Hello All,
First off, thanks all for your help on my central air thread--it's a lot of work trying to sort out the different options.
Second, the install was completed today--just in time, as it reached 81 outside so we could try it out. In March, no less!
Third, a summary--perhaps it'll help people in the future:
S
First off, thanks all for your help on my central air thread--it's a lot of work trying to sort out the different options.
Second, the install was completed today--just in time, as it reached 81 outside so we could try it out. In March, no less!
Third, a summary--perhaps it'll help people in the future:
- Split-level home with all electric baseboard heat.
- Added ductwork in attic to only condition top floor (lower level will get dropped air, usually not very hot down there anyway).
- Went with Trane (XB13 condenser, TAM7 air handler)--only brand I could find no naysayers for (yes, I heard people say they can be expensive to fix, but nobody I found said anything other than that their product is solid, quiet, and built on good research/design info).
- Both components have 10-year warranty and installer provides 2-years labor.
- Installer used liquid mastic and mastic tape to seal all joints--solid duct run the length of the attic with short flex duct to the rooms.
- Used 4-way vents, one in each (two in living) and mostly central in room, since I have a low pitch and getting to edges with 8" duct impossible.
- One central return, large, in the hallway. Seems to be a bit of pressure, but does not pull doors shut or anything
- System was tested today--went from 70 to 65 in house in under half an hour with absolute silence (when under the vent I can hear the slightest sound of air moving, and I can't hear the condenser unless I'm outside). Granted, it's only just above 80, but I think that's pretty good.
S