WOW AC Issue; Action Is Our Prayer -- A Plan
JP writes:
"I corresponded with Wayne who directed me to Hugh (Wayne is on vacation and has discussed our options in depth with Hugh). The short version is we'll need to take some time to put a long-term solution in place. Short term we probably need enhanced cooling for 4 weeks at most, and if small adjustments are made even that may be overstating the true need.
Hugh has received another A/C window unit which he is testing for suitability - the two window units may combine to provide enough cooling for the next several weeks. While some powerful units have been located by members for as little as $400, we know little about their noise characteristics. Units recommended by Wayne as suitable for a short term fix cost $700 or more.
We may be able to improve the natural cooling characteristics of the yurt by reversing the fan direction and opening the skylight and side windows to take full advantage of the "chimney" effect - currently the fans blow down which is the customary summer usage, but works against the natural convection stack which the yurt provides. We may also be able to reduce heat gain by putting up curtains or window film on the south side.
Long term recommendations continue to be led by the split systems for both efficiency and noise and lack of window encumbrance. Hugh has talked to Betsy and the A/C offer doesn't expire with this cooling season, so it would be best to work through our preferred options. A split system is currently used for the upstairs "Aerie", but some report it does not work effectively. Hugh notes the controls are not intuitive; documentation and training may be required for this and for the house main heat pump.
So the current recommendation based on input from our HVAC resource is:
- try another window A/C unit for the temporary fix;
- take additional steps to reduce the cooling load (convection through the skylight, block insulation with curtains and/or window film);
- document and train more members on optimal usage of the various climate control systems we have;
- continue to research more permanent cooling solutions for implementation prior to next cooling season (starts in April/May 2008)."
"I corresponded with Wayne who directed me to Hugh (Wayne is on vacation and has discussed our options in depth with Hugh). The short version is we'll need to take some time to put a long-term solution in place. Short term we probably need enhanced cooling for 4 weeks at most, and if small adjustments are made even that may be overstating the true need.
Hugh has received another A/C window unit which he is testing for suitability - the two window units may combine to provide enough cooling for the next several weeks. While some powerful units have been located by members for as little as $400, we know little about their noise characteristics. Units recommended by Wayne as suitable for a short term fix cost $700 or more.
We may be able to improve the natural cooling characteristics of the yurt by reversing the fan direction and opening the skylight and side windows to take full advantage of the "chimney" effect - currently the fans blow down which is the customary summer usage, but works against the natural convection stack which the yurt provides. We may also be able to reduce heat gain by putting up curtains or window film on the south side.
Long term recommendations continue to be led by the split systems for both efficiency and noise and lack of window encumbrance. Hugh has talked to Betsy and the A/C offer doesn't expire with this cooling season, so it would be best to work through our preferred options. A split system is currently used for the upstairs "Aerie", but some report it does not work effectively. Hugh notes the controls are not intuitive; documentation and training may be required for this and for the house main heat pump.
So the current recommendation based on input from our HVAC resource is:
- try another window A/C unit for the temporary fix;
- take additional steps to reduce the cooling load (convection through the skylight, block insulation with curtains and/or window film);
- document and train more members on optimal usage of the various climate control systems we have;
- continue to research more permanent cooling solutions for implementation prior to next cooling season (starts in April/May 2008)."
posted by adam_styles at 2:40 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home