Maybe you can try sealing off a few vents upstairs.
Obviously due to the heat rising the upstairs will always been a few degrees warmer.

11/10/2010 11:59:47 AM

^you don't want to seal off vents. It won't really give you any benefit. Higher energy to run the fan and you'll just have more leakage/thermal energy loss in the ducts the air is re-routed through.

Is this a single unit for the whole house? (I'm guessing so simply because of the size even though it is two stories, but just wanted to be sure).

11/10/2010 12:31:11 PM

Yep, single unit.

I have two vents downstairs, one in the kitchen and one in the den.

I have three vents upstairs, two in the master and one in the 2nd bedroom.

The downstairs is a lot more spacious (no doors, open hallways between the den and kitchen).

11/10/2010 12:56:56 PM

^^

Really? I've heard you should close vents in rooms you don't use often. Won't it result in more hot air being pushed through the other vents?

11/10/2010 1:18:08 PM

I'll repost something I posted in chit chat a long time ago:

Quote :

"in part, yes. But your house duct is almost definitely not rated for the increased pressure of forcing more air through it, resulting in duct leakage = wasted energy in the air that is leaking out. The fan is also having to work harder & will draw more energy in order to account for the increased pressure in the ductwork. this increased amount of energy required generally offsets or surpasses the savings you think you are accumulating."

Closing or partially closing vents on the top floor and leaving the first floor vents open *may* temporarily fix the temperature problem but there is no guarantee besides the fact that you're operating costs increase.

And, depending on what the problem is, how the air is currently distributed, and how much leakage your ducts are going to have, how open the two floors are etc. there is a good chance the temperature won't actually work out that way anyway as you'll just leak the extra air and heat our through the first floor duct.

I'm not really 100% sure what the problem is here though. My guess is just poor distribution. Two outlet vents downstairs sounds like a pretty small amount. How many ft² is your first floor? Since this is a two floor, single unit system, is the distribution coming from the ceiling in your first floor? Or is it coming in at the floor level from the crawl space?

[Edited on November 10, 2010 at 1:36 PM. Reason : .]

11/10/2010 1:28:56 PM

My bad.

http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/myths/vents.html

11/10/2010 1:48:00 PM

No problem. It is a common mistake that I made myself until a few years ago.

11/10/2010 1:50:13 PM

Square footage is about equal in both floors...maybe slightly larger in the first floor, but not enough to make a difference.

Distribution (I'm guessing where the vents are at??) on both floors come from the ceiling.

I get the feeling it's just weak distribution. I'm okay with a 5 or so degree difference between the floors, but it's not even that cold right now (dips into the low 50s, sometimes high 40s at night), and I wake up all warm in bed and go downstairs and it's freezing. Pretty much have to put on a couple layers to eat my breakfast and watch ESPN in the morning.

11/10/2010 1:59:24 PM

Yes, by distribution I meant the vents.

I have seen pictures of your house in the past but can't remember exactly how it is set up (I think it is fairly open though). Either way two vents seems really low unless you don't have a lot of windows on the first floor. Obviously the layout plays into it some. For example, my first floor is ~1000 ft² and has 8 supply registers (located in the floor). That is 1 register/125 ft² where you have 1 per ~300 ft².

We have 1 next to the front door, 1 in the kitchen, and all the other ones are under the window/bank of windows located around the first floor.

So, depending on how many windows you have and the placement of your grills, that could be a problem right there. Also, heat being supplied from the floor helps a lot during the winter due to heat wanting to rise. Heat supplied from the floor gets to mix with the cooler room air as it tries to rise, resulting in better room heating. Heat supplied from the ceiling doesn't get to mix as well unless it has some decent throw/velocity to it.

You'll see it done both ways and neither is wrong and depends on the house setup (slab vs crawlspace etc.), but it definitely can make a difference.

11/10/2010 2:21:08 PM

anyone have any experience with electric push mowers?

my natural inclination is that they'd suck ass but the reviews seem ok.

side note:

suggest to me a reasonably priced push mower for a small yard. i dont really think self-propelled is a must, but rather a luxury.

11/10/2010 3:06:48 PM

I use an electric weed wacker/edger. Words great, but you'll def want a spare battery.

11/10/2010 3:08:12 PM

yeah being cordless isn't a must either.

