Winter Attic Check up

[EIEIO]

Time to switch the damper over to winter and make sure the squirrels are comfortable

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[EIEIO]

extended the duct work over to the addition

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[EIEIO]

I need a volunteer to clean up the dust?? :rolleyes3:

[EIEIO]

Check the Condensate pump and Pan shut off to make sure their working


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[Dusty]

Yea. It's getting to be that time again.:sad3:
Went to purchase furnace filters last night. of course they didn't have the size I needed. I was a little suprized to see that the kind I use went up $1.50 since that fall.

[neolitic]

Why do you southerners insist on annoying
your squirrels with that noisy furnace
in their attics?

[EIEIO]

Why do you southerners insist on annoying
your squirrels with that noisy furnace
in their attics?

That is usually the only space available to put the ac in and get the duct work ran with minimal damage or bulkheads in the house..

For me it was easier to access the addition from the attic than it was from the basement

[neolitic]

That is usually the only space available to put the ac in and get the duct work ran with minimal damage or bulkheads in the house..

For me it was easier to access the addition from the attic than it was from the basement

Okay, but they only get angrier
all winter when the blower noise keeps
them up all night.

[naptownCr]

OK
Why is the furnace sitting directly on the condensate pan on the trusses and not hung from the trusses. Any vibration from the fan will be amplified to the living space with that arrangement. Same thing with the main trunk. It should also be hung from the trusses to allow full insulation below.

[EIEIO]

OK
Why is the furnace sitting directly on the condensate pan on the trusses and not hung from the trusses. Any vibration from the fan will be amplified to the living space with that arrangement. Same thing with the main trunk. It should also be hung from the trusses to allow full insulation below.


Do I need to go take some more photos??

[naptownCr]

Did I miss something in the photo's you posted?

[EIEIO]

No I just suck at taking pictures.. Here are a few more

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[naptownCr]

No I just suck at taking pictures.. Here are a few more

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Ok looks like they have vibration dampers between the legs and the unit. Better but not the ideal situation
Is the main trunk elevated above the bottom 2x4 cord of the trusses to allow for proper insulation?

[EIEIO]

Ok looks like they have vibration dampers between the legs and the unit. Better but not the ideal situation
Is the main trunk elevated above the bottom 2x4 cord of the trusses to allow for proper insulation?

How would you have installed the unit differently??

Yeah its about a 4-6 inch gap, maybe more if I remember correctly...

[naptownCr]

How would you have installed the unit differently??

Yeah its about a 4-6 inch gap, maybe more if I remember correctly...

I would have hung the unit on chains or cables from the top chord of the trusses or rafters. This does two things it elevates the unit for easier service. Could possibly eliminate the condensate pump as gravity may have been enough. Allowed the pan to be elevated to allow also for a gravity emergency drain. The float switch is the last resort for stopping a flood.
Installing this way with the rubber isolators means the is no chance of a vibration transferring to the ceiling which becomes a large speaker.
Hanging the ductwork simply allows for full thick insulation under. One thing which I could not tell from the photos is are the ducts sealed? When all is said and done I now have the ducts cleaned and sealed from the inside. It is a relatively inexpensive process and makes sure there are no air leaks particularly in unconditioned space such as an attic.

[ChrWright]

Don't seal them up too tight... Those squirrels need some heating & cooling, too...

[EIEIO]

I don't like the chain option. I have considered it a few times and It always gives me the williys about what happens if....

We drop a sheet of 3/4 ply over the joist, insulation in between them of course, then the pan, shocks and the unit.

Ducts are always sealed and insulated..

The gravity fed PVC run offs always get clog and leak. I always use condensate pumps.. and place them in the pan, with the automatic shut of switch...

[naptownCr]

I have been hanging them for 30+ years and have never had one come down that wasn't taken down. How do you get away with setting the pan on the joists without allowing for the full R38 that is now required. Unless you block up for the unit and platform( Which we are now required to do in Anne Arundel). I have always liked gravity for a drain and will use it over a pump whenever possible. Most clogs in condensate drains occur right at the outlet of the unit or at the trap and the condensate pump eliminates neither. It also adds addtional expense to the job and is one more mechanical thing to fail. (If gravity fails we are all f$%@ed and that condensate line is the last dam thing I am thinking about) I always install the switch in the pan and an emergency drain that should be routed directly over a door or window where a drip is highly visible and will be noticed.

[neolitic]

I check every morning to be sure
the gravity is turned on and pointing
down. http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu61/neoliticman/smiliethumbsup.gif