Scrapiron
ArboristSite Operative
Had an HVAC guy come out to help figure out the rat nest of wires a previous owner left from the thermostats. Anyway, we went up in the attic and he recommended not having the OWB lines in an attic for obvious reasons- possible water damage. Should I be concerned?
The lines were replaced about 7 years ago with PEX and look good. He said that when it gets to about 5- 10 degrees F, the pipes could burst, even with hot water running in them. We're in NC so those days are rare, but can happen.
The upstairs unit is not a heat pump (as the downstairs is), so when using the upstairs system for heat, it's just electric strips ($$). Once we found that out, he said run the OWB, it'll be cheaper... just watch the weather.
We have a 124 year old farmhouse- leaks like a sieve. With the OWB, we keep it a cozy 71- 72 degrees (family at home all day). I'm loading the stove about 3 times a day.. half full loads. Still getting used to it and gauging things. Insulation in the attic is awful, about 6 inches of compressed blow in. I've got some R-13 to lay on top of that (maybe this weekend). All windows were replaced 4 years ago with Low E (vinyl).
I'm going to have to buy a few cords of seasoned wood. I'd rather not burn that load of red oak this year. IMHO, I think that I'll still come out ahead rather than run that upstairs unit.
I do agree with the HVAC guy- the whole upstairs needs to be re-done, unit, duct work, insulation. This was a "buddy job" about 24 yrs ago. One side of the house is hot, the other side cool due to the layout of the ducts (lots of turns) and placement of the unit. I'm already saving for the day that needs to happen.
So after all that... should I be worried about those water pipes (beyond usual caution)?
Thanks-
The lines were replaced about 7 years ago with PEX and look good. He said that when it gets to about 5- 10 degrees F, the pipes could burst, even with hot water running in them. We're in NC so those days are rare, but can happen.
The upstairs unit is not a heat pump (as the downstairs is), so when using the upstairs system for heat, it's just electric strips ($$). Once we found that out, he said run the OWB, it'll be cheaper... just watch the weather.
We have a 124 year old farmhouse- leaks like a sieve. With the OWB, we keep it a cozy 71- 72 degrees (family at home all day). I'm loading the stove about 3 times a day.. half full loads. Still getting used to it and gauging things. Insulation in the attic is awful, about 6 inches of compressed blow in. I've got some R-13 to lay on top of that (maybe this weekend). All windows were replaced 4 years ago with Low E (vinyl).
I'm going to have to buy a few cords of seasoned wood. I'd rather not burn that load of red oak this year. IMHO, I think that I'll still come out ahead rather than run that upstairs unit.
I do agree with the HVAC guy- the whole upstairs needs to be re-done, unit, duct work, insulation. This was a "buddy job" about 24 yrs ago. One side of the house is hot, the other side cool due to the layout of the ducts (lots of turns) and placement of the unit. I'm already saving for the day that needs to happen.
So after all that... should I be worried about those water pipes (beyond usual caution)?
Thanks-