Buying some land
- Thread starter snakeblitz33
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snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
Those are pretty neat units. From what I am reading they are really efficient. It does and doesn't function like a typical air conditioner, right? It exchanges heat inside or outside depending on the conditions. They look really neat... I'm just thinking if I can afford something like that?!?! They seem like they would be really expensive.
I think that it's interesting that you posted something about temperatures. We just learned all of that a couple of months ago in my Chemistry class that I just got through taking. -273.15C is the same thing as saying 0K (Kelvin). But, more people in America are likely to know Fahrenheit and can relate to it. I've been dedicating my time to learning the metric system for the past two years - mainly because "Science knows nothing of the American system of measuring." So any time you want to get some real data on something, it's always in the metric system. Anyways, now I'm rambling.
I Was looking at some of my architectural drawings of what I would want my house to look like in a perfect world. I put it all on graph paper and set it up where one square would equal 2ft. (60.96cm). I also broke out my handy dandy measuring tape and decided to measure some rooms in my house and my parents house. I grew up in a bedroom that was 10x10ft. Not a whole lot of space, but for a kid it was comfortable. I plan on having two children. I Was thinking that a 14x14 master bed would be plenty big enough to sleep in, lol. with some extra furniture for drawers and storage.
In any case, I keep getting consistantly high square footage, even though I have eliminated some extra things. One of the things that I want is a small fish room - but I don't know how large a fish room should be. I was thinking about a custom six foot long 30" deep tank - but how big should the room be? 8x8?
The other thing that I don't really want in the house is an office room - but I know that it is pretty necessary since both my wife and I are/will be teachers. Paperwork everywhere - and I want to get it contained in one room. How big is one cubicle in the work place? 6x6? I need a two person office, but I'm having trouble working it into any type of floor plan.
My point is,... I want to have a few ideas down on paper for the main design so that when I take it to an architect to get the papers drawn up for construction, it will partly be my own design and ideas.
I think that it's interesting that you posted something about temperatures. We just learned all of that a couple of months ago in my Chemistry class that I just got through taking. -273.15C is the same thing as saying 0K (Kelvin). But, more people in America are likely to know Fahrenheit and can relate to it. I've been dedicating my time to learning the metric system for the past two years - mainly because "Science knows nothing of the American system of measuring." So any time you want to get some real data on something, it's always in the metric system. Anyways, now I'm rambling.
I Was looking at some of my architectural drawings of what I would want my house to look like in a perfect world. I put it all on graph paper and set it up where one square would equal 2ft. (60.96cm). I also broke out my handy dandy measuring tape and decided to measure some rooms in my house and my parents house. I grew up in a bedroom that was 10x10ft. Not a whole lot of space, but for a kid it was comfortable. I plan on having two children. I Was thinking that a 14x14 master bed would be plenty big enough to sleep in, lol. with some extra furniture for drawers and storage.
In any case, I keep getting consistantly high square footage, even though I have eliminated some extra things. One of the things that I want is a small fish room - but I don't know how large a fish room should be. I was thinking about a custom six foot long 30" deep tank - but how big should the room be? 8x8?
The other thing that I don't really want in the house is an office room - but I know that it is pretty necessary since both my wife and I are/will be teachers. Paperwork everywhere - and I want to get it contained in one room. How big is one cubicle in the work place? 6x6? I need a two person office, but I'm having trouble working it into any type of floor plan.
My point is,... I want to have a few ideas down on paper for the main design so that when I take it to an architect to get the papers drawn up for construction, it will partly be my own design and ideas.
snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
Oh, by the way, I estimate that by getting rid of my current system, I can part it all out and get at least $500 back if not more. I'll also be saving roughly $150 a month in electric, food, water, spending money, and ... time.
That's money that I can save every single month to reduce my living expenses. My wife and I are really cracking down on our bills... asking ourselves if we really need to spend money on certain things. We are eating at home roughly 6 days a week now... We reduced our cell phone bills by $50!
