House temperature impovement

[rlfrazee]

Was wondering about how I can improve heating in the upper level and lower level of my tri-level home. The middle level (location of thermostat) stays very comfortable but upper and lower much cooler. Air flow coming out upper level registers hardly noticeable as is the lower level. Some of the registers on middle level air flow very strong (moves the curtains) the others have good air flow on this level also. Realize more to good heating than air flow. Had a new carrier upflow furnace installed about 5 years ago havent noticed that it changed anything as far as heating is concerned from the old furnace. Can supply furnace specs if needed but seems to me it probably lies with the duct design and return flow design. So thinking about exploring two options with you guys.#1 Should I call someone in to take a look at present design. #2 what electric heat options do I have for heating the upstairs (3 bedrooms plus 2 full baths) bedrooms are 12x14...10x11....9x9. About option 1 are there professionals outside of furnace installation companies that will do this? I dont want someone sales driven. I would like to improve the heating its not a critical issue, very liveable, but could be better. Just about every house I have ever been in with gas upfolow furnace heating has colder areas. So not looking for perfection also going to improve attic insulation next week....RL


temp upstairs 62, middle 70, down 61 just after furnace cycles off

[mdshunk]

It seems to me that your system could be improved by balancing the duct branches. This can only be accomplished with a flow meter to measure CFM's at each register (like a Bacharach FloRite). The duct branches may or may not have dampers in each branch. Depends on how stingy the original installer was. Balancing may have to be accomplished with the damper on each register, or by installing dampers in each branch (easy). You could try a "hit and miss" experiment by dampering down the hot areas, and see if the furnace runs longer and pushes more heat to the colder areas. Make sure the returns are not blocked by furniture and the like in the colder areas (VERRRY important). If you relocate the thermostat to a colder area, that will do nothing but overheat the already hot areas. With regard to duct design or consultation... I'd personally stay away from an HVAC contractor (more sales driven) and look for a sheet metal or ductwork contractor (more problem solving oriented in my experience). It seems pretty clear from your explanation that you have an air flow problem, and it make take you buying a cheapie instrument to get the proper CFMs per square inch of register at each register location. There are companies that just do TAB (testing and balancing), but they are more commercial oriented, and would break the bank on a residential job, I think.

[rlfrazee]

Thanks TY, to answer some of your questions, there are presently no dampers in my system. No returns blocked. I was looking at dampers at HVAC center the other day they look easy to install as you said. I was just looking at my branches, they are six inch pipe. Something I noticed though and I'm not up on correct terminology but the two registers that have the strongest air flow, their duct runs are taken from the top of the chamber directly above the furnace. The lateral plenum runs go out the side of this chamber. Wondering if this is a correct design. Would be nice to improve without expense of electric heat but can afford to do so if needed. Will check into buying flow meter sounds like a handy instrument to have around the house anyway. I agree about chosing someone besides Hvac contractor to look at and give suggestions on my present air flow design. Will wait to see what others suggest and go from there.....RL

[Wgoodrich]

To design a system is an art. Sounds like your art work could have been a bit better designed.

Do you have a cold air return inside each room? Makes a big difference especially if doors are closed.

YOu should have had a main trunk line installed with all ducts coming from that trunk line sized equal to demand of load of area being used with higher volocity at end or trunk line if bedroom areas.

Mdshunk is right, sounds like dampers may be a part of that work of art now to help balance the system.

However first see if your blower is on high or not. This may make a difference. Try the fan speed check first then apply the dampers as has been discussed to try and balance the load.

Good Luck

Wg

[rlfrazee]

Sorry for late reply. No return air in lower level (rec. room 12'x18') all others have return air. Will purchase dampers and give them a try. Also will check fan speed and post back. Thanks.......RL

[rlfrazee]

Ok the fan is on high speed. Going to pick-up dampers maybe thursday or friday. Thanks for the advice, I will post back with the outcome when I get dampers installed this weekend. Wish I had done this 2 weeks ago temp outside 3 above zero...brrrrrrrrr.....RL

[rlfrazee]

Well things are much better with the dampers installed. At least I can feel a nice air flow on registers where I couldnt before. Weather is real bad "ice storm" so wasnt able to get the flow meter yet to fine tune system. Sliding to the HVAC shop isnt on my "gotta have it now" list. Furnace doesnt run any longer than before and has improved temp. 4 to 5 degrees on upper and lower levels. This seems to be fine with the family. Darn nice improvement for less than 15 bucks. Thanks guys......RL