Thermastor vs Heat Pipe Tech.

[bubbacake]

Could you guys explain if one is better than the other? Are they similiar -just two different manufacturers- or are they different? Thank you ! Bubbs

http://www.heatpipe.com/

http://www.thermastor.com/

[Carnak]

The heat pipe BKP models are available with a remote condenser, has the capability of actually dumping the heat outside when needed and gives some extra sensible cooling.

Perhaps enough cooling on those days where the full power of the AC is not needed.

This is done by running a pair of refrigeration lines.

I believe the thermstor one requires elaborate air ducts to remotely dump heat and function as an air conditioner as well.

[teddy bear]

I believe you are refering to their heat pipes vs a dehumidifier. This my post to a previous post about heat pipes.

Heat pipes increase the latent and decrease the sensible heat removal of the a/c. HPs typically reduce the coil temperature 5-8^F. This inturn reduces the btus of total cooling 5-8%. For special high latent load applications, HPs have an advantage.
The negatives are: HPs require more fan power with heating and cooling. When there is little or no cooling load, HPs are unable to remove moisture without over-cooling the space. Setting up a HP to control moisture during partial load conditions cause over-drying during high cooling loads. Considering the additional cost of the HPs verses adding a dehumidifier, the lack of humidity control during low/no load cooling conditions, and importances of maintaining <50% throughout the year, a high eff. dehumidifier is a better choice for a typical application. Dehu peddler TB

Regarding the eff. Santa Fe/Ultra-Aire remove 5 pints per KW while residential units remove 2-3 pints per kw. SF cost 3-4X more and save $75-$100 per year and last 2-3 times longer and are also ductable with good air filters.

[bubbacake]

Teddy- Thanks for the info. Probably will go with SF or UA. Otherwise, I'm a little unsettled about Mr.M's visit to the building site today. I am out of state (not on site) and the fellow who let him in couldn't really answer his questions.That, and the apparent fact that the guy that designed the second floor joist layout was not duct running friendly. So Mr.M is like "I don't know if we want to do this.No, I don't think so. Theres no where to run ducts without major "firdown" (soffitting) Nowhere. Can't be done. Nope. Well, I dunno, when you get down here call and we'll maybe look at options together." Is he often kinda doomsdayish? Bubbs

[Carnak]

Originally posted by teddy bear
I believe you are refering to their heat pipes vs a dehumidifier. This my post to a previous post about heat pipes.

Heat pipes increase the latent and decrease the sensible heat removal of the a/c. HPs typically reduce the coil temperature 5-8^F. This inturn reduces the btus of total cooling 5-8%. For special high latent load applications, HPs have an advantage.
The negatives are: HPs require more fan power with heating and cooling. When there is little or no cooling load, HPs are unable to remove moisture without over-cooling the space. Setting up a HP to control moisture during partial load conditions cause over-drying during high cooling loads. Considering the additional cost of the HPs verses adding a dehumidifier, the lack of humidity control during low/no load cooling conditions, and importances of maintaining <50% throughout the year, a high eff. dehumidifier is a better choice for a typical application. Dehu peddler TB

Regarding the eff. Santa Fe/Ultra-Aire remove 5 pints per KW while residential units remove 2-3 pints per kw. SF cost 3-4X more and save $75-$100 per year and last 2-3 times longer and are also ductable with good air filters.



No I was refering to their dehumidifiers, the BKP series, not their air handlers with enhanced dehumidification with air conditioning.

This is a system that would be turned on by a dehumidistat and would blow dry 120 degree air into the home. On a temperature rise, a solenoid is activated and the hot discharge gas goes to a remote condenser. Cool dry air is then supplied to the house.

It looks like they discontinued the remote condenser on the smaller units now that I have checked, the smallest one with a remote condenser is rated for 350 pounds/pints per day, probably good for a small mansion, overkill for the OP's situation.

Would be a good niche market for smaller units like this tho http://www.heatpipe.com/ProductsServices/forengineers/bkp/BKP%20350-AC.pdf

[teddy bear]

Carnak, sorry refering to Bubbacake original post. I understand the BK dehu. Thanks TB

[bubbacake]

Teddy-- Any comment about my question above in this thread regarding "Doomsdayish"? Or is it possible my joist layout is so incondusive to duct running it "can't be done properly"? bubbs

[teddy bear]

Originally posted by bubbacake
Teddy-- Any comment about my question above in this thread regarding "Doomsdayish"? Or is it possible my joist layout is so incondusive to duct running it "can't be done properly"? bubbs
Tough for me to comment. I would hear him out. He will not sell a system that doesn't work. I have yet to get a complaint on his work. Builder never leave enough space. Some contractors jam in the system and doesn't work well. Installing the ducts in the living space may be a viable option. Drywall around the ducts would be better than a choked duct layout. TB

[bubbacake]

Thank you Teddy. Will meet with him in a week and a half or so. bubbs