The Same, Only Better +HVAC Addendum

State and Notre Dame are amazingly alike.

Run first, pass second. Rely on defense. Smart quarterbacks. Essentially traditional style football teams.

Notre Dame is the better version.

Hines getting injured and out of the game was, as they say, a game changer. With that one key player missing, went from a run team to a passing team. Also, we lost two guys in the defensive line rotation - which was a big factor in Notre Dame being able to run so well as the game went on.

With all of that - we just couldn't get going in the second half.

I don't like excuses - but the ref's gave the interception and touchdown to ND. Everybody in the stadium and watching on TV saw the offsides, it wasn't even close. State had a free play and just tossed the ball out there to see if we could get some big yards - didn't expect the interception to matter since the play was coming back. And no flag.

Also, the fourth down try at the end zone was the correct call. Under the circumstances - I'd call that every time. We just didn't score. But, even if those two plays turned out the opposite - ND would still have won by a touchdown. Which is about what would should be expected.

Disappointing loss - but not a disappointing season. The program is progressing very nicely.

We'll be a solid underdog next week against Clemson. I hope we put up a better fight.

We'll see.

HVAC Addendum

Got home Friday and the Heat Pump was running - but no air blowing.

Hmmm - maybe a fan motor or switch?

Turns out - neither.

The contactor (on / off switch) on the heat pump fused shut (on). Very unusual. The compressor would run and run and run until the heat safety switch engaged (at around 300+ degrees) and would shut the compressor off. But - when it cooled enough - the contactor was fused 'on' and the compressor would turn on again. All day. When the repair guys took all the access panels off - you could see the heat waves radiating off the compressor.

I'm surprised it didn't fail. But - with a new contactor, cooled off compressor - it started running fine ($196).

I did get some good advice from the service guy.

My system is 18 years old - so I asked him his opinion about what to replace it with - assuming it would need replacement soon. Conventional wisdom is these things last 15 years typically - 20 tops.

First, he said my particular heat pump was one of the better models when it was installed. Very heavy duty.

Also - the SEER rating, which was at the very best available then - is only improved by new ones with DC pumps and DC motors. He said the actual compressor unit in my system was one of the better designs and as efficient as new ones.

Also - the controllers are all electro-mechanical. Which means they are heavy duty an easily replaced (like the contactor) vs. control 'boards'.

His recommendation - don't get a new system - just keep repairing this one.

He said the worst thing that will happen is the compressor will fail - a replacement will cost me about $1,500 to $2,000. Way less than a whole new HVAC 'system' at Ten grand or way more (depending on what all would be replaced).

He said all the components in my system were top quality when installed and could even possibly outlast me. LOL

Bottom line - just replace parts as they wear out.

I guess that will work for both the Heat Pump and me.

:-)