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    JAC53's Avatar
    JAC53 Posts: 48, Reputation: 1
    Junior Member
     
    #1

    Jul 25, 2010, 07:03 AM
    Return vent question
    I recently had issues with my Rudd unit, MODEL: UBHC-17J06NFH, 12 SEER, not cooling other have of home, I had a tech out yesterday and he offered a new Nutone system, I researched and it seems it like any other air system just different label.

    I have a large return vent in ceiling in LR and small return in MBR, if I had 2 return vents the 2 BR's, would that help me on my AC to cool better my home and get better air flow.

    My system was installed my my home new construction in 2004. Total 1600 Sq Ft Living Area

    It's a Sterling Model built by Holiday Builders

    Thanks
    hvac1000's Avatar
    hvac1000 Posts: 14,540, Reputation: 435
    Heating & Air Conditioning Expert
     
    #2

    Jul 25, 2010, 10:21 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by JAC53 View Post
    I recently had issues with my Rudd unit, MODEL: UBHC-17J06NFH, 12 SEER, not cooling other have of home, I had a tech out yesterday and he offered a new Nutone system, I researched and it seems it like any other air system just different label.

    I have a large return vent in ceiling in LR and small return in MBR, if I had 2 return vents the 2 BR's, would that help me on my AC to cool better my home and get better air flow.

    My system was installed my my home new contruction in 2004. total 1600 Sq Ft Living Area

    Its a Sterling Model built by Holiday Builders

    Thanks
    Not cooling half of the home??

    So what does that have to do with buying a new unit since the original is only 6 years old and IS WORKING on the other one half of the home?

    I would concentrate on finding out EXACTLY why it is not cooling all the home since even if you buy a new system it still will only cool one half of the home unless the duct system is repaired. What I am saying is FIX the main problem first then you can see if you need a new system.
    NorthernHeat's Avatar
    NorthernHeat Posts: 1,455, Reputation: 132
    Ultra Member
     
    #3

    Jul 25, 2010, 03:07 PM

    Rheem/Ruud are good units. There is not much in an air handler to go wrong, or warrant replacement at such a young age. HVAC1000 is right, you have airflow/duct design problems.

    From that model number I know it is a blower unit, air handler with 17 inch wide cabinet. 208-240 volt, single phase. 4.9 KW electric heat with out an internal breaker.

    What I don't know is the size of the A/C unit, and what part of the country you live in.
    wmproop's Avatar
    wmproop Posts: 3,749, Reputation: 91
    Ultra Member
     
    #4

    Jul 25, 2010, 06:03 PM

    I might be the only one to not understand,is it not cooling your home due to being inefficiant or is it not blowing into half of your home
    JAC53's Avatar
    JAC53 Posts: 48, Reputation: 1
    Junior Member
     
    #5

    Jul 25, 2010, 06:30 PM

    I live in Florida, I mean that 2 bedrooms are warmer than the rest of home, As you know the system is only 6 years old, I have gone in attic and don't see any bent or damaged ducts, so the question again is by adding return vents to the 2 bedrooms, would it help me get a better flow, I am not a professional, just trying to learn from you guys or girls in the field, I have been paying several techs to come out and give me an honest answer. Not try there typical sales pitch of trying to get me to purchase a new system even if not need, it gives a bad name to the honest contractors in the field.
    KISS's Avatar
    KISS Posts: 12,510, Reputation: 839
    Uber Member
     
    #6

    Jul 25, 2010, 07:02 PM

    Having hot and cold air returns improves the comfort level a lot. You then open the upper return (hot air return) for Air conditioning and open the lower return (cold air return) for heating while the other one is kept closed.

    It does sound like someone as to do a Manual D (duct design) calculations.
    NorthernHeat's Avatar
    NorthernHeat Posts: 1,455, Reputation: 132
    Ultra Member
     
    #7

    Jul 25, 2010, 07:39 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by JAC53 View Post
    I live in Florida, I mean that 2 bedrooms are warmer than the rest of home, As you know the system is only 6 years old, I have gone in attic and don't see any bent or damaged ducts, so the question again is by adding return vents to the 2 bedrooms, would it help me get a better flow, I am not a professional, just trying to learn from you guys or girls in the field, I have been paying several techs to come out and give me an honest answer. not try there typical sales pitch of trying to get me to purchase a new system even if not need, it gives a bad name to the honest contractors in the field.
    I often see contractors that use flex ducts that are 2 small. They use a metal air ductulator to figure the size of their flexible ducts and are off by at least 1 inch. Ex. Using a 6" flex when a 7" or 8" was more appropriate.

    You still didn't tell what the cooling capacity is? That air handler may be to small for your cooling load of the house there in FL.
    wmproop's Avatar
    wmproop Posts: 3,749, Reputation: 91
    Ultra Member
     
    #8

    Jul 25, 2010, 08:06 PM

    Installed in 2004
    Has this been a problen since it was new? Or did it just start this cooling season?
    How about in the winter,did you then have 2 colder rooms than the rest of the house

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