This furnace was installed two years ago in a conditioned basement.  The ductwork is a thin flexible plastic like that of a clothes dryer (but with a 6" diameter).   This is the second one that I've seen in the past year (Oregon).   Is this up to code?

 

Views: 132

Replies to This Discussion

The plastic would need to be rated for the temps the furnace delivers.  Is there a tag on the plastic?  The maufacturer would have the specs as to temp and application.  It isnt pretty but it is functional.  The specs on the plastic will give you the information you need but you might have to call the manufacturer.  I personally would be very suspect about it.   Have you performed a Temp Rise on the furnace?
This is crap work and should be redone, but is allowed by code.
I agree that the quality of work on this radial system can be called into question. But I a, very surprised to hear this would meet code. Based on the 2009 IECC, that ductwork being in unconditioned space should have a minimum R-value. Here is MA and RI, inspectors hold the contractor to this spec, R-8 outside the building envelope and R-6 for inside - in a basement like this for example. This may be a place to start regarding this particular job, looks pretty recent...
I agree that the quality of work on this radial system can be called into question. But I am very surprised to hear this would meet code. Based on the 2009 IECC, that ductwork being in unconditioned space should have a minimum R-value. Here is MA and RI, inspectors hold the contractor to this spec, R-8 outside the building envelope and R-6 for inside - in a basement like this for example. This may be a place to start regarding this particular job, looks pretty recent...

RSS

Home Energy Pros

Home Energy Pros was founded by the developers of Home Energy Saver Pro (sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) and brought to you in partnership with Home Energy magazine.

Latest Activity

Stan Kuhn replied to Patrick Michaelyan's discussion Hot Upper Stories
"You note overheating on the south side (naturally.)  Assuming the typical roof overhang of…"
59 minutes ago
Patrick Michaelyan replied to Patrick Michaelyan's discussion Hot Upper Stories
"Thanks a lot Ed. And thanks to all who have added their two cents. I think I know where to take…"
1 hour ago
Ed Minch replied to Patrick Michaelyan's discussion Hot Upper Stories
"We have successfully treated this same problem in perhaps 1000 of this same house in the…"
2 hours ago
Craig Savage commented on Craig Savage's video
Thumbnail

What is a Heat Pump Water Heater

"Hello Tom We are working with A.O. Smith, GE and Stiebel Eltron on a Building America task to…"
4 hours ago
Tom Delconte commented on Craig Savage's video
Thumbnail

What is a Heat Pump Water Heater

"Craig: I was serious, since my propane price jumped from .98 to 1.85! according to everyone the GE…"
5 hours ago
Ben Jacobs replied to Jose Macho's discussion Why Are Energy-Saving Home Inprovements Down??
"I think that government support for good ideas results in major benefits over the long haul. Please…"
5 hours ago
Craig Savage commented on Craig Savage's video
Thumbnail

What is a Heat Pump Water Heater

"Hello Tom Not sure if you are being sarcastic, but a serious answer would be that GE is selling…"
8 hours ago
Tom Delconte commented on Craig Savage's video
Thumbnail

What is a Heat Pump Water Heater

"Craig: do you have a diagram of one that will run longer than one year? They don't really seem…"
8 hours ago
Cory Chovanec replied to Bachi Brunato's discussion Boxing and Insulating Around Non-ICAT Cans
"All good points brought up. My advice is not to leave the lights. When you said halogen I think…"
9 hours ago
Jon Haehnel replied to Jose Macho's discussion Why Are Energy-Saving Home Inprovements Down??
"The first 2 answers by Tom and Sean jive with my thinking and experience. Thank you Don for…"
10 hours ago
Tom Smith replied to Patrick Michaelyan's discussion Hot Upper Stories
"The most bang for your buck will come from airsealing the attic plane and sealing the…"
11 hours ago
John Rising replied to Bachi Brunato's discussion Boxing and Insulating Around Non-ICAT Cans
"Hi Bachi, We have done many projects where we have installed boxes around recessed lights to…"
11 hours ago

© 2013   Created by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service