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[moparevers]

I'm wondering where to install my heat exchanger... I took some pics of my furnace... I'm thinking the best spot is just to the left of the filter - where the box opens up right across where the return duct feeds in... situated vertically...

Any other suggestions?

[Scott7m]

I have put them there in the general area of your filter but what's on the supply side that's keeping you from putting it up there

[moparevers]

The top to the furnace is near the ceiling, but there is a little room where the distribution ducts tie in. Didn't think it was enough room / not ideal:

[Scott7m]

If you have 4" between top of plenum where the initial duct comes out until it starts teeing off then you have enough room and don't have to mess with making a new place for filter etc

[moparevers]

I wasn't thinking of moving the filter, I was thinking I'd put the hx just left of the filter in the larger "box" - right where the duct that the filter is in comes in.

I'll look at the top area tonight and take some measurements... This was the area I originally thought to put it, put was concerned about that area being where the two sections come together - its taped all the way around.

The bottom looked like an easier target - but if it will be better up top - I'll try to make that work...

Thanks!

[Scott7m]

There is several advantages to be installed above the fan and other parts but its all preference and sometimes you can't. 

You'll get it either way tho

[moparevers]

Scott,

I was planning on just throwing the outside breaker on the pump in the winter, but ridge is telling me I gotta leave it on for the oil heater in the compressor... which means the pump will still run... I'm simultaneously having a conversation with him and you...

So, Do you have any idea how I solve that problem? keep the oil heater hooked up, but not the heat pump?

Right now, I'm thinking I may be over my head... Should I just bite the bullet and call the company that installed the furnace-heatpump?

[Scott7m]

There is ways around it....   But you may be time and aggravation ahead to call someone and have them install a second thermostat or perhaps a dual heat source thermostat. 

All these furnaces, gas, electric, oil, there all different, there isn't one fix that will cure em all.  So that's where it could be best to have someone familiar with your system to do that part. 

[moparevers]

Could I set it up to where my heat pump only runs on when in AC mode, and my OWB runs in heat mode?

[Scott7m]

Yea u could

U have to normally install another thermostat and use 2 jumper wires from ur existing stat to the new stat

Call me if u want to discuss it in detail, if your willing to try u can do it

606-316-9697
Please leave a message if no answer and I'll get back with u at earliest convienence

[slimjim]

Honeywell 1018 strap on aquastat on the incoming wood boiler line can be used to break on temperture rise and cancel out the heat pump or oil burner with one thermostat

[yoderheating]

If you do drop it in the return be sure you have a bypass. You don't want to take the risk of having the coil hot and the ac come on during a warm day.

[moparevers]

Back to my original problem:  where to put the exchanger,

I measured the are above the furnace/fan box - the consensus "best place" to put it, and the area is only 18x9, and is about 5 inches tall - but it is only 18x9 for 3 inches, then it tapers down into the top of the furnace/ fan box. Really only going to be 18x8 or so with the tapering... and the closest HX I can buy is 18x12... so 3-4 inches will be exposed... and the inlet/outlets are going to be against the wall making this more difficult...

Everyone still think this will be the best place to put it? and is 18x9 enough area for me to heat 2000+/- SF?

[Scott7m]

Yea sounds like it could be to much of a hassle up there...  May just need to go with the original plan for ease of install.

18x9 is big enough but it still sounds like its gonna be a hassle, I've got houses over 4000sq ft on 12x18

[moparevers]

Thanks for all the info scott.

Not sure what I'm gonna do just yet...