Ok… i need to build a deck over an air conditioner because the budget does not allow the HO to move the unit. I recommended relocating the unit but there is no budget to move it or replace it (since it dates to 1978 and is still functioning fine!).
i need some creative ideas here folks. The gas meter and main is right next to the air conditioner which will end up being right in the middle of the deck. Air Conditioning people recommend 36″ of clearance all around. I don’t have the going vertical. My thought was that I would frame a hatch around the conditioner and the gas main. then I would either:
- try to make some sort of grate in the surface of the deck so the exhaust air is not recurculated.
- Or make some sort of vent that will enable the heated (blown) air to be exhausted else where.
Any ideas here?
Thanks,
WIT
Replies
Build the hatch for access, but don't worry about the vertical clearance. The shade from the deck will help the condensor unit, and there will be enough ventilation . Now, in a few years when the a/c fails and the contractor needs to install a new unit, you need to be far away.
I'm sorry, I thought you wanted it done the right way.
Ok... i need to build a deck over an air conditioner because the budget does not allow the HO to move the unit.
Sounds to me like the HO doesn't have the correct budget. And like you should find a way to walk away from this job.
Think about the potential liability. Twenty years from now, there's a gas leak in the house, and the new owners (your friend sold and moved) die while trying to find the shutoff.
That's if the meter-reader doesn't report you and the HO to the authorities for the non-conformance, and the lack of a permit.
Unless you're the lead dog, the view just never changes.
Gas meters can not be blocked! The meter reader will not read the meter. All bills will be estimated, and at todays energy cost, they are going to get tattoed.
The clearances for the a/c condensing unit is not only for air exchange, but also routine service work, i.e. cleaning. How often is that going to happen once you cover it up, no matter how inovative you design?
What are you going do do in a year, when that a/c unit dies? The HVAC repairman/ salesman will point the finger at your "design solution", even if the unit just died of old age. No matter what kind of wavers you get signed, your reputation is soiled.
I understand possibly needing the work, and wanting to help someone stay within thier buget, but this one has more downside to it than up.
Your choice here.
Me, I would walk.
Dave
Keep the feedback coming! The AC unit the HO are aware it is a gamble and they are as concerned about moving it as they are going over it. The house is a small bedford stone house (1100 sq ft plus a full basement).
Does anyone know who at the gas company I would need to talk with? obviously it is not the meter reader or some office clerk.
Thanks!
WIT
Call the engineering department, or maybe it's called planning.
I'm sorry, I thought you wanted it done the right way.
Searched the web... that would make too much sense to have it as an FAQ. But.. it is not. I have contacted thier construction department. Playing phone tag but trying to get them out to the site. I will let you all know.
Thanks,
WIT
I'm with the other guys - This stinks, and should be walked away from.
If at first you don't succeed, aim lower.
Good News all!
I met with the Gas Company engineer this morning. He is going to relocate the meter to another side of the house for a couple hundred bucks. So... I am back to designing with the AC in mind. I am not sure the shade of the deck will be enough. I am thinking I need some exhaust relief for the top of the unit in order to prevent the fan from sucking back in the hot air.
Any Ideas?
BTW I really can't walk away from this one. there are some family connections...
Thanks,
WIT
Since the gas meter issue is solved, I would have a serious talk with the HO and advise them to move the a/c. If they decline, tell them you are doing it against your better judgement, and they will assume all responsibiloity for dealing with future maintenance and change-out problems.
I'm sorry, I thought you wanted it done the right way.
Any Ideas?
Yep. Get the specs for the compressor from the data plate (not a bad idea to use stiff paper and just do a rubbing).
If you do not have a preferred hvac vendor, ask around the various ones available and price out what a modern unit of the same size would cost, include a new pad and the length of the piping to connect.
Get a set of specs for the new unit, it will pobably only require half the energy to run than the present unit. That can get you a great rate of return.
It's family, so you have fewer options, understood. Perhaps the way to do this is to say, yes, the unit works--but for how much longer? The HVAC man who replaces it is not going to put a unit in under the deck (assuming the new unit would fit in the first place). So, he's going to move the thing anyway. That makes the question one of when, not if.
Also, if they wait, the HVAC guy will want to replace the entire system, with a really good "might as well as" argument on his side (like its sweltering out, that's how we know the a/c is busted). That makes for a much more expensive move.Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
I have had the discussion with HO (who like myself I must admit) has a little Yankee in them (tight on the green). They are interested in defering the expense of a new AC unit until a future time. At that point they want to relocate the unit. So basically they have asked to ensure access to be able to haul ou the old carcass in the future. They even understand that this could accellerate the dying process for this old AC.
So... the basica shap is a 13'X30 deck with one of the long sides curved from 8' on the sides to about 13' in the middle and back to 8' on the other side. I have got to take a decent stab at providing adaquate ventilation. It looks like the underside of the finished deck will be about 2' from the top of the AC unit.
Thanks,
WIT
Most gas and electric utilities have that sort of information on their websites these days, but it would probably be faster to just call them up and ask for the engineering department.
since it dates to 1978 and is still functioning fine
It may be, but it's also 27 years out of date. The technology inside the compressors has gotten a lot better in just the last 5 years, let alone the last 25.
So, it's likely really in their budget for a new unit, properly located.
Except that they want you to cover over a gas meter, too--which raises all sorts of red flags for me.
I've some experience with the gas company and meters. Even when you get their "expert recommendations" for a surround, you can still get "dingged."
Ask, can fence go in front of meter if there's a hole to read? Nope, must have access to the meter. Ok, can fence go around? Sure. Fine until the meter guy flags it for being too close--despite the digsafe markings clearly showing to the contrary. Thought we were going to have to put in a bench and a roof and a nitelite for the reader to get the stinkin fence done . . .
FWIW, i just got quote on moving outdoor unit, around the corner of hte house, about 30' further from the inside unit. HVAC and Electrical sub came out to $300 total. Not as bad as it could be.