Progress!

[Sigarms]

I am all about getting those tests done. The problem is that I would need to study what they meant to have any clue. What can reasonably be done to fix an issue? The house is already well behind schedule. As of tomorrow night, I am officially homeless.

Worst case, get the start up report and post them here

I'm a big propronent of a commssioning report on start up (AKA start up sheet) with a new system because that data can hold valuable information down the road if a problem does arise, and it could point out possible issues with the system from the get go. I'd would guess for all the issues that homeowners have with HVAC systems in their homes with equipment failure, less than 10% are due to actual issues with the build of the equipment and over 90% caused by installation.

As mentioned, for the static pressue and CFM's, all the data you need to compare is in the air handler instruction guide.

For a 2,000 square foot house and the way the dehumidifier is piped in, I'd look at the instruction manual for that unit. Looks to be 4" supply unisulated flex which leaves me scratching my head (only thing I can think of is the installers figured it was a conditioned space). I'm not familar with Santa Fe, but am familiar with another brand, but at the end of the day airflow is airflow no matter what brand.

If a permit was pulled for the build of the house, you do have the rights and the expectations that a job was followed to code. The ONLY thing I really like about an inspections department is if you feel that something was done wrong, you do have the right to file a complaint, and if there is anything the inspections department doesn't like better, it's a complaint about the installation habbits of a business LMAO

Absolute worst case address any concearns with the builder in writing and you better get a response back.

That said, if you're happy with everything, it all comes down to the expectations of the person paying the bill.

As for what can you do?

See below for Texas

Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation Compact with Texans

www.tdlr.texas.gov

I have to laugh, the site is somewhat similar to NC where you can actually find the business who is on the state's radar. Top tab bar, click on "Air Conditioning contractors" and then just go to the bottom and hit search. I actually like this site on finding problem childs better than what NC has. Granted, a lof of findings by the state can be debated, but every once in while, you do find some interesting shenanigans by "contractors".

Administrative Orders - Search

www.tdlr.texas.gov

Worst case, you should know who the HVAC company is who did your work and they should be licensed by the state of Texas.

 

[2manyrocks]

On my few residential installs I took the advice of a retired A/C contractor who told me to oversize the return ducting and register and put a 180 in the return path…

For whatever reason they have all been very quiet.

Two stage blowers have also worked well as the maintain temp speed is much lower and enough to keep air

Think about it for a second and you'll see the logic behind his good advice.

All the air in the house has to pass through the return in order to be conditioned.

If the return is undersized, it's constricting the flow of air which makes the blower work harder and is likely a source of noise.

However, if you just have a totally open return, the odds are that you'll hear the blower operating.

Although the 180 does make it harder for the air to flow, it puts a sound baffle between the living space and the blower so the sound is reduced.

Using a larger return helps to make sure the air continues to flow unrestricted and offset the reduction in air flow due to using a baffle.

Even most single stage blower motors have jumpers on them to switch between two speeds. A lower speed will be less noisy.

 

[2manyrocks]

Worst case, get the start up report and post them here

I'm a big propronent of a commssioning report on start up (AKA start up sheet) with a new system because that data can hold valuable information down the road if a problem does arise, and it could point out possible issues with the system from the get go. I'd would guess for all the issues that homeowners have with HVAC systems in their homes with equipment failure, less than 10% are due to actual issues with the build of the equipment and over 90% caused by installation.

As mentioned, for the static pressue and CFM's, all the data you need to compare is in the air handler instruction guide.

For a 2,000 square foot house and the way the dehumidifier is piped in, I'd look at the instruction manual for that unit. Looks to be 4" supply unisulated flex which leaves me scratching my head (only thing I can think of is the installers figured it was a conditioned space). I'm not familar with Santa Fe, but am familiar with another brand, but at the end of the day airflow is airflow no matter what brand.

If a permit was pulled for the build of the house, you do have the rights and the expectations that a job was followed to code. The ONLY thing I really like about an inspections department is if you feel that something was done wrong, you do have the right to file a complaint, and if there is anything the inspections department doesn't like better, it's a complaint about the installation habbits of a business LMAO

Absolute worst case address any concearns with the builder in writing and you better get a response back.

That said, if you're happy with everything, it all comes down to the expectations of the person paying the bill.

As for what can you do?

See below for Texas

Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation Compact with Texans

www.tdlr.texas.gov

I have to laugh, the site is somewhat similar to NC where you can actually find the business who is on the state's radar. Top tab bar, click on "Air Conditioning contractors" and then just go to the bottom and hit search. I actually like this site on finding problem childs better than what NC has. Granted, a lof of findings by the state can be debated, but every once in while, you do find some interesting shenanigans by "contractors".

Administrative Orders - Search

www.tdlr.texas.gov

Worst case, you should know who the HVAC company is who did your work and they should be licensed by the state of Texas.

