Matt Gruber
1 MW
I'm giving a thumbs down to a new R410a replacement heat pump/ac due to numerous reports of problems with r410a TXV expansion valves etc, AND i figured a better way to do it for 80-90% less.
My 10 year old R22 system(3 ton cost $2850) is obsolete due to AC guys charging $65/lb. to fix it. It holds 12 lbs, do the math! and r22 will no longer be made after 2020, not to mention it is bad for the ozone layer.
.
So i designed my own system, to be installed by me in my attic loft.
Goals :
1. no more calls for service ever. must be easy and cheap to fix myself without gauges or ac training.
1B. No more complete ac failure, as long as there is power, some rooms will always have ac. Any failure is limited to 1 room. This is a goal, as lightning can do a lot of damage.
2. individually zoned rooms, don't cool/heat rooms unoccupied. plan to use up to 50' of 8" R6 duct ($66), and 10-11 registers, $60.
3.
4. Nothing in windows or outside walls, too noisey .
5. Nothing outside, so less rusting from salt air, and no rain hits system.
.
So now i'm making a 46"x16" louver with fan for the 3x4 attic window. Have an 800 cfm 12v Spal fan, as plenty of airflow will be needed, as heat pumps and ac work by transfering the heat from/to the air. in addition to the fan, there is a 28' ridge vent and soffit vents.
My 10 year old R22 system(3 ton cost $2850) is obsolete due to AC guys charging $65/lb. to fix it. It holds 12 lbs, do the math! and r22 will no longer be made after 2020, not to mention it is bad for the ozone layer.
.
So i designed my own system, to be installed by me in my attic loft.
Goals :
1. no more calls for service ever. must be easy and cheap to fix myself without gauges or ac training.
1B. No more complete ac failure, as long as there is power, some rooms will always have ac. Any failure is limited to 1 room. This is a goal, as lightning can do a lot of damage.
2. individually zoned rooms, don't cool/heat rooms unoccupied. plan to use up to 50' of 8" R6 duct ($66), and 10-11 registers, $60.
3.
4. Nothing in windows or outside walls, too noisey .
5. Nothing outside, so less rusting from salt air, and no rain hits system.
.
So now i'm making a 46"x16" louver with fan for the 3x4 attic window. Have an 800 cfm 12v Spal fan, as plenty of airflow will be needed, as heat pumps and ac work by transfering the heat from/to the air. in addition to the fan, there is a 28' ridge vent and soffit vents.
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