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Hello all. This is probably a really complicated HVAC question, but I’ll appreciate any comments.
I’m trying to decide whether it makes any sense for me to consider a non-standard approach to HVAC ducting.
The following describes my home (under construction):
– 2 story (1500′ per level) w/ lower level earth contact 3 sides, very well insulated, pretty “tight” (won’t know numbers until blower door test).
– Solar gain and woodstove on lower level meets all heat rqmts.
– Plenty of circulation between floors (2 story sunroon + stairwell)
– Destratification fan takes upstairs ceiling air to lower level floor.
– Upper level all open except 1 wall separating master BR.
I want to provide for fresh air, but HRV probably won’t pay for itself. Filtering indoor air would be nice to remove dust and critters. Cooling needed in summer dog days probably around 2 tons. Backup heat to keep the house from freezing when we are away.
Standard way around here (Central MO) is several air returns in the 2×4 partition wall cavities with registers high on wall and supply ducts run to all rooms.
I am trying to build sustainably and don’t want to follow the norm just because that what’s always done. If it makes sense fine. Anybody out there with experience with non-standard HVAC systems?
Even if the norm is recommended, anything in particular that I should watch out for that are common HVAC mistakes? Thanks.
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Why not incorporate your backup heat into the destratification system? Then you simply leave the fan "on" and set the thermostat at some safe level like 50 degrees. This would take care of the filtering issue as well. You may have difficulty finding a large enough (Btu) unit with low enough flow that the house won't feel drafty. Though a multi-speed blower motor and creative wiring would take care of the two-speed situation. I can't comment on whether this system would move enough air to prevent stratification in the cooling mode.
-Rob