HVAC General, Furnace and Air Conditioning

New Homes in Ontario includes the HVAC design which "sizes" Furnace along side with Air conditioning included. This design takes into consideration the type of construction to include wall assemblies (type and  of amount insulation) the number of floors total square footage, number of windows and doors and even direction house is oriented. 

The design considers many variables but does not consider the human element....how you feel or how you use your house!

No Heat or No Air Conditioning Read this. 

Generally 

Heat or A/C not keeping up- The HVAC design is based on historical temperatures, extremes in cold winter days or hot humid summer days may put stress on the system at times unable to keep up with demand.

Occupant action- 

Rooms that have West facing window will have the largest heat gain in the summer.  All afternoon sun exposure.  Plan to have these windows covered to ensure maximum comfort in warmer summer days

Rooms facing North will have the least amount of solar gain. Plan to have the heat runs in these rooms open during the winter

Uneven heating and cooling- Although taken into consideration, multiple levels are always a difficult design to get balance in heat and cool. Acceptable tolerance of 2° to 4° per floor of temperature range if outdoor design temperature is with 5% of design temp. 

Occupant action- Systems are balanced prior to occupancy however variations in occupant use may require owners to tweak airflow to their liking. Closing and opening ducts on floors or in unused rooms will help make it more comfortable. 

Duct Noise- Galvanized sheet metal is used to create cold air returns. It is not uncommon to hear pining/popping coming from cold air returns. It is not a builder error rather the expansion and contraction of metal. The noise often repairs itself as wood joist and studs get to a neutral state of shrinkage. 

Occupant action- monitor situation, ensure home humidity is controlled. If situation persists enter a ticket to have it inspected during the warranty period. 

Maintenance-Owner responsibility 

Furnace 

 Filter-Furnace filters are NOT air cleaners.  Furnace filters are designed to stop large particulate from entering your blower housing, they are not designed to collect microscopic particles.  Replacing your furnace filters every three to four months is crucial for maximum HVAC equipment effectiveness, and in turn your comfort level.  If you want to clean your air, get, and air cleaner

 Intake and exhaust- Combustion furnaces operate by bringing in fresh air and expelling exhaust. Exterior vents must remain free of built up snow, Ice or debris. 

condensation and Humidity- Indoor humidity should remain at 0-50% in summer and 30-40% in winter. Controlling indoor humidity will reduce cracks in drywall, nail pops and noise like squeaks, HVAC duct noise, door operation and smells. 

Indoor air humidity is not a result of builder error by using "wet" material or building too fast. 

ERV/HRV- ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator) and HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilation) were required in Ontario new homes  as of January 1, 2017. Modern homes have a very tight envelope which requires the need for mechanical ventilation. The two systems provide the fresh air and transfer heat to ensure your not wasting energy. ERV's do one additional step and that is to transfer moisture keeping indoor air at 40-50% in summer and 30-40% in winter. 

Air Conditioning- There are two parts of the Air Conditioning system, the exterior unit is the Condenser or also referred to as the compressor and the Evaporator is the part in your furnace or air handler. 

1. Change Filter- Yes even during the cooling months it is important to clean the filter. 

2. Water on floor at furnace- Condensation is created in the furnace area, this water can be pumped out (condensation pump) or drain into a floor drain. 

       If you see water, 

• ensure drain line is in the drain hole, it can be unintentionally kicked out. 
• ensure drain line is not blocked, often a small piece of wire can remove built up dirt
• Condensation pump is plugged in. 
• Condensation pump is clean so that float will operate. 

3. Clear debris around condenser. Ensure power is off 

4. Wash fins on condenser by spraying with water hose. Keep water off the motor and ensure power is off. 

5. Cover condenser, covering the condenser during heating season simply prolongs the equipment.