[Edited on November 10, 2010 at 3:11 PM. Reason : ^model? i'm in that market too]

11/10/2010 3:10:33 PM

Quote :

"suggest to me a reasonably priced push mower for a small yard. i dont really think self-propelled is a must, but rather a luxury."

How big is the yard?? I have a relatively small yard and I got one of these:



And it's AWESOME. Self sharpening blades so I don't have to worry about that. Since it doesn't do as well when the grass gets really high, it makes me mow the grass more often...keeps me on my toes kinda thing.

It's just nice not to have to worry about all the problems that can be caused by a motor and always having to get gas.

11/10/2010 4:25:50 PM

Quote :

"So, depending on how many windows you have and the placement of your grills, that could be a problem right there. Also, heat being supplied from the floor helps a lot during the winter due to heat wanting to rise. Heat supplied from the floor gets to mix with the cooler room air as it tries to rise, resulting in better room heating. Heat supplied from the ceiling doesn't get to mix as well unless it has some decent throw/velocity to it. "

I've actually got a ton of windows downstairs, that combined with the two vents in the ceiling contributes to why its so cold.

I think it's a problem I'm just going to have to deal with. The windows don't do a good job keeping out the cold either because they are single pane (Charleston Historic Board of Architectural Review won't allow double pane windows downtown...ridiculous).

11/10/2010 4:29:10 PM

^^ interesting. i hadnt even really considered reel mowers, but the reviews look good. have any issues with graded ground?

it's 0.25 acres, in southeast texas. i think it's St. Augustine. sod was just laid like three weeks ago.

11/10/2010 4:41:59 PM

Quote :

"have any issues with graded ground? "

I'm retarded, what does that mean?

[Edited on November 10, 2010 at 4:53 PM. Reason : .]

11/10/2010 4:52:58 PM

Quote :

"i dont really think self-propelled is a must, but rather a luxury."

imo self-propelled is a hinderance for a smaller yard, especially one with a lot of trees or bushes....the short periods of self propulsion are outweighed by the extra weight around obstacles

^^^^do you not have any issues with the clippings killing/choking out the grass?

[Edited on November 10, 2010 at 4:56 PM. Reason : ^]

11/10/2010 4:55:47 PM

^Nope. I don't let my grass get too high, but even if it gets a little high, there don't seem to be enough clippings for that to happen.

It came with a bag, which worked pretty well, but I found it unnecessary.

11/10/2010 4:58:59 PM

sloped

11/10/2010 5:02:03 PM

My yard has barely any slope, but I don't see where it would be a problem.

I usually mow my whole yard in one direction, then turn around and mow it in the opposite direction. Then I'll edge with the weed eater, come back and see blades that I missed, and go back over it with the mower again. I'm kinda obsessive about it.

It does a fine job, but every now and then you'll have to go over a spot or two.

11/10/2010 5:05:03 PM

Quote :

"'ve actually got a ton of windows downstairs, that combined with the two vents in the ceiling contributes to why its so cold. I think it's a problem I'm just going to have to deal with. The windows don't do a good job keeping out the cold either because they are single pane (Charleston Historic Board of Architectural Review won't allow double pane windows downtown...ridiculous)."

yikes! Yea that's your problem (the lack of vents combined with the amount of windows). That single pane window rule is just stupid. Of all the things to complain about...let's be as inefficient as possible for something very few people will ever notice while driving through downtown Charleston... /facepalm

If you aren't opposed to using some nice curtains you can get some nice ones that do a good job of adding some insulation over the windows but outside of that I think it'll just be a little chilly down there without some sort of space heater or using the fireplace.

11/10/2010 5:19:49 PM

^I've got plantation shutters. I try to keep them open during the day to let the sunlight in and them close them once the sun gets out of reach...but its always hard to stay on top of that.

Luckily I don't have to deal with that for too long during the year, but I'll just have to sweatshirt it up for a few weeks/months during the year.

11/10/2010 5:21:54 PM

Quote :

"^model? i'm in that market too"

I think it's this.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001Q2EMU/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_2?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B002SEAOTI&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0FSY3SPY3ZEK30ZAR3EY

11/10/2010 6:06:21 PM

i have a reel mower that i used for months before i could afford a powered one. i still use it every once in a while. my yard is 2/3rds of an acre. i really liked it. there's something really nice about cutting the grass without all that racket. they make baskets that attach to the back to pick up clippings too.

