Condenser pad attachment

[Dan Bowers, CMI]

Like I said ....... I worked as a Factory Rep for a HVAC Mfg and except on roof-top units never seen it done, EXCEPT in certain lake or mountain view communities (with very steep lots) where the condensor was mounted on a steel cage about 2'-3' off the ground (to get the unit level and keep it from sliding downhill). Never seen in it in normal residential application and would not even think about writing it up - but thats me.

[Marcel R. Cyr]

Hi. Jeff;

I have been in Construction for a long time and never seen these units bolted down as they should, but of course, this is Maine. Not to worried about Seismic faults or tremors, and if you should have an Earthquake, I don't think the anchor bolts would matter much. IMO.

Hope you have a good time in Hawii, and enjoy.

Marcel

[Richard L. Bennett]

In some areas of the county you will find them bolted down

Normally these are snow bird homes and they are bolted down to keep them from being stolen

rlb

[David A. Andersen]

I think the wind baffles you mentioned are for gas-pac units. It's to prevent wind blowing back into the combustion flue.

[JLilly]

You will find very few that are screwed down in my neck of the woods. I don’t check for this. I was 99.8 % a service guy for 20 years. I did install a few units in that time. I have screwed down a few. The only time I screwed down a condenser was when a plastic pad was used. The ones we used were so slick. When concrete was used I didn’t screw or bolt them down.

[Barry Adair]

Best check with the local AHJ about securing structural components and equipment.

I believe this Texas Windstorm link is relevant and applies in similar form with provisions to most coastal regions of the U.S.

http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/wind/bldcode/410.html

Earthquakes aren't the only forces in Nature to contend with when securing construction components.

[Michael R. Boyett]

Very good information Barry but it does seem to only apply to certain coastal counties of Texas like you say. See Section 101. I still don't see any applicability for inland applications, do you?

[Barry Adair]

MRB,

No, that's why I started with:

Best check with the local AHJ about securing structural components and equipment.

The Texas windstorm information explains to other posters and readers there are instances that prove out this practice.

The information contained on the Windstorm Inspection Program's webpage is applicable only to structures located in the following 14 First Tier Counties along the Texas Gulf Coast as indicated in section 3(k)(1) of Article 21.49 of the Insurance Code: Aransas, Brazoria, Calhoun, Cameron, Chambers, Galveston, Jefferson, Kenedy, Kleberg, Matagorda, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio, Willacy or in one of the cities east of State Highway 146 in Harris County (La Porte, Morgan's Point, Pasadena, Seabrook, Shoreacres) if the property owners are seeking wind and hail coverage through the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association.

Higher standards are this Inspectors goal.

We have had a rash of AC thefts around the metroplex for metals salvage.
2 guys can cut and run with an unsecured unit. More difficult with a 90# concrete pad attached to the bottom. Lines may be cut, refrigerant lost, but unit is left in place, after they figure it out. Insurers are more apt to pay a claim if homeowner has taken reasonable precautions.

I think it's a great idea to secure units and I make it a point to tell clients there are reasons to bolt the units down. I've inspected along the coast and have found units unsecured or secured to light-weight pads. Even their inspectors don't enforce the codes.

I have found NO information that says securing a unit may cause damage.

I don't note it as a repair outside the 14 counties in reports, just provide the upgrade information across the state.