Replies

1. 
   Walter_Nelms | Dec 15, 1998 09:53pm | #1

   *
   In response to your first question, there are two critical variables in the decision to buy high or standard efficiency equipment, whether it is heating or cooling. These variables are the amount to time per year that the appliance is used and the cost of the energy required to operate the appliance. Central Illinois will have approximately 5500 hours per year under 65 degF, which may support the purchase of higher efficiency equipment. Typical fuel costs are about $.50 to $.60 per CCF of natural gas; if your fuel cost is at this range or above, then purchase of a high efficiency unit may be in order. Probably the best solution is to find a local residential mechanical contractor that has the ability to run a load on your house and conduct an energy analysis of the new house. Since there is no past history of utility usage, you'll have to provide some typical use pattern type of information in order to quantify some of the costs. Once the energy analysis is run, then a payback on investment can be calculated and you can make your decision.

   Single zone HVAC equipment can have multiple zone air distribution systems and these systems can greatly increase the comfort of the occupants while reducing the energy required to operate the equipment. The critical issues with these systems are that you want to buy a system from someone who has experience in the installation, operation and service of these systems since misapplication could damage more expensive components of your new system. Also, buy a system with quality dampers and electronic controls that are easy to understand and operate. If you can't understand it, the system will probably be disconnected before long. There are several manufacturers of these products, so shop around a bit.

1. 
   Tom_McCurnin | Dec 17, 1998 03:06am | #2

   *The current issue of Jounal of Light Construction has a marvelous article on how to pick and guage furnaces and ducting. It is a must read.

1. 
   C._Heberer | Dec 19, 1998 10:20pm | #3

   *Enerzone Systems Corporation makes a damper control system that uses pneumatic bladders within the ducts that allow selective zoning from a single furnace. Does anyone have any exerience with this system?

1. 
   Michael_Adams | Dec 22, 1998 09:52pm | #4

   *How do I get a copy of the current issue of Journal of Light Construction? My local bookstore does not carry it.

2. 
   Guest_ | Dec 22, 1998 11:22pm | #5

   *
   Try their web site - http://www.jclonline.com

   (Sorry Sean!)

3. 
   JohnE | Dec 25, 1998 12:30pm | #6

   *
   Bill, et al;

   Journal of Light Construction is jlconline.com
   You transposed some letters.

   Cheers;
   JE

1. 
   Bruce_Cooley | Dec 27, 1998 02:04am | #7

   *I have a Trane 2 speed funace in a 1 one half story house in Pacific NW. The 2 speed feature is great and offsets the tendency to oversize furnaces for extreme lows. I have 3600 sqft. the extra cost is only about $200. It allmost always runs on low settting and is quieter.

1. 
   Thomas_Collier | Jan 01, 1999 07:09pm | #8

   *tom which issue of jlc has the gas furnace article? i could not find it on their home page.thanks T.C.

1. 
   savoy_ | Jan 03, 1999 07:17am | #9

   *I have had superb results with the trane variable speed with the zoning dampers. They will make your house more energy efficient and comfortable. Go for it. Savoy

1. 
   Doug_Huebner | Jan 08, 1999 11:05pm | #10

   *While on the subject of gas furnaces...Does anyone have any experience / opinions on the new Lenox water heater/ furnace. It has what appears to be an on-demand hot waterheater tha supplies the household hot water as well as for radiant heat and forced air. Seems like a good idea as our new house will be radiant in the walk out lower level and forced air heat & AC on the upper level.Thanks for the help,Doug

4. 
   Guest_ | Jan 14, 1999 07:16am | #11

   *
   The Lennox "Complete Heat" is not on demand, but a high recovery system. It's a high quality water heater with a fast recovery combined with a heat exchanger blower for forced air heating. It may also be combined with hydronic systems. They have excellent efficiency ratings. I'm planning on installing one in my new construction. Call up your dealer for the details.

5. 
   Russ_Jamison | Jan 14, 1999 07:18am | #12

   *
   I need some advice on selecting two gas furnaces for a new house. We'll have one furnace for downstairs and one for up. House is located in central Illinois. I've read about pulse furnaces and two speed systems. Are they worth the extra cost?

   I'm also interested if anyone has experience/advice on the use of individual thermostats to control baffles in the duct work to create zones for one floor-one furnace systems.