Cell phone bills suck... we were paying $200 a month for two iPhones and we went and asked about it and the guy said... "That's interesting, you've been overpaying for two years...simply by the way they set up your phone plan.... here, let me change it." heh. 50x24= $1200.
In any case,... we are eliminating extra bills, expenses and stuff we don't need from our budget and saving as much as possible. It's amazing how much a little bit over time costs.....!!
That's money that I can save every single month to reduce my living expenses. My wife and I are really cracking down on our bills... asking ourselves if we really need to spend money on certain things. We are eating at home roughly 6 days a week now... We reduced our cell phone bills by $50!
Cell phone bills suck... we were paying $200 a month for two iPhones and we went and asked about it and the guy said... "That's interesting, you've been overpaying for two years...simply by the way they set up your phone plan.... here, let me change it." heh. 50x24= $1200.
In any case,... we are eliminating extra bills, expenses and stuff we don't need from our budget and saving as much as possible. It's amazing how much a little bit over time costs.....!!
reefraff
Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/395395/buying-some-land/80#post_3520538
Those are pretty neat units. From what I am reading they are really efficient. It does and doesn't function like a typical air conditioner, right? It exchanges heat inside or outside depending on the conditions. They look really neat... I'm just thinking if I can afford something like that?!?! They seem like they would be really expensive.
I think that it's interesting that you posted something about temperatures. We just learned all of that a couple of months ago in my Chemistry class that I just got through taking. -273.15C is the same thing as saying 0K (Kelvin). But, more people in America are likely to know Fahrenheit and can relate to it. I've been dedicating my time to learning the metric system for the past two years - mainly because "Science knows nothing of the American system of measuring." So any time you want to get some real data on something, it's always in the metric system. Anyways, now I'm rambling.
I Was looking at some of my architectural drawings of what I would want my house to look like in a perfect world. I put it all on graph paper and set it up where one square would equal 2ft. (60.96cm). I also broke out my handy dandy measuring tape and decided to measure some rooms in my house and my parents house. I grew up in a bedroom that was 10x10ft. Not a whole lot of space, but for a kid it was comfortable. I plan on having two children. I Was thinking that a 14x14 master bed would be plenty big enough to sleep in, lol. with some extra furniture for drawers and storage.
In any case, I keep getting consistantly high square footage, even though I have eliminated some extra things. One of the things that I want is a small fish room - but I don't know how large a fish room should be. I was thinking about a custom six foot long 30" deep tank - but how big should the room be? 8x8?
The other thing that I don't really want in the house is an office room - but I know that it is pretty necessary since both my wife and I are/will be teachers. Paperwork everywhere - and I want to get it contained in one room. How big is one cubicle in the work place? 6x6? I need a two person office, but I'm having trouble working it into any type of floor plan.
My point is,... I want to have a few ideas down on paper for the main design so that when I take it to an architect to get the papers drawn up for construction, it will partly be my own design and ideas.
Figure out what size bed you want to sleep in and the number of dressers etc, you need and design your bedroom around that. Same deal with the office. Figure out how much room you'd need for two desks and a common file cabinet and probably a bookcase and printer stand etc.
Heat pumps are expensive. I was quoted somewhere just north of 10K to do it in 2001 but that was for ground source which I am sure is more expensive. The way they work is by using a fluid that transfers heat very well. To cool they absorb the heat from inside your house and disperse it outdoors or into the ground. To heat they absorb heat from outdoors and distribute it into your house. The thing that makes AC so expensive to run is they require a big motor to run a compressor. Heat pumps just have to circulate fluid so a smaller motor is used. Plus on the heat side you don't need a burner or electric element so all you are running is the fan and the fluid pump.
You could conceivably turn an AC unit into a heater by using the condenser coils that are outside as a heat source. I believe that is how the Mitsubishi MR. Slim ductless AC/heat systems work.
Another thing to consider is biomass systems. You can even generate your own electricity with those rascals.
