Installing and Explaining a Basement HVAC System

Project: Basement Finishing and Family Space, Episode 3, Part 1



Bob is in Melrose where John Ambrosino of Total Temperature Control installs the new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Because of clearance issues, the unit is installed horizontally and tied to the joists with steel rods. Ambrosino explains how the unit pulls air in for exchange, to be heated or cooled, then pushes it through a fan and into the ducts for circulation. The 16 SEER unit is very big for maximum efficiency, quiet operation, and up to 45 percent savings over current energy costs. Mark Hagan shows Bob the Trane CleanEffects whole-house three-stage air-cleaning system that cleans the air of 99.98 percent of particulates, filtering first for large particles, then charging the small particles and capturing them in a collection filter for healthy indoor air. Don Adams of Bond-Tite Tank Service shows Bob how they move the oil tank, reattach it, set it in a trough to catch leaks and drips, and apply Tank-Guard to isolate condensing water and prevent tank corrosion. Bob talks to Howard Brickman about how to control squeaking floors either by drawing the wood floor tight against the subfloor with screws, connecting blocking to the joists and subfloor from below, or shimming the space between the subfloor and joists.

Part 1: Installing and Explaining a Basement HVAC System
Bob reviews the work done so far in the basement remodeling project in Melrose, MA, 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 talks to Mark Hagan of Trane about indoor air quality in the basement remodeling project. Hagan explains that the unit installed in the house will filter out particles common in the home such as dust, pet dander, and pollen. Hagan pulls the unit apart to show the multiple filters used in cleaning the air. The first filter catches the larger particles. The next filter is a field charger, which charges the smaller particles as they pass. The last filter has the opposite charge to attract the charged particles and capture them. The filters can all be manually cleaned so replacement filters are not necessary. The unit itself is also extremely quiet.
Part 2: Moving an Existing Oil Tank
Part 3: Fixing Squeaky Floors

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