We live in a 3 story condo that has radiant heat in the celings. This past winter, even with the thermostat turned up to over 80degrees on teh 1st floor, the temperature wouldnt get above 67. The third floor was the only room which ever felt warm. Also our electric bills were over $400 a month!!
We also have central air conditioning and would like to find out more about adding onto it so it can also heat. I think it would be more efficent for our condo.
Can someone tell me if this is possible and estimated costs?
I assume I would have to contact an HVAC professional.
All of the duct work is done, so i think its just a matter of installing a heating element?
Thanks!!
2007-08-14 06:15:00 · 9 answers · asked by jennadeangelis 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
No it isn't just installing a heating element. You will have to add on a furnace or replace the air conditioner with a heat pump. The furnace would replace a piece of equipment you have inside called the air handler. It could either be electric or gas depending on your choice. If you go with a heat pump it will both cool in the summer and heat in the winter and it will be electric. There may be some other slight modifications needed with a heat pump depending on the age of your current a/c.
2007-08-14 08:02:28 · answer #1 · answered by dee 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I can feel this problem! Used to live in duplex with great radiant heat in the ceilings... never a problem... not too expensive. Later bought a house with what was supposed to be the same kind of heat. NOT!! Yep, it's in the ceiling... nope, it doesn't work as well. We have no idea why but think that it was not properly installed in the first place. The heat pump idea is probably going to be your best fix but you will need some money to get that done. We added at least double the insulation in the atic so the R value there is really huge. We have just adjusted the thermostat to a moderate temperature (65) and just leave it there 24/7. We use space heaters for more comfortable seating areas when we are up. The most efficient heat is a radiant dish we bought at Costco. Otherwise, you are back to high expense... either on your hydro bills or for an entirely new system. If you are sticking to electric then infloor heating is best I think (lots of online sites & different kinds) or an electric furnace (but the furnace means duct work). Simplest solution, wait for warm weather and sell unless you absolutely love everything else about your unit.... those bills would flatten me! My house is all electric & pretty huge and my average monthly cost was $170/month. It used to be $192/month but I switched all my light bulbs to Satco curly flourescents (with a spectrum between noon & 2 pm). Made a huge difference. I have to say that even with the space heaters, my house is not as comfortable as my Mother's house with an electric furnace. I admit that we have sacrificed some comfort in the name of economy - it's a choice, right? We are in the process of getting ready to sell & very hopeful as the market here is strong right now. Best of luck on your quest.
2007-08-21 21:58:21 · answer #2 · answered by Zippity 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds as if you have an airflow problem. You should have a HVAC specialist come in to balance your heating system. You should not have to install extra heating equipment if the system was designed and installed properly.
Read below
==============================================
Selecting contractors:
1/ Look up local contractors first. work out form the closest
to your location. If some you trust has had work done
similar to yours, ask them about the contractor they
used. If they were completely satisfied with their
contractor(s), ask for their telephone number.
2/ Select at least 5 your are interested
3/ Do a google/yahoo search on each of the contractors
you are interested in; look for praises (check who is
writing the praises to see if they have any connection to
the contractor
the praise or references)
4/ When you are satisfied with at least 3 contractors per job,
have the give you written estimates with details of work
to be done, terms, guarantee(s), cost of extras (how
much do they charge if they find something not covered
by the contract), paymant schedules if necessary and
whatever else you can think of to protect yourself.
5/ If the contractor tries to pressure you into signing the
contract immediately with a high deposit (more than
15%) reject that contractor. Be careful, high pressure
can be someone who sounds very convincing, but has
many reasons why you should sign on the dotted line
NOW.
6/ It is always good to have another adult with you when a
contractor inspects the work to be done.
7/ If you do not get at least 3 written estimates signed by the contractor - not you (do not sign yet) , go back to 1. repeat until you get written estimates signed by the contractor - not you (do not sign yet).
Read the estimates over with some who has some knowledge of the work that has to be done.
This may take longer than you thought; do not rush into it. Research, resaerch research, helps.
When you are ready choose by being informed.
Good Luck
2007-08-22 04:05:21 · answer #3 · answered by Comp-Elect 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do apartment maintenance. We have some old (1972) lennox A/C condensers that still cool well But are not real energy efficient. We also have some units that lasted 6-10 years and failed. It all depends on make. usage and maintance of the unit. If you opt for a new A/C system, the installation company will try and sell you a system based on the new and expensive R410 refrigerant. I would suggest installing a new outside unit based on the old R-22 refrigerant and have the A coil in the furnace checked for leaks. It will be cheaper than installing the ENTIRE A/C system, ( condenser, line set, evaporator and a furnace). You can purchase a condenser (outside unit) without the R-22 charge and add refrigerant when finished with the installation. The guy who said he put 2 cans of freon in the system was BS ing you. I've only seen R-22 in 30# tanks.
2016-05-17 21:04:49 · answer #4 · answered by sanjuanita 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Basically it sounds like all you have is a simple fan coil unit with a coil attached to it. The FCU will have to be pulled out and replaced with a furnace, then everything reconnected and rewired. Not to mention, do you have a gas line avail in the area or the proper electric outlet to run a furnace???? For a gas furnace, you will need a gas line, and a 120v outlet..... Not sure of the voltage you will need for an electric furnace...
2007-08-14 06:31:03 · answer #5 · answered by wer30snfun 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It might be more cost effective to use a space heater with a built in fan that helps circulate the heat.
2007-08-21 13:20:27 · answer #6 · answered by michael m 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
nope its not a matter of installing a heating element, you need to get rid of the air handler and replace it with a furnace.then have the controls wired so it uses the fan in the summer to blow air across the freon coil to pump cool air and in the winter it will blow air across the heat exchanger to blow warm air .
2007-08-14 06:24:32 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
yes, a heating element is all you need. call a commercial refrigeration parts store that would sell a heating element for your air handler. just get the model and brand name of the unit, when they ask if you have an account just say yeah, cash. there pretty good with that. the heating element is easy to install. directions are with it. turn off the power to the air handler, install, and its just one plug or two wires for 110
2007-08-20 15:18:35 · answer #8 · answered by joe s 1 · 0⤊ 3⤋
you are better of with a heat pump they are very economical.
2007-08-20 12:04:36 · answer #9 · answered by luka 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