[kcrossley]

We're getting ready to replace our old Janitrol HVAC system. Here are a few photos of the builder install. Pretty much everything shown here will be replaced, including the drip pan and the crazy vent. Is there anything else I should have my HVAC contractor do when they install the new system?

Should vibration pads go on top of the cinder blocks? What about the weathered strand board under the drip pan. Should I replace that with 1/2 exterior plywood? I'm also attaching a few photos of the outside condensers. Any help and/or advice is greatly appreciated.

Attic Furnace

AC Condensors

 

[kcrossley]

Here are a few more images of the condensers.

 

[kcrossley]

3 units! How big is your house? I hope you’re having a load calculation performed so they’re not oversized because they almost always are. Especially on new construction.
Another observation, if that is in fact metal clad cable to the condensers, it is not waterproof or approved for outdoor use.

That's what I said when they built the house, but apparently, our county allows it. Don't worry those metal clad cables are going to be replaced with the same one we used for the mini-split. Plus, the quick disconnect boxes are being replaced too.

 

[kcrossley]

Thanks, Bazooka Joe. These are some great tips.

I also spent an extra $300 for two pairs of Hef-T-Foot supports because they raise the condenser 4" off the pad and make it more stable. To me, it just makes the condensers look finished. A pricey option, but I've already spent thousands.

 

[kcrossley]

3 units! How big is your house? I hope you’re having a load calculation performed so they’re not oversized because they almost always are. Especially on new construction.

About 4,300 sq. ft. on three levels. I spoke with my HVAC contractor about this today and he calculated 6.17 tons for the first and second floor. Since the Daikin non-HP systems I'm getting don't come in 1/2 ton increments, he said I was better off with a 4-Ton system for the first floor. Plus, since they're variable speed inverters, they'll only use what they need, or that's what I was told.

 

[kcrossley]

I hope your not paying to replace the MC cable.
Why are they replacing the disconnects?

Nope, these are being done as a courtesy. Plus, this HVAC contractor I hired, who's been in business for 40-years, doesn't want somebody else's stuff screwing up their work.

 

[kcrossley]

I wouldn't want those valves left in the condensate lines... blowing out drains is a good way to dump trash inside a wall... pvc fails...

That's why there are two valves. One valve stops the garden hose water from going back inside the house. I guess technically all we really needed was one valve.

 

[kcrossley]

Post photos of your new install,...if you want.

Ok, will do.

BTW, as you can see from the photos of the old attic furnace, the previous HVAC company used bricks between the drip pan and the evaporator coils to raise it up a little so it matches the gas furnace housing. Today, I asked the HVAC lead tech if he wanted me to stop by and pick up some bricks because I didn't want to reuse the rust-encrusted old ones on a brand new system.

He said he was planning on using styrofoam blocks instead of bricks. He showed me one and it measures 8" x 8" x 4" high. This guy clearly knows what he's doing, but I've never heard of that before. Is it standard practice to use styrofoam blocks to raise a horizontally-mounted system?

 

[kcrossley]

Post photos of your new install,...if you want.

Ok, will do.

BTW, as you can see from the photos of the old attic furnace, the previous HVAC company used bricks between the drip pan and the evaporator coils to raise it up a little so it matches the gas furnace housing. Today, I asked the HVAC lead tech if he wanted me to stop by and pick up some bricks because I didn't want to reuse the rust-encrusted old ones on a brand new system.

He said he was planning on using styrofoam blocks instead of bricks. He showed me one and it measures 8" x 8" x 4" high. This guy clearly knows what he's doing, but I've never heard of that before. Is it standard practice to use styrofoam blocks to raise a horizontally-mounted system?

Also, I noticed that the old condensate line is rust-encrusted from the heavy metals in our public well water. Should I have my HVAC tech replace the condensate line or is that being a little too picky? They are reusing the supply lines, which I'm assuming is fine.