All Forum Posts by: John Yanko

Not to antagonize, but if this is a potential rental property, I would cover the exposed wiring and use schedule 80 pvc for protection.

 Having one central return is a horrible design, but it's happens, a lot. With that said, if that door becomes closed it will restrict a large amount of airflow. As most home owners know, air filters need to be changed quarterly, if this rule is not followed it will restrict air flow. 

  In your case, it's a door, much worse than a dirty filter. Restricted air flow for cooling: could eventually cause the compressor to go bad ($1000) Restricted air flow for heating: could cause premature failure of heat exchanger ($600) a failed heat exchanger has the potential to leak CO to occupied space. 

  Your return air has no effect on the burner section of a furnace, every furnace has an induced motor for this. Advice on making it a bedroom..... I say no, but it happens, just remember what can eventually happen to the system. 

 As far as mark up from the manufacturer to the wholesalers, I have no idea. Mark up from wholesalers to me, this all depends on the amount of business I do with that particular supply house (Johnstone Supply.) My price for a 3 ton, 13 seer system, condenser and evaporator coil, is around $900, add $500 for 80% furnace. Everybody is different when it comes to mark up, several variables need to be taken into consideration. Equipment is the cheap variable, labor is the expensive variable. The lowest quote will, 90% of time, have the least man hours applied. Less man hours equals cut corners and poor quality work. 

Hal, thank you for the clarification, and response to my question.

Personally, I go with Goodman, has one of the longest warranties, but biggest factor is I get the best price on them. 

   Customer stand point, namebrand should be the least of your worries, go with a contractor that has a reputation of quality work. Installation and design/ retro is the foundation for any hvac equipment, that is where most problems will occur. And if a problem should occur with the unit, the reputable contractor will make sure it is taken care of under warranty. 

 As you probably already know, all depends on local code. That is all the advice I have on that matter.

 If the system is old , 10+ years, and it truly needed a hard start kit, chances are its on its way out, but there are cases where the system will continue run for several more years. My advice let it play out.

  As far as refrigerant (freon) he his referring to R-22, complete phase out of this not until January 2020, currently contractors can still buy "recycled R-22" with no problem, it's expensive though, and as far as a new compressor, there is never an issue with finding a replacement. But if you go that route, consider the age of the whole system.

Thank you Loren Thomas for the idea! http://www.biggerpockets.com/users/BumperLT

I have been working in the HVAC industry here in Chicago for 5 years. I work in the commercial/ industrial side but same concepts apply to residential. BP has, and still is, given me a great opportunity to learn about REI.

I previously worked for Sears Hardware, Lawn & Garden lead, but paint department was right next to me, Kilz was the #1 primer sold and always needed to be re-stocked. 

Added my 2 cents 😁