11/10/2010 10:48:49 PM

Quote :

"^model? i'm in that market too"

I've also got one of these:

http://www.lowes.com/pd_65020-70-NST2018++1_4294857364+4294898872_4294937087_?productId=3117753&Ns=p_product_prd_lis_ord_nbr|0||p_product_quantity_sold|1&pl=1¤tURL=%2Fpl_BLACK%2BDECKER_4294857364%2B4294898872_4294937087_%3FNs%3Dp_product_prd_lis_ord_nbr|0||p_product_quantity_sold|1

And it's been extremely solid. I actually use it mostly for edging, but does a great job with the weed-eating as well. Again...I just like not having to deal with gas.

11/11/2010 8:29:49 AM

My advice on lawn tools, as I have more than most people, is if you cannot afford something good new, do not buy something shitty. Go to craigslist, and buy something used. I have done very well with craigslist, paying $125 for a $300 backpack blower, and I payed $200 for a barely used $500 leaf vacuum.

You dont want somebody's barely running 15 year old lawn mower, but there are some good brands out there that last. My Honda mower is 8 years old, and the thing still cranks on the first pull.

11/11/2010 9:40:10 AM

I also have a reel mower (I have a self-propelled push mower too, but I use the reel mower more). My only gripe with it is that it is only 16" wide and takes about 2 hours to mow my 1/3 AC lot. I want a riding mower (with no deck) and a 3-gang pull type reel mower set.

These types of mowers work really well for a warm-season grass that likes to be mowed at +/- 1".

Also, they are practically free to run and only require sharpening once or twice a year (just as much as a rotary mower).

11/11/2010 10:23:18 AM

I am currently looking at a FSBO. We signed a contract and come to find out she has a co-ownership with her ex-husband and "has been working to resolve the issue" who did not sign said contract (making it useless). Does any one know what the house-sale-in-divorce-proceedings process looks like/duration?

11/11/2010 4:41:38 PM

I got screwed on a car purchase once like that. Since the title wasn't clear, we technically didn't have insurance on the car and the dealership repo'd it.

I guess a house sale would depend on how shitty the divorce settlement is going. If one of the two owners will not sign off on the contract, you can't buy it.

11/11/2010 5:35:42 PM

luckily i know before we get too far down the road. thing is the divorce seems like it was settled some time ago but they still have this lingering interest in the house.

wife said something about ahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quitclaim_deed should have been setup long before but this lady is a total flake.

11/11/2010 6:32:09 PM

We've found a leak in our bay window, and unfortunately it looks like the source of the leak will be our problem and not covered by HOA (townhome).

We need new windows anyway, but the leak has damaged dry wall, the interior sill, and possibly part of the floor . We're looking at $Texas.

11/12/2010 9:37:46 AM

spent a lot of time on Sunday starting to case/trim the two doorways I was talking about earlier.

But a little dremel multi-tool that made it a TON easier to cut off just enough baseboard to make room for the trim without having to mess with the whole run of it and risk it cracking, breaking, etc.

Went with a slightly different style that has ended up taking longer than I thought so I'll have to finish it next weekend probably but it is sort of styled like this:

(well I can't find any pics at work, I'll just post some when I get this all done).

Basically doesn't use any milled molding on the sides or across the top like the standard mitered set up. It just has flat (rounded edges) 4" vertical boards, a 1'x2" across horizontally, a 1"x6" header board on top of that and then a little trim around the top of the header board. It involves more cutting and more nails but isn't hard to do.

Hopefully it looks good when we finish it.

[Edited on November 16, 2010 at 8:46 AM. Reason : .]

11/16/2010 8:40:05 AM

ok...so i've got a hot water heater problem. I replaced the heating elements when i bought the place about 3 years ago. the hotwater heater is prob 7 years old.

sometimes the water is fine. lots of hot water.

other times (especially in the morning) it is lukewarm at best and makes for a grumpy start to my day.

worst times are when it starts to get cold at night, the water is FREEZING and turns out the breaker is popped. This prob happens at least once every two weeks during the winter, and more often if it gets really cold.

anybody have any idea why the breaker keeps popping? is it an electrican issue for which i should have an electrician look at it? is it something i can work on myself? would a new water heater solve the problem?

any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

11/16/2010 2:48:13 PM

I don't know much about water heaters but the first thing I would check would be related to the temperature sensors.

11/16/2010 2:55:46 PM

^i've got a new thermostat i was going to try first...

