Problems with High Velocity Air Conditioning (HVAC)
I’ve been researching high velocity systems for a condo. One company — Power Air Conditioning (http://www.poweraircon.com/index.html) — told me they just don’t do HVAC in New York because of problems with the humidity. They will only do conventional systems and ductless. This is the only contractor that I have heard this from. Does anyone else…
I’ve been researching high velocity systems for a condo. One company — Power Air Conditioning (http://www.poweraircon.com/index.html) — told me they just don’t do HVAC in New York because of problems with the humidity. They will only do conventional systems and ductless.
This is the only contractor that I have heard this from. Does anyone else have any experiences with HVAC systems in the city?
Many thanks!
Yea I used to work for a HVAC company in Denver http://www.denverheating.org and we never did anything like HV HVAC. Most places call themselves a full service HVAC company, but really don’t do anything more than replace compressors on cooling units.
Within the five boroughs, the installation of a central HVAC or AC system requires a ‘Mechanical’ work type permit issued by the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB).
Forced air systems are composed of multiple elements and if any of the elements is not correct, the system will not work properly.
A permit, whenever available, is advised. While it will not guarantee that the engineering is correct, it does generate an official list of characters in case things go wrong.
With experience, a provider and installer will know as much as an engineer regarding these systems, however, if permits are required, you’ll need a licensed architect or engineer to seal drawings and applications to be submitted and approved by the DOB. Many purveyors can provide engineering services as well, so ask your purveyor if they can provide permits.
Most everybody in the business has dealt with a new HVAC system that didn’t work properly. It can be nightmarish to resolve for many reasons, one being that the owners are living in it. Drawings sealed by an architect or engineer provide a starting point for both the finger pointing and resolution.
I hope this helps.
Thanks for all the comments and my apologies for getting the terminology wrong (HVAC instead of HV AC).
One contractor told me I would need to hire an engineer or an architect to get the proper permit approval. does this sound right?
We have high velocity installed in Brooklyn and it’s been great. Much easier to install / retrofit into these old buildings, a little noisier than conventional air, but worth it. Humidity debate is a red herring, if it’s a refrigerated system no matter what size the ducts, the mechanics of the way the system works removes humidity. Now he could have been talking about evaporative cooling systems, and in that event the argument would be accurate. We used Phil’s Air Conditioning and he was one of our best contractors.
As for noise all HV duct should be sound deadening [a bit more money] and more outlets per ton lessens the noise.
For the HV AC, I’ve used L&M 718-472-5016 http://www.lmairinc.com/ on two jobs, both fairly large and complicated and was satisfied on both. They will not be the cheapest. They do both HV and conventional.
For conventional only I’ve used Abe 917-731-6902.
Shop around prices can vary wildly
We used L&M Air, one of the contractors authorized by the manufacturer. They do both regular and high velocity AC systems. Noise is definitely less than room ACs, but more than regular central air. Compressors are outside the house and air handlers are behind walls or in cellars. All you hear is the sound of air, but it is high speed. A constant whisper. White noise, but more than nothing.
I thought L&M knew its mechanics, less knowledgeable about code requirements for unit placement, and a little misleading about how unobtrusive the vents would be and where they would place them. We ended up losing more closet space to house main trunk lines than we thought.
But look up the systems on line, then call the lcoal reps for the manufacturer and get references for several contractors.
ok, but we get that the OP was abbreviating ‘High Velocity Air Conditioning’, at least I did. Next?
High velocity pertains to the type of ducts used in a HVAC system, primarily. I think the OP knows what he/she is talking about.