Community Forums

Swing · 02-07-2013, 06:45 PM

Clueless newbie question. In searching for a DP I've run across more than one stating basement cooling. I understand the value of a heated basement but not cooled. Does this mean that the cooling is ducted thru the basement or that the basement is actually cooled? And, if it is just ducted thru (which makes more sense) what are the pros & cons of this? Cool air sinks while hot air rises at least that was what I was taught back when trans Atlantic/Pacific flights were made in a propped tail dragger.

Jawja Sailor · 02-07-2013, 06:51 PM

It merely means it has the AC units in the basement rather than on the roof. It makes for much cleaner lines ... and less storage.

4cole_man2 · 02-07-2013, 07:01 PM

Go over to the Winnebago forum and do a search for basement air.
Lots of discussion on the subject over there.

smlranger · 02-07-2013, 07:02 PM

Most of those units (many Winnebagos for example) use a residential-type heat pump that is placed under the living area of the coach usually in the rear. They provide cooling and heat. The heating capability of them is limited by the outside temp so once the heat pump is not able to provide sufficient heat, the LP furnace kicks on.

The 'basement' heat pump in my Winnebago cools the coach well and, when in the heat mode, will provide sufficent heating down to an outside temp of 34-36F.

Some folks have not been satisifed with the cooling ability of some of these units especially in larger coaches with dark exterior paint and when used in very hot weather. There have been a number of folks who decided to add one roof top AC unit to supplement the basement unit. Our heat pump/AC cools us fine in a 36' coach with light exterior color scheme.

The obvious advantage of the basement units is they unclutter the roof. A disadvantage is they take up otherwise usable storage space. Also, some folks complain of noise in the sleep area (since most of them are in the rear of the coach under the sleep area). We don't mind the drone of the unit when it is running.

Swing · 02-07-2013, 07:29 PM

Thx, good info. Makes sense now. So far, the Winnies are a strong contender in our search, so good to know.

phinneyj · 02-08-2013, 01:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swing

Thx, good info. Makes sense now. So far, the Winnies are a strong contender in our search, so good to know.

Winnebago is one that ranks high in the quality department from what I have learned so far. Good luck on the search. Our search ended Dec 28th when I drove the beast home. Had it a month and it is at the dealer for fixing the issues that sprang up. Nothing real big, and for a nine year old she seems to be in pretty good shape. I really feel more confidant with our purchase the more I learn and a lot of that is through this forum. Kind of my support group while the coach is in the shop.

Gormie · 02-12-2013, 03:57 AM

Don't feel dumb for asking that question I was wondering the same thing when I heard the term basement A C Wondered why you would want to cool basement. lol Thats why us "Newbies" learn alot from these forums.

phinneyj · 02-12-2013, 11:25 AM

The only dumb question is the one you don't ask. This forum helps me not to ask to many.

dls461 · 02-12-2013, 03:00 PM

It is a basement A/C residential unit. It gives the MH a lower center of gravity if that is a concern. It does take up storage space. In talking with people that have them, if they need serviced, you need a "forklift" to remove the unit from the basement. Some complain of lack of proper cooling and noisy at night. I don't believe Winnie does this anymore on their newer MH's.. Don't have one so can just pass on what I've been told!

t55watson · 02-12-2013, 03:13 PM

Our HR has basement AC. Located under the couch so no bedroom noise. The problem I have is if only 30 amp service is available only 1 compressor works and it has a hard time keeping the house cool. As a matter of fact if it gets hot in the house before the AC is turned on it can't ever get the temp down enough to be comfortable. To clarify some of the above. The AC has 2 compressors. to run both, 50 amps is required. If only 30 amps is available only 1 comp. will run (1/2 power).
Roof airs are similar except most are set up to run alternately so cooling is switchted from 1 to other to spread the workload and the distribution of cooled air.