This might be a couple of simple questions

[anthony64]

Hi All,
These may be simple questions.:)
#1) I just recently had a new condensor coil replaced for AC unit, plus installed new attic insulation. My HVAC unit is in my attic. After the install, I noticed that the air was coming out the vents much stronger than before. I thought this was a good thing, especially since I live in Texas. However I noticed that in the kitchen, dining and utility rooms, which are all located on the other end of my house, the air was barely coming out throught the vents. The degree is very noticeable and as in the utility room there is no air coming out. Again, didn't have this problem before install. I spoke to the installer on the phone about the situation and he denied that his work had anything to do with it. He said he would report it to company owner. I haven't heard from them yet and will be calling this week. I would like this repaired before the hot texas summer gets here. Due to the uneven air distribution, when the temperture rises, I'm sure the differences in room temperture will be more pronounced. My question, is it possible between the install and adding insulation in the attic that these activites in some way may be the culprit?

#2)Take a look at the pics I've included. Does cold air suppose to come from the plastic pipe sitting vertically (straight up)? When the A/C unit is running, a strong pressure of cold air exits from this pipe. I don't understand, my older unit didn't have this. Why is the air coming out and why is it cold??? It's like I'm trying to cool my attic.

Any explanations by you pros would be appreciated. BTW here in Dallas, I've dealt with some HVAC people who have just been plain dishonest and I'm sure you guys would not want representing your industry.

[Txvman]

Well for number two, the pipe should be a p-trap like you have under the sink. man talk about a hack job! Both lines are on the same level, I've not done residential in a while, I believe one should be plugged and the other a p-trap. They are your condensate drains. You actually ARE cooling your attic.

[beenthere]

Could the insulation people have stepped on the supplies that are not blowing out as much air as they use to.

The vertical pipe should have a cap on it.

The other pvc pipe that points under the coil is also blowing out cold air.

[texas cooler]

I would look for either a crushed or disconnected duct in the attic.

Company should stand behind their work and come out to address your concerns, I'd call until they take care of business.

[catmanacman]

not enough money in bid for sheet of plywood

[pstu]

I'm a homeowner and have something similar to that vertical tube, I am told it is to facilitate pouring a bit of Clorox in to inhibit mold growth. However mine has a soft black plug to seal at other times. That one point sounds like they cheaped out or were negligent on very little things.

Deny, deny, deny seems to be part of the business plan of some of these less good companies.

Best of luck -- Pstu

[Airmechanical]

I'm a homeowner and have something similar to that vertical tube, I am told it is to facilitate pouring a bit of Clorox in to inhibit mold growth.

pouring clorox in a drain line is a IAQ (indoor air quality) no-no!



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[pstu]

pouring clorox in a drain line is a IAQ (indoor air quality) no-no!



.
Did not know that. Is there something else which is not a no-no?

Thanks -- Pstu

[beenthere]

I prefer simple green, or non foaming evap coil cleaner.

[Airmechanical]

Did not know that. Is there something else which is not a no-no?

Thanks -- Pstu

ya that smart... remark!:D



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[wheresivan]

Did They Give You A Sheet Of Metal To Put Under The Furnace:(

[anthony64]

Yes, there is a thin piece of sheet metal underneath the furnace. It's not viewable in the picture because of the insulation. I went up in the attic to verify this question. As I was looking probing around the furnace, I found a work glove the technician left:eek:

Update: The company is sending someone out Wednesday to take a look at my complaints. I'll let you guys know how it goes. Thanks for your responses!!!

[pstu]

I am sorry Airmechanical, that you regarded my question as smart-ass. It was totally sincere. I had been told by an HVAC pro that was the solution to a clogged p-trap that resulted in a water leak in an interior wall. It seems common-sense that something is needed to attack mold growth in that drain, I know Clorox is strong for that.

Regards -- Pstu

[anthony64]

Can changing out an old condenser unit totally change air flow through out the house? My old condenser/indoor coil unit was pretty dirty. I saw it myself. However, the air flow in my house is totally off! 3/4 of one side of the house has very strong air flow, while the remaining 1/4 half has poor. The hvac company came out today to take a look. They couldn't figure out why it was happening. Said my ducts didn't have dampers. They made adjustments to my vent openings in some of the rooms (closing off some of the air flow). This did improve the air flow in the other 1/4 of the house. However, now it sounds like a train is coming through my house in the rooms where the vent was adjusted. A loud whistling sound from the vents with the strong air circulation. They suggested I add dampers to my ducts to give my house even air flow throughout. But again, I would like to know what's the true cause and should I have to pay for it! Can this really be the result of changing out an old indoor coil unit? Your thoughts and suggestions are appreciated!

[Kevin O'Neill]

Actually, that is the evaporator coil. Depending on the pressure drop on the new & old coils, the air flow could go up or down.

If the old coil was dirty, a new coil would increase air flow, but the new coil may have more rows or fins per inch which would increase resistance, dropping air flow. The only way to know would be to actually measure the air flow before and after changing the coil.

Good luck.

[beenthere]

Is your dust work lined sheet metal.
If so, could be that a piece of the lining came loose and is restricting air flow to that side of the house.

[Kevin O'Neill]

the branch ducts next to the coil may be starved depending on how the coil is mounted in the coil box. Strange things can happen when you have an abrupt change in direction after a coil or blower.

By the way, look at all the elbows in that flue! I assume that was pre-existing. I guess they do not have straight pipe out your way.:D