FHA permanent heat source question

[Mike Ault]

So do you think space heater is plugged into the outlet and bolted to the wall is acceptable in the marketplace? I am really surprised that you guys would sign a report. This has a permanent adequate heat source in the home and you would be OK with defending that on an EO complaint.

On Padre Island Texas, that would be perfectly adequate. Where I live in Texas, not so much. Heat isn't even a requirement for an FHA loan in certain parts of Hawaii & Florida.

 

[NC Appraising]

I took a HUD class several years ago that was taught by the head reviewer at the Atlanta HOC.

He said the same thing. No where in the HUD handbook says hardwired.

Permanently installed....

Best example is a heat pump style window unit that was installed permanently in the wall (they actually cut a opening in the wall). It's plugged in to a standard wall socket.

It's permanently installed. Some may disagree.

 

[Airstream]

I took a HUD class several years ago that was taught by the head reviewer at the Atlanta HOC.

He said the same thing. No where in the HUD handbook says hardwired.

Permanently installed....

Best example is a heat pump style window unit that was installed permanently in the wall (they actually cut a opening in the wall). It's plugged in to a standard wall socket.

It's permanently installed. Some may disagree.

It may be permanently installed because it is in the wall. But the question is it adequate and is it typical for the market.

The heating system must:

• Automatically heat the living areas to at least 50°F, including all GLA and any non-GLA areas containing plumbing or other components that could be damaged by freezing.

Note the above 50 degree condition applies to NON-GLA areas where the mechanicals and plumbing are located. It doesn’t just apply to living space.

• Be permanently installed.
• Be safe to operate and provide healthful and comfortable heat.
• Be installed according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
• Use a fuel/energy source readily obtainable in the geographic area.
• Have market acceptance in the subject's market.
• Be capable of operating for extended periods without human intervention

Acceptance in the market. Does having only a few wall heaters (even if bolted to the wall) plugged into a wall outlet as the only source of heat have market acceptance. Well if a person found a comparable sale with a similar limited heat source it might demonstrate that. But the fact the OP had this question to begin with probably demonstrates the lack of market acceptance.

 

[Airstream]

On Padre Island Texas, that would be perfectly adequate. Where I live in Texas, not so much. Heat isn't even a requirement for an FHA loan in certain parts of Hawaii & Florida.

I am well aware of the fact that in the tropics there is a different standard. But the fact the OP questioned the heat issue in itself tells me this is not about being in the tropics.

 

[Mike Ault]

I am well aware of the fact that in the tropics there is a different standard. But the fact the OP questioned the heat issue in itself tells me this is not about being in the tropics.

He's from Texas, and it's damn hot down here.

 

[Zoe]

I took a HUD class several years ago that was taught by the head reviewer at the Atlanta HOC.

He said the same thing. No where in the HUD handbook says hardwired.

Permanently installed....

Best example is a heat pump style window unit that was installed permanently in the wall (they actually cut a opening in the wall). It's plugged in to a standard wall socket.

It's permanently installed. Some may disagree.

I agree. It can't be free standing in the room and plugged in wall socket. It is personal property if it is not secured to the real property. I am more concerned about the efficiency of the units to keep the pipes from freezing in the kitchen and bathroom. Local code could require it be hardwired. Just clip the plug in off and hardwire it in same junction box the receptacle is in.

 

[Zoe]

I would rather have the heater in the kitchen and bathroom area. I like to sleep in cold temperature. I sleep and breathe better in cold temp.

I think about somebody closing the doors where the heat source is. It won't reach the kitchen and bathrooms where the water pipes are. LOL

 

[Zoe]

Another thing to consider on a plug in heater is they say never plug it into an extension cord. By the same token, if your plug became loose in the receptacle, it could create resistance and heat that might start a fire. With it hardwired, the chances of loose connection are very slim.

They say an extension cord creates resistance in the line and can overheat. If a plug in backs out of receptacle for whatever reason and becomes loose, it creates resistance in the line.

 

[Airstream]

He's from Texas, and it's damn hot down here.

I know. But remember they had ice storms one winter and even the wind generators froze up. And the desert gets cold at night.

 

[Dublin ohio]

Another thing to consider on a plug in heater is they say never plug it into an extension cord. By the same token, if your plug became loose in the receptacle, it could create resistance and heat that might start a fire. With it hardwired, the chances of loose connection are very slim.

They say an extension cord creates resistance in the line and can overheat. If a plug in backs out of receptacle for whatever reason and becomes loose, it creates resistance in the line.

Anytime you have a high load for extended periods of time, your standard 15 amp receptacle will show signs of that condition. The plastic can discolor, the interior contacts get weak from the heating/cooling cycle and will even show signs of arcing. That arcing is many times visible on the surface of the receptacle as black streaks radiating from the slot. A 15A receptacle at 120V is rated for a total of 1800 watts. You should only load a circuit to 80% of its capacity. That would be 1440 watts. Many portable heaters are rated at 1500 watts. See what eventually happens if you leave that heater plugged into the same outlet for a heating season or two as a primary source of heat.