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/395395/buying-some-land/80#post_3520538
Those are pretty neat units. From what I am reading they are really efficient. It does and doesn't function like a typical air conditioner, right? It exchanges heat inside or outside depending on the conditions. They look really neat... I'm just thinking if I can afford something like that?!?! They seem like they would be really expensive.
I think that it's interesting that you posted something about temperatures. We just learned all of that a couple of months ago in my Chemistry class that I just got through taking. -273.15C is the same thing as saying 0K (Kelvin). But, more people in America are likely to know Fahrenheit and can relate to it. I've been dedicating my time to learning the metric system for the past two years - mainly because "Science knows nothing of the American system of measuring." So any time you want to get some real data on something, it's always in the metric system. Anyways, now I'm rambling.
I Was looking at some of my architectural drawings of what I would want my house to look like in a perfect world. I put it all on graph paper and set it up where one square would equal 2ft. (60.96cm). I also broke out my handy dandy measuring tape and decided to measure some rooms in my house and my parents house. I grew up in a bedroom that was 10x10ft. Not a whole lot of space, but for a kid it was comfortable. I plan on having two children. I Was thinking that a 14x14 master bed would be plenty big enough to sleep in, lol. with some extra furniture for drawers and storage.
In any case, I keep getting consistantly high square footage, even though I have eliminated some extra things. One of the things that I want is a small fish room - but I don't know how large a fish room should be. I was thinking about a custom six foot long 30" deep tank - but how big should the room be? 8x8?
The other thing that I don't really want in the house is an office room - but I know that it is pretty necessary since both my wife and I are/will be teachers. Paperwork everywhere - and I want to get it contained in one room. How big is one cubicle in the work place? 6x6? I need a two person office, but I'm having trouble working it into any type of floor plan.
My point is,... I want to have a few ideas down on paper for the main design so that when I take it to an architect to get the papers drawn up for construction, it will partly be my own design and ideas.
Figure out what size bed you want to sleep in and the number of dressers etc, you need and design your bedroom around that. Same deal with the office. Figure out how much room you'd need for two desks and a common file cabinet and probably a bookcase and printer stand etc.
Heat pumps are expensive. I was quoted somewhere just north of 10K to do it in 2001 but that was for ground source which I am sure is more expensive. The way they work is by using a fluid that transfers heat very well. To cool they absorb the heat from inside your house and disperse it outdoors or into the ground. To heat they absorb heat from outdoors and distribute it into your house. The thing that makes AC so expensive to run is they require a big motor to run a compressor. Heat pumps just have to circulate fluid so a smaller motor is used. Plus on the heat side you don't need a burner or electric element so all you are running is the fan and the fluid pump.
You could conceivably turn an AC unit into a heater by using the condenser coils that are outside as a heat source. I believe that is how the Mitsubishi MR. Slim ductless AC/heat systems work.
Another thing to consider is biomass systems. You can even generate your own electricity with those rascals.
snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
You know, that's a pretty good idea. I think I'll do that. Thanks for your insight.
About the heat exchanger - I think that it would work pretty well in Louisiana. It doesn't really get that cold on a regular basis - the only thing is that the climate around here is not stable. It can be 80 degrees during the day and then 36 at night,... and about 50-80% humidity on any given day. If one of those units can handle the heavy fluctuations we have in this climate and it is as efficient as it boasts, that might be something to look at. The geothermal part of it sounds interesting... I wonder if I could talk to an A/C company around town when I get ready to buy.
I don't want a big house, I think I've made that pretty well known... but I do want enough room within the house to play around with different setups. I wonder if there is any kind of architectural design software out there for free. It would be fun to start designing it on the computer...
You know, 2x6 walls really do make a lot of sense - but I know that using them would definitely add to the cost of the materials to build the house. Only the outside walls would have to be 2x6 though, right? What kind of insulation is popular with you guys these days? I was thinking about lining the outside of the house with 3/4" styrofoam and tape it all together with that special tape and then put up vinyl siding. I know that vinyl siding is pretty durable, washable and you don't have to paint it... I think it might be worth the investment. Many new houses down here in Louisiana have vinyl siding. Within the walls, the insulation could be doubled? Is that what you're saying? like - two layers of fiberglass insulation or something? Or are you talking about that spray foam stuff... I heard that spray stuff is extremely expensive. I want something cost effective and doable.
