HVAC Installs
HVAC Installs
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Home Depot list: HVAC
HVAC SIZING: A rule of thumb is that you want 1 ton of HVAC performance for every 550 square feet of house, rounded up to the next half-ton. Ton sizes start at 1.5 tons, then go to 2 ton, 2.5 ton, 3 ton, etc.
EXAMPLE: A 1000-square-foot house would have a 2-ton heat pump and a 750 square foot house would have a 1.5 ton heat pump.
Gas Heat, or Heat Pump? Where there are already preexisting gas lines, we will generally use gas heat, especially if the house is older and has more “draft." If a house is sealed tightly and there is panel space, a heat pump will do fine.
LOCATIONS FOR REGISTER: As a rule of thumb, there should be at least one (1) register in every room. One (1) for every exterior Window and exterior door in the room, with the register placed close to those items.
The return should be in the center of the house, close to the floor. Use ONLY an in-wall return, with a filter if the registers are on the ceiling and close to the ceiling and if the registers are on the floor.
Only use fiberglass filters. DO NOT USE the pleated kind that is expensive. They clog easier and cause undue stress on the HVAC system.
Have “hard start capacitors” installed in ANY exterior compressor unit. A project manager may do this himself if there is no need for HVAC installer at the address.
Spray Great Stuff in any penetration through the house's exterior to keep there from being energy exchange. Ideally, the line set will be run through 4’’ PVC.
Here's the link to the Home Depot list: Insulation
Thermostat wires should be “sleeved” in flexible PVC. This will keep the thermostat wire from being damaged by a weed eater.
ALL AC PARTS AND WHAT THEY DO
In this video, I go over all the components and parts of an air conditioner, what they are called, and what they do inside the house and at the outdoor condenser unit - a small crash course on the central air conditioner system.
The exterior coils should be cleaned.
HVAC PROCESS
For pricing, send out to the HVAC contractor for the breakdown using their pricing method. However, we can get sample pricing. WE MAKE PAYMENTS IN 2 DRAWS. ONE AT ROUGH-IN AND THE OTHER AFTER FINAL INSPECTION.
WE DO NOT REPLACE UNITS unless they are in excess of 25 years old or repairing them would be in excess of 50% of the replacement price. Generally, this would only be the result of 2 things
AC/HEAT PUMP: bad compressor, in which case, you would replace only the exterior unit.
**When replacing an entire system (the gas furnace and AC are bad), always replace it with a heat pump.** The only exception for this is if the house has a basement (because the gas heat eliminates moisture that will cause mold) or if the house is particularly drafty-think of a 100-year-old historic brick house that has single-pane windows.
Ensure that all filters are where they should be and that the unit is labeled with a marker on the furnace. Leave with several of the proper sizes of the filter, and that the filter is clean. This is the number one cause of HVAC problems.
GAS FURNACE: cracked heat exchanger
For gas furnace that closet needs to have a louvered door installed.
Louvered doors are important for closets containing gas appliances like furnaces, dryers, and water heaters for two main reasons:
Combustion Air Supply: Gas appliances burn fuel to generate heat, and this combustion process requires oxygen. Louvered doors allow fresh air to enter the closet, replenishing the oxygen used by the appliance. Without proper ventilation, the appliance could struggle to function efficiently, or worse, it could produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.
Exhaust Removal: Gas appliances also produce byproducts from combustion, including heat and flue gasses. Louvers help these hot gasses and byproducts vent out of the closet and avoid accumulating inside. This prevents the closet from becoming excessively hot, which could damage the appliance or surrounding materials. Additionally, proper venting removes harmful gasses like carbon monoxide from your living space, ensuring good indoor air quality.
Even though some appliances might have dedicated vents for exhaust, louvered doors can still be crucial for proper airflow and maintaining a safe environment. They also help prevent stagnant air buildup in the closet, which can trap heat and moisture.
HVAC BID REQUEST
We always request a quote for central HVAC (with a heat pump) and for mini splits in a house when getting an HVAC bid.
These should be on the SAME bid request in CoConstruct. WE DO THIS SO WE CAN WEIGH OUR OPTIONS.