Even if you don't understand all of the lingo right now, getting a baseline snapshot of how your system is performing when newly installed could be very helpful later if you think you may be having an issue some years from now. At least you can look back at basic things like what air temp was going into the return and what air temp was coming out after being conditioned.

Your installer may not have done the testing Sigarms is recommending. I doubt any of the installers in my rural area do this. But does it hurt to ask?

 

[ponytug]

I'm with @Sigarms that the initial testing has significant value, even if you don't understand the report. It sets a baseline, and can serve to gently highlight to the installer any defects or deficiencies.

That said, did I mention that the house looks gorgeous?

All the best, Peter

 

[Sigarms]

If the return is undersized, it's constricting the flow of air which makes the blower work harder and is likely a source of noise.

First hand experience...

If the return air is undersized, you not only risk the chance of noise, you also run the risk of premature motor failure along with the the risk of premature compressor failure, along with the fact that your refrigerant temperatures and pressures can be off, misleading the service tech as to what the actual culprit is if they don't measure static pressure and CFM's becuase they are only looking at the refrigerant charge.

I'm a dummy. One thing I learned is "ABC" from men much smarter than myself is Airflow Before Charge.

If I didn't mention it before, static pressure is kind of no different that your blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, it's a sign that something is wrong with your body.

Reality is, you can never oversize a ducted return air and have "low blood pressure" when it comes to your HVAC system. The issue is generally a new home build only has so much space for ductwork.

When we move and build a new much smaller home, if we don't go with a basement and have to have an attic, the attic will be well insulated and considered a conditioned area.

 

[Sigarms]

That said, did I mention that the house looks gorgeous?

The issue with new homes is people judge the home on the interior to what they can see. Generally speaking, your HVAC along with ductwork system is not seen.

When we bought our house in 2005, the only thing I told my wife is I'd go over the HVAC system. Honestly, I can't tell the differences between colors and I told my wife as long as I can shave, shower, poop and cook food and the place dosen't look like a ***** hole, I'm good.

That was a long time ago, my wife got me into HGTC LOL but as long as it works, I'm good.

If I were buying the OP's house, first thing I'd look at is static pressure and CFM's for the size of the house and rooms vs the an open return air into the "mechanical room".

I've got a 3,200 square foot square house. My cooling load to the existing equipment was 7.5 tons (with 3 systems, one for each floor). After doing a manual J and manual D on on the home everything was sized correctly (the owner of the HVAC company who installed the equipment in my house has since died, and his son is running the company, and the rather was GOOD). After I looked at everything, EVERYTHING was done right. Keep in mind, I mentioned here before that I came across a non lead home, 3,200 square foot on the first level only, and that load was only 2 ton. With newer homes being built, a load calculation is mandatory IMO and that information to the end user should be readily available.

Did I mentioned we remodled a master bathroom and guest bathroom upstairs? Also have a deck to replace that I'm not wanting to do work on myself. I believe I complained I'm in the wrong business

Who wants to spend that kind of money for bathroom or a new deck vs an HVAC system along with potentential new ductwork when you can'S see it?

 

[Sigarms]

One of the downsides to rural life. There are fewer professionals for any given field.

Proffesionals in any field exist both in the city and rural areas. You just need to take the time to find them. God forbid men actually take pride in their work.

When you hire a GC to build a home, the GC just may not look as hard as you would for the subcontractors.

That said, your home build is running behind scheduel and your homeless, I get it. No offense, but that's on you and your expectations.

My master bath took WAY longer than was expected to remodel. Also little more money that I expected. That said, after all was said and done, we are more than happy with the work done.

As long as your happy with your HVAC system, that is ALL that matters.

 

[Sigarms]

Two stage blowers have also worked well as the maintain temp speed is much lower and enough to keep air circulating.

X-13 blower motor I'm guessing, multiple taps for CFM speeds. Now technically called a "variable speed constant toqure blower motor".

The old PSC was one speed and that's what you got.

The variable speed constant airflow motors at the "true" variable speed motors guys called 15 years ago.

The issue with HVAC is every section in the US has different lingo. Ever hear of a "chimley" LOL

Newflash, PSC blower motor is the way to go even though it isn't as energy efficient. Thing is, on air handlers, the feds have outlawed them except for oil furnaces (because of the oil lobby).

 

[Torvy]

I did a search on Ruud installers in our area. There are only maybe 2 that it could be.

As for our expectations...well over a year for a <2000 Sq ft house that is basically a rectangle? Their 'promise' date was June 1. It will be past Sept 1 before they are done. Most of the delays have been during to poor logistics and poor communication.

 

[Torvy]

Arrived safely in Lubbock. I am hanging here until my youngest can move into her apartment. Sounds like a week or so. I am officially unemployed and homeless. Where do I sign up for the free stuff?

Any ideas of things to do here? She's going to be busy with her friends and such. I am just her mule/handyman for the next week.