About the heat exchanger - I think that it would work pretty well in Louisiana. It doesn't really get that cold on a regular basis - the only thing is that the climate around here is not stable. It can be 80 degrees during the day and then 36 at night,... and about 50-80% humidity on any given day. If one of those units can handle the heavy fluctuations we have in this climate and it is as efficient as it boasts, that might be something to look at. The geothermal part of it sounds interesting... I wonder if I could talk to an A/C company around town when I get ready to buy.
I don't want a big house, I think I've made that pretty well known... but I do want enough room within the house to play around with different setups. I wonder if there is any kind of architectural design software out there for free. It would be fun to start designing it on the computer...
You know, 2x6 walls really do make a lot of sense - but I know that using them would definitely add to the cost of the materials to build the house. Only the outside walls would have to be 2x6 though, right? What kind of insulation is popular with you guys these days? I was thinking about lining the outside of the house with 3/4" styrofoam and tape it all together with that special tape and then put up vinyl siding. I know that vinyl siding is pretty durable, washable and you don't have to paint it... I think it might be worth the investment. Many new houses down here in Louisiana have vinyl siding. Within the walls, the insulation could be doubled? Is that what you're saying? like - two layers of fiberglass insulation or something? Or are you talking about that spray foam stuff... I heard that spray stuff is extremely expensive. I want something cost effective and doable.
Quote:
Originally Posted by reefraff http:///t/395395/buying-some-land/60#post_3520530
Even with ridge and peak vents an attic still gets hot.
You want to have soffit vents as well. If you just have vents at the peak or on the ridge you will get very little air flow. Having vents in the soffits as well will pull cooler air up from them and then up and out through the ridgepeak vents
Originally Posted by reefraff http:///t/395395/buying-some-land/60#post_3520530
Even with ridge and peak vents an attic still gets hot.
You want to have soffit vents as well. If you just have vents at the peak or on the ridge you will get very little air flow. Having vents in the soffits as well will pull cooler air up from them and then up and out through the ridgepeak vents
Quote:
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/395395/buying-some-land/80#post_3520545
You know, that's a pretty good idea. I think I'll do that. Thanks for your insight.
About the heat exchanger - I think that it would work pretty well in Louisiana. It doesn't really get that cold on a regular basis - the only thing is that the climate around here is not stable. It can be 80 degrees during the day and then 36 at night,... and about 50-80% humidity on any given day. If one of those units can handle the heavy fluctuations we have in this climate and it is as efficient as it boasts, that might be something to look at. The geothermal part of it sounds interesting... I wonder if I could talk to an A/C company around town when I get ready to buy.
I don't want a big house, I think I've made that pretty well known... but I do want enough room within the house to play around with different setups. I wonder if there is any kind of architectural design software out there for free. It would be fun to start designing it on the computer...
You know, 2x6 walls really do make a lot of sense - but I know that using them would definitely add to the cost of the materials to build the house. Only the outside walls would have to be 2x6 though, right? What kind of insulation is popular with you guys these days? I was thinking about lining the outside of the house with 3/4" styrofoam and tape it all together with that special tape and then put up vinyl siding. I know that vinyl siding is pretty durable, washable and you don't have to paint it... I think it might be worth the investment. Many new houses down here in Louisiana have vinyl siding. Within the walls, the insulation could be doubled? Is that what you're saying? like - two layers of fiberglass insulation or something? Or are you talking about that spray foam stuff... I heard that spray stuff is extremely expensive. I want something cost effective and doable.
Up here in NY, i dont beleive that anyone uses the styrofoam insulation except occasionally in finished basement scenarios. Fiberglass bat is the norm for walls and either bat or blown in for attic spaces. Styrofoam may be more common where you are since you are not dealing with extreme cold like we do up north. We also dont see much of the spray foam insulation here either. I think that is more commonly used in colder climates as well, but may be applicable in areas with very high heat.
