Bob meets with Mark Gallivan from Sears HVAC and Brent Morin from Morin Mechanical Services to review the heating system installation at the modular home project. The high efficiency, state of the art Hydro-Air system uses components of a traditional boiler, humidifiers, variable speed fans, electronic air cleaners and three exterior condensing units. Carrier manufactures many of the heating unit�s components including the boiler. The boiler produces hot water for both a forced air unit and a baseboard radiant heating system. The forced air unit allows for a consistent level of humidity in the house, that traditionally radiant-only units cannot accomplish, plus it receives the efficiency of radiant by employing a baseboard system. This gives the home�s occupants a more comfortable living environment. There are seven zones employed in the home�s heating and cooling system. The cast aluminum heat exchanger in this unit transfers heat three times faster than a traditional heat exchanger. The boiler uses a direct venting system that takes air directly from outside and vents it through a flue located in the center of the intake vent. This means no combustion gases are being mixed with the home�s interior air. The system�s zones can be turned on or off as needed, providing an added level of efficiency if the entire home is not being occupied at a given time.

Bob reviews the work done so far in the basement remodelling project in Melrose, Massachusetts, including the installation of new piping and a system to prevent water infiltration. John Ambrosino of Total Temperature Controls, Inc. reviews the HVAC system which was installed last week and how it works. Because of space limitations, some creativity was required in installing the system and the system was mounted horizontally rather than vertically. The system uses a Trane CleanEffects filter which removes contaminants in the air. Ambrosino explains the passage of the air as it is processed through the unit. Ambrosino then explains the condenser unit as it is being installed outside of the home. The unit is large because it is energy efficient, saving up to 45 of energy costs.

Bob joins Paul Costello and Lou Mazzini in the old dairy building to discuss the SpacePak high velocity hydro air HVAC system that's being installed in both the house and dairy. The system will provide both heating and cooling. In the winter a boiler delivers hot water to coils over which air is drawn. This heated air rises and is distributed at high velocity through plenum ducts running around the perimeter of the structure and on to room outlets through to 2" diameter sound attenuating tubing. The systems uses insulated fiberglass ducts which are coated on the inside to prevent mold and other growth. The system creates a pressure center in the room with a differential of two degrees between floor and ceiling. Cooling is accomplished by the same system only the air passes over different coils cooled by a refrigerants from 5-ton American Standard condensers situated behind the dairy. Domestic hot water will be provided by a very efficient indirect hot water system. The SpacePak system is particularly well-suited to restoration/renovation projects where space for ductwork is at a premium.