steve tucker – [email protected]@tuckersac.com mike tucker –...
TRANSCRIPT
Steve Tucker – [email protected] Tucker – [email protected]
Office (301) 670-0034
MAC-ASHI Presentation Nov. 10, 2010
Credentials
• Master HVAC Maryland 16009• Master Gasfitter Maryland 76408
WSSC 60635
• Working in HVAC trade since 1981 29 Years• Graduated from Lincoln Technical Institute 1982• Started Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating 1995
Bryant Medal of Excellence 2009Top 15 in USA & Canada
Key Changes in the HVAC Industry• 2006 Minimum AC / HP efficiencies now 13 SEER
• Jan 2010 All new equipment manufactured with R410A (Puron)R22 equipment no longer manufactured
• 2020 R22 refrigerant no longer manufactured
• Nov 2010 MEA $500 rebate ends this week
• 2010 $1500 Federal Tax credit for high efficiency AC / HP ends
• 2016 30% Federal Tax Credit for Geothermal equipment ends
• Coming USA zoned efficiency requirements MD 15? SEER & 80% AFUE Northern states have min 90% AFUE Southern states have 16? SEER min
Typical Systems
• Furnace with AC (Natural or Propane Gas / Oil / Electric)
• Heat Pump with AH (Electric / Gas / Oil back-up)
• Water Source HP (condo) uses refrigerant to water heat exchanger
• Geothermal HP
• Mini-Split Ductless HP or AC
• Fan Coil with Water Coil (condo) building supplies hot or cold water to coil
• Boilers Radiators / Baseboards / Radiant Floor
Average Life Expectancy
• Air Conditioner 12 – 16 years
• Heat pump 10 – 12 years
• Furnace 16 – 20 years
Properly installed and well maintained equipment promotes the longest life cycle
How Old is Too Old?
• Nothing is too old to work
• Proper operation and safety is the most important factor Old equipment that is well maintained can provide many years of service
• Inspector should educate on upgrade based upon age / efficiency
• Equipment at the end of the life cycle: Recommend to budget for replacement
• Dirty equipment indicates lack of maintenance not an age problemWe even wipe down the cabinet during maintenancesThe client typically only sees the exterior of the equipment
What are Warning Signs?
• Dirty coils, bushes or weeds growing into outdoor units, abnormal noise
• Rusted flue components or heat exchangers
• Water stains, indicating leakage from the coil, drain or flues
• Missing / clogged filters, indicating probable dirty coils and blowers
• Confined spaces with improper combustion make-up air
When to Call an Expert?
• Any safety concerns delayed ignition exposed wiring gas odors
• Insufficient operation temperature differences well below normal
• Cleanliness issues
• Mechanical noise issues
What Should Inspection Include?
Indoors (General)
• Visual inspection equipment, IAQ components, etc.
• Filter condition type, cleanliness
• Operating noise level
• Duct condition connections, air leakage, damageduct flexing on start up /
shut down
• Condensate pump cycle pump – pour water into sump
What Should Inspection Include?
Indoors (Furnace)
• Temperature Difference Check data plate for temperature rise rating (i.e. 30-60 degrees)
Top 50 to 80 percentile of this scale is best
• Heat Exchanger condition / flame disturbance?
• Venting / Chimney type - does it match equipment requirementhorizontal length / gradenumber of 90’s
What Should Inspection Include?
Air Conditioner or Heat Pump
• Temperature DifferenceStandard equipment: 17-21 degrees (375 – 400 cfm) Hi eff. / var. spd blwr: 18-24 degrees (325 – 350 cfm)
**High indoor humidity conditions will reduce TD by 1-2 degrees**
• Refrigerant Lines Liq. Line normal condition warm summer / winter abnormal conditionvery hot or cold Suction Line normal condition hot winter / cold summer abnormal condition ambient temp sum / win
• Equipment Level, Heat pumps on pump-ups (6” recommended)
What Should Inspection Include?
Indoors (HP / Air Handler)
• Electric heaters Check heater amperage5kw heaters = 18 amps (approx.)
• Temperature Difference during Heating Cycle HP only 18 – 30 degrees (10 – 60 OD
temp) Electric Heaters no range available
What Should Inspection Include?
Attic Systems
• Insulation R-8 is the new standard, confirm in good shape Flex duct insulation falling off
Duct connections
• Drain PanLocated under any water generating equipment i.e. coilsSafety switches Secondary drain to outdoors (recommended)
• Equipment Do not like humidifiers / condensing furnaces in attics
• Work Area Catwalk / work platformLighting
What Would Tuckers Do?
• Increase the technical data gathering and confirm refrigerant charge via charts and calculations
• Remove components to better inspect interior of equipment, i.e. heat exchangers
• Calculate operating CFM, actual Btu output, amp draws, capacitance, electrical connections, etc
• Maintenance items i.e. lubricate motors, clean components, replace filters
Miscellaneous Problems
• Winter AC Inspections recommend 40 degrees or abovepull service historyequipment can hard start in cold conditions
• Noisy Return GrillesSolution: Grille with more free air space, sound lining
• Undercut Doors Carpets at door level can cause insufficient air circulation
• Vibration Scroll compressors can transfer vibration thru the line-set
• OD drains Should only have AC condensate responsibility
**Humidifiers, condensing furnaces should drain / pump indoors only**
Indoor Air Quality Components
Maintenance Requirements
• Humidifiers replacement water panels yearly (some require twice)
• UV Lights replacement bulbs every 2 – 3 years
• Filters 30/60/90/180/360 days MERV 8 recommended minimum
(High Efficiency Media filters can look very dirty at ½ life)
Humidity Conditions
Ideal Summer Humidity 50% RH
Comfort The lower the humidity the cooler you feelex. 76 ° / 60% RH = 78 ° / 50% RH
*The drier the air, the more evaporation from the body, the cooler you feel*
Ideal Winter Humidity 35% - 45% RH
Comfort The higher the humidity the warmer you feel ex. 72 ° / 25% RH = 70 ° / 40% RH
*The more moisture the air has, the less evaporation from the body, the warmer you feel*
Venting Types
• C-Vent (single wall pipe) 6” clearance from combustibles
• B-Vent (double wall pipe) 1” clearance from combustibles
• PVC (1 or 2 pipe) 0 clearance from combustibles
• Masonry Chimney 80% furnaces require pulled liner or chimney friendly kit shared with
HWH
Confined Space Ventilation Requirements
50 cu ft (make-up air required) / every 1000 Btu input (include all equipment that uses ID air for combustion)
Example 1 125K Btu furnace + 40K Btu HWH = 165K Btu total 165 x 50 = 8250 cu ft 8250 / 8 ft ceiling = 1031 sq ft
Example 2 40K Btu HWH40 x 50 = 2000 cu ft 2000 / 8 ft ceiling = 250 sq ft
In example 2, the customer replace his 70% furnace with a new 90% furnace that has a 2 pipe configuration and uses outdoor air for combustion. Furnace Btu input not included in calculation for the ventilation.
*1 pipe configurations still need to be considered for ventilation requirements*
Energy Savings Calculator
Steve Tucker – [email protected] Tucker – [email protected]
Office (301) 670-0034
MAC-ASHI Presentation Nov. 10, 2010