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re: Ways to keep house cool while waiting to repair AC situation.

Posted on 6/17/23 at 12:37 pm to
Posted by Jon A thon
Member since May 2019
1712 posts
Posted on 6/17/23 at 12:37 pm to
Ducts are something to be looked at if somethings been compromised. But again, this is a house thats been operating fine for 4+ years. And probably many years before we purchased. Everything but ductwork updated in 2018. We are pretty sure the culprit is the roof ventilation, but it'll take time to clarify. Not worried about system sizing, light fixtures, or the like. We know it operates properly under the conditions of the house usually. Either simethings broken or the roof ventilation was adjusted incorrectly. We had powered fans before, so know it's not just that. But may be installed improperly. I have people looking into it all. It just takes time. And during that time it's hot.

The thread was to find ways to cool or somewhat counteract the overload in the meantime. I know window units work. Already have one, but they arent cheap to buy one for 6 different rooms. Closed all window blinds. Cut off rooms we don't use. Stuff like that. Hosed off the bricks and roof at about 5. I'm an engineer and have taken some HVAC classes, so know there's a build up of heat in the roof and walls that's released later. And it shows as the biggest problem is from 5 to 8, after the hottest part of the day. Think it helped a little is we only hit 79 instead of 85 upstairs. But it's a pain in the arse. Just trying take advantage of any tricks that may exist.
Posted by FieldEngineer
Member since Jan 2015
2152 posts
Posted on 6/17/23 at 1:04 pm to
quote:

meantime. I know window units work. Already have one, but they arent cheap to buy one for 6 different rooms.


Just putting one as close to the return as possible would help.
Posted by CrawDude
Baton Rouge
Member since Apr 2019
5301 posts
Posted on 6/17/23 at 1:05 pm to
quote:

We are pretty sure the culprit is the roof ventilation, but it'll take time to clarify. Not worried about system sizing, light fixtures, or the like. We know it operates properly under the conditions of the house usually. Either simethings broken or the roof ventilation was adjusted incorrectly. We had powered fans before, so know it's not just that. But may be installed improperly. I have people looking into it all. It just takes time. And during that time it's hot.


Clearly if the only thing that’s changed is the roof and roof ventilation then that’s the area to focus on. You being an engineer and having taken some HVAC classes, you can check your temperature split yourself by measuring temperature in the return plenum and supply plenum, if you are getting a split of 16-20 F then you can take some comfort in knowing the HVAC equipment is working properly. I would assume the techs would be doing that in addition to measuring refrigerant pressures, superheat, and subcool.

Sounds to me you doing everything practical that you can - I doubt if you could rent window ACs cheaper than buying but you could check, plus your cooling of the roof and bricks with water.

How’s the humidity upstairs? Around 50% or is it substantially higher? If in the 60-70% RH range lowering it with a portable dehumidifer will help with comfort even at higher temperatures.

Honestly though, if you are hitting 85F in the house in the PM with the HVAC operating it really sounds to me to be more than just a attic ventilation problem.
This post was edited on 6/17/23 at 8:30 pm
Posted by DMAN1968
Member since Apr 2019
10155 posts
Posted on 6/19/23 at 8:32 pm to
quote:

I know window units work. Already have one, but they arent cheap to buy one for 6 different rooms

You have 6 rooms in that 1100 square feet?

Not bedrooms I'm sure.

1 5k unit in the bedrooms alone should do it. $150 a pop is worth sleeping well.
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