Go Back   EcoModder Forum > AltModding > Saving@Home
Register Now
 Register Now
 


Reply  Post New Thread
 
Submit Tools LinkBack Thread Tools
Old 04-17-2009, 05:49 PM   #1 (permalink)
EV OR DIESEL
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: South Louisiana
Posts: 1,758

FarFarfrumpumpen - '03 Volkswagen Jetta Wagon GLS Premium

Quorra - '12 Tesla Model S P85
Thanks: 57
Thanked 113 Times in 86 Posts
Send a message via AIM to dremd
New 1/2 house A/C time

We are cooling about 1400 square feet; this half of the house is truly a log cabin just logs stacked for walls and cathedral ceilings throughout. The top is simply Tin->2" white foam-> 2" thick decking as ceiling.

Current unit (dead) is about 25 year old 4 ton 7.4 SEER . Our A/C guy is recommending a 4 ton 14 SEER unit $5000 installed.


A few things I'm thinking about after he left.

1) Smaller unit? before I got in to ECO it ran pretty much constant daytime during the summer, now I've got it down around 50% run time. Does this mean I could get away with 2 tons? 3 tons?

2) Tax credits? Federal tax credits http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?...pr_tax_credits Does anyone know if a standard Central A/c qualifies as a Split system, or a Package system? If it's a split system it would look like I'd be better of looking in to a 16+ SEER unit to get %30 back.


Any and all Ideas / comments / weird thoughts (on topic) are welcome.

__________________
2016 Tesla Model X
2022 Sprinter
Gone 2012 Tesla Model S P85
Gone 2013 Nissan LEAF SV
2012 Nissan LEAF SV
6 speed ALH TDI Swapped in to a 2003 Jetta Wagon

Last edited by dremd; 04-18-2009 at 11:17 AM..
  Reply With Quote
Alt Today
Popular topics

Other popular topics in this forum...

   
Old 04-17-2009, 05:59 PM   #2 (permalink)
EV OR DIESEL
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: South Louisiana
Posts: 1,758

FarFarfrumpumpen - '03 Volkswagen Jetta Wagon GLS Premium

Quorra - '12 Tesla Model S P85
Thanks: 57
Thanked 113 Times in 86 Posts
Send a message via AIM to dremd
Can anybody explain
Quote:
(HERO) offers a cash payment for
Louisiana residents who make energy improvements to existing homes. The cash
payment is 20% of the lesser of the Energy Efficiency Premium or the cost of
improvements up to a maximum of $2,000.
for me?

Source: http://dnr.louisiana.gov/sec/execdiv...tives_2008.pdf

Copy + Paste from PDF
Louisiana Incentives and Laws
Home Energy Rebate Option (HERO)
Incentive Type: Cash Rebate up to $2000
Applicable Sectors: DOE - State Energy Plan
Authority: One and two family residences located in Louisiana
Effective Date: 1999
Termination Date: NONE
Amount: 20% of the lesser of the present value of the estimated total energy saved by
energy improvements over their useful lives or the cost of improvements
Maximum Amount: $2000
Limit on Overall Enrollment: Existing residence owned by a Louisiana citizen
Summary: The Louisiana Home Energy Rebate Option (HERO) offers a cash payment for
Louisiana residents who make energy improvements to existing homes. The cash
payment is 20% of the lesser of the Energy Efficiency Premium or the cost of
improvements up to a maximum of $2,000. The Energy Efficiency Premium is the
present value of the estimated total energy saved by energy improvements, over
their useful lives, made to the home. The Energy Efficiency premium is
determined by a home energy rating which is required to participate in the
program. For an existing home to qualify for HERO, its energy efficiency must be
improved by at least 30 percent.
A preliminary energy rating is required before any improvements are made to the
home. The preliminary energy rating turned into DNR by the energy rater is also
the participant’s application for the HERO program. All ratings are performed by
private sector Energy Raters, experts trained and certified to submit the required
documentation to Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, Technology
Assessment Division for participation in the HERO Program. A rating includes a
detailed computer analysis and on-site inspection of the home. The list of
approved Raters is on the website. Information and step-by-step instructions are
also available on the website shown below.
For individuals purchasing an existing home, a Home Energy Rating can also be
used to qualify the home for an Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM). With an EEM,
homebuyers may be able to borrow additional funds to make energy
improvements at the time of purchase. The additional costs are included in their
mortgage. The reduction in energy costs from the funded improvements is
generally larger than the increase in mortgage payment.
The Louisiana Home Energy Rating system is administered by Louisiana
Department of Natural Resources, Technology Assessment Division. HERO is a
component of the Home Energy Loan Program of the Louisiana Department of
Natural Resources (DNR).
Website: HERO - Home Energy Rebate Option - LA DNR - Technology Assessment Division
Eligible Efficiency
Technologies: Comprehensive Measures/Whole Building, Custom/Others pending approval
Eligible Renewable/
Other Technologies: NONE - Incentive is for the house design, construction and installed equipment. A
HERO home is a good start toward a sustainable home
Other Critical Information that
varies with each incentive Participation in the HERO program precludes participation in the HELP program.
__________________
2016 Tesla Model X
2022 Sprinter
Gone 2012 Tesla Model S P85
Gone 2013 Nissan LEAF SV
2012 Nissan LEAF SV
6 speed ALH TDI Swapped in to a 2003 Jetta Wagon
  Reply With Quote
Old 04-20-2009, 11:27 AM   #3 (permalink)
EV OR DIESEL
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: South Louisiana
Posts: 1,758

