Long read, but may be helpful if you are considering replacement of your central ac system.
Working in the residential HVAC industry, I have often been asked for advice when it comes to replacing central air conditioning systems. One question I am often asked is "what would you do if it were your house?" I finally have a real answer to that question as it came time to replace my own central ac system.
A little background: I bought my home about a year and a half ago, and knew right away that the system would need to be replaced. It had the original furnace and ductwork, both of which were in very poor condition (sorry didn't get pics of original ductwork before we took it out). The ac unit was very basic and about 8 years old.


I did a Manual J and Manual D load calc on my house in order to ensure the proper equipment and duct size. I recommend this to anyone who will be replacing their HVAC system or ductwork. About half of all houses out there do not have properly sized equipment. It's not up to you or the contractor to decide the size, it is up to the house.

After that was done, I picked my equipment. I went with the Bryant evolution extreme heat pump system. It uses a variable speed DC-powered compressor in conjunction with a variable speed indoor blower, along with a very advanced communicating control system to constantly optimize efficiency and comfort as it runs. The 3 ton equipment can run as low as 40% of its total capacity if that is all that is required to get the job done. Also has a sweet color touch screen thermostat that is wifi compatible.



I used anti-microbial r-8 insulated medical grade flexible ductwork. The r-8 insulation of the ductwork drastically decreases heat gain in the ducts in the attic, and the anti-microbial lining of the ducts, along with the advanced air purification system installed with the system will ensure that my indoor air is clean and healthy. I did this because I have pets in the house and I don't like to smell them, and I also have a baby on the way.

One major move in replacing this system was that I relocated the indoor unit from a garage closet into the attic. I did this because my existing returns were in unsealed Sheetrock chases and were impossible to seal, and I could get better airflow by having an extended supply plenum. All in all turned out really well and I am very pleased with it.
Working in the residential HVAC industry, I have often been asked for advice when it comes to replacing central air conditioning systems. One question I am often asked is "what would you do if it were your house?" I finally have a real answer to that question as it came time to replace my own central ac system.
A little background: I bought my home about a year and a half ago, and knew right away that the system would need to be replaced. It had the original furnace and ductwork, both of which were in very poor condition (sorry didn't get pics of original ductwork before we took it out). The ac unit was very basic and about 8 years old.
I did a Manual J and Manual D load calc on my house in order to ensure the proper equipment and duct size. I recommend this to anyone who will be replacing their HVAC system or ductwork. About half of all houses out there do not have properly sized equipment. It's not up to you or the contractor to decide the size, it is up to the house.
After that was done, I picked my equipment. I went with the Bryant evolution extreme heat pump system. It uses a variable speed DC-powered compressor in conjunction with a variable speed indoor blower, along with a very advanced communicating control system to constantly optimize efficiency and comfort as it runs. The 3 ton equipment can run as low as 40% of its total capacity if that is all that is required to get the job done. Also has a sweet color touch screen thermostat that is wifi compatible.
I used anti-microbial r-8 insulated medical grade flexible ductwork. The r-8 insulation of the ductwork drastically decreases heat gain in the ducts in the attic, and the anti-microbial lining of the ducts, along with the advanced air purification system installed with the system will ensure that my indoor air is clean and healthy. I did this because I have pets in the house and I don't like to smell them, and I also have a baby on the way.
One major move in replacing this system was that I relocated the indoor unit from a garage closet into the attic. I did this because my existing returns were in unsealed Sheetrock chases and were impossible to seal, and I could get better airflow by having an extended supply plenum. All in all turned out really well and I am very pleased with it.
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