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Originally Posted by George2

You need 5 full outlets per ton. I try to even the load between the two 7" runs. The 3rd floor with only the 6 supplies can't be that large of an area. Arzel Zoning has zoning for high pressure systems. Give then a call.

Designed correctly and Installed correctly zoned Small Duct High Velocity systems can work great , First and foremost the system needs to be installed following the OEM manufactures recommendations , transitions , plenum and trunk design need to be followed exactly .

Then we recommend on single stage stage units to have 3.5 outlets per ton on EACH zone as a minimum . For 2 stage equipment 2.5 outlets per ton / per zone minimum .

I also always recommend checking the system "Full Open" static and motor amps per the OEM's blower performance chart , if you are "barely moving enough" or "not moving enough" air with the system wide open and you are zoning it , then you can expect to have issues . An "Outlet" is only an "Outlet" if it is moving enough air , in other words you may have the "specified" number of outlets on your system to zone SDHV but if your system is already running high static and low motor amp's wide open , then closing a zone is going to be an issue .

In addition there can only be 2 or 3 Zones max with no bypass on DX Systems . Chiller systems we have more flexibility .

You can feel free to contact me if you have questions or would like information on our complete SDHV Zoning considerations .

My brother, who knows a lot more about HVAC, said he could put another return.
I have a B.S in Civil Engineering but am out of work. He has me doing his office work and wants me to learn how to design. He thinks with my background, I should be able to understand and learn design. This is why I joined this site, to educate myself about HVAC. I have been working for him for a year. I probably should take some classes and be on the field more.

Thanks for the help!!
I told my brother that I didn't come up with the solution on my own; I had a little help.LOL

Originally Posted by P & J mech

Thanks for the information.
I think you solved my problem. I am going to contact the Spacepak rep. and ask him if it would work. I think you are right, it will work. It might look a little weird but the owner wants it zoned because it is two apartments.

Thank you so much!!!
Take Care,
Michelle

Oh.....you never mentioned the 2 areas being cooled were being converted to 2 apartments. The system has only 1 return, how are you going to get return from the other apartment? This is sounding more complicated!

Thanks for the information.
I think you solved my problem. I am going to contact the Spacepak rep. and ask him if it would work. I think you are right, it will work. It might look a little weird but the owner wants it zoned because it is two apartments.

Thank you so much!!!
Take Care,
Michelle

Originally Posted by P & J mech

No, I can not replace any of the existing 7". I am connecting 9" to the existing sevens and pushing the unit as far back as possible in the 3rd floor attic. The 3rd floor is was remodeled. It was just an attic. There is a little room with a door that is unfinished. That is where we are putting the unit and adding the nine inch. I could add supplies off the new nine but now we get into the situation of there being too many outlets.

How many outlets do you think 700 ft^2 (the finished attic area) can have and work properly?

How well were the existing 6 outlets cooling the attic area? That area is hardest to heat and the first to require cooling. It wouldn't hurt to add 2 or 3 more off of the new 9" to that area. Regarding too many outlets (supplies), there are restrictors (of different balancing percentages) that can be put into the outlets to help balance the system.

No, I can not replace any of the existing 7". I am connecting 9" to the existing sevens and pushing the unit as far back as possible in the 3rd floor attic. The 3rd floor is was remodeled. It was just an attic. There is a little room with a door that is unfinished. That is where we are putting the unit and adding the nine inch. I could add supplies off the new nine but now we get into the situation of there being too many outlets.

How many outlets do you think 700 ft^2 (the finished attic area) can have and work properly?

So you're saying that you can replace some of the existing 7" pipe with 9" pipe and leave all the supplies where they are because they are covered? Let me know how that works.

Just an idea, if that is the case, can you add any supplies off the new 9" pipe to help with the 700 sq. ft. area?

I had a Spacepak representative visit the property. He did the calculations with the 7" duct and said it would work but can not be zoned. We have to bump it up to 9" in order for it to work. We don't have to enlarge the existing 7" but just connect the sevens to nines for as much feet we have to connect to the plenum.

They work great and they fill a niche but they are very expensive and they don't qualify for the utility rebates. I'm retired now and I don't have my books but, if I remember correctly, the system you're working on is not balanced as SpacePac or Unico would approve. You should call one of the companies and explain the supply layout and mention the 7" pipe.

Thanks for the advice.
I would walk from the job but it is a friend of a client of ours that gives us a lot of work.
I am going to tell the owner I will only install the 3 ton system and explain that he can look for a company he wishes that will zone the system but I don't recommend it.

I have not dealt with high velocity that much.

Originally Posted by P & J mech

Do you know of a company that makes a one ton system?

I talked to Spacepak and they make a one ton but it is different. You can't have a lot of duct, you need a chiller, and the representative said it would not work.
If I install anything higher that a one ton, the system will freeze. That is what Spacepak reps have told me. So, far the only option I have is to install a 3 ton system with no zones.
You are right the 6 outlet area is only 700 sq. ft.
Since, you are a professional do you agree the system will freeze if zoned or are the reps being over cautious?
If I put a 1.5 system for the 6 outlets and a 2 ton for the 13 outlets;in your opinion will the 1.5 ton freeze?

It would be very hard to even the load, the duct is covered, the home is finished.
I put a disclaimer in the contract because the duct was suppose to be 9" and I can't chance eating the equipment. This job has been one headache!!

You're right, I had forgotten that the the new high velocity systems have gone from the 7" to the 9". I ran into that about 3 years ago on a replacement AH. I had to increase the size of a section of the 7" duct and relocate some of the supplies on to the new 9" duct. If you are not able to make the ductwork corrections, I don't know if you what the headaches. Your reputation is on the line even with a "disclaimer". You'll still be the expert that should have known better.

Yes, zoning or a 1.5 ton on 6 outlets (and 7" pipe) will probably freeze.

Do you know of a company that makes a one ton system?

I talked to Spacepak and they make a one ton but it is different. You can't have a lot of duct, you need a chiller, and the representative said it would not work.
If I install anything higher that a one ton, the system will freeze. That is what Spacepak reps have told me. So, far the only option I have is to install a 3 ton system with no zones.
You are right the 6 outlet area is only 700 sq. ft.
Since, you are a professional do you agree the system will freeze if zoned or are the reps being over cautious?
If I put a 1.5 system for the 6 outlets and a 2 ton for the 13 outlets;in your opinion will the 1.5 ton freeze?

It would be very hard to even the load, the duct is covered, the home is finished.
I put a disclaimer in the contract because the duct was suppose to be 9" and I can't chance eating the equipment. This job has been one headache!!

You need 5 full outlets per ton. I try to even the load between the two 7" runs. The 3rd floor with only the 6 supplies can't be that large of an area. Arzel Zoning has zoning for high pressure systems. Give then a call.

HIGH VELOCITY A/C SYSTEM QUESTION

I am bidding a high velocity job. The previous contractor was let go and we were referred to finish installing the handler and condenser. The owner has 1700 ft^2. Two 7" round pipes; one feeds the 2nd floor with 13 outlets and the other feeding the 3rd floor with 6 outlets.

Is there any possible way to zone this system or install two units?