The discussion on ERV in new Multi-story ICF Build is of high interest to me as I'm planning an ICF build on coast in Northwest Florida. Reading this, I realize I know very little about air handling issues. I just discovered this site and have spent a couple hours reading threads, already today, when I found this one.

Will you humor two questions from a new member:

1) Can you recommend learning resources here or at other sites, articles, etc. where I can begin to develop an understanding of design issues on air handling, air quality, heating, cooling, ERV, HRV for a new home build?

2) commenters recommended getting assistance from a "good HVAC guy" to properly plan heating/cooling loads, air quality, etc for the new home. Is that a specific title for this person/role to look for, to find assistance? How do I know I found one?

Thanks all, Jim

http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com

tons of information on this site!

Thanks, Bob. I'll check it out.

Bob:
Wow, a massive time sync of great information. I have enough Green Architect podcasts downloaded to cover my commuting for a month.

Thank you for this response and suggestion.

Why don't you take help of professionals?

Michael:

Like buying a car, I like to know/research the models and technology so I'm reasonably educated.

So in anticipation of building a new home, I'd like to know what I need to know to properly & efficiently engage the SME(s).

SO you raise a good follow-up question, when do you advise I take the help of professionals?. And, What kind of help will professionals typically be willing offer at this initial stage of planning?

Thanks.

And from which professionals do you take advice? That's an important question. In my area for example, you can call an HVAC contractor (a professional) and get the absolute worst help you could possibly imagine.

To take the analogy of the car salesman a little further, I am reminded of a salesman who once responded to my remark that I was concerned with fuel efficiency with this little gem, "Oh with this car you don't have to worry about efficiency at all because it has a green light on the dash that comes on whenever it's being efficient."

When you get your plans finalized, Energy Wise will get you fixed up. I've had customers use their service and they have been more than pleased.

michaelnewman:

So, I'd like to know, Michael, whether a well insulated, sealed (if not Passive) home design located on the coast in PC City, FL with loads of possible south facing (and others) window area will need mechanical heating or radiant heating at all?

Will a radiant cooling from GSHP be effective?

My design uses ICF for storm protection with concrete floors. Who do I engage to advise me and WHEN? How much "advice" are the professionals you reference willing to provide me? I'm very willing to begin that dialogue now. Thanks.

Will a radiant cooling from GSHP be effective?

Generally, no. If you get someone who really knows that they are doing, you can do a DOAS system - but you still need some amount of non-radiant cooling for dehumidification. Of course fan coils can run from hydronic GSHPs.

DOAS = dedicated outdoor air system. Generally only used in commercial buildings but could make a lot of sense even for residential in a high-humidity hot climate.

I read about a study recently that compared the efficiency of integrated dehumidifiers versus the freestanding ones you can buy for less than $500 (depending upon your square footage). They found that the freestanding ones in a slatted-door closet worked the best, and the residents responded that they were very comfortable (despite never using their laundry or bathroom evacuating vents).

One thing I'd really be careful about, especially in a hot/humid climate, is the sizing of your HVAC system. If it's too big, it will constantly short-cycle and will not be able to pull humidity out of the air. I say this from experience in my current home. I wondered at one point if I had puddles at the bottom of the carpet nap. I'd install a freestanding sensor-controlled dehumidifier regardless, just as a preventative measure.

One more thought - if this is a rental, not being present to observe is a big risk with the humidity levels there, and repeat renters will be difficult to get if the humidity is too high.

OK, so I'm a bit paranoid.

Depending on the design of the home, have you looked into the Mitsubishi Mini-splits? Their performance in hot-humid climates is supposed to be superb, and they are actually more efficient when slightly oversized in that climate. Then too, you don't have to mess with ductwork.

This train of thought is a direct result of spending months wondering why my 65-year old mother and my son were constantly sick, and at one point being very afraid of how my mom wasn't improving. We discovered it was from a combination of short-cycling and single-zoned HVAC in a north-facing Cape Cod, pet hair buildup in ductwork, and a thoroughly respectable mold problem as a result. So I'm biased enough at this point that I'm about ready to move into a concrete block with architectural mesh interior cladding.

Check out building science - particularly this guy. Worst case, he's funny. http://buildingscience.com/documents/insights/bsi-039-five-things

In addition to being funny, Joe Lstiburek with his company is one of the countries leading forensic building scientists. They have seen and analyzed most every building problem of the last decades; figured out what we are doing wrong and what we need to change to build better, more resiliant houses. His open website - buildingscience.com - is one of the best sources available for detailed information on building. His books "A Builder's Guide to Cold Climates" and five other climates are a must have's for good builders.

I agree, Bob. Most of the other literature I've read has vague spots, generalizations, and very little explanation of the "why" behind choices. I'm going to be an owner-builder, and I think that without the help I've gotten from that site, I would have completely backed down and changed course by now. I also would have likely ended up back in more problems and $350 electric bills in a 1550 square foot house (in eastern nc)

Posted By michaelnewman on 25 Mar 2016 03:40 AM
Why don't you take help of professionals?

What kind of professional?