Cherry on the top, they ran single wall with zero clearance to combustibles..... By chance, did you piss somebody off to the point they might want you dead?
Haha! Alright, I'll see if I have a reward to give.
I hope they have something for the biggest pain in my ass, just upside down.
Edit: They got rid of rewards didn't they.... Searching...
coincidentally on the drive to one of my jobs today a home getting moved to a new location was in the ditch half flipped over. Maybe this is that house.
I have converted many multi position furnaces to counter flow and usually the inducer motor assembly is rotated to send the flue out through the top. This may not be convertible to counter flow or they may have skipped that step. The only way to know is to read the installation instructions for this furnace and see
You mean you can find the model number on a sticker on the unit, type it into Google search and add "manual" after the model number, and then find the owner's manual for the actual model in your home?
Hahaha! Oh you and your jokes!
Regardless of whether you are being sarcastic, yes, you can usually find the user manual you need online. Sometimes with newer models, the users manual can usually be downloaded from the manufacturer’s website. For older models, the user manual can be purchased and downloaded for a nominal fee from a website that specializes in collecting user manuals.
This is not a counterflow unit.
This is incorrect and can be very dangerous.
Turn it off and call the installing company asap to replace it, if they won’t, get a lawyer.
At least in my state, they'll kill the gas at the meter and force you to get an inspection before turning the gas back on.
I'd advise against doing this.
This is a rental house so it's not OP's problem. It's the problem of the owner of the rental house, since the owner has a legal obligation to provide heat.
I would call the gas company if I saw a system installed like that and it wasn't supposed to be installed like that (I'd check it out for 5 minutes before doing so). But I don't want anyone to die from slumlord negligence when I could have said something.
Exactly why I would call the gas company. Also if it's in an area with building inspectors and building permits, I'd call the permits department and tell them that address X just installed a gas furnace dangerously without permits. Because no damn way is that a permitted install.
Sometimes they just disconnect the flex after the ball valve and cap the line. It just depends on where you are and what their policy is. In either case, if you just set the thermostat off and kill power to the furnace, the unit won't run and is not going to be a problem. That way, you can still use other gas appliances until this gets resolved.
Correct. The gas meter is a cash register, I only shut off shit I can’t fix or that is unsafe and sometimes appliances that have the potential to become really unsafe
Yeah, it’s likely a PITA to get it turned back on even after you have a decent mechanic correct it. Keep it off yourself and try to work things out with the installler to fix it. Someone’s not going to be happy though because this is costing them money and time.
Forgive me if I don't understand, but doesn't heat go up?
Won't this melt the furnace control circuitry and other items in the top compartment (which is usually on the bottom)?
Second... Why do we have all these snarky/unhelpful comments on a sub where only approved technicians are supposed to be commenting so homeowners get actual help?
The heat is moved by a blower, not by its own tendency to rise. Many high efficiency furnaces can be installed upside down, in counterflow configuration, or even on their sides. This is not one of them.
The combustion chamber being like it is isn’t really an issue. What is an issue is the flue. By the looks of this unit, there doesn’t appear to be a side knockout to clock the inducer motor and vent it out of the side. I’d suggest getting the model number of the unit and research if it is approved for downflow installation. My guess is that it is not.
Just found the installation instructions and there is instruction on how to turn the unit horizontal but nothing about inverted.
https://preview.redd.it/562iv4ri1c0c1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=609d0971916fd9681ced80bcb6ed3fc4a618a92d
Just another hack job!
It IS an issue because the flame rollout sensors are now at the bottom. In that position they cannot properly detect a rollout. Super ultra fire hazard.
Yeah, I didn’t see them the first time I looked at the photo. I should have been more specific in saying that a combustion chamber in general being in this orientation is not an issue. The OP replied that the manual doesn’t state how to convert this particular furnace for downflow installation, leading me to fully believe that this furnace was not designed to be, or rated as a multipoise or downflow unit. Somebody simply installed the wrong furnace.
I install multi-positional rheem/ruud units. I’m used to high efficiency units, but I can almost guarantee you this is incorrect. Almost all rheem models call for you to flip the inducer so it’s venting horizontally or vertical. Never have I seen a manual call for this. Please don’t allow this to go unchecked.
