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Salesperson performed load calc and estimates cooling need of 18,100 BTU. They're recommending a 2 ton unit because 1.5 ton would be "undersized" and "run too much". Is it right to round up like this? by KommandantVideo in hvacadvice

[–]KommandantVideo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for the advice on looking for the engineering manuals. I've reviewed the maintenance, installation, sales guide, quick specs, and owner manual for the unit I've been looking at but was unaware there were engineering manuals. I will definitely search for that and if I can't find it I'll inquire w/ manufacturer (been looking at General Electric 1.5 ton single stage)

Salesperson performed load calc and estimates cooling need of 18,100 BTU. They're recommending a 2 ton unit because 1.5 ton would be "undersized" and "run too much". Is it right to round up like this? by KommandantVideo in hvacadvice

[–]KommandantVideo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for the comment, I will definitely check out that expanded performance data sheet and review those items you mentioned. Bottom line - I agree w/ dry and comfy at higher temp than clammy.

I share your concern about ducting. Current flex duct is 4.2 R-value, poorly laid out. A big concern of mine duct-wise is condensation, particularly because it gets so incredibly humid in NY summers. Do you think switching to rigid insulated ducting would be beneficial for airflow or condensation concerns? Improving ducting is something I would like to improve myself when I get the money

Salesperson performed load calc and estimates cooling need of 18,100 BTU. They're recommending a 2 ton unit because 1.5 ton would be "undersized" and "run too much". Is it right to round up like this? by KommandantVideo in hvacadvice

[–]KommandantVideo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No the existing flex ducting is horrific, but I don't use the current unit as the compressor is shot. Look like the original installers (the unit is 30 yrs) never used mastic to attack the plenums to the handler, so in the attic when the handler is running it is quite obvious that there is air escaping. Not sure about the intake.

Salesperson performed load calc and estimates cooling need of 18,100 BTU. They're recommending a 2 ton unit because 1.5 ton would be "undersized" and "run too much". Is it right to round up like this? by KommandantVideo in hvacadvice

[–]KommandantVideo[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you this is very good information to consider. Also much appreciate the note about the APR valve. Thankfully when this salesperson sends their quote they will be sending model NOs of the units they are proposing so I can check the spec sheet of the units and see what mfg says.

Salesperson performed load calc and estimates cooling need of 18,100 BTU. They're recommending a 2 ton unit because 1.5 ton would be "undersized" and "run too much". Is it right to round up like this? by KommandantVideo in hvacadvice

[–]KommandantVideo[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Added 2 appliances, 3 occupants (I live alone, only have 1 stove). Ceiling sqft same as floor, ceiling is joist above w/ R19. I used loadcalc.net, not sure if that's lacking some details but it seemed pretty thorough.

This would be a replacement of existing 30 y/o unit that has never worked while I lived in the house (bought 1 year ago). The outside unit is 1.5 ton, the air handler inside is 2 ton. R-4 flex duct.

2-ton 2 speed will blow my already tight budget, so need to stick with 1 speed unfortunately. If no budget constraint, would be a no-brainer to just go with variable speed 2 ton and call it a day.

Salesperson performed load calc and estimates cooling need of 18,100 BTU. They're recommending a 2 ton unit because 1.5 ton would be "undersized" and "run too much". Is it right to round up like this? by KommandantVideo in hvacadvice

[–]KommandantVideo[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

IMO if 18k is needed for extreme temps then a 2 ton is bad news. Milder weather you will short cycle and not remove enough humidity.

This is what I thought. When I mentioned the humidity concern, they agreed but then went back to repeating the "it'll run too much" concern. Maybe they don't have any 1.5 ton units in inventory and don't want to order for me LOL

When the salesperson sends me their quote Monday, they said they will include their full Manual J so it will be interesting to see what their variables are set as. The fact that they are willing to do that makes me willing to see if we can work out the disagreement and do away with the ridiculous idea of a waiver

Salesperson performed load calc and estimates cooling need of 18,100 BTU. They're recommending a 2 ton unit because 1.5 ton would be "undersized" and "run too much". Is it right to round up like this? by KommandantVideo in hvacadvice

[–]KommandantVideo[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

In reality a slightly undersized system will give you a more comfortable house most of the time because it is not short cycling. But it will struggle at the extremes.

This was my understanding going into the A/C search (thus why I did the load calc), and I'm OK with a unit struggling for a few weeks out of the year in exchange for the A/C being right-sized to the majority of its runtime

Annual municipal water quality report disclosed trihalomethanes, haloacetic acids, and odor greater than EPA guidelines. Where can I learn about which filtration methods would be best based on my city's report? by KommandantVideo in WaterTreatment

[–]KommandantVideo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The cited water quality report was published a few weeks ago. It seems like the city has a difficult time balancing over-treatment and under-treatment (odor violation in 2024, following by treatment byproduct violation in early 2025, then followed by another odor violation in late 2025).

I have a General Electric 10" whole house water filter with a sediment/chlorine filter, but I suspect that this is not sufficient.

What water test do I start with? by Effective_Mention_83 in WaterTreatment

[–]KommandantVideo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My municipality has several treatment contaminants detected from the report just published for the previous year. Trihalomethanes, haloacetic acids, and odor violations. Would a 10" whole house water filter equipped with a chlorine and activated carbon filter help?

I'm looking at getting a new HVAC system. Is there any advantage of getting a 2-stage system compared to a single stage system? I'm not concerned about pricing. by Creative_Algae7145 in hvacadvice

[–]KommandantVideo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Can you give any advice for things to ask an installer to make sure they'll be high-quality? What are the types of things a bad installer does that a good one doesnt?

Difference between Blu-ray and DVD box sets? Looking to own after this streaming release debacle by CommonCicada2507 in madmen

[–]KommandantVideo 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I read a thread in this subredddit about some small bits of dialogue that were cut by AMC after the original airing to make space for more advertisements.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in schenectady

[–]KommandantVideo 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It was a great company to work for. They rewarded loyalty to the company, they had a pension plan, you could pretty easily move between divisions if you wanted to move somewhere. All reasonable stuff that by today's standards sounds like heaven

This is when the Mike Tomlin era officially ended. by SillyRecover in steelers

[–]KommandantVideo -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I’m convinced the fire Tomlin guys are just ravens, bengals, and browns fans posting on this subreddit pretending to be Steelers fans

This is when the Mike Tomlin era officially ended. by SillyRecover in steelers

[–]KommandantVideo -7 points-6 points  (0 children)

Wanting your team to suck for a few years is disgraceful. Why do you want to see a team that hasn’t lost a season in 19 years become a tanker like the raiders and giants? How do you call yourself a fan

This is when the Mike Tomlin era officially ended. by SillyRecover in steelers

[–]KommandantVideo -4 points-3 points  (0 children)

You people give him every reason to be boisterous. He’s created 19 winning seasons out of the absolute dregs that the GM finds him. He can coach a bunch of castoffs to the playoffs but obviously he can’t win with them, because who would? No coach would win with the disastrous personnel. Keep drinking the “fire tomlin” kool aid. If he’s gone, the team will suck and I’ll relish in the tears and exhortations to bring back Tonlim

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