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5 Answers

This is definitely more of a diagnostic repair question than a green building question but I think you all might like the challenge.

I co-own an energy efficiency contracting company and am used to using an IR camera for diagnosis of sources of air infiltration. I have a HW Boiler distribution pipe system located on top of a slab with 1-4(?) leaks. I took all the radiators out of the loop and then I repaired 2 leaks found by sound after pressurizing the system with air and but the rest of the leaks remain elusive. We used an ultra-sonic leak detector and identified one more potential leak but I don't want to start digging under the oak flooring without confirmation and identification of other leaks.

Asked By David Fleuchaus | Nov 24 13

2 Answers

Help me understand my Manual J

My question is how to use this to ensure my equipment is sized correctly. I plan on using heat pumps to cool my house in the summer and heat my house down to 35-40 degrees. Once it's too cold for the heat pumps i plan on having back up propane furnaces kick in.
1st floor heating/cooling (hvac 1) is 43,393 btu and 2.1 ton
2nd floor heating/cooling (hvac 2) is 35,067 btu and 1.5 ton

How do I use the cooling tonnes to determine appropriate sizing of the heat pumps?
Also what size propane furnace would I get, would a variable furnace change anything? I'm guessing something like:

Asked By jason c | Dec 6 13

3 Answers

Gas heated steam radiator system

Hi,

Asked By Daniel Herskowitz | Dec 5 13

3 Answers

Can copper sulphate be removed from water supply?

I have copper sulfate in my water supply confirmed by the supplier which they say is coming from my copper piping. I have a filter on my kitchen faucet so I can use the water for drinking etc. I am planning on replacing all the piping that I can reach with PVC. The house is a 50 year old rancher so I can reach everything but the short vertical runs to the kitchen and baths. The water heater is 20 plus years old so I will replace that as well. Before I do all that work I was wondering if there is an easier solution?

Asked By phillip rhudy | Nov 30 13

9 Answers

Can I put a ductless mini split condensor/compressor in an unconditioned cellar?

We are renovating a 125 year old masonry building in NYC. We are heating and cooling it with ductless mini splits. They run more efficiently in a warmer environment (in winter) and cooler environment (in summer). So why not install them in the cellar which should stay about 50 degrees all year. Any thoughts on this? Possible hazards? Thanks Daniel

Asked By Daniel Herskowitz | Nov 22 13

5 Answers

Our water heater needs to be replaced and we are considering getting a heat-pump water heater

Our water heater needs to be replaced and we are considering getting a heat-pump water heater. We could really use some advice as to whether or not this makes sense for us.

Our current water heater is still under warranty, allowing us to replace it with a 5 year unit (current unit is a GE 40 gallon natural gas-powered tank). We are a family of two adults and one 3 year old. We could get $1,050 rebate if we bought one before the end of the year.

Other details:

Therm cost: current month 88.1¢, last month $1.36

Klw cost: current month 10.3¢, last month 10.5¢

Asked By Leah Marshquist | Nov 25 13

1 Answer

Off-the-electrical-grid propane water heaters -- either tankless or tank

Off-the-electrical-grid propane water heaters -- either tankless or tank.
Only for 2 person use, one bath, one kitchen.

What manufacturer do you recommend?

Asked By Mike Pease | Nov 24 13

10 Answers

Relocating drains to maximize drain water heat recovery

I have a central stack for the bathroom, iron pipe, probably 4" (not a plumber and haven't measured it, but it's big). This is where my DWHR will go, and serving the shower will give me the lion's share of the heat recovery benefits. But I wonder if I could do better.

Asked By Nick Welch | Nov 15 13

4 Answers

Is a hybrid heat-pump water heater worth it in a basement in the SE?

Ultimately I am trying to figure out the most cost-effective / green (using a weird "embodied energy/cost of system vs.cost of photovoltaic to offset/energy use from a major coal burning region" rule of thumb) to heat my water.

Asked By Brad Abernethy | Nov 13 13

4 Answers

Radon in well water

I think I saw articles on radon in well water here, but couldn't find them. Could you lead me to them and perhaps comment on my questions.

Asked By tom ruben | Nov 7 13

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