Furnace/Air handler intake not connected to ventilation system

[PeterPetrelli]

This is a weird deal... I have a manufactured home on a full basement, foundation. Part of the contract included replacing the furnace/ac unit. I went back for the repair inspection and they had installed the natural gas furnace/air handler upside down, which I guess is ok... (correct me if I'm wrong). My real issue is that the air intake where air would normally be fed from the cold air return vents throughout the house, is on top and completely open with the filter literally just sitting on the unit. As with many manufactured homes, this unit is in a small closet next to the laundry room. Even if they secured the filter in place, the air intake is only being fed air through that one closet since it's not connected to the rest of the ventilation system. The lender and the installer apparently don't see an issue with this but I can't imagine that this is ok. Is proper ventilation circulation a health or safety issue? I also read somewhere that it could be a safety issue drawing air from the same space where the natural gas is burning? The combustion chamber (no idea what they call that) is vented properly outside the house but I really don't know if that's sufficient... I'm hoping someone more knowledgeable with HVAC can give me some insight. Thanks!

 

[Mark K]

Ignoring what appears to be mold/mildew on the walls....

I would likely call for an inspection by a QUALIFIED HVAC contractor, not the guy that installed it. I can't imagine a professional heating/cooling installer would do this type of installation.

I think your concerns are warranted.

 

[Dublin ohio]

I can't imagine a professional heating/cooling installer would do this type of installation.

I installed my own furnace years ago. My installation looks professional ( at least that's what the guy that installed my ac said). But I agree with Mark. Inspection by qualified hvac person. The sloppy mess on the exhaust is enough to make me wary. BTW. If the air handler/intake is on the top. The unit has to be a down flow furnace. You just can't take an up flow and turn it upside down.

 

[PeterPetrelli]

Ignoring what appears to be mold/mildew on the walls....

I would likely call for an inspection by a QUALIFIED HVAC contractor, not the guy that installed it. I can't imagine a professional heating/cooling installer would do this type of installation.

I think your concerns are warranted.

No, it's not mold/mildew... they're basically mutant dust bunnies, initially I had the same concern but it's just dirt.

Thank you for the reply. Lender is now calling me saying "we're closing at noon!" Nope... sorry.

 

[PeterPetrelli]

I installed my own furnace years ago. My installation looks professional ( at least that's what the guy that installed my ac said). But I agree with Mark. Inspection by qualified hvac person. The sloppy mess on the exhaust is enough to make me wary. BTW. If the air handler/intake is on the top. The unit has to be a down flow furnace. You just can't take an up flow and turn it upside down.

Yeah, that makes sense. Thanks!

 

[Tom D]

might present a co2 problem someday. like a blocked heater chimney can. good that you know enough to spot it. if not, heat cert isn't that expensive to get.

 

[Mark K]

Without the dangling return air (flex duct) connected physically to the furnace, another issue arises. Very little, if any, cold air will be returning via that duct leaving some parts of the dwelling with very poor air flow. Think hot/cold spots year round. The return air will all come from the vicinity of the furnace, the path of least resistance, and not down the flex duct.

The installation is very poorly done and my guess is the owner bought the furnace at Lowes or Home Depot and did a DIY project.

 

[PeterPetrelli]

Without the dangling return air (flex duct) connected physically to the furnace, another issue arises. Very little, if any, cold air will be returning via that duct leaving some parts of the dwelling with very poor air flow. Think hot/cold spots year round. The return air will all come from the vicinity of the furnace, the path of least resistance, and not down the flex duct.

The installation is very poorly done and my guess is the owner bought the furnace at Lowes or Home Depot and did a DIY project.

Right, that was my thought too.

Believe it or not, this is the handy work of a "professional" installer... HAHA

He tried to call me and defend his work. I can only conclude that he's either not qualified or completely dishonest... either way, I called for an inspection.

 

[Dublin ohio]

Without the dangling return air (flex duct) connected physically to the furnace, another issue arises. Very little, if any, cold air will be returning via that duct leaving some parts of the dwelling with very poor air flow. Think hot/cold spots year round. The return air will all come from the vicinity of the furnace, the path of least resistance, and not down the flex duct.

The installation is very poorly done and my guess is the owner bought the furnace at Lowes or Home Depot and did a DIY project.

I doubt that the flex duct is the return. Way too small. Unless it is just for a room or two. Which in a manufactured home is highly unlikely

 

[Mark K]

I doubt that the flex duct is the return. Way too small. Unless it is just for a room or two. Which in a manufactured home is highly unlikely

The air filter (shown) is always on the return air, plus.....

My real issue is that the air intake where air would normally be fed from the cold air return vents throughout the house, is on top and completely open with the filter literally just sitting on the unit.