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Re: GBlist: Ventilation/filtration/ac system



Hi, Bella--

You wrote--

>I need some advice, please...We're purchasing an existing home in central
>VA (1966 2-storey brick "colonial" with hot water baseboard heat).
>Contracting to have a Pure Air 600 HEPA Shield whole house air filtration
>system installed (I have health problems), along with a.c.and a ventilator.
>The HVAC contractor initially recommended a Honeywell HR150 perfect window
>fresh air ventilation system, which has an air-to-air heat exchanger ($3500
>installed), along with the Pure Air 600 and a Trane 3-ton a.c w/ variable
>speed air handler.

Bella, I'm sure we would like to help, but there isn't enough information
in the message to allow meaningful advice. I hope someone on the list can
steer you to a knowledgeable expert in your area that you can hire to
develop a complete system (maybe that's the heating contractor).

Let me explain a little--

I think most people in this group would recommend that you consider your
house as a system in which all the components interact and affect each
other.

For example, have weatherization measures such as insulation, air sealing,
and window replacement already been done? These are essential to a properly
functioning heating/cooling/ventilation system, to the durability of the
house, and to your personal comfort and health. Conversely, introducing air
conditioning into the house without considering the envelope may cause
unanticipated problems, especially with moisture.

Once the house envelope has been upgraded, the new system can be sized to
fit the reduced heating and cooling requirements. It will function better,
and may save you some money, by allowing the heating contractor to spec
smaller equipment.

There are other ventilation options besides a heat recovery ventilator.
Does the house already have local exhaust-- good bath fans, kitchen fan and
utility room fan? Also any other sources of water vapor-- e.g., is the
clothes dryer positively vented to the outdoors?

Virginia has summers that are very humid, so the cooling and ventilation
system should dehumidify the air. The system should operate at neutral
pressure, as opposed to negative pressure that might pull humid air into
the structure and create moisture problems.

Your heating guy may well be able to help you design a complete package, if
you give him a chance to do so. If he is just trying to bid out what you
have already decided you want, that's going to be different than if you ask
him what he would recommend to meet your health and comfort goals, given
the present condition of the house.

Best wishes!

Mike





It's possible you could save some money

O'Brien & Associates
Environmental Building Consultants
Portland General Electric Earth Smart program
obrien@hevanet.com


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