Calling all home HVAC specialists - I need your help.

[DukeCanBuildit]

Just wondering if we have any members who are experienced HVAC technicians. I’ve moved into a new place and I’ve inherited some gremlins from the previous owner.

Venmar HRV - Constructo 2.0
I’m having issues with my Venmar HRV and I think I’ve isolated the problem but need some advice on motor testing/replacement.

Heat-N-Glo Escape 36DV
As well, I have a direct vent gas fireplace insert with some flame height/burner issues. The burner was MacGyvered in the past and I need to correct the issues that were created.

DM me if you think you can help me out - much appreciated.

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[AzScorpion]

Ted @Roofhopper is an HVAC tech but I haven't seen him around here in a while and by his profile it's been over a year.

Have you tried calling the manufacturers of these units and seeing if one of their techs can help? I was having a problem with the vent free fireplace here at the house we're renting and of course the manufacturer went out of business a few years ago. I did find a local company who was familiar with them and they were able to walk me through a few things over the phone and gave me some tips too.

Or, you could just replace them both and let Mrs Duke spend more money! ??

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

Ted @Roofhopper is an HVAC tech but I haven't seen him around here in a while and by his profile it's been over a year.

Have you tried calling the manufacturers of these units and seeing if one of their techs can help? I was having a problem with the vent free fireplace here at the house we're renting and of course the manufacturer went out of business a few years ago. I did find a local company who was familiar with them and they were able to walk me through a few things over the phone and gave me some tips too.

Or, you could just replace them both and let Mrs Duke spend more money! ??

Oh, she’s got it all figured out - she’s more than one step ahead of me. When it comes to appliances, mechanical systems, or anything technical with the house, Mrs. DukeCanBuildit would rather have me fix it and save all that money to buy new stuff - you know, just for her.

I’ve gone as far as I can get with the manufacturers and local dealer/installers. They’re very good at helping with some of the troubleshooting and get you to the point of you need a new “motor assembly” $800 or “burner assembly” $900.

In reality, I just need the motor or even a rebuilt one from a motor rewind shop. And I might only need a new gasket for the 2-piece burner or to make one. This is where the knowledge of an experienced tech is going to really be helpful. Hopefully @Roofhopper or another member sees this post. ?

And just think how happy my wife will be. ?

 

[Roofhopper]

Oh, she’s got it all figured out - she’s more than one step ahead of me. When it comes to appliances, mechanical systems, or anything technical with the house, Mrs. DukeCanBuildit would rather have me fix it and save all that money to buy new stuff - you know, just for her.

I’ve gone as far as I can get with the manufacturers and local dealer/installers. They’re very good at helping with some of the troubleshooting and get you to the point of you need a new “motor assembly” $800 or “burner assembly” $900.

In reality, I just need the motor or even a rebuilt one from a motor rewind shop. And I might only need a new gasket for the 2-piece burner or to make one. This is where the knowledge of an experienced tech is going to really be helpful. Hopefully @Roofhopper or another member sees this post. ?

And just think how happy my wife will be. ?

When it comes to fractional HP specific RPM motors you are often pigeon holed into using OEM. Having a motor rewound is cost prohibitive until you get up into 25+HP. Feel free to DM if you need

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

When it comes to fractional HP specific RPM motors you are often pigeon holed into using OEM. Having a motor rewound is cost prohibitive until you get up into 25+HP. Feel free to DM if you need

Thanks Ted, maybe I won’t need to visit a rewind shop afterall. DM sent.

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

Well, thanks to Ted, it looks like my HRV motor woes can be solved easily. Now I just need to find someone who knows gas fireplaces inside out - anybody out there?

 

[Trigganometry]

I’ve done my fair share of repairs over the years. For motors Fasco is probably the OEM for anything heat related and mainly exhaust fans.

I just swapped out my natural gas regulator on my furnace. Replacement was an upgrade to original.

What you do is look at motor for some part number. Then do a cross reference search and then the newer stuff appears.

