All Forum Posts by: Brian Mathews

I do some hvac work for them and they do things differently than other customers do.   I'll leave it at that on an open forum.  

They way I look at it is Dave is worth around $55 million.    Is anybody on this site worth that much or this thread?   If so, I'll listen to you.    I think the one guy is 32 and worth $2 million can attest to that. 

@Eddy Dumire

If you were to go full Infinity system, you're looking at closer to $15K most likely.  A blown compressor under warranty likely $1000+, a cracked heat exchanger poisons you and your family with carbon monoxide.      The problem with adding another system is that your current hvac is sized for your house as it is.    You add another hvac system and you've oversized your current one by subtracting the square footage your new a/c took over.  

I'd suggest you call around to a few local a/c contractors and see what solutions they might be able to offer you.   Installing zoning is not a DIY thing as you can screw something up pretty good if you don't manage the excess air when only 1 zone is calling.   Without seeing the job, I'd suggest manual balancing dampers in main trunklines or individual duct runs to reduce air to areas being overheated or cooled, forcing more air to areas needing more air.   Not closing them off, but reducing.  

Even if it has an ECM motor, unless its a fully communicating system, it won't integrate into the board.  The only company that has zoning that is fully communicating is Carrier with the Infinity/Evolution series.   I realize you're trying to help people out, but be careful what line you cross giving advice out to people regarding repairs in internet land.  You don't know somebody's skill level and they could do serious damage to themselves or their houses and come back to hold you liable.    We are in a lawsuit friendly world.  

I'm a licensed hvac contractor and that is horrible advice.   Its a lot more than adding a few dampers and wiring it up.   What are you going to do when 1 zone is calling and that 4 tons of air is trying to travel through 1 ton of ductwork?  You'll blow a compressor when you slug the compressor with liquid refrigerant or you'll crack the heat exchanger by overheating it.   You have to manage the air.   If its a 3 story place, you will not be able to achieve what you want to do without extensive duct modifications to be able to handle that situation.    You will need a bypass and increasing the duct sizes.    If you want to make it work without duct modifications, look into the Carrier Infinity series.    It will require a new condenser and furnace/air handler.    It will reduce the amount of air based upon the zone size that it will calculate for you.   

Same here.    The dirt the house sits on around Austin is that much .  Not a good strategy for central Texas.  

If you buy them that is up to you.    But don't go rent them from a rental company, that is crazy.   You'll pay 5 times what it will cost to go to Home Depot and buy them.   

So you worked for 11 years as a temp?   Why?   Especially if you hated it so much.   I'm not sure how it works in NY, but in Texas you work for a temp agency, if you don't like it, they find you another job.   Why didn't you find a "full time" job in those 11 years rather than stay on as a temp at a place you hate and don't say the economy or some other excuse.   I think you have other issues at hand that need dealing with before you attempt a career in real estate, because real estate will be harder than your real job and you'll deal with personalities and situations similar or worse than your current job, especially at first until you accumulate some experience.   If I were you, I'd find a job where you family is in Florida, maybe at another temp agency for the time being.    Then quit your job and live with your family for a while until you get settled in and proceed from there.  

They will have to move out at some point.   So first thing I'd do is find a new place to live as quickly as possible and get out.    What good is going after the owner going to do?   He lost the house, probably not much they can get from them.  

I think Ramsey is worth $50 million and Kiyosaki is worth $80 million.   Both much more successful that probably anybody on this site.    To bash either one is ridiculous, they both have their methods and have worked.    The only people who think whole life is good are people who sell whole life.   The fees eat up your potential growth.  Why not buy term life which is about 1/3 or more cheaper than whole life and put the difference in the stock market or save up and buy a house with it.