Furnace/Air handler intake not connected to ventilation system

[Dublin ohio]

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

No kidding. My point is that the small flex duct might be part of the return. But highly unlikely. The return has to be of sufficient volume to provide enough flow for the output. An 8" return will not provide enough air volume.

As far as the return being on top. Since it is obvious the new furnace is in the original furnace "closet". The new furnace would have to be a downflow unit. Which would be necessary if the registers are in the floor. Downflow units are pretty typical in manufactured homes. Manufactured homes typically have furnaces designed for them. Looks like this installer used a standard downflow furnace and didn't install a return air "plenum" Manufactured home downflows come with the return as part of the furnace.

 

[Mark K]

No kidding. My point is that the small flex duct might be part of the return. But highly unlikely.

Since it is a downflow furnace it is very likely that the flex duct is part of the return air. The small size is just one of the problems with the installation.

 

[PeterPetrelli]

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.

About 3 hours after calling for an inspection, I get a call from the lender saying he has a signed letter from an HVAC tech stating it's installed properly and up to code... Said letter is from the same guy who installed the unit! Before realizing it was the same guy, I ask the lender if it is and he says "I don't know, I don't think so, that wouldn't make sense"... yeah no kidding.

 

[Dublin ohio]

About 3 hours after calling for an inspection, I get a call from the lender saying he has a signed letter from an HVAC tech stating it's installed properly and up to code... Said letter is from the same guy who installed the unit! Before realizing it was the same guy, I ask the lender if it is and he says "I don't know, I don't think so, that wouldn't make sense"... yeah no kidding.

Oopsie!

 

[Dublin ohio]

Just a thought. Are permits required in this area? If so it is very likely they require a permit for replacement of a furnace. Especially with a gas line involved.

 

[Mile High Trout]

It's not your problem. Disclose. Disclaim. Redirect. Appraiser is not a qualified home inspector and is not a qualified HVAC inspector either. Under no circumstances do you want to pretend to be a furnace expert and start doling out advice on the matter.

Lender provided a certificate stating the installation was acceptable, and I have included that lender provided document at the end of this appraisal report.

Appraiser makes a special note and recommends additional HVAC opinions if any party such as the lender, underwriter, home buyer, or seller, have any concerns with this installation. The appraiser is not an inspection expert, and is tasked with only a limited scope of work to report on what was visible and obvious.

Pass the ball back to the other side. It's not your problem. Visible defects only and if anyone dies, you're covered and whom ever wrote that HVAC letter and the lender whom approved it will be the ones on the hook, not you.

And tell them off the record on the phone it's just sloppy to use the old filter. Buy a dang new filter, get a better contractor, the installation is trash. Some people fin'n to learn sooner than others. It's not your problem. If you're in doubt, provide one of those DIY informational links or a home inspectors link or furnace specific product installation links which shows the schematic of proper installations. Then disclose disclaim you're not sure what you're looking at but hopefully this additional furnace installation information is helpful to the home owner and lender.

There is always a way around these issues. These homes are their problem, not the appraisers. Repeat after me; Excess deferred maintenance.

At least there were not any dead critters or dog turds, someone actually did something to improve the home even if they did a lackluster job. it's a good day.

 

[Mile High Trout]

Also, not sure if they have this in your state, but in CO this is what the state wide requirement for carbon monoxide presence is for. Always take a photo of that. If they don't have that in your state just be kind and seriously suggest on the phone they get one because that's 'just a smart thing to do whenever you have any work to your utility systems which use combustible gasses.' Fit that into your standard pre written disclosures somewhere.

https://www.denvergov.org/content/dam/denvergov/Portals/678/documents/safety-information/Residential_Fire_Safety_Handout.pdf

'There may have been some deferred maintenance with the tubes.' lol. If we had to take responsibility for every DIY project or discount labor service there would be no end to it. I'd bet they re used the gas line too. Thankfully, that's someone elses problem.