You defiinitely would only need 2x6 walls on the exterior walls. ******** can all be 2x4. Metal studs can be your friend on the interiors also. Easy to work with and have precut holes for running electrical cabling through.
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/395395/buying-some-land/80#post_3520545
You know, that's a pretty good idea. I think I'll do that. Thanks for your insight.
About the heat exchanger - I think that it would work pretty well in Louisiana. It doesn't really get that cold on a regular basis - the only thing is that the climate around here is not stable. It can be 80 degrees during the day and then 36 at night,... and about 50-80% humidity on any given day. If one of those units can handle the heavy fluctuations we have in this climate and it is as efficient as it boasts, that might be something to look at. The geothermal part of it sounds interesting... I wonder if I could talk to an A/C company around town when I get ready to buy.
I don't want a big house, I think I've made that pretty well known... but I do want enough room within the house to play around with different setups. I wonder if there is any kind of architectural design software out there for free. It would be fun to start designing it on the computer...
You know, 2x6 walls really do make a lot of sense - but I know that using them would definitely add to the cost of the materials to build the house. Only the outside walls would have to be 2x6 though, right? What kind of insulation is popular with you guys these days? I was thinking about lining the outside of the house with 3/4" styrofoam and tape it all together with that special tape and then put up vinyl siding. I know that vinyl siding is pretty durable, washable and you don't have to paint it... I think it might be worth the investment. Many new houses down here in Louisiana have vinyl siding. Within the walls, the insulation could be doubled? Is that what you're saying? like - two layers of fiberglass insulation or something? Or are you talking about that spray foam stuff... I heard that spray stuff is extremely expensive. I want something cost effective and doable.
Up here in NY, i dont beleive that anyone uses the styrofoam insulation except occasionally in finished basement scenarios. Fiberglass bat is the norm for walls and either bat or blown in for attic spaces. Styrofoam may be more common where you are since you are not dealing with extreme cold like we do up north. We also dont see much of the spray foam insulation here either. I think that is more commonly used in colder climates as well, but may be applicable in areas with very high heat.
You defiinitely would only need 2x6 walls on the exterior walls. ******** can all be 2x4. Metal studs can be your friend on the interiors also. Easy to work with and have precut holes for running electrical cabling through.
snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
Oh yeah, that's pretty neat... metal studs with the pre-cut holes. That could be a time saver.
Yeah, I think foam batting is pretty common around here as well. But, most homes that have vinyl siding around here also have at least 1/2" styrofoam insulation covering the exterior part of the house before the vinyl siding goes on. Then on the inside there is the foam batting that goes in after the electrical work is done. So, I have a pretty good idea about what I need for the house. Granted that the heat pump works like it says it should, then I think the house will be pretty efficient.
Septic systems are another story. Out here in the country, most people have fenced off ses-ponds. Would there be an advantage to an in-ground septic system, or is the traditional way pretty much going to be a lot less expensive? I'm thinking that I might want in-ground septic because it would take up less space on the property and it wouldn't look bad.
Biomass systems are kind of neat. I guess I will have to do a little research on those.
Yeah, I think foam batting is pretty common around here as well. But, most homes that have vinyl siding around here also have at least 1/2" styrofoam insulation covering the exterior part of the house before the vinyl siding goes on. Then on the inside there is the foam batting that goes in after the electrical work is done. So, I have a pretty good idea about what I need for the house. Granted that the heat pump works like it says it should, then I think the house will be pretty efficient.
Septic systems are another story. Out here in the country, most people have fenced off ses-ponds. Would there be an advantage to an in-ground septic system, or is the traditional way pretty much going to be a lot less expensive? I'm thinking that I might want in-ground septic because it would take up less space on the property and it wouldn't look bad.
