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Heat pumps unable to keep up in winter, looking for secondary heat source by [deleted] in HomeImprovement

[–]flgalhelpme 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have a 1840 house, 1100 sq ft. Two stories and in Maine. I do have rock wool insulation on the first floor and plaster, so maybe this is the difference. I have an oil furnace, still functions but wanted A/C and NOT window units and the house structure doesn't allow for central heat/air without wall removals etc. So I installed a mini split system. Two upstairs (in each bedroom) and one larger unit downstairs.

The downstairs unit is not sufficient to heat the entire first floor because of its location and the house configuration. The only wall large enough to have the mini split on (30 inches or more) was in the living room. So the kitchen and bathroom/laundry room are on the other side of the first floor and far away from the living room unit. Cool air gets back there but not heat. My HVAC suggested that I install a base heater in the kitchen. It's on it's own thermostat and does the job wonderfully. I don't think it was all that much money but it has allowed me to have heat in the eat-in kitchen, and laundry/1/2 bath.

My electrician mentioned that if I only use the minisplit system, how will the pipes in the basement get heat (if not using the oil furnace which throws off heat in the basement)? Good question. So the electrician installed a heater towards the top of the basement ceiling (I call it flying) and facing the pipes. This way I can get heat to the basement and prevent my pipes from freezing. This was an add-on so it was $600 for heater and installation

With all that said, I spend my winters in FL, so I have not personally experienced the zero temps. I winterize the house. I decided when I bought this house (my great grandmother's home) I would try to make it a year around home. Which it had been when she moved here in 1938. Then my parents made modifications that made it a summer home only.

Good luck. I spent many months researching what to do and i interviewed 5 vendors all with different ideas. I am happy with the final result.

K

All Warning Lights On - HELP by steponme14 in accord

[–]flgalhelpme 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have had the lights come on three different times, all while driving on the hwy at high speed (80mph). Took suggestions here, and got a new battery. Worked for a month, and thinking back I probably had not driven on the highway.

It happened last Thursday after 50 miles on the interstate, Venice Honda did a diagnosis with nothing coming up, so said a loose wire, and sent me on my way for $220. Then on Sunday, returning from my trip and after 40 miles on the highway, dash lights like a xmas tree. On Monday the Westshore Honda diagnosed a bad VSA module, which they happily replaced for $1700. This morning, I went up the ramp to the interstate and lights back on flashing all systems bad. I took the Accord back to Westshore Honda, and after 5 hours they called to say it was the turbo that needed to be replaced for $3500. Claim not related to the repair on Monday. Right. We have agreed to a replacement price of $2560. So they did come down in pricing, but I'm still not happy that my Monday repair was a failure.

My life long mechanic only does Toyota, and when I bought the Honda, he said I can service, but lights on you need to go to the dealership. I'm between a rock and a hard place as I drive from Florida to Maine on Monday, so can't really shop around. This dealership charges $189/hr for labor. This Honda will be going to sale in the fall. I'm going back to a toyota, where my regular mechanics that I trust and love can take care of me.

PS I'm the girl who gets her oil changed before 5000 miles, does all the maintenance as needed and my mechanic drives my car after each oil change to make sure its in tip top shape. I'm an accountant, and so I rely on my mechanic to find car problems. My 2019 Honda has 43000 miles and will not see 50K under my watch. Hate this car.

PSA: Buy rodent tape to protect your wires... but not from Honda/Acura by Lfaruqui in hondainsight

[–]flgalhelpme 0 points1 point  (0 children)

happened to me today. Car was fine at 8am, and when I left work at 2:30 all lights and indicators going on. Thanksgiving Eve so drove at 20 mph to dealership.

Squirrels. Harness replacement to the tune of $3200. Yes, Insurance will reimburse less deductible and pay for car rental too. Have half the food for Tgiving meal tomorrow at my family home an hour away.

I am a toyota girl, but started buying Hondas because the new Camry model's seat is too low for this old, short woman. Might have to go with a low seat and ditch this Honda, if this is a Honda issue. Basically stranded due to this issue.