( judging by the results, it's obvious that they weren't !)
SMOKIN'
Now this radiant installer was thinking ahead. Since the water they ran through the tubing was soooo hot, it actually left marks in the linoleum flooring so you don't have to worry where the tube is when you put nails in the floor! What a nice guy
You are looking at what we consider a time bomb. The installer of the baseboard tubing cut the pipe a little too short and could not allow the manufacturer's minimum bend radius of 6 inches so he just used the optional 3/4 inch radius to make things work. Pex tubing is a great material when use correctly, this ,however, is far from a safe installation. Repairing this "oops" required the removal of ceiling, wall, and some extensive drywall and painting ( for the second time. The first connection the tech made leaked and ruined the walls and ceiling several months after installed)
if I bend it a little more, I think it will fit
duct disaster 101
Having a bad air day? This homeowner had 8 years of bad air days before we removed the systems and replaced the ugly ductling the hvac contractors installed. This client's home required the replacement of 3 air handlers ( we reduced the installation to two systems with zoning) and a large part of the duct system. Now the owners enjoy variable speed Trane comfort without the "ambiance" of a jet running through their ducts.
Apparently this technician never looked at the installation guide for this oil boiler barometric damper. The angled smoke pipe on the right requires a vertical or horizontal section to mount the barometric damper. This installation shows the device on its back, unable to operate as the weighted pendulum it is designed after. Another major OOPS was the fact that the technicians could not understand why the smoke pipe rotted off of these boilers every year. Instead of correcting the problem ( flue gas temperature was far too low and the oil vapor condensed in the chimney and the resulting acid deteriorated the metal venting) they outsmarted the issue and replaced it with rot proof stainless steel. Unfortunately, the condensation ate away at the masonry chimney and requires a liner ( lots of $) to correct.
snow cone anyone?
A poorly installed refrigerant line ( two on the same project ) leaked all of the R22 refrigerant ( R22 refrigerant is a devastating global warming issue due to the chlorine in the mixture) leading to higher utility bills until it finally failed. This is the wonderful view I walked in on when I arrived. The ceiling inside was also damaged from the frost melting and dripping from above.
another flex duct nightmare
I guess structure trumps airflow
Orchard Valley Heating and Cooling has been presented with two national design / installation awards this past year! A Radiant Panel Association System Showcase award and most recently, a Contracting Business magazine "Quality Home Comfort Award" for a radiant / hydro-air residence in Heath Mass. This remarkable home was designed by Austin Design of Colrain MASS (413-624-9669) and features an amazing indoor lap pool. Take a look at the awards page for more info. This is the 7th first place award in the past 8 years. If you are in the market for quality- you are at the right place!!
