Arkansas HVACR NewsMagazine March 2019

S tate, National, Chapter News Tech News

typical Home Performance with Energy Star retrofit. To explain those savings, we will use an example; • Slab on grade • 1980 built home • 1750 square foot home with 3 tons nominal cooling • Standard ventilated attic The typical Energy Star Model will include;

o Install curved blade grills to match the rooms dimension and demands

The above measures cost 30% to 50% less than the entire Energy Star Model and gave similar savings. The above measures cost 30% to 50% less than the entire Energy Star Model and gave similar savings. This is not to say Energy Star is not a winning proposition. The Energy Star program allows the additional savings at a lower cost to be achievable. The square footage per nominal ton of performance is changed from 500 feet per ton to 700 feet per ton or more. Remember this is achieved with adjusted performance per manufacturers design criteria provided in startup instructions. Participants in the study were very satisfied with the performance and contractors that participated in the upgrades are comfortable in recommending changes in day to day installation. While discoveries to date are extremely encouraging, more work will need to be done. These gains were accomplished by following a few rules. These “rules” are not actually rules at all, but a rediscovery of what the HVAC industry practiced in its infancy. Proper appliance set up- Well over half of the systems tested were set up improperly. Incorrect fan speeds selected on standard blower

o Upgraded insulation R-30 o Envelope seal- plumbing

penetrations- weather stripped doors and repaired windows

o Sealed duct o Solar screen o New system upgrade

Testing criteria for air delivery maximization o Add return for factory specified required air flow o Use proper filtration to keep return air static at or below .15 o Transition return and filtering for smooth air flow to the furnace or air handler o Set up blower per manufacturers recommendations

o Install plenums with smooth transition from furnace while

insuring proper take off area and rebound zone for uniform pressures o Install ducting (flex) with at or less than 4% compression