InterNACHI


Go Back   InterNACHI Message Board > Specific Inspection Topics > HVAC

HVAC Topics include heating, venting, and air conditioning.

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 10/28/08, 3:30 PM
Mark Nicholet's Avatar
Mark Nicholet Mark Nicholet is offline
InterNACHI Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Campbell River, BC
Posts: 225
Mark Nicholet is well trusted Mark Nicholet is well trusted Mark Nicholet is well trusted
Default Grille on return plenum

Any issue with return grill on return plenum? I know it is not allowed for combustible furnaces. This is interior of condensor/evaporator for heat pump. I am thinking that if this grille is open it will not pull as much air from the return grilles through-out the home.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg DSC06232 (Medium).JPG (41.7 KB, 44 views)




Mark Nicholet
Apple Home Inspections
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 10/28/08, 5:20 PM
Charley L. Bottger's Avatar
Charley L. Bottger Charley L. Bottger is offline
InterNACHI Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Marland, OK
Posts: 2,447
Charley L. Bottger .
Default Re: Grille on return plenum

[quote=mnicholet;430716]Any issue with return grill on return plenum? I know it is not allowed for combustible furnaces. This is interior of condensor/evaporator for heat pump. I am thinking that if this grille is open it will not pull as much air from the return grilles through-out the home.[/quote]

Your thinking would be correct the blower will draw from the path of least resistance. It appears to me that the furnace is located in a basement is this correct. Most every basement That I know of has a musty smell that I would not want distribuited through out my home. If there are no gas combustibles appliances within ten feet of the furnace one cannot get into a code fight over this. Its just a dumb install IMHO



Freedom Express Inspections LLC
CMOR Thermography Certified Level 11 #2097
freedomexpressinspections.com
freedomexpress495@att.net
NACHI Member
Okla. State DEQ Environmental Phase One Certified
Master HVAC Mechanic (Retired)
Certified Universal Freon by 40CFR 82 Sub-part F
Professional Home Inspector State License # 130
Reporting system by Home Inspector Pro

Serving the State of Okla.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 10/28/08, 7:50 PM
Brian A. MacNeish Brian A. MacNeish is offline
Active Poster
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,247
Brian A. MacNeish is often very helpful Brian A. MacNeish is often very helpful Brian A. MacNeish is often very helpful
Please Note: Brian A. MacNeish is a non-member guest and is in no way affiliated with InterNACHI or its members.
Default Re: Grille on return plenum

[quote=cbottger;430749]
Quote:
Originally Posted by mnicholet View Post
Any issue with return grill on return plenum? I know it is not allowed for combustible furnaces. This is interior of condensor/evaporator for heat pump. I am thinking that if this grille is open it will not pull as much air from the return grilles through-out the home.[/quote]

Your thinking would be correct the blower will draw from the path of least resistance. It appears to me that the furnace is located in a basement is this correct. Most every basement That I know of has a musty smell that I would not want distribuited through out my home. If there are no gas combustibles appliances within ten feet of the furnace one cannot get into a code fight over this. Its just a dumb install IMHO
Mark:

The red is a US requirement.

It is a dumb location for a return grille unless they are trying to use the AC (if it is a reversing HP/AC) for summer basment/crawlspace dehumidification. Depending on summer conditions and the amount of AC needed in your area, it may be better/cheaper to use a dehumidifier in an unfinished crawlspace.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 10/28/08, 9:22 PM
Marcel Gratton's Avatar
Marcel Gratton Marcel Gratton is offline
InterNACHI Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Gatineau, QC
Posts: 529
Marcel Gratton is well trusted Marcel Gratton is well trusted Marcel Gratton is well trusted Marcel Gratton is well trusted
Default Re: Grille on return plenum

[quote=Brian A. MacNeish;430874]
Quote:
Originally Posted by cbottger View Post
It is a dumb location for a return grille unless they are trying to use the AC (if it is a reversing HP/AC) for summer basment/crawlspace dehumidification. Depending on summer conditions and the amount of AC needed in your area, it may be better/cheaper to use a dehumidifier in an unfinished crawlspace.
There is nothing unsafe about the location of this return; my only concern is that it appears too large.

Brian,

Wouldn't adding a dehumidifier in this situation result in more energy being used as opposed to having a *Reversing/HP/AC* unit properly balanced.

My thoughts only,



Marcel Gratton, CMI
On The Level Inspection
Gatineau, QC
http://onthelevelinspection.com/
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 10/29/08, 12:42 AM
Brian A. MacNeish Brian A. MacNeish is offline
Active Poster
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,247
Brian A. MacNeish is often very helpful Brian A. MacNeish is often very helpful Brian A. MacNeish is often very helpful
Please Note: Brian A. MacNeish is a non-member guest and is in no way affiliated with InterNACHI or its members.
Default Re: Grille on return plenum

[quote=mgratton;430936]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian A. MacNeish View Post

There is nothing unsafe about the location of this return; my only concern is that it appears too large.

Brian,

Wouldn't adding a dehumidifier in this situation result in more energy being used as opposed to having a *Reversing/HP/AC* unit properly balanced.

My thoughts only,
Marcel:

Just lost 3 paragraphs to cyberspace on why I think the dehumidifier was the better choice in this crawlspace situation. In general, it may or may not cost a bit more but IMO, it will do a better job as a dedicated unit than the general HP/AC system.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
grille on supply plenum mnicholet HVAC 4 6/18/08 5:28 PM
980 Questions/Answers to the NHIE....Free! jbushart Legislation, Licensing & Legal Issues 50 4/20/08 2:26 AM
Nice return air plenum EXCEPT cbottger HVAC 4 5/15/07 9:50 AM
Supply Plenum Mounted High in Attic Skip Erwin HVAC 6 4/7/07 11:07 AM
Freon lines in return air plenum jlybolt69 HVAC 13 3/16/06 8:56 AM


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 12:37 AM.


Popular Sections

:

All Sections

Popular

Membership

Inspection Standards

Education

Chapters & Members

Articles & Links

Other Organizations

 

 

 

NACHI.ORG Statistics