Hanging a residential furnance / condenser

[Puddles]

Hi, First I am not a contractor or HVAC expert.

A year ago I moved into this 10yr old 2100 sq ft. home in the San Jose, California area.

The furnace is in the attic, laying on its side, sitting on two steel "feet" about 2 inches above the drain pan.

There are multiple leaks - the worst (feels like 2x the air that comes out of a register) is on the bottom of the unit along the seam of the furnace and condenser box. It is impossible to get this seam with a 2" clearance.

A furnace contractor wants $2100 to raise the furnance, fix the leaks, and re-attach the drain pipe, etc. The also said that currently the drain pipe is out of code because the furnance isn't high enough (I am guessing due to shallow angle of pipe).

I don't mind paying a $100/hr to fix the leaks, and drainage, but it seems to me hanging the furnance wouldn't be too difficult.

The question is, how do you typically hang a furnance? I would guess the furnance is 300lbs, and the roof is supported by engineered trusses. So attaching a 2x6 across the trusses near the roof line (about 3 ft off the peak), and hanging the furnance 6~8 inches above the drain pan should work fine, correct? I could also strap it to the original platform to prevent any swaying.

I am aware I will have to add/change some duct work to prevent kinking, etc.

My second question is, do you think this is an issue that the home builder should cover under their warranty (which expires in 2 months)? The furnance contractor says it was installed incorrectly. I would appreciate any suggestions that might convince them to at least pay for

1/2 of it without involving lawyers.

Regards, Puddles

[Oscar_Lives]

Then go away. This forum isn't for you.

Strike one. You live in Kalifornia, the land of fruits and nuts.

Impossible for you.

Do you guess about a lot of things in your life?

Not for the person who doesn't have to do it.

Sure, DIY.

Piece of cake.

Its not Rocket Science.

Good for you.

What does the warranty say? Home warranties are usually very specific. What did you agree to when you signed it?

Why should they pay for 1/2 of it, you cheap f*ck? It is your house-- you pay for it.

You apparently have had a lot of experience with lawyers with your attitude and stupidity.

[gofish]

post the make and model number of the furnace. your furnace may be one of the ones that are a fire hazard and that there was a major recall of.

2' is plenty of clearance to get a brush taped to a piece of pipe etc. brush the seam with duct mastic.

if all a contactor has to sell is his time, expect to pay the equivelant that a lawyer might charge. I cant think of any contractor who is interested in selling only his time.

speaking of building codes, you're clueless when it comes to installing furnaces. You'd risk burning your house down to save $2100.00?? If drainage is an issue, let the condensate drain into a pump and pump it to the drain line.

furnaces should be hung using 3/8 all thread and uni-strut. Dont forget code required seismic restraint. Try not to kink or damage the refrigerant connections. all metal to metal duct and plenum connections must have screws and sealed with an approved duct mastic.

sue the homebuilder while you still have a chance.

[Bubba]

Id have never guessed.

And what did your wholehouse inspection reveal at the time of purchase?

Okay, so cheapest bidder won the job. Nothing new there.

So what did the other two licensed and insured professional HVAC contractors tell you about the scope of the job and the price?

Then do it yourself and find out how much "fun" we hvac contractors have up in hot dark attics.

Well, first guess on how to hang it would be to look at that silly piece of paper that came with the unit called, "Installation Instructions". If you dont have it, try another silly little feature called a "google search". If all else fails, ask "Todd H." He thinks he knows everything.

You're a tinman expert now? Damn, you're good.

Pictures, a second hvac opinion in writing and mention of a lawsuit might get you some movement. Then on the other hand, it might just get you a laugh. Bubba

[Puddles]

I meant that the building contractor would pay for 1/2 of it since it was incorrectly installed. No, I am not a laywer, nor have I ever sued anyone, or believe it is the best option.

If the posts from you and Bubba are indicative of the people that are hvac experts, then I rather do the work myself, and all the hassle that comes with it, then have to deal with people like you.

[Bubba]

But you CANT do it yourself. Thats why you're in here whinning. Suck it up big boy. Pay the piper. Bubba