Biomass systems are kind of neat. I guess I will have to do a little research on those.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/395395/buying-some-land/80#post_3520560
Septic systems are another story. Out here in the country, most people have fenced off ses-ponds. Would there be an advantage to an in-ground septic system, or is the traditional way pretty much going to be a lot less expensive? I'm thinking that I might want in-ground septic because it would take up less space on the property and it wouldn't look bad.
Biomass systems are kind of neat. I guess I will have to do a little research on those.
Cant help you there. Up here we either have town sewer systems or if you live in an area without sewers we have cesspools. These are large concrete rings with vents in them that allow liquids to filter out. Not to be confused with septic tanks, which are sealed systems.
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/395395/buying-some-land/80#post_3520560
Septic systems are another story. Out here in the country, most people have fenced off ses-ponds. Would there be an advantage to an in-ground septic system, or is the traditional way pretty much going to be a lot less expensive? I'm thinking that I might want in-ground septic because it would take up less space on the property and it wouldn't look bad.
Biomass systems are kind of neat. I guess I will have to do a little research on those.
Cant help you there. Up here we either have town sewer systems or if you live in an area without sewers we have cesspools. These are large concrete rings with vents in them that allow liquids to filter out. Not to be confused with septic tanks, which are sealed systems.
reefraff
Active Member
When my dad and brother were moving to Phoenix I was looking at apartments for them. One of the complexes used heat pumps. They said it would work OK as long as the outside temp didn't break 100 degrees. That was like 20 years ago. I would hope the technology has been improved since then. In the winter time it's not uncommon for the temps to go from the high 80's during the day and drop into the 20's at night. The temp swings didn't seem to be an issue.
In your case I'd think outside the box. If you get cool nights in the summer using good insulation and windows and a attic fan you can cut way down on cooling costs in the first place. They make ductless systems with a cooling seer rating of 28. To be energy star rated it has to be at 14 or above so that system is slap my butt and call me spanky good. Some of them also have dehumidifying mode which would be nice down there. I am not sure how efficient the heat side is but again, with good insulation and the moderate winter time temp I wouldn't worry as much about that. I'd add a fireplace or pellet stove anyway. Just not sure if ductless is a better deal than adding a furnace but the price isn't bad. Check this out. One outside pump with a handler unit for each bedroom and a big one for the livingroom and kitchen area.
https://www.acwholesalers.com/ I cant get the specific link to work but check out the ductless Mitsubishi 4 zone 18 seer unit. It has 3 6000 btu handlers and on 15000 one for the living room. Just over 4200 bux plus whatever it would cost to charge it with refrigerant. You could probably do all the install yourself.
They make the rascals with dehumidifier mode and ones that if you put the remote in your pocket it will follow you zone to zone and heat/cool as needed. Best thing would be to talk to a heating and air guy in your area.
In your case I'd think outside the box. If you get cool nights in the summer using good insulation and windows and a attic fan you can cut way down on cooling costs in the first place. They make ductless systems with a cooling seer rating of 28. To be energy star rated it has to be at 14 or above so that system is slap my butt and call me spanky good. Some of them also have dehumidifying mode which would be nice down there. I am not sure how efficient the heat side is but again, with good insulation and the moderate winter time temp I wouldn't worry as much about that. I'd add a fireplace or pellet stove anyway. Just not sure if ductless is a better deal than adding a furnace but the price isn't bad. Check this out. One outside pump with a handler unit for each bedroom and a big one for the livingroom and kitchen area.
https://www.acwholesalers.com/ I cant get the specific link to work but check out the ductless Mitsubishi 4 zone 18 seer unit. It has 3 6000 btu handlers and on 15000 one for the living room. Just over 4200 bux plus whatever it would cost to charge it with refrigerant. You could probably do all the install yourself.
They make the rascals with dehumidifier mode and ones that if you put the remote in your pocket it will follow you zone to zone and heat/cool as needed. Best thing would be to talk to a heating and air guy in your area.
reefraff
Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/395395/buying-some-land/80#post_3520560
Septic systems are another story. Out here in the country, most people have fenced off ses-ponds. Would there be an advantage to an in-ground septic system, or is the traditional way pretty much going to be a lot less expensive? I'm thinking that I might want in-ground septic because it would take up less space on the property and it wouldn't look bad.
