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Furnace Safety: The Fact It Runs Is Not Enough!

By
Home Inspector with King of the House Home Inspection, Inc. Home Inspector Lic #207

Sometimes, the fact a component or system in the house runs at the time of a home inspection is not enough. For example, the inside of this Carrier furnace is afflicted with rust. The manufacturer's label, just barely shows up in the photo at the right, was illegible but, based on resources available to me, it is months shy of 30 years old. Estimated design life of a gas furnace is only 15 to 20 years.

Rusty Furnace Rusty furnace, Bellingham WA Home Inspection

 

This is a situation where, even if the system blows some heat, it is going to be a problem for the client in the future -- probably the very near future. Furthermore, since a home inspection is basic, there could be concealed problems: defective heat exchanger or discharge of unsafe levels of carbon monoxide. At a minimum, an HVAC firm needs to go over the appliance, but the best option is to plan on replacement prior to occupancy.

 

Posted by

Steven L. Smith

If you enjoy nostalgia and music of yesteryear, click on Elvis' gold record to visit This Day In History. To explore The Stories Behind The Music blog posts click on the electric guitar. 

 

        

 

 

 

 

Comments (2)

Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

I noticed you haven't posted on Active Rain for a while and was wondering if all is OK?  Come back to the 'Rain!

Oct 25, 2015 10:48 PM
Jay Markanich
Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC - Bristow, VA
Home Inspector - servicing all Northern Virginia

So, Mason, given your age I expect you think that anything 30 or over is old.

Well, I am over 30.  Am I old?

I know what you're going to say.

At least my heat exchanger isn't rusty.

Nov 02, 2015 01:02 AM