AC Advice

[bielen]

Hello:

I live in 1400 sq./ft ranch with a full basemnet. I have a Trane AC that is about 12-14 years old.

The air condition seems to work fine and cools the finished part of basement out of a single duct without any problem. However, it takes a very long time to cool the main floor. Even when it does get cool, it is never as cool as the basement.

Before I call someone in, I was wondering what could be causing the problem. When the furnace is on during the winter, we do not experience the problem.

When we replaced the furnace a few years ago, I mentioned this to the installer. He installed this vent blocker that is in an air pipe near the furance. Moving the latch either way does not seem to do anything.

Any suggestions? Is it a problem with the vents? Vents need to be cleaned? Any info is appreciated.

[bielen]

I forgot to mention one thing on my previous message. The vent in the basement has cool air blowing very hard out of it which seems to limit the cold air to the rest of the house.

If I could stop or limit the cool air ot of the basement vent, it may permit it to flow to the rest of the house. Can some sort of vent switch cover be installed?

[Irishmist]

Problem: cool air drops, warm air rises.
Cause of problem: cool air drops, warm air rises.

solution: call a reputable contractor to discuss your options. BUT, he cannot change the physics of......cool air drops, warm air rises.

all the best, John.

[nickellhead]

install a damper on your basement vent and close it 2/3 of the way and see if that makes a difference also you can get one from your local hardware store

[bielen]

I understand the physics of warm air rising and cool air dropping.

However, I may not have clearly stated the issue. The unit was working fine a few years ago until the vent in the basement was moved when a new furnace was installed. The vent was moved to provide additional heat to the basement. Now most of the air is being routed out through the basement which is the first vent encountered in the duct system from AC system.

My question is can some sort of blocker be installed ont he basement vent so that I totally open/close the basement vent and prevent the cool air from going out that vent?

Thanks

[chucko615]

Nickellhead just told you to put a damper in.

[cem-bsee]

the air flow needs are different between summer & winter. So a good system will have a manual or automatic adjustment to account for such. Automatic is best, but $$$$ = sensors at each room.
BUT, this needs to be designed, so the blower is not harmed, and electricity is not wasted.

so, yes partially close the supplies to the bsmt -- get someone to design the system better.

[bielen]

Thanks for all the replies. I now have a somewhat informed idea on what to do and who to contact.