AC- Small Duct High Velocity Central Air Conditioning

Has anyone had a small duct high velocity central AC system put in their brownstone? Does this system have drawbacks? If so, what are they? How long have you had & have you ever had to have fixed since installation? What would you have done differently if you were going to re-install? Can anyone recommend an experienced contractor? Thank you!

basementbound

in Heating and Cooling 10 years and 8 months ago

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basementbound | 10 years and 8 months ago

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Thanks again for the pointers. FYI-Palone is a certified high Space Pak installer. They were very matter-of-fact and courteous over the phone. Am curious why Klily gave then a thumbs down. Will see what they come in at for the installation.

dorkofwindsor | 10 years and 8 months ago

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I used palone for an traditional whole house AC retrofit and had a good experience. Summer months can be quite hectic and frustrating no matter who you use. btw, i didn’t know palone did hi velocity, i thought they only use one brand of equipment only. OT but i had them put a honeywell hepa filter on the return and i love it so much i am addicted to clean air now. I need to change the filters once a month but you should see how dirty they get. yuk!

slopefarm | 10 years and 8 months ago

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Dave’s right. I was talking about the air handlers. You definitely want registers in the bedrooms!!! I would say you want more than one wall between the air handler and the bedroom. A different floor, or same floor two rooms away, etc. Rubber pads to dampen vibration, etc. Done properly, the air coming out of the registers is a whisper. But you want to focus on isolating the sound of the air handlers. Doable, but if you don’t raise the issue, it won’t necessarily be done.

basementbound | 10 years and 8 months ago

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Thanks very much for your input!

daveinbedstuy | 10 years and 8 months ago

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I believe Slopefarm was talking about the location of the main air handler unit, not ducts, and potential noise. Mine is in the attic, just above some bedrooms and directly above the hallway and i never hear it. Yes, in large rooms, I have 4 registers. The guys who did my install job in PA did an excellent job of routing ducts to the first floor from the attic and i only had to box in two corner ducts. it was a retrofit after the house had been restored. I am VERY happy with the system

brucef | 10 years and 8 months ago

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We have installed Unico Systems but we aren’t specialists. I happen to have a Unico system installed in my own house. We did this because the wood paneling (mahogany) couldn’t get butchered I can give you some guidance. I suspect Slopefarm mis-spoke regarding staying away from bedrooms etc. Every room must have registers, and the number depends on the square footage and heat load. For example a bath may only need one register. A large bedroom may need 3 or 4 registers. You are best with the registers in the corners of the room. Unico does require trunk ducts, they are just smaller than conventional and better insulated. Round holes are punched into the fiberboard sides of the trunk ducts. If I remember there are (5) “spaghetti” flexible ducts in each carton. The registers come in a few colors, we always use white plastic. The air handler is Unico proprietary, but the condenser can be any reputable brand. We happen to use Bryant, but it could be anyone. The system is good but pricey because all the parts come from Unico, not 3rd party. It’s not really more expensive than a high SEER high efficiency conventional, but it is definitely more expensive than “builder’s grade” which most contractors quote on so their bids look cheaper and they get the job. There is a big difference between 1980’s tech (builder’s grade) and new stuff.

basementbound | 10 years and 8 months ago

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Thanks for the advice Davidinbedstuy. Will ask about the extra zone. Apparently Space Pak’s warranty is 4yrs longer if installed by somebody certified by them. Klilly- What was your experience with Palone? Have an appointment with them next wk.

klilly | 10 years and 8 months ago

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DO NOT USE PALONE BROS!

daveinbedstuy | 10 years and 8 months ago

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Use only a Unico certified installer. I love mine (it’s not in Brooklyn) and it was designed to the specs of the condensor and handler and makes hardly any noise at all. If you have a boiler for heat, consider running a zone to the Unico system for an extra boost on cold days.

basementbound | 10 years and 8 months ago

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Has anyone worked with any of the following companies and if so, what was your experience: Dewpoint Heating Vigilante Plumbing & Heating Palony Brothers Bob Mims Heating & Cooling?

basementbound | 10 years and 8 months ago

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Thank you

slopefarm | 10 years and 8 months ago

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Use only installer certified by manufacturer. They know how to make sure the system doesn’t whistle. That said, the air handlers are noisy (nearby it sounds like ujjayi breath plus a bit of vibration, but further away just a quiet, steady whisper). You want them some distance away from bedrooms, LR etc. Also, you want to make sure condensation can drain via gravity, without need for a pump. Pump can be annoying. Also, think a lot about where the vents will be. You are talking a bout round holes in wall, ceiling or floor. People will look at them and ask “what’s that?” Also, discuss condenser placement with your architect. There may be code issues.