Biomass systems are kind of neat. I guess I will have to do a little research on those.
There are some options on septics. If your water table is too high for a drain field you can do a mound system where the liquid is pumped up to a drain field that is placed in a built up mound of dirt. If you find land with any high ground I'd bet you could have a traditional drain field though. In either case a drain field is nice if you are going to raise any grazing critters. Plant alfalfa over the field and take advantage of the nitrates in the fluid run off
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/395395/buying-some-land/80#post_3520560
Septic systems are another story. Out here in the country, most people have fenced off ses-ponds. Would there be an advantage to an in-ground septic system, or is the traditional way pretty much going to be a lot less expensive? I'm thinking that I might want in-ground septic because it would take up less space on the property and it wouldn't look bad.
Biomass systems are kind of neat. I guess I will have to do a little research on those.
There are some options on septics. If your water table is too high for a drain field you can do a mound system where the liquid is pumped up to a drain field that is placed in a built up mound of dirt. If you find land with any high ground I'd bet you could have a traditional drain field though. In either case a drain field is nice if you are going to raise any grazing critters. Plant alfalfa over the field and take advantage of the nitrates in the fluid run off
2quills
Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by reefraff http:///t/395395/buying-some-land/80#post_3520584
In your case I'd think outside the box. If you get cool nights in the summer using good insulation and windows and a attic fan you can cut way down on cooling costs in the first place. They make ductless systems with a cooling seer rating of 28. To be energy star rated it has to be at 14 or above so that system is slap my butt and call me spanky good. Some of them also have dehumidifying mode which would be nice down there. I am not sure how efficient the heat side is but again, with good insulation and the moderate winter time temp I wouldn't worry as much about that. I'd add a fireplace or pellet stove anyway. Just not sure if ductless is a better deal than adding a furnace but the price isn't bad. Check this out. One outside pump with a handler unit for each bedroom and a big one for the livingroom and kitchen area.
https://www.acwholesalers.com/ I cant get the specific link to work but check out the ductless Mitsubishi 4 zone 18 seer unit. It has 3 6000 btu handlers and on 15000 one for the living room. Just over 4200 bux plus whatever it would cost to charge it with refrigerant. You could probably do all the install yourself.
I've got a side job lined up the weekend after next to install one of these ductless mini-split systems. Will be my first one. It should be fairly simple, I'll let ya know how it goes. I believe the systems (like most condensors accept for r22 these days) come pre-charged with refrigerant.
Originally Posted by reefraff http:///t/395395/buying-some-land/80#post_3520584
In your case I'd think outside the box. If you get cool nights in the summer using good insulation and windows and a attic fan you can cut way down on cooling costs in the first place. They make ductless systems with a cooling seer rating of 28. To be energy star rated it has to be at 14 or above so that system is slap my butt and call me spanky good. Some of them also have dehumidifying mode which would be nice down there. I am not sure how efficient the heat side is but again, with good insulation and the moderate winter time temp I wouldn't worry as much about that. I'd add a fireplace or pellet stove anyway. Just not sure if ductless is a better deal than adding a furnace but the price isn't bad. Check this out. One outside pump with a handler unit for each bedroom and a big one for the livingroom and kitchen area.
https://www.acwholesalers.com/ I cant get the specific link to work but check out the ductless Mitsubishi 4 zone 18 seer unit. It has 3 6000 btu handlers and on 15000 one for the living room. Just over 4200 bux plus whatever it would cost to charge it with refrigerant. You could probably do all the install yourself.
I've got a side job lined up the weekend after next to install one of these ductless mini-split systems. Will be my first one. It should be fairly simple, I'll let ya know how it goes. I believe the systems (like most condensors accept for r22 these days) come pre-charged with refrigerant.
reefraff
Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by 2Quills http:///t/395395/buying-some-land/80#post_3520648
I've got a side job lined up the weekend after next to install one of these ductless mini-split systems. Will be my first one. It should be fairly simple, I'll let ya know how it goes. I believe the systems (like most condensors accept for r22 these days) come pre-charged with refrigerant.
