Author Topic: HVAC Questions - New to Us Home  (Read 3024 times)

eyePod

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HVAC Questions - New to Us Home
« on: July 27, 2014, 06:53:40 PM »
My wife and I bought a new to us 1st home town home. It was built in 1989. It still has the original furnace/hvac/humidifier (yeah, we got a home warranty). They had routine (annual) service on everything and the blower on the AC unit (I think it was that one, I'm really obtuse when it comes to these systems)., so we thought we were in pretty good shape.

Well, I figured I should replace the air filter for the system. I wasn't sure which size, but I could tell the one that was in there was probably wrong. It was a 16x20x1. And the 16 edge was hanging out of the top of the duct by a good inch. On top of that, it didn't look like the filter was perfectly straight (kind of crumpled a bid here and there), and there's no cap or anything, so there's some nice spacing on each side. When I took it out, it was COMPLETELY gray. Yuck.

So I measured the duct, exactly 15x20. Purchased two of these sized filters (only HD had them, thanks a lot Lowes). Then I tried to put it in. It's about 1 or 2 mm short total. I could NOT get it in without pinching the cardboard exterior. Then I had to kind of tap on it on each corner back and forth for it to slide in. During that process, it got a little bent. I've attached the picture to this post (labeled Filter). As you can see, it's not perfectly straight, I have no cover on top, and there's a nice sized gap on each side of it.

So first question - is this OK? Should I slap some duct tape on top of it and hope for the best? I know the unit will have to be replaced in the next 2-5 years (hell, I'd love it this year since it's covered by a warranty, that'd only be a $100 deductible). Are there filters that are 3/4" instead of rounded up? That would probably fit a lot better!

Now to the 2nd question, you can notice the 2nd picture I've attached. It's coming from right above what I believe is the furnace (carrier bryant model). This area has a coil coming in, and I can feel a draft of cold air. I'm guessing this is the intake to the AC and how it gets circulated into the rest of the house. Not thrilled about this setup either, but I'm willing to duct tape this up too.

Just hoping for some $0.02 on it.

Now the carpet in the basement (DID NOT SMELL UNTIL THEY MOVED OUT) and the slight problem with the stove are another topic. Oh the joys of home ownership.

zolotiyeruki

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Re: HVAC Questions - New to Us Home
« Reply #1 on: July 27, 2014, 08:19:18 PM »
Yeah, you can just tape up those gaps if you want--it's lost airflow to the intended areas of the house, and therefore lost efficiency.  It looks like a terrible installation job in any case.

monarda

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Re: HVAC Questions - New to Us Home
« Reply #2 on: July 27, 2014, 08:42:30 PM »
Don't worry about the filter. I've used mine sticking out one inch, which is okay.
Since you already have the 15x20, you can cover the filter access with one of these, for example

I like the washable-reusable filters like this or this

A roll of good duct tape will take care of the leaks. Use the really sticky foil tape. Take off the old first. Actually, sometimes if you have an energy audit, they will tape all the leaky ducts for you.

Greg

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Re: HVAC Questions - New to Us Home
« Reply #3 on: July 28, 2014, 09:55:15 AM »
Don't worry about the filter. I've used mine sticking out one inch, which is okay.
Since you already have the 15x20, you can cover the filter access with one of these, for example.

That's exactly what I was going to recommend.  If it's not long enough, try to buy what you need at a sign shop.

eyePod

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Re: HVAC Questions - New to Us Home
« Reply #4 on: July 28, 2014, 11:11:45 AM »
Great, thanks for everyone's help. I figured I wouldn't hurt it by sealing it up, and I think I have a sheet of metal I can use as a cover. I just wish it were easier to put in...

 

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