HVAC- Venmar Recalls 1991-2001

[Michael Larson]

See this site for more info: http://www.inspect-ny.com/heat/lennox1.htm

[rwand1]

Wolf

I recall seeing a Pulse furnace almost a decade ago, haven't seen one in recent memory.

Cheers,

[Roy D. Cooke, Sr]

Originally Posted by rwand1

Wolf

I recall seeing a Pulse furnace almost a decade ago, haven't seen one in recent memory.

Cheers,

Did one last week a pulse 14 they had an electric heater running as the gas was shut of and the meter removed .
This was the home that had the uffi in it .
Every thing else was down hill from there.
The agent talked him into another home much nicer .
There are some great agents out there .
Roy Cooke

[Jason1]

Originally Posted by wjung

Jason,
to the best of recollection (however I could be wrong) the Lennox recall and free heat exchanger replacement program ended some time ago. If I remember correctly the furnaces affected were installed during a time frame in the 80's, which would mean most of them likely have been replaced since. I for one have not seen one in a very long time.
Wolf

It may be over, but if my client has one that was not inspected, I believe it to be my due diligence to point it out.

Can we be aware of every recall? Absolutely not, but if I can save my client a few bucks, or even better, a serious safety hazard, I will point it out.

[wjung]

Jason,
if I would find a Lennox Pulse furnace installed in 1989 (18 years old now) I would advise my client to budget for a new furnace. End of problem.
Wolf

[wjung]

Jason,
just like you should never quote code in your report (unless you are code qualified), I would never use the word RECALL while informing my client. Reason being, if you tell them that item "A" has a recall notice on it and they have, through their negotiations, the item replaced prior to closing on their deal, move into the home and then find that they have items "B,C, & D", which also have recalls on them, but you did not mention those items, I would think your *** might be grass. The question then would be, Mr. Inspector if you mentioned item "A" as a recall item why did you not inform your poor client of items "B,C & D", which now will cost this poor home owner X number of dollars to correct. However, it's your call on how and what you like to inform your clients about, just be very cautious that it does not create more liability then you care to handle. Just MHO.
Best regards
Wolf

[Jason1]

Originally Posted by wjung

Jason,
just like you should never quote code in your report (unless you are code qualified), I would never use the word RECALL while informing my client. Reason being, if you tell them that item "A" has a recall notice on it and they have, through their negotiations, the item replaced prior to closing on their deal, move into the home and then find that they have items "B,C, & D", which also have recalls on them, but you did not mention those items, I would think your *** might be grass. The question then would be, Mr. Inspector if you mentioned item "A" as a recall item why did you not inform your poor client of items "B,C & D", which now will cost this poor home owner X number of dollars to correct. However, it's your call on how and what you like to inform your clients about, just be very cautious that it does not create more liability then you care to handle. Just MHO.
Best regards
Wolf

I hear what you're saying, but I will take that chance. The same argument can be made this way:

Client moves in, finds out about recall on "A", calls home inspector, isn't it your job to keep on top of your industry and advise your client of serious safety concerns in their home? Client is dis-satisfied and considers sueing for a new "A" that you missed calling out.

Or how about this one, your client calls and ask's why you pointed out the vermiculite in the attic, but failed to mention the asbestos wrapped pipes in the furnace room??

Liability is part of the game, but where does it start and where does it end?

[wjung]

Jason,
that's all fine and dandy, but you don't have to take on more liability than needed. However, you can argue about this issue until the cows come home and believe me we have over the nearly two decades Ray, Roy & I have been in this business and you will still end up with the differences of opinions seen here today. So, report whatever you like to your clients. I for one will not assume more liability than I need to, but if you feel it will make you look like a hero to your clients go nuts.
Best regards
Wolf

[Jason1]

Originally Posted by wjung

Jason,
that's all fine and dandy, but you don't have to take on more liability than needed. However, you can argue about this issue until the cows come home and believe me we have over the nearly two decades Ray, Roy & I have been in this business and you will still end up with the differences of opinions seen here today. So, report whatever you like to your clients. I for one will not assume more liability than I need to, but if you feel it will make you look like a hero to your clients go nuts.
Best regards
Wolf

Not a hero, just doing my job.

If you are more worried about your liability then doing a decent job for your clients, well then you "go nuts". But don't let your "two decades" in this business make you complacent either.

We will agree to disagree.

[rwand1]

Or how about this one, your client calls and ask's why you pointed out the vermiculite in the attic, but failed to mention the asbestos wrapped pipes in the furnace room??

Then perhaps they should find a new profession. Either way, if the asbestos pipes are in good condition its not really an issue unless renovations or upgrades are going to be undertaken.

I cannot keep on top of product recalls, and to do so would require an inordinate amount of time, not to mention the time required to thoroughly check each and every home for every conceivable recall that may be present in the home.

Should a consumer have any concerns about recalls, I think the best advice would be for the client to have the item further reviewed by a qualified heating tech, plumber, appliance repair person, electrician...

[wjung]

Ray,
you are right on the money. Wisdom at its best. However some like to be heros.
Wolf