Newbie help! Just installed AC...

[otterdog]

Had a professional vendor install a new Carrier, and now when it kicks in the house smells like my fireplace. I'm assuming this is a balance issue? (2 returns in a 1 floor 1,800 sq. ft home)

The vendor did no "balance testing" that I noticed during last weeks installation...they were pretty much sick of being in the crawl space, which I can understand. I haven't called them, yet, as I'd like to hear what you all have to say in the case that they try to blow smoke up my ...So to my questions:

1) Should balancing the house to neutral air flow be something that you would expect from a professional HVAC service vendor?

2) What are my options here? I could seal the fireplace door better, but that wouldn't solve the problem of sucking in outside air (currently 90+)

3) Other? Thanks, in advance!

Curt (Otterdog) Craig
Spokane WA

[docholiday]

sounds to me like you have a supply duct disconnected somewhere in the crawl space and the return is tight or they closed off a fresh air opening. the house should not be under negative pressure. A little fresh air goes along way.

[micdundee]

is the larger of the returns in the room with f.pl.? if yes , close f.pl. damper, and leave doors from hallway open to that room. can't see it from here, but sounds like a negative pressure in yhat room.

[Irishmist]

If it looks like a fireplace, walks like a fireplace, and smells like a fireplace, it's probably coming from the fireplace. Negative pressure is drawing it into your system. Close damper, and allow influx from other parts of the house to circulate through room. May have to close off the damper in this space. Not too many contractors (residentially) go through the process of an air balance on a new system. Yeah, they (we) balance out the air distribution as much as reasonable with dampers and such, but the biggest reason nothing further is done, is usually the home owner doesn't want to pay the added cost. And before you react with "a top notch dealer should do this anyway" keep in mind that anything of value has a cost. If you want the added value, be prepared to invest the added cost. All the best, John.