Be interesting to hear how it goes. I had a friend who's upper floor bedrooms in his condo were always too hot or cold and I tried to convince him to add one of these systems rather than tweaking the thermostat. If your main floor is too hot or cold when you make it somewhat comfortable upstairs you are wasting a lot of energy.
Originally Posted by 2Quills http:///t/395395/buying-some-land/80#post_3520648
I've got a side job lined up the weekend after next to install one of these ductless mini-split systems. Will be my first one. It should be fairly simple, I'll let ya know how it goes. I believe the systems (like most condensors accept for r22 these days) come pre-charged with refrigerant.
Be interesting to hear how it goes. I had a friend who's upper floor bedrooms in his condo were always too hot or cold and I tried to convince him to add one of these systems rather than tweaking the thermostat. If your main floor is too hot or cold when you make it somewhat comfortable upstairs you are wasting a lot of energy.
2quills
Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by reefraff http:///t/395395/buying-some-land/80#post_3520706
Be interesting to hear how it goes. I had a friend who's upper floor bedrooms in his condo were always too hot or cold and I tried to convince him to add one of these systems rather than tweaking the thermostat. If your main floor is too hot or cold when you make it somewhat comfortable upstairs you are wasting a lot of energy.
He may want to try just adjusting his vents a little bit. Odds are he's getting more air flow downstairs as I'm guessing his air handler is on the first floor? It's pretty common to have to add baffles sometimes in ducts behind the vents of certain rooms around the house depending on how the duct work is laid out to help with this. But if that doesn't work then the mini-split system may not be a bad idea. If I like how this one works then I might considering getting one for the garage.
Originally Posted by reefraff http:///t/395395/buying-some-land/80#post_3520706
Be interesting to hear how it goes. I had a friend who's upper floor bedrooms in his condo were always too hot or cold and I tried to convince him to add one of these systems rather than tweaking the thermostat. If your main floor is too hot or cold when you make it somewhat comfortable upstairs you are wasting a lot of energy.
He may want to try just adjusting his vents a little bit. Odds are he's getting more air flow downstairs as I'm guessing his air handler is on the first floor? It's pretty common to have to add baffles sometimes in ducts behind the vents of certain rooms around the house depending on how the duct work is laid out to help with this. But if that doesn't work then the mini-split system may not be a bad idea. If I like how this one works then I might considering getting one for the garage.
reefraff
Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by 2Quills http:///t/395395/buying-some-land/80#post_3520725
He may want to try just adjusting his vents a little bit. Odds are he's getting more air flow downstairs as I'm guessing his air handler is on the first floor? It's pretty common to have to add baffles sometimes in ducts behind the vents of certain rooms around the house depending on how the duct work is laid out to help with this. But if that doesn't work then the mini-split system may not be a bad idea. If I like how this one works then I might considering getting one for the garage.
He tried all that. Even blocking off the downstairs cold air intake didn't work. He just has crappy insulation upstairs. When he added the central AC and new furnace I tried to convince him to spend the extra on a dual zone system but Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooo, The better furnace would handle it.
Originally Posted by 2Quills http:///t/395395/buying-some-land/80#post_3520725
He may want to try just adjusting his vents a little bit. Odds are he's getting more air flow downstairs as I'm guessing his air handler is on the first floor? It's pretty common to have to add baffles sometimes in ducts behind the vents of certain rooms around the house depending on how the duct work is laid out to help with this. But if that doesn't work then the mini-split system may not be a bad idea. If I like how this one works then I might considering getting one for the garage.
He tried all that. Even blocking off the downstairs cold air intake didn't work. He just has crappy insulation upstairs. When he added the central AC and new furnace I tried to convince him to spend the extra on a dual zone system but Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooo, The better furnace would handle it.