Originally Posted By: Matt Byrne This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Here is my situation. I live south of Boston, MA. The house is a cape style house with forced hot air by oil and central a/c. There is a room that was put on as an addition that is not over the original foundation. It was used as a 3 season porch but I am insulating it to try to make it usable year-round.
Is there any economically feasible way to connect the room to the existing ductwork or should I just get an electric heater and a/c for that room?
Originally Posted By: jrice This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Matt,
You need to determine first off if the current systems can handle the extra load this room would add. Most of the time contractors put in the minimal of systems, meaning that you may not have enough BTU’s to add another room.
If this is the case, they make dual purpose Window style A/C units that will also heat. Good Luck!
Originally Posted By: Matt Byrne This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Jeff,
Thanks for the reply. The room is 12 X 14 and I'm not sure what my current capacity is. I was thinking of adding an electric baseboard and possibly a portable A/C. The windows in the room are casement so I think I can only use the "portable" a/c's. The portable a/c's are fairly expensive (start around $500) and like any appliance would eventually need to be replaced.
If the system could handle the extra load how would you suggest going about it?
Originally Posted By: jrice This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Matt,
Are there any ducts near the inside wall of the adjoining room? Something close you could tie into? I would not run the duct any farther then I need to reach the space. Of course this option could rob air from the room it was originally run into. Without seeing the space and the distance to the furnace I really can not guess on a proper way to tie into the house system. Your best bet is to call a couple of contractors and see what they tell you. Why not have a contractor cut a hole in the wall ( maybe under a window or next to one ) and install a window A/C unit permanently? I would bet that in the long run this is the better option, both labor and cost wise.
Originally Posted By: dedwards This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Matt,
You did not say if you wanted to spend some bucks or not, or if you are trying to go with a low budget operation. If you want some real comfort and total control so you can use the unit when you want w/o sapping your main unit you may want to consider a packaged terminal heat pump system similiar to what motels/hotels use. They work great for all seasons and you have a separate stand alone system. Lots of folks here in FLorida use this type of set up for added on Sunrooms, etc. They can be purchased through Wholesale houses like Granger, or Johnstone Supply. Very quite and not as drafty as the window shaker units.
Originally Posted By: jsavino This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Even though it’s only @168 sq. ft. you should have a heat and a/c load calculation done to determine what the room requires. You will need to know the areas (in sq/ft) of the walls, floor, ceiling, party wall, windows, doors, (how many) and insulation. Location of the room has to be figured in also. (north side/ south side) Your oil company can determine the heating load of the system, and advise you if the system can handle the extra load. Electric baseboard may do the trick, if there is enough room in the panel. Extending the ducts may provide enough heat, also have a return duct installed. You will have to have the heating registers balanced to provide even heating thoughout the house.
Originally Posted By: msheckler This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Matt Byrne wrote:
Here is my situation. I live south of Boston, MA. The house is a cape style house with forced hot air by oil and central a/c. There is a room that was put on as an addition that is not over the original foundation. It was used as a 3 season porch but I am insulating it to try to make it usable year-round.
Is there any economically feasible way to connect the room to the existing ductwork or should I just get an electric heater and a/c for that room?
Thanks for your help.
Matt
Run new insulated duct work to the existing duct work.
Good luck
msheckler
Originally Posted By: roconnor This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Electric heat is usually a very expensive way to heat a space, and you are probably better off extending the forced hot air system if possible. Have a good local HVAC contractor look at that for you.
– Robert O’Connor, PE
Eagle Engineering ?
Eagle Eye Inspections ?
NACHI Education Committee
I am absolutely amazed sometimes by how much thought goes into doing things wrong
Why not have a contractor cut a hole in the wall ( maybe under a window or next to one ) and install a window A/C unit permanently? I would bet that in the long run this is the better option, both labor and cost wise.