HVAC PLATFORM
HVAC PLATFORM
This platform is a way to get a mini-split system off the ground. So that it will not be hit by weed eaters. It will also help keep it safe from copper thieves.
NOTE: HVAC Compressor and cage should be bolted into a slab
It will help keep it safe from thieves.
This should be performed by the HVAC company at the time of installation. ***Any damages to the unit by someone else trying to do so. Would risk voiding the warranty.
This is a 7/8 concrete fastening bolt, that can be use in bolting the compressor in the slab.
Pre-drilled hole in concrete pad, then attached through base of the unit.
Generally, a trap door should be installed going to the crawl space. This should be installed in an area that is convenient to the plumbing, HVAC, and electrical panel.
CLEAN HVAC DUCTS
HVAC ducts must always clean and free from debris.
Clean HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) ducts are important for several reasons:
Improved Indoor Air Quality: Over time, HVAC ducts accumulate dust, dirt, allergens, and other contaminants that can circulate throughout your home or building. Dirty ducts can exacerbate allergies and respiratory issues, causing discomfort for occupants. Clean ducts can help improve indoor air quality by reducing the circulation of these contaminants.
Improved Efficiency: Dirty ducts can also restrict airflow, making your HVAC system work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. This can lead to increased energy consumption, higher utility bills, and reduced lifespan of your HVAC system. Clean ducts allow for better airflow, resulting in improved efficiency and lower energy bills.
Extended Lifespan of HVAC System: A clean HVAC system requires less maintenance and is less likely to break down or need repairs. By keeping your ducts clean, you can extend the lifespan of your HVAC system and avoid costly repairs or replacements.
Improved Comfort: Clean ducts can help ensure that air is distributed evenly throughout your home or building, improving overall comfort levels.
Overall, keeping your HVAC ducts clean is an important step in maintaining a healthy, efficient, and comfortable indoor environment. Regular duct cleaning can help improve indoor air quality, reduce energy consumption, and extend the lifespan of your HVAC system.
This photo shows a Hvac Ducts with foreign objects or debris
Situations where we could not test the HVAC because of the MISSING BREAKERS.
Below is the screenshot of part of the receipt where they couldn't test the unit.
To avoid this in the future, please make sure that the power is on and that the house has breakers. If the unit is gas, we need to make sure that the gas to the unit is turned on. I think that will help us to make sure that this doesn't happen again. Also, let the electrician knows to install the breakers specifically in houses where there is no electrical rough-in involved.
HVAC Training Basics for New Technicians and Students! Refrigeration Cycle!
In this HVAC Training Video, I Show the Basics of how Refrigerant Flows Through a System, Saturated Temperatures, Phase Changes, Superheat, Subcooling, Airflow, Heat Absorption, and Heat Rejection!
The study guide for the EPA test to handle refrigerants, in both English and Spanish, is on this page >>> HVAC Refrigerant
Magnetic Boxes for HVAC Cage keys
Jeff would like to start using these magnetic key holder boxes in all of the houses to store the keys to the padlocks on the HVAC cages. The keys would be stored inside the box and then the box with the magnet would be placed on the side of the INDOOR air handler for safe and easy access to the outdoor keys. See the below photos.
These magnetic key boxes can be ordered from Amazon and the PM will need to create a To Do and tag Online Orders to place the order.
A way to get a compressor on a roof
A way to get a compressor on a roof
This video will show a way how to get HVAC Compressor to the roof,
The ladder crane is an innovative tool used to lift heavy objects, like HVAC units, to elevated levels such as rooftops, reducing the need for manual lifting. Powered by Milwaukee, a reliable tool brand, it enhances efficiency and safety, making it ideal for construction and installation projects. This crane offers a practical, less strenuous alternative to traditional lifting methods, streamlining the process and minimizing the physical strain on workers.
Compressor on roofHVAC FILTER
AC Air Furnace Filters - Cut to Fit - Washable
AC Air Furnace Filters - Cut to Fit - Washable
We always want to use these instead of the disposable filters. They are washable and can be cut to the correct size for the unit.
