[Bob Sanders]

The wife wanted to roast marshmallows so I set up a little log near the condenser (it was running at the time)

Noticed the flame was leaning into the condenser a little. Just out of curiosity I went in to check the delta temperature.
I raised it almost 3 degrees with that little flame!

 

[user_12345a]

What's the BTU/hr output of this log vs the increase of btu input into the house.

The efficiency of this booster is likely very low.

3 x 1600cfm for 4 ton x 1.08 = 5184 btu/hr

I'm estimating that this log puts out 15000-30 000 btu/hr based on the size of this flame.

Go back to the drawing board. :devil3:

 

[roughneck]

Several years ago, I came across a recently built office building with a condenser farm outside (had around 6-8 units). The installing contractor had never installed back up heat, and it was now 15* outside. Heat pumps couldn't keep up and it was going to be over a day till I could get and install enough electric heat packs. So I went to grainger, bought 2 large torpedo heaters, built a cover around the units to keep the heat in, and fired them into the covered area. Brought the building right up to temperature.

 

[yuri]

I can get you a large pile of hacked up construction lumber from the condo site next to me for free. They are giving it away to anyone with a truck. All you need is a grate and you get free BTU's.:wink2: