So lately when running the unit at work the office heats up unbearably by then end of the day. If we put it on "cool" nothing happens. Same thing for auto. By the end of the day it's 78 degrees in the office, when it's set for 70. The HVAC guy came and said "it's winter. You can't use AC in winter. All these lights and computers heat up the office. You'll need to pay for some device which will allow you to use AC". Keep in mind that this unit is less than 1 year old. I call complete BS, but don't know enough about heating and air to truly call him out on it. Anyone got some advice?

1/13/2010 10:17:05 PM

Just tell your boss it's illegal for you to work in an office that's 78 degrees.

You know, since that's what you do, and all.

1/13/2010 10:18:22 PM

I know my apt building literally turns off the AC functioning for their multipurpose rooms/common areas/hallways during the winter

1/13/2010 10:19:31 PM

no windows?

1/13/2010 10:22:42 PM

I could conceivably see a commercial system not having a cooling component, but if the AC works in the summer, then it should work even better in the winter.

1/13/2010 10:40:32 PM

The HVAC guy is absolutely right. You can't run typical central AC units in the winter because the the compressor is located outside and the cold air chills the compressor oil causing refrigerant to migrate and condense into the crankcase, thereby not able to cool the air much if at all.. Even in temps lower than 60-65 deg F, running the AC causes the evaporator coil to freeze up into a block of ice, blocking the flow of refrigerant and further sludging the oil and loading down the compressor motor.

so not only will your AC not cool anything, running it will probably damage the system, and force you to have to replace the compressor when the bearings eventually burn up..

to safely run central AC in cold weather you need to buy and install a crankcase heater to keep the crankcase oil temp higher than the rest of the system, and a low ambient kit to keep the evaporator coil from clogging with ice.

and yes, Virginia, computers and other power consuming devices do generate heat. that's why it's warm inside. amazing, i know. so open a window or buy a fan.

and finally, please just stick to doing your own job, and let the trained mechanics do theirs. they aren't out to screw you, you know. they're just tired of having to explain everything to idiots who won't ever believe them anyhow, and will accuse them of trying to rip everyone off.







[Edited on January 13, 2010 at 11:09 PM. Reason : ]

1/13/2010 10:56:00 PM

1/13/2010 11:00:20 PM

^ well, that's just nuts

1/13/2010 11:04:02 PM

I came in here thinking your boss took a ride in the HVAC guys van. Creepy

1/13/2010 11:04:57 PM

Quote :

"I call complete BS, but don't know enough about heating and air to truly call him out on it. Anyone got some advice?"

actually, i just made everything up. You're right, the guy is an incompetent and a thief. you should tell him he's a flaming douchebag and your grandma could do a better job.

and call him out in front of as many people as you can.

1/13/2010 11:11:31 PM

cracking a window really does sound like a good idea

1/13/2010 11:25:39 PM

Can't you just turn on the fan to draw in the outside air?

1/13/2010 11:36:11 PM

Can't you just take your pants off?

1/13/2010 11:40:53 PM

^wtf is that about?

1/13/2010 11:42:05 PM

Quote :

"I came in here thinking your boss took a ride in on the HVAC guys vanpenis"

1/13/2010 11:43:02 PM

just another instance when a woman running her mouth about something she knows nothing about.

1/13/2010 11:58:19 PM