Repertory Problems

jmckenna1 · March 25, 2008, 2:38pm

I had a person write me with the following question. Does anyone have any suggestions.?

Question:
I don’t know if you can help me or not maybe you can lead me in the right direction. We had a Carrier high efficiency heat pump installed about a year ago. I use the Filtrete Allergen reduction filters. My son and I have been sick alot with upper res. infections. I feel like the heat pump people may have not installed it correctly. When installed we had them use hard ductwork with the yellow/white insulation wrapped on the outside. Flex ducts going to the vents. I have noticed a whole lot of dust in our house and particles are blowing from our vents. With the insulation being wrapped on the outside of the ductwork could it be getting in somehow? Or what might this be? If there was some joints in the ductwork on the out going air side could it pick up insulation as it goes by?(they are banged together)when I peeled back some of the insulation I can feel alittle air leak. Could a home inspector help figure out where the dust and particles are coming from or tell me that something wasn’t done correctly. Who would you suggest I get to look at it (other than the people that installed it) I don’t trust them now. Do I need an air quality inspector. On the phone the air quality inspector told us it would be $1800.00 or more and then the test may come back inconclusive. I hope you can help me. I just don’t want our son breathing something bad. Are particles suppose to come out of your vents? Please help. Thank you for your time.

mlarson · March 25, 2008, 2:44pm

Too many variables John.

Filter condition/age.

Possible filter bypass.

Duckwork condition and joint sealing.

Local air conditions(construction dust etc.)

Windows open allowing dust in.

More I’m sure.

P.S. what does have to do with the theatre?

aberdahl · March 25, 2008, 3:27pm

Hi Michael,
In the Canadian Members section, Bill Mullen posted info for the Carrier Class action that is taking place for high efficiency furnaces. Maybe that will have an answer for you.
Allan

aberdahl · March 25, 2008, 3:29pm

Sorry John,
You’ve probably been called lots of things but not Michael. Too much rushing around for me this AM.
Allan

mlarson · March 25, 2008, 3:38pm

That Carrier info is for Carrier 90 plus furnaces that were installed after 1989.

Here is a LINK with model numbers and Carrier’s warranty and replacement program for these Bryant/Payne/Carrier/Day & Night furnaces.

sgilligan1 · March 25, 2008, 4:09pm

One suggestion would be to have a qualified HVACR technician to inspect inside the air handler. The insulation can come unglued and be sucked into the circulating fan where it can get shreaded. If you have a EPA 608 certification, you can start there. Try to get a sample of these mystery particles and send them to a lab for identification. Find out what you are dealing with and then once you know, find the possible sources.

dandersen · March 25, 2008, 4:20pm

Get an good HVAC company in there.
None of the other testing / inspections should be done till the HVAC system is evaluated as being installed and operating correctly.