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How safe is your air filter change?

By
Home Inspector with DeSoto Home Inspection Services

Have you ever thought about unsafe conditions around your home? Each day I find unsafe conditions around homes. These homes could be brand new or 100 years old.

The photo below was taken during a new home inspection. There was no level platform installed in front of the heating and air unit. There was also no walkway installed to the unit. However the Certificate of Occupancy was issued. All homes should be inspected regardless of the homes age.

       Heating and air unit in attic

Walkways should be at least 20" wide and no further than 20' in all attics

A 30" level platform should be present  on the control side of the heating and air unit in attic spaces

Comments(8)

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Robert Rauf
CMG Home Loans - Toms River, NJ

not to mention the Gas line right in the way where it is sure to be stepped on, kicked etc....

"honey, do you smell gas?"

Feb 18, 2009 07:56 AM
Stephen Graham
Inactive - Atlanta, GA

It amazes me how these things happen in new construction. Apparently, there is no formal quality control performed; if subcontractors don't do it, it doesn't get done -- unless you hire a great home inspector.

Feb 18, 2009 08:05 AM
Glen Fisher
National Property Inspections of Southern New Jersey, LLC - Oaklyn, NJ

If there is air conditioning added to that furnace an air filter cover is also recommended.  I suspect the attic will get quite hot during the summer and the hot air being sucked into the air filter opening at the return duct will decrease the efficiency.   

Feb 18, 2009 09:38 AM
Patricia Beck
RE/MAX Properties, Inc., ABR, GRI, SRES - Colorado Springs, CO
Colorado Springs Realty

So important to have an inspection, thanks for the info.

Feb 18, 2009 12:27 PM
Ian Niquette
Square One Home Inspection - Markesan, WI

I can just see the HVAC guy falling through that baby, 'What the he(( is going on here?"

How does that stuff get past the local guy?

Feb 18, 2009 02:35 PM
Frank Magdefrau
DeSoto Home Inspection Services - Memphis, TN
Certified Master Inspector

Hi Glen,

 

Most systems in my area are split systems. The heating and air (evaporator cooler) units are installed in the attic. The condensing unit is on the outside. Summer attic can reach 120 degrees or more.

Feb 18, 2009 05:08 PM
Frank Magdefrau
DeSoto Home Inspection Services - Memphis, TN
Certified Master Inspector

Hi Robert,

That is what is screwed up. The plumber runs the gas line and the heating and air contractor connects the units. No one working well together sometimes.

Feb 18, 2009 05:10 PM
Pam Simpson
Bob Leigh & Assoc., LLC - Senatobia, MS
GRI, Broker-Assoc.

Frank-I have seen some really screwy things in new construction lately.  Unfortunately, buyers sometimes just don't want to spend the little amount of money it takes to hire a professional home inspector for a new construction home.  They think, hey its new - it must be ok.

Mar 27, 2009 12:29 PM