With some photos I could probably guide you through it

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

I’ve done my fair share of repairs over the years. For motors Fasco is probably the OEM for anything heat related and mainly exhaust fans.

I just swapped out my natural gas regulator on my furnace. Replacement was an upgrade to original.

What you do is look at motor for some part number. Then do a cross reference search and then the newer stuff appears.

With some photos I could probably guide you through it

Thanks Rick. The HRV motor‘s the easy part - GE parts. It’s the gas fireplace that’s giving me grief - I’ll DM you the details.

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

Well, I can’t say enough good things about the fine folks on this forum. Whether it’s sound advice on our Rangers or information on topics not related to our trucks, there are very helpful people on here who are quick to share their experience and expertise with other members.

I recently moved into my new place and inherited some unexpected issues with a few of the home’s systems. @Roofhopper and @Trigganometry gave me the information I needed to move forward with some repairs and now things are running smoothly and properly.

Thanks guys - you both saved me some money and some frustration. I really appreciate it. ?

Shout out to @AzScorpion for suggesting Ted might be able to help.

Love this forum!

 

[AzScorpion]

Well, I can’t say enough good things about the fine folks on this forum. Whether it’s sound advice on our Rangers or information on topics not related to our trucks, there are very helpful people on here who are quick to share their experience and expertise with other members.

I recently moved into my new place and inherited some unexpected issues with a few of the home’s systems. @Roofhopper and @Trigganometry gave me the information I needed to move forward with some repairs and now things are running smoothly and properly.

Thanks guys - you both saved me some money and some frustration. I really appreciate it. ?

Shout out to @AzScorpion for suggesting Ted might be able to help.

Love this forum!

You're not out of the woods yet!

Any money you "think" you saved will soon be gone. Annie will be there right after New Years to help Mrs Duke decorate and buy all new furniture. ?

 

[TJC]

I just replaced the fan motor in my split system air handler. The motor was no longer in production and I found some new old stock for $400-$500. I then went to ebay and found a a seller that had 3 new in box unopened for $99!. I jumped on it. Replaced the start capacitor at the same time. Had to wait 5 days to receive it, but it was identical to what came out. Had it replaced in 35 minutes. I then upgraded the filters in both my systems to metal electrostatic units. No more buying filters any longer. Just wash them every month or two with garden hose, let dry and reinstall them. So far the dust is down so I know they are working as designed.

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

@AzScorpion

Most of it is brand new now and a cousin’s kids have all the stuff from our place in Toronto. And just when I thought it was over, a Stressless chair showed up.

Stressless, my eye - now I break into a cold sweat whenever I see a box truck or a cube van.

 

[Roofhopper]

I just replaced the fan motor in my split system air handler. The motor was no longer in production and I found some new old stock for $400-$500. I then went to ebay and found a a seller that had 3 new in box unopened for $99!. I jumped on it. Replaced the start capacitor at the same time. Had to wait 5 days to receive it, but it was identical to what came out. Had it replaced in 35 minutes. I then upgraded the filters in both my systems to metal electrostatic units. No more buying filters any longer. Just wash them every month or two with garden hose, let dry and reinstall them. So far the dust is down so I know they are working as designed.

Stock up on ionizer wires for those. They work great for a couple years. But will become unserviceable regardless of cleaning frequency. If you get tired of cleaning them and replacing wires, a 4” box filter will fit in the cabinet

 

[TJC]

Stock up on ionizer wires for those. They work great for a couple years. But will become unserviceable regardless of cleaning frequency. If you get tired of cleaning them and replacing wires, a 4” box filter will fit in the cabinet

Thanks for the heads up!

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

Hey @Roofhopper , speaking of 4” box filters…

It comes out if you crush it a bit. ??‍ No way I’m getting an electrostatic filter in there - the water heater is on the other side. Oh, and it’s not even installed properly for the proper direction of air flow.

Previous owner (a contractor) and his buddy while renovating the basement…
”Code says the wall’s gotta be this far from the furnace”.
”Okay, here, hold the chalk line on this mark“.

I guess these things happen but I sure hate inheritating other people’s mistakes. ?

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