About the HVAC:
Installed: Roughly 2011
Air Conditioner, plus dual fuel
Dual fuel is heat exchange as primary and gas furnace as auxilliary/emergency heat.
Furnace turns on only if outside temperature is less than 40º (need to verify).
Furnace does not require a pilot light. The system has an automatic igniter.
Temperature Effectiveness:
The following temperatures appear to be the most effective internal thermostat settings during summer and winter months. These settings ensure that the HVAC system is not running continuously, minimizing workload stress as well as energy use, while also not allowing the house to exceed desirable temperature thresholds. Due to the house’s brick, temperatures that might be perceived as warmer (.e.g 76º–78º) do feel cooler than normal. During summer months, the HVAC system uses only electrical. With thermostat staying in this range, expect power bills to be between $120-200/mo depending on outside temperatures. In winter months, the HVAC system uses electrical via the heat pump. Power bills vary depending on weather, but if outside temperatures are lower than 40º, the HVAC system will switch to auxiliary/emergency heat, using the gas furnace to heat the dwelling. This temperature threshold can be changed at the thermostat.
Summer Months
Daytime: 77º–78º
Nighttime: 72º–74º
May need to supplement with moisture removal via dehydrator.
Winter Months
Daytime: 63º–65º
Nighttime: 65º–70º
May need to supplement with moisture addition via hydrator.
Homeowner Maintenance:
The following is recommended maintenance that should be executed by the homeowner or tenant.
Monthly:
Add one cup of vinegar to condensate line.
Replace air filter with MERV 5-8 filters (12×24×1). Filters should be replaced monthly.
Note: Using MERV 8+ filters can stress the system, causing it to run longer, hotter, or restrict circulation.
If requiring additional filtration, consider standalone plug-in filters to supplement the HVAC system.
Annually:
Every 2-3 years:
Check run capacitors for both outside and inside units.
Outside:
Inside: Titan Pro TOCF5 (5 MFD +_ 5%) rated for 440/370 VAC
When installing, copper wire goes on right, black wire goes on left.
HVAC Technician Maintenance:
Servicer: Blue Water Heating & Cooling
Since 2020, the HVAC system has been maintained twice a year through Blue Water Heating & Cooling. The technician typically checks that the system is running smoothly, will wash/clean the outside coils, check temperature ratings and differentials, replace gas furnace failsafe, clean and clear condensate line, and check motor and fan for dirt, debris or rust for both outside and inside units.
Owner Additions:
2022: New insulation throughout the attic
2022:
Recommended Updates:
Seal air vents
Install new ductwork in attic. Currently, the ducts are made of old polyboard taped with thermal tape. Updating to casted ducts could improve system efficiency.