ct geo costs- 1 unit or 2
Last Post 30 Dec 2008 12:21 PM by engineer. 6 Replies.
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jpmcabeUser is Offline
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24 Dec 2008 12:36 PM
I'm looking into a system for a remodel and addition in CT that will end up being 2800sq ft. Have had a couple  of high estimates of about 60-70k for 2 unit systems (1 in attic, 1 in basement)  and 1 estimate of about 50k for 1 unit in basement w/ducts to attic, 3 zones and doing hw. Still seems pretty high but considering it. Should I have any concerns about using just 1 air handler for whole house and is there anyway to save more $$$? Seems hard to find experenced contractors in this area.
Thanks in advance for any help.
engineerUser is Offline
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24 Dec 2008 02:20 PM
Just one should work if zoning is intelligently designed / configured. Ensure both Manual J and D calculations are performed. Different loop options (horizontal vs vertical) might save money.
Curt Kinder <br><br>

The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is - Winston Churchill <br><br><a href="http://www.greenersolutionsair.com">www.greenersolutionsair.com</a>
geo fanUser is Offline
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24 Dec 2008 10:24 PM

Couple questions before I recommend , Is the total tonnage the same , Is one company more experienced/professional . On the three zone system would a static bypass be used or a real dump zone ( a static relief damper tied to a vent into the living space ) . Are the warrant tees/ efficiencies comparable . there may be many differences in the systems then the number of them and the price most important is the company that will be in your house , and a responsible and ethical company would be happy to explain why they designed the system or systems the way the did , ultimately your the boss but there may be a perfectly logical reason why two systems is recommended ( like the ability to get sufficient duct work to the second floor , or airflow concerns with a three zone system , as you restrict airflow or increase its temp like with a standard dump bypass your eff goes down)

Just my opinion

jpmcabeUser is Offline
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25 Dec 2008 12:11 PM
There won't be any issues running the duct work because we are under construction any have plenty of room for it.

I'm not sure about the bypass/ dump zone stuff- don't know that much about it- could you explain?

I think the 2 estimates w/2 units just didn't consider using 1 unit because its easier to access all areas from above and below.

Also contractor says they have done 13 installations and have 3 more underway (didn't seem like a lot) but one of the other contractors said they have done 6, so it seems like there are not that many exper contractors in area.

Any contractor reconmendations in Stamford Ct area?

Also they are specing a WF Synergy3 and using the water part for hotwater- how does that sound?

Thanks
engineerUser is Offline
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25 Dec 2008 10:31 PM
Get and interview references. Geo is still getting going in many areas so contractors in many cases have not done hundreds or even tens of jobs. This stuff isn't rocket science but to work right certain fundamentals must be adhered to. Unfortunately many contractors haven't mastered these, and this sometimes results in very expensive, inefficient, noisy, or uncomfortable systems along with unhappiness and controversy.

Bypass / dump zone - Most common 2 stage (2 speed) systems run at either 70% or 100% capacity. If a zone is too small to accept minimum air flow, typically 50% of maximum, the extra air needs to go somewhere. A bypass routes a portion of supply air back to return, but this can reduce efficiency. A dump refers to venting excess air into a low priority space such as a stairwell or high in a 2 story atrium or great room.

Two small units allows smaller zones and provides backup, but at expense in cost and complexity.

Your most important choice isn't number of systems or brands - rather it is contractor. A competent designer installer will make you comfortable at least cost using a variety of options and choices. An incompetent contractor may screw up no matter how gold-plated the system may be.
Curt Kinder <br><br>

The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is - Winston Churchill <br><br><a href="http://www.greenersolutionsair.com">www.greenersolutionsair.com</a>
geo fanUser is Offline
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25 Dec 2008 11:08 PM
One peice of advice to lower the cost is upgrade your insulation , spray foam everywhere if possible , doing this will decrease the size of system required to heat and cool .
engineerUser is Offline
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30 Dec 2008 12:21 PM
Good advice.
Curt Kinder <br><br>

The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is - Winston Churchill <br><br><a href="http://www.greenersolutionsair.com">www.greenersolutionsair.com</a>
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