Keeping a house cool in the summer - Page 3 - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

psicodude · 03-11-2014, 02:46 PM

I fought the heat in my house for years and no matter what trick I tried, I couldn't keep the house from getting up into the mid-twenties on warm days. I put in central A/C (from Costco) last spring and haven't looked back. Yeah, it was expensive, but worth every dime. Especially if you have kids.

I am interested in how people are doing the tinting on their windows. Is this something you get from Lowes, or a specialty store? Any recommendations?

Jacks · 03-11-2014, 02:48 PM

I'd rather sweat it out than eat something out of a microwave (except popcorn of course).

Calgary14 · 03-11-2014, 09:04 PM

For the people that have central AC - how is the noise from the exterior AC unit? A couple houses on our block have them and they seem quite loud (from the outside)

ken0042 · 03-11-2014, 09:16 PM

Newer units are quieter than they were years ago; and there are differences in noise levels depending on how much you want to spend. However it's not like I ever hear mine running; partly because when it's running my windows are also closed.

I-Hate-Hulse · 03-11-2014, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Calgary14

For the people that have central AC - how is the noise from the exterior AC unit? A couple houses on our block have them and they seem quite loud (from the outside)

Do society a favor and pay attention to the dB ratings for AC units. My neighbor bought a builder's grade Carrier and it's loud as hell. While I'm planning on getting one myself, I've at least done some research into dB and SEER efficiency ratings and am going to a mid line unit.

Madman · 03-12-2014, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Calgary14

For the people that have central AC - how is the noise from the exterior AC unit? A couple houses on our block have them and they seem quite loud (from the outside)

Another thing to take into account is how your AC is mounted.

There are the big brackets that attach the AC unit directly to your house, and this can cause unwanted noise and vibrations.

You can place your AC on a solid base that simply sits beside your house.

That's how I have ours mounted and we cannot feel or hear our AC ever in the summer.

Northendzone · 03-12-2014, 08:08 AM

^ i have my unit on brackets attached to the house, and no issues after about 7 or so years.

i spent a bit more the gt a more effieicnet/quiet unit and I was worried about the noise, because it was going in a spot where there was only 8 feet between my house and the neighbors and they had a window on that side. I asked several times after the install if there was any noise issues and they said no. eventually they got a/c and put it on the same side - so now i figure our units cansel each other out.

OldDutch · 03-12-2014, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Calgary14

For the people that have central AC - how is the noise from the exterior AC unit? A couple houses on our block have them and they seem quite loud (from the outside)

We have a "suitcase" style AC unit. It moves air left to right, instead of up and down. You can put it under a deck, so noise is minimal, and it is covered year round.

Drawback is they are more expensive, but it was my only option in the inner city. My neighbours can't hear much though so they appreciate it.

DuffMan · 03-12-2014, 11:57 AM

I just stay outdoors or in the basement. When I go to bedroom to sleep I pretty much fall asleep faster and sleep better than any other times, when it is above 30-ish

Jacks · 03-31-2014, 03:07 PM

FYI, if you are still looking at options.

http://www.centuryservices.com/aucti...anagement-inc/

rain_e · 03-31-2014, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by return to the red

I have very large south facing windows and Central Air. This year I'm going to tint the windows because even though I have blindes and AC it still gets way to hot. I figure the energy savings I can get from the AC unit will easily pay for the tint in no time.

I guess what I'm trying to say is spend the money on tint first and if you are still unhappy, look at AC.

Just put some tin foil on there. If you are going for tacky you might as well save a few dollars.

BigNumbers · 03-31-2014, 04:12 PM

Has anyone had experience retrofitting AC into a house without it? Without the appropriate returns?

eg: I think AC needs 'warm air' returns in the ceiling, vs a furnace that has 'cold air' returns at floor level...

Does the AC still work well in a house that only has 'cold air' returns?

Slava · 03-31-2014, 04:16 PM

I don't know what that means really, but my house didn't have AC and we put it in after the fact.

BigNumbers · 03-31-2014, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slava

I don't know what that means really, but my house didn't have AC and we put it in after the fact.

Does it work well?

red sky · 03-31-2014, 04:42 PM

Cold air returns are for circulation. A/C would come through the same duct work as your heat.

Slava · 03-31-2014, 04:57 PM

Yes it seems good to me. I had it installed and nothing else was suggested at all in terms of ducting or venting. I think it's pretty standard.

stampsx2 · 03-31-2014, 06:08 PM

Anybody have any recommendations what would be too loud? I would think anything above 80db is annoying. Would 70 db be enough to keep the neighbours happy. I'm lucky enough to actually have good neighbors.

Bindair Dundat · 03-31-2014, 07:00 PM

If you are doing a "new build"? Find out when the Insulator(s) are scheduled into your house. Go there on that day and meet the guy who's "running the show". These crews are paid on "piecework" and your house is no different than any of the other 20 or 30 they will see in the course of the month. Request a "Superseal" vapor-barrier envelope. Request "additional love" during the wall/ceiling batt installation. Request polyurethane sprayfoam to the window and door cavities on your 2 x 6 exterior envelope. Be prepared to buck up 5 browns for this "attention to detail".

You will get your money back in your first heating season, ...and your house will also be way ahead of the "standard curve" in the summer time. If you can't find someone who speaks fluent English and can understand what you are offering/asking for? Request another crew.
It's your right as a home buyer.
Express your concerns to your builder's rep. Stop work if need be. This is the One and ONLY chance to get this done right. Once the board is up it's "lights out".
I am currently in the trade (insulating new houses) and we "do it right" every day because the Builders and the Drywall Companies I work for pay me fairly for my efforts. Be forewarned that this is not the case in most situations.
It's the biggest investment you will ever make. The "trickle down" implications will span over the life of the mortgage you engage. I have done so many of these "back door" deals that it would make your head spin...

Proper window coverings on South/West facing walls are a given. If you have a properly done exterior envelope? ... you are way ahead of the curve.

Food for thought?

All for now, Ron

Ryan Coke · 03-31-2014, 10:28 PM

I had an hvac guy suggest getting an attic evacuating type fan installed in the roof. He said it could be on a thermal switch so that at a certain temp it would start drawing air out of the hot attic, and that it would make a significant difference in the interior temp.

Has anyone heard of this, or had it done? I have been thinking of doing this, since for some reason my wife doesn't want us to get A/C, and I don't have a good location to place the exterior unit.

ken0042 · 04-01-2014, 08:21 AM

^^ That is common in Winnipeg. My parents have it set to come on at 90F.

It helps, but it's no substitute for A/C. Couldn't the A/C unit go between your house and your neighbour? That way it doesn't block the view from the green space.