Home Depot Link: AC Air Furnace Filters - Cut to Fit - Washable
How to cut them to size so they fit in their HVAC unit?
Cutting a cut-to-fit, washable AC or furnace filter to the correct size is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to ensure a precise fit:
Tools You'll Need:
Tools You'll Need:
Measuring tape or ruler
Marker or chalk
Sharp scissors or a utility knife
A cutting board or flat surface (optional, for stability)
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step-by-Step Guide:
Remove the Old Filter (if applicable):
Turn off your HVAC system before removing the existing filter.
Check the size printed on the frame of the old filter. If it's still in good shape, you can use it as a template.
Measure the Filter Slot:
If there's no old filter to reference, measure the height, width, and depth of the filter slot inside your HVAC unit.
Be as precise as possible to prevent gaps that could let unfiltered air pass through.
Mark the New Filter:
Place the new cut-to-fit filter on a flat surface.
Use a marker or chalk to outline the measurements you took from your unit.
If using an old filter as a guide, lay it on top and trace around it.
Cut the Filter to Size:
Use sharp scissors for polyester or fiber-based filters.
For more rigid filters, use a utility knife and a straightedge for a clean cut.
Make small, precise cuts to avoid over-trimming.
Test the Fit:
Place the cut filter into the HVAC unit’s filter slot.
It should fit snugly without forcing it in or leaving gaps.
If it's slightly too large, trim small amounts until you get a perfect fit.
Install the Filter Correctly:
Make sure the airflow direction (if indicated) matches the airflow in your unit.
Slide the filter securely into place.
How to Clean them?
How to Clean Washable HVAC Filters (Cut-to-Fit & Reusable)
How to Clean Washable HVAC Filters (Cut-to-Fit & Reusable)
Regular cleaning of washable AC and furnace filters helps maintain airflow, improve HVAC efficiency, and extend the filter’s lifespan. Follow these steps to clean them properly.
🛠 What You’ll Need:
🛠 What You’ll Need:
A vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment (optional)
A garden hose or sink with running water
Mild detergent or vinegar (optional)
A soft brush or sponge
A dry towel
A well-ventilated drying area
📝 Step-by-Step Cleaning Process:
📝 Step-by-Step Cleaning Process:
1️⃣ Turn Off Your HVAC System
Before removing the filter, turn off the HVAC system to prevent unfiltered air from circulating.
2️⃣ Remove the Filter
Carefully slide the filter out of the HVAC unit.
Inspect it for visible dust, dirt, or buildup.
3️⃣ Vacuum Off Loose Dust & Debris (Optional)
Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to remove loose dirt before washing.
This step is especially helpful if the filter has thick dust buildup.
4️⃣ Rinse with Water
Take the filter outside and rinse it with a low-pressure stream of water from a garden hose.
If using a sink or bathtub, run lukewarm water over the filter.
Always rinse from the clean side to the dirty side to push debris out.
5️⃣ Apply Mild Soap (If Needed)
If the filter is heavily soiled, mix a few drops of mild detergent or a 50/50 vinegar-water solution in a bucket.
Dip a soft brush or sponge into the solution and gently scrub the filter.
Avoid using harsh chemicals or high-pressure water, as they may damage the filter material.
6️⃣ Rinse Thoroughly
Ensure all soap or cleaning solution is completely rinsed off to prevent residue buildup.
7️⃣ Shake Off Excess Water
Gently shake the filter to remove excess water.
Do not twist or wring the filter, as this may deform it.
8️⃣ Air Dry Completely
Place the filter in a shaded, well-ventilated area and let it dry completely before reinstalling.
Avoid direct sunlight, as it can degrade the material over time.
Ensure both sides are fully dry to prevent mold growth inside the HVAC system.
9️⃣ Reinstall the Filter
Once the filter is dry, reinstall it in the HVAC system.
Make sure it fits securely and is positioned with the correct airflow direction.
🛠 Cleaning Frequency:
🛠 Cleaning Frequency:
Every 30-60 days for normal use
More frequently if you have pets, allergies, or live in a high-dust area
Keeping your filter clean improves HVAC efficiency, air quality, and system longevity while reducing energy costs!
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