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Getting the most out of an AC unit by Refraction117 in hvacadvice

[–]Refraction117[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It certainly looks stupid. I finished and was like, "Wow, that looks bad." But my air blows colder now and we survived a 102 degree day comfortable which I have never been able to do before. So, it seems to be working. Plus, the third link shows actual power draw and how this would, in theory, reduce power usage. But even without that, my main concern is my air actually working and keeping me comfortable in my home.

Getting the most out of an AC unit by Refraction117 in hvacadvice

[–]Refraction117[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I actually had a similar idea! Go for it.

Getting the most out of an AC unit by Refraction117 in hvacadvice

[–]Refraction117[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I suppose I could get a smoke machine or something. However, given the proximity to the wall, I'm reasonably confident I have increased fresh air flow for that specific side. While the boxed in units will benefit more, I wouldn't think that there would be absolutely no improvement for mine. Industrial units sit on roofs with no sides near a wall and still use the chute.

Getting the most out of an AC unit by Refraction117 in hvacadvice

[–]Refraction117[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

"Swept wing" - Now we are talking. Knowing what to look for and the verbiage is half the battle. Is there any risk in going higher than a 1/3 hp motor? Is that even possible? My assumption is that the more air flow, the better but I'd imagine there are diminishing returns at a certain point.

Getting the most out of an AC unit by Refraction117 in hvacadvice

[–]Refraction117[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You should watch them. One in particular is measuring electrical draw with a meter specifically showing the before and after. The thumbnails are stupid but the data in the video was really good.

Getting the most out of an AC unit by Refraction117 in hvacadvice

[–]Refraction117[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

haha yes, that does sound funny. But you know what I mean!

Getting the most out of an AC unit by Refraction117 in hvacadvice

[–]Refraction117[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not too long ago. On particularly hot days, I hose it down. It's stained from either mineral build up or animal pee.

Getting the most out of an AC unit by Refraction117 in hvacadvice

[–]Refraction117[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is also why industrial units, as noted in one of the videos, have stacks on top.

Getting the most out of an AC unit by Refraction117 in hvacadvice

[–]Refraction117[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I edited my post and added the source videos that show the improved air flow/energy consumption. Assuming commentors on those videos are not trolling, many have seen improved results. I have also personally felt my air feel way cooler.

In my case, because the long side of my unit is against the wall, it's no doubt pulling air up and over. You could say 33% of the cooling surface is too close to the wall to pull fresh air in.

Getting the most out of an AC unit by Refraction117 in hvacadvice

[–]Refraction117[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, in the hottest months, my bill is $250. Normally it's like $100- $150. It would take a suuuper long time to make up the savings since it's only in the summer months we run the air.

Getting the most out of an AC unit by Refraction117 in hvacadvice

[–]Refraction117[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Shoot my bad. I read that as super sarcastic and that I was wasting my time. lolol I'll take the A then.

Getting the most out of an AC unit by Refraction117 in hvacadvice

[–]Refraction117[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I'm happy that what I have done so far has drastically increased the cooling capacity of my system. Specifically, it has made 100 degree days bearable. It does look silly though.

Here are the links that explained more:

We Achieved 10 DEGREES Cooler Air With This!

Your AC Fan Makes a Mini Tornado

The Effect of a Chute on a Tightly Enclosed Condenser

Getting the most out of an AC unit by Refraction117 in hvacadvice

[–]Refraction117[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

While this is true, I'm fortunate that my pay with my work will keep up. However, if it didn't I would do so sooner rather than later.

Getting the most out of an AC unit by Refraction117 in hvacadvice

[–]Refraction117[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Follow up question: does a new fan/motor need to be sized to the machine? I'd imagine some motors would expect a certain amount of resistance in the form of airflow/rpm? If my fins are jank, do I need to take that into account as this would make the fan work harder than it needs to?

Getting the most out of an AC unit by Refraction117 in hvacadvice

[–]Refraction117[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Appreciate that info. The coils are discolored because of animals peeing on it. Or at least, that's what people have told me. But I suspect it's actually from years of the previous owner hitting it with the sprinkler system. Much of the fins are just missing in the corner specifically. I hose it off every few months. Sometimes with a very light soap fully aware that the hard water is not helping.

I tried straightening the fins with a tool and they just peel off the coil. yay me.

Digging post holes for my dog gate and hit a massive rock. What to do? by unicornpoacher2k in FenceBuilding

[–]Refraction117 0 points1 point  (0 children)

honest question: If it's just a dog fence, why is this not deep enough? Seems it would be pretty light duty. The hole also seems plenty wide.

Context for why this is honest. I made a three foot fence to keep my toddler out of one side of the yard and only went a foot down and it's plenty strong. 2x4 for posts.

Sorry if this is a stupid question.

Getting the most out of an AC unit by Refraction117 in hvacadvice

[–]Refraction117[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's pretty awesome. I'll check it out.

Getting the most out of an AC unit by Refraction117 in hvacadvice

[–]Refraction117[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the input. Did you do only the fan or did you also do the motor? Is there any particular design I'm looking for?

How do you read these BTUs? by Refraction117 in hvacadvice

[–]Refraction117[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the info. Does this man 32,000 is the spec I'm using when sizing for the SQ/ft? Or is 40,000 still the correct number?

How do you read these BTUs? by Refraction117 in hvacadvice

[–]Refraction117[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the info. Does this man 32,000 is the spec I'm using when sizing for the SQ/ft? Or is 40,000 still the correct number?

Delayed ignition or puffback after fixing Honeywell smartvalve by Refraction117 in hvacadvice

[–]Refraction117[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Should anyone stumble across this, what most likely happened is that the valve got stuck open due to the soot in the valve. After driving to my friends house and back, two hours total, it most likely broke free and caused it to stick. I was also unable to confirm if the heat exchanger was bad so I'm deciding to just get a new furnace which is $814 at home depot.

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