FarFarfrumpumpen - '03 Volkswagen Jetta Wagon GLS Premium

Quorra - '12 Tesla Model S P85
Thanks: 57
Thanked 113 Times in 86 Posts
Send a message via AIM to dremd
Well I found what A/C I'd buy if I had time to install it myself this month.
Geothermal Heat Pump PKG 3 Ton Closed Loop Horizontal: 3 Ton Geothermal Pack. Ingram-Water-&-Air-Equipment

Unfortunately it's just not in the cards.
__________________
2016 Tesla Model X
2022 Sprinter
Gone 2012 Tesla Model S P85
Gone 2013 Nissan LEAF SV
2012 Nissan LEAF SV
6 speed ALH TDI Swapped in to a 2003 Jetta Wagon
  Reply With Quote
Old 04-20-2009, 05:41 PM   #4 (permalink)
EV OR DIESEL
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: South Louisiana
Posts: 1,758

FarFarfrumpumpen - '03 Volkswagen Jetta Wagon GLS Premium

Quorra - '12 Tesla Model S P85
Thanks: 57
Thanked 113 Times in 86 Posts
Send a message via AIM to dremd
Looks like I'll be getting a 16.4 Seer 3 ton unit for $5600 installed.
More to come next week.
__________________
2016 Tesla Model X
2022 Sprinter
Gone 2012 Tesla Model S P85
Gone 2013 Nissan LEAF SV
2012 Nissan LEAF SV
6 speed ALH TDI Swapped in to a 2003 Jetta Wagon
  Reply With Quote
Old 04-25-2009, 10:27 AM   #5 (permalink)
Old Retired R&D Dude
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Woburn Mass USA
Posts: 702

Little Red - '12 Toyota Prius c 2 Two
90 day: 57.82 mpg (US)

"Whitey" Bulger - '14 Toyota RAV4 LE
Thanks: 10
Thanked 18 Times in 17 Posts
I've been looking at getting a Mini-split for my heating and AC needs..
24KHS72 - Sanyo 24,200 BTU Heat Pump Air Conditioner Kit

They work great and don't cost a lot to run..
__________________
Cheers,
Rich

Current ride: 2014 RAV4 LE AWD (24 MPG)

Wife's Pizza Transporter
  Reply With Quote
Old 04-30-2009, 03:54 PM   #6 (permalink)
EV OR DIESEL
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: South Louisiana
Posts: 1,758

FarFarfrumpumpen - '03 Volkswagen Jetta Wagon GLS Premium

Quorra - '12 Tesla Model S P85
Thanks: 57
Thanked 113 Times in 86 Posts
Send a message via AIM to dremd
My A/C guy is kind of a pain err.

Going to end up with a 16 seer because he refused to install multi speed system due to complexity. Cost -$900

I'm mostly upset that I can never get model #'s + Data about units; it would be nice to have some information to make informed decisions + then be able to make those decisions.

I think it's contractors like this that turn most people away from efficient heating + cooling.
__________________
2016 Tesla Model X
2022 Sprinter
Gone 2012 Tesla Model S P85
Gone 2013 Nissan LEAF SV
2012 Nissan LEAF SV
6 speed ALH TDI Swapped in to a 2003 Jetta Wagon
  Reply With Quote
Old 05-08-2009, 05:18 PM   #7 (permalink)
EV OR DIESEL
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: South Louisiana
Posts: 1,758

FarFarfrumpumpen - '03 Volkswagen Jetta Wagon GLS Premium

Quorra - '12 Tesla Model S P85
Thanks: 57
Thanked 113 Times in 86 Posts
Send a message via AIM to dremd
Well the system is installed.

