Play: "Spot the problems"

[Patrick Bolliger]

It's time to "play: Spot the problems!!"

Info:

Cat 1 ( Vent assisted) furnace installed inside the living space (unit)
120,000 BTU
No manual near unit.

OK Who is our first contestant?...
See pics:

[David C. Macy]

Pat

I will take a shot.

I would think the multipe elbows at the flue doesnt meet the manufactures instructions or the American Gas Association venting tables.

Hard to tell from the pics but the return air seems Questionable.

I take it that is a supply duct that is protruding through the drywall. Nice job of patching the drywall.

The white extension cord wiring. Where does ot go? Nice job of running through the filter.

Is that the door to the furnace? Does it lack combustion air?

I am sure there are more issues. Looks like a homeowner or ametuer install.

Dave

[Douglas Cossar]

Wow!

Just for starters

Handy man installation in a closet?

Insufficient combustion air

No cold air return

Improper electrical connections

Can't tell if vent is "B" vent

Insufficient clearance from combustibles (I assume second pick is point up?

It the clamp on the gas pipe bonding or grounding?

[Michael Larson]

Add:

- No drip leg on gas line.
- No power shut off

[Patrick Bolliger]

Good Good,

Amateur install.....Yes
Electric wiring ....Yes... Extention cord to lamp fixture (plugged in) at lamp fixture on ceiling..

Return air Duct Minimum 10 feet away from unit? NOT !
Blower motor is "pulling combustion air" from burners at this "install"

Flue...UGH 6" clearance....NOT.... Single wall flue to "smashed" ceiling "connection".. to "b" vent inside "hole" going horizontal...to roof penetration....At least they have the sucker vented to the outside....

Combustion air requirements... Maybe large enough "free" area to supply BUT return air duct issue...

No Gas pipe drip leg as per Peoples Energy (Chicago)..

Anything else ???

[Michael Larson]

No door louvres

Question: They don't use "drip legs" in your area?

[Patrick Bolliger]

Originally Posted by mlarson

No door louvres

Question: They don't use "drip legs" in your area?

Sure do require them (Gas line Drip legs), per our local gas company training.

It's amateur night ...tonights project...Let's heat the house and see if we
survive...

"Survivor" the Real thing...Coming to a channel near you...

[David C. Macy]

Some people refer to them as dirt legs. I do believe there is a difference between them as I remember a post but not the specifics.

I usually call dirt legs drip or drip legs dirt. HUH!!

Nice post!!

Thanks

[JLilly]

The gas valve should be above the union.

[Patrick Bolliger]

Originally Posted by JLilly

The gas valve should be above the union.

Yep

It's a indication of the logic of the installer....hmmm... I can disconnect the
gas line after I shut off the gas.....

[brepanshek]

Hey guys, question for you all. When I see all these problems like this (like I did the other day) I learned not to verbally address all the problems to the client and realtor present, it just over burdens them. If I see so many issues, I recommend a qualified HVAC tech to correct problems I document and any other things that they may happen upon. My question is how do you address this when you find so many things wrong that if you stated them all vocally I found that the client gets panicy and the realtor getting hot under the collar with you.( And this was what you found with just the furnace) before you know it, your painting a picture to everyone that this home is a mess of problems and handy work. Please help me with your ideas on how you would inspect a home when finding so many problems in 1 or 2 areas alone. Thanks

[Jason A. Sieg, CMI]

Originally Posted by pbolliger

It's time to "play: Spot the problems!!"

Info:

Cat 1 ( Vent assisted) furnace installed inside the living space (unit)
120,000 BTU
No manual near unit.

OK Who is our first contestant?...
See pics:

Can I use these photo's in some Power Point Presentations?

I want permission before I just go grabbing things.

Or better yet would you like to E-mail them to me?

[Patrick Bolliger]

Originally Posted by jsieg

Can I use these photo's in some Power Point Presentations?

I want permission before I just go grabbing things.

Or better yet would you like to E-mail them to me?

Jason
You can use these pics.
If you want I can email directly to you?
Pat

[Patrick Bolliger]

Originally Posted by brepanshek

Hey guys, question for you all. When I see all these problems like this (like I did the other day) I learned not to verbally address all the problems to the client and realtor present, it just over burdens them. If I see so many issues, I recommend a qualified HVAC tech to correct problems I document and any other things that they may happen upon. My question is how do you address this when you find so many things wrong that if you stated them all vocally I found that the client gets panicy and the realtor getting hot under the collar with you.( And this was what you found with just the furnace) before you know it, your painting a picture to everyone that this home is a mess of problems and handy work. Please help me with your ideas on how you would inspect a home when finding so many problems in 1 or 2 areas alone. Thanks

Yep being too "verbal" can be dangerous... What happens when you forget to put it in your report?...
When I encouter a situation like this , I tell the client it needs a complete evaluation by a qualified contractor and why.. BUT if it is life threatening then the whole place gets my spiel.. IF they (Realtor)don't like it ...one phone call to my local gas company trainer/ contact and the gas supply just may be locked OFF until repairs are made. Sorry that is what my training is for... Not for saving a commission but for saving lives..
I had a realtor whine and tell my client things like this where not a big issue.. I took over at that point... Sorry Realtor.. shut the hell up and look at my credentials...

Now if the whole place is a "POS" or "Dozer bait" then we are having a heck of a day and a "novel" to be written up...UGH.. Been there many times..
I bring some "reality" to my client.. I try and understand what they are hoping to accomplish from this "investment"..
Listen and learn ,get the vibe from them on what they want out of this place.
Primary living , rental income, investment or just "looking"..
Dashing someones dreams is not fun but saving someone a heck of a lot of problems can be very very rewarding..

[Matt Berman, CMI]

no fire stop at drywall penitration.matt