11/16/2010 2:57:09 PM

bad elements can cause the breaker to trip. and there are numerous things that can cause the elements to go bad.

11/16/2010 9:31:24 PM

So I want to add an oversized 2 car carport. I just want to add a roof over my cars to keep the sap, bird feces, and tree banches from falling on them. I searched wakegov.com but did not see anything in regards to permit requirements for such a structure. http://www.gaport.com/ will setup and install a 24' x 26' 12 ga. galv. steel carport for roughly $2,000. 20 year corrosion warranty sounds nice...

Anyone have any experience or suggestions you can share?

11/18/2010 10:01:10 PM

fairly new homeowner here...if I turn up the temperature on my gas water heater, will this increase my gas bill at all?

11/19/2010 8:46:29 AM

yes, bc it's using more gas to keep it hot.

11/19/2010 10:56:29 AM

yeah i figured...just didnt' know for sure...we'll see how much different it is

11/19/2010 2:21:51 PM

Quote :

"ok...so i've got a hot water heater problem. I replaced the heating elements when i bought the place about 3 years ago. the hotwater heater is prob 7 years old. sometimes the water is fine. lots of hot water. other times (especially in the morning) it is lukewarm at best and makes for a grumpy start to my day. worst times are when it starts to get cold at night, the water is FREEZING and turns out the breaker is popped. This prob happens at least once every two weeks during the winter, and more often if it gets really cold. anybody have any idea why the breaker keeps popping? is it an electrican issue for which i should have an electrician look at it? is it something i can work on myself? would a new water heater solve the problem? any help would be appreciated. Thanks!"

i had this happen multiple times. first few times it was years apart, pretty normal. the last time it was due to the thermostat on the waterheater going bad. that was easy to replace and def. worth it since the rest of the unit was still good.

a friend had their elements short out due to nasty crap buildup. flushing the heater and putting a whole house filter on the cold water line took care of that.

11/19/2010 4:28:20 PM

^5 permit is "required" for pretty much anything you build on your property that has a roof or supports people. That said, I would skip it as long as I knew that it was 15' from my property line (setbacks for zoning) and my neighbors wouldn't complain (gal. carports aren't the prettiest thing in the world and a complaint can bring an inspector out who would know it wasn't permitted. Right now the construction industry is slow and that means fewer permits and less $ for the department/city/county so some jurisdictions are being a pain in the ass.

11/19/2010 7:16:10 PM

^6 Anything structural will require a permit.

11/20/2010 6:21:12 PM

Ordered a new samsung washer/dryer to be delivered just after thanksgiving.

The woe was more spending all that money, but these old units that came with the place don't do a good job, are loud, and are about to die. Also bought a 4 year extended warranty because it was less than half the cost of one unit and they only come with one year warranties.

It will also be super nice to have non mildewy towels as soon as they come out of the dryer. I don't get why the hell the washer can't get them clean so I assume it's just a piece. Water temperature, soap amount, water level settings, cycle type, etc don't seem to make much of a difference.

11/20/2010 11:30:53 PM

of course my hot water heater would fail and dump, requiring a replacement, a week before my company buyout on my old house.

[Edited on November 22, 2010 at 10:08 AM. Reason : e]

11/22/2010 10:08:10 AM

^ did a little more looking into it...

The buyout period opens today.

I could have the company take over the title today, but since it failed last night, I am liable for the damage and the replacement, since the title is still under my name.

I plan to take the buyout.

If it'd had lasted another day, I'd have several hundred more dollar bucks.

fuck.

me.

11/22/2010 3:00:09 PM

[Edited on November 26, 2010 at 9:09 PM. Reason : .]

11/26/2010 9:09:22 PM

Leaves. I hate them. This is the 3rd weekend in a row that I've blown leaves and I still have 4 1/2 trees that haven't dropped yet. My lot is not big (a little under 1/2 acre). I'm starting to think there's a conspiracy going on with my neighbors or something...

11/28/2010 5:49:56 PM

^ I'm just saying "fuck it" til after new years. My neighbor has a monster tree that sheds about a trash bag's worth of leaves on my yard on the daily. Once it stops I'll get on it. But I'm not wasting a couple hours every week to do something that will be covered up in two days.

11/29/2010 7:41:02 AM

Yea, I'm just waiting until almost all of the leaves from my trees and the neighbors' trees fall before I do anything.

11/29/2010 8:53:23 AM