ArcoAire 3 ton R410A 16 SEER with variable speed blower (No thermostat to take advantage yet)

Few impressions
1) QUIET Even quieter than my celling fans. Stunningly silent. Ev Silent.
2) FEELS COLDER at same air temperature. I don't know how this works just yet; but previously I'd have to keep my thermometers (not counting thermostat yet) around 74~76 To feel comfortable. Now 79~81 *FEELS* cold if I drop it down to 75 I get complaints from visitors that it is to cold.
3) Less Run time (VERY UN-Scientific) cycles seem shorter; but maybe this is just because I don't know if it's running or not. . . . .

We will have to see what this does to the electric bill soon.
__________________
2016 Tesla Model X
2022 Sprinter
Gone 2012 Tesla Model S P85
Gone 2013 Nissan LEAF SV
2012 Nissan LEAF SV
6 speed ALH TDI Swapped in to a 2003 Jetta Wagon
  Reply With Quote
Old 05-08-2009, 05:24 PM   #8 (permalink)
Administrator
 
Daox's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Germantown, WI
Posts: 11,203

CM400E - '81 Honda CM400E
90 day: 51.49 mpg (US)

Daox's Grey Prius - '04 Toyota Prius
Team Toyota
90 day: 49.53 mpg (US)

Daox's Insight - '00 Honda Insight
90 day: 64.33 mpg (US)

Swarthy - '14 Mitsubishi Mirage DE
Mitsubishi
90 day: 56.69 mpg (US)

Daox's Volt - '13 Chevrolet Volt
Thanks: 2,501
Thanked 2,587 Times in 1,554 Posts
My guess as to why it feels colder is the dehumidification. Dry air feels colder.
__________________
Current project: A better alternator delete
  Reply With Quote
Old 05-08-2009, 05:32 PM   #9 (permalink)
EV OR DIESEL
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: South Louisiana
Posts: 1,758

FarFarfrumpumpen - '03 Volkswagen Jetta Wagon GLS Premium

Quorra - '12 Tesla Model S P85
Thanks: 57
Thanked 113 Times in 86 Posts
Send a message via AIM to dremd
Quote:
Originally Posted by Daox View Post
My guess as to why it feels colder is the dehumidification. Dry air feels colder.
I'm 75% sure you are right. (other option in my mind is that that the air out of the ducts is colder and when you hit that you feel colder)

But then the question becomes why is this system doing a better job at de-humidification than my old system . . . .


Another note My A/C guy said that my ducts are undersized (volume/ time) for 4 tons of air; *just* large enough for 3 tons of air. Not sure if that affects de-humidification; but it was definitely affecting the load on the old blower motor (drew just under 1000 watts). I want to test the new blower motor draw when I get a chance.
Of course the funny thing is the guy who commented about the duct size; was the guy who designed + installed the ducts in the first place.
__________________
2016 Tesla Model X
2022 Sprinter
Gone 2012 Tesla Model S P85
Gone 2013 Nissan LEAF SV
2012 Nissan LEAF SV
6 speed ALH TDI Swapped in to a 2003 Jetta Wagon
  Reply With Quote
Old 06-29-2009, 08:17 PM   #10 (permalink)
EV OR DIESEL
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: South Louisiana
Posts: 1,758

FarFarfrumpumpen - '03 Volkswagen Jetta Wagon GLS Premium

Quorra - '12 Tesla Model S P85
Thanks: 57
Thanked 113 Times in 86 Posts
Send a message via AIM to dremd
First Data regarding consumption.

Last year $322
This year $173

Few bits to throw in

1) Plenty of other upgrades in the last 12 months. Sealing, fitting, lighting, timers.
2) We have had at least 9 record high days this month. I don't *think* we had any 1 year ago
3) I *feel* cooler + more comfortable than 1 year ago.

Just though I'd share.

__________________
2016 Tesla Model X
2022 Sprinter
Gone 2012 Tesla Model S P85
Gone 2013 Nissan LEAF SV
2012 Nissan LEAF SV
6 speed ALH TDI Swapped in to a 2003 Jetta Wagon
  Reply With Quote
Reply  Post New Thread




Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
How to use your A/C more efficiently gascort Hypermiling / EcoDriver's Ed 33 06-30-2017 07:27 PM
Pretty Cheap House Cooling? Coyote X Saving@Home 25 07-28-2012 03:44 PM
Keep A/C from running when you don't need it. TeamCF EcoModding Central 13 04-06-2009 01:55 PM
May be time for PV at my house dremd Saving@Home 14 07-10-2008 05:13 AM
Reduce A/C load by tinting your house windows! darkdan Saving@Home 7 07-08-2008 10:23 AM



Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.5.2
All content copyright EcoModder.com