ability, charge accordingly and guarantee the results. I also advise the client up front what the repair costs will be before repairs are made.

Originally trained as an aircraft mechanic, practiced that for several years and decided that career was too unstable. So I took my mechanical training and skills and moved over to HVAC. Hence the 'black or white' attitude when it comes to repairs. In aircraft, there's no half way. It's either right or people face the very real prospect of death. It's unforgiving. I don't think working on someone's HVAC product should be much different, even if they're not going to die if it's not repaired correctly. Just a work ethic methinks.

I agree, do it right or don't do it at all.

I went to a house last week where the blower motor went bad on a 12 year old furnace. The homeowner couldn't believe it.

She had two contractors (I use the term lightly) give her prices on a new system (furnace and A/C for the rebates and tax credits) before I got there.

I started to measure the ductwork, etc. 4 ton system feed by 16" x8" (700 cfm) return duct. The supply was okay.

She said I was the only person that brought a ruler. I made some suggestions as to increasing the return air and recommended down sizing the A/C a 1/2 ton.

I got the job. She was a very smart lady. LOL

 

[garya505]

yeah honestly I didn't really remember it being that bad until I was up there trying to take pics of everything. I have found the more I dig into the house the more problems I see. My contractor sucked I guess. So I guess fixing the ductwork would help out tremendously?

As "just a homeowner", considering your cost of fixing the ductwork, this is a no-brainer. I'd fix the supply ducts first, then reevaluate the situation.

 

[Todd S 2]

Looks like your builder contracted the HVAC work to the low bidder.

Would a "quality" builder do that? I'll never forget (25+ yrs. ago) trying to get some new business from a builder.

I started to tell him how I proposed to do the work. He put up his hand and said to me, "How low can you go"? This was before "talk to the hand" was popular.

 

[Todd S 2]

About my ductwork. Can I take a picture and post it? Im sure I can capture it all in one pic. Also I keep reading about the ductwork hanging. Mine is just laying on the floor. Bad?

I don't like the supply or (lack of) return plenum. I wonder how well the air is going over the evaporator coil?

Flex on the floor is okay. We put elbows on where it "turns" to the diffusers, then we pull it tight. Or a bigger (or more than one) supply feed can be used if the run is long.

 

[ByronAlpha]

is there anything that I can do to help this or does this have to be completely redone by a pro? The only reason I am eager to see if there is anything I can do, is I dont mind getting in the attic now. My AC guy said lets wait till it cools off, which I do understand.

 

[Todd S 2]

is there anything that I can do to help this or does this have to be completely redone by a pro? The only reason I am eager to see if there is anything I can do, is I dont mind getting in the attic now. My AC guy said lets wait till it cools off, which I do understand.

This isn't a do it youself site. However, I feel badly for you. What you could do is disconnect the flex from the diffusers and install elbows at each one to eliminate the kincks.

Another question that I have, the return flex looks to be 16" which is okay, but what size is the grille or grilles?

 

[ByronAlpha]

Oh didn't know this inst a DIY site. Well I feel dumb as I now see no DIY. Sorry. I understand the top part and will go to lowes?? to find some elbows. Do you want the dimensions of my grill or will my filer size due? Filter size is 24x14

 

[Todd S 2]

Oh didn't know this inst a DIY site. Well I feel dumb as I now see no DIY. Sorry. I understand the top part and will go to lowes?? to find some elbows. Do you want the dimensions of my grill or will my filer size due? Filter size is 24x14

It's a filter grille? A 24"x14" filter grille is too small. That's another issue.
Brother!

 

[ByronAlpha]

Doesn't every return have a filter? I only have one return and its in my hallway.

 

[pstu]

I agree, do it right or don't do it at all.

I went to a house last week where the blower motor went bad on a 12 year old furnace. The homeowner couldn't believe it.

She had two contractors (I use the term lightly) give her prices on a new system (furnace and A/C for the rebates and tax credits) before I got there.

I started to measure the ductwork, etc. 4 ton system feed by 16" x8" (700 cfm) return duct. The supply was okay.

She said I was the only person that brought a ruler. I made some suggestions as to increasing the return air and recommended down sizing the A/C a 1/2 ton.

I got the job. She was a very smart lady. LOL

It's a crazy world when you are the most sophisticated tool user because you brought a ruler!<g>.

Best wishes -- Pstu

 

[Todd S 2]

Doesn't every return have a filter? I only have one return and its in my hallway.

Right, that's what I thought. It's called (amazing enough) a filter grille.
24"x14" is killing your return air (flow).

It's good for about 672 cfm or 1.5 ton of A/C.

Along with eveything else, I see why your house does't cool.

 

[Codyt]

Filter return?

I have several return ducts in my house. I have been taking the grills down to clean them. Not a single one has a filter. Should they? The only filter I have is the one I crawl into the attic to change each month.

 

[Todd S 2]

I have several return ducts in my house. I have been taking the grills down to clean them. Not a single one has a filter. Should they? The only filter I have is the one I crawl into the attic to change each month.[/QUOT

It depends on the install. You filter is okay and correct. If access is available, the filter is normally at the unit in the attic.

 

[pstu]

Ccodyt, what you have is actually superior to grille filters.

Best wishes -- Pstu

 

[Codyt]

Todd S 2 and pstu, thank you. At least something is OK with my AC.