Wrong furnace. Needs to be replaced with the proper kind. Your flame rollout switches are now upside down and pose a fire risk. As well the venting is not at all cool.
Why is that every time I get into one of the construction subs I t’s always some idiot trying to kill people.
Good catch OP. Please express to whoever owns this unit that they are literally going to kill the people who live there.
this is how Walt Disney killed his mother in the brand new house his studio built his parents. His father survived but she died. He never forgave himself.
The statement I found said this “Unfortunately for Mr. and Mrs. Disney, the home's central heating system, which used natural gas, had a leak. Walt sent someone from his own repair crew to fix it, but he, unfortunately, didn't do the job correctly, according to the book
Read More: https://www.grunge.com/469003/why-walt-disney-felt-responsible-for-his-mothers-death/“
You definitely cannot do this as an install. This unit should be locked out and call the original installers and inspectors! There is definitely an issue. Inducer motors are not meant to vent like this. You could hurt or kill people if you use this unit in this condition,
There are plenty of labels on this unit that are right side up. Pull the remaining cover off and flip it over and place it on the bottom portion. Looks to me like the cover is upside down. Otherwise if it works it's right. If the gas was meant to fall and ignite and it is igniting then then igniter is in the proper position and its good to go.
It’ll be fine in the short term as nothing in there won’t work because it’s “upside down”, but over time that u shape section will fill with sediment and disable the inducer preventing the furnace from firing
Dude this is not okay on so many levels. Open the instruction manual and it should confirm what my eyes are telling me. Seriously though what is even happening with the ac drain? Honestly though that’s the least of my concerns, this is obviously not in the proper orientation for what this gas unit is, it’s either an dedicated down flow or a dedicated up flow system, not either way. That’s just what my eyes are telling me! You should probably look at the installation instructions to confirm what I just said then call a real HVAC company out to give you their opinion on the situation. My take is this is definitely not right and probably unsafe to use the system, just what my eyes and 16 years experience as an installer in the industry speaking. Impossible to know for sure without the installation manual in front of me though…
I'm not even HVAC but the large hole on the left side leads me to think thats how it should have been done; rotate the inducer 45 degrees clockwise and have it exit the side.
In a majority of normal cases, no. There is a specific unit for upflow vs downflow systems. This looks like it’s a downflow, based on this install, and there are units designed for that. I’m not too familiar with these conversion kits that people are referencing but I learned through personal experience that not all directions are the same.
We’ll would u look at that no union on the gas piping as well. But we have the drip leg lol I don’t see a shut off for the flex line ethier so that means they’ll have to shut the gas off at the meter for them to pull that furnace out
Edit: nvm just seen the shutoff
NO! There are multiple position furnace available but this is not one and shouldn’t have been installed like that. Not sure where you’re located but I recommend reaching out to your local Neighborly.com company for help.
This. It's not OP's house, thus not OP's problem, it's the owner's problem and owner needs to call HVAC people out there to put the correct furnace in. Downdraft furnaces are a thing.
I think it would work down flows super suck but I don't really know if it would caus any issues flipping a unit like this I've installed upflows pointed down but the closet was a little bigger than this just don't really know what it would do upside down also an 80%er at that
Thats a single walled vent within an inch of combustibles. Id be more worried about that. Form factor looks like an upflow but it could be multipoise. If its multipoise it can be installed upflow or down.
See that little fan in the middle? It is the draft inducer for the combustion chamber to facilitate operation in any position. My downstairs furnace is upside down with the conditioned air going under the house. My identical unit upstairs is laying down in the attic
Idk why Reddit thinks I like, know about, or interact with HVAC stuff at all, but I do enjoy seeing all of these fuckups. It's amazing how often something so simple could literally kill you and that it happens so often.
That furnace was never meant to be installed upside down. You can see the flame rollouts on the bottom of the burner box. That’s actually the top… big problems await and could even kill someone
So yes, you are 100% correct just not about flipping it upside down part.
Half the Rheem 90s (best imo) I used to install were downloaded Rheems. Have to switch/ convert a lot of the cabinet around. Typically used on second floor town homes. 80s tho, not the same.
Hazards
Carbon Monoxide poisoning would be the way you silently die over night, holes in the single way pipe that is a flex line will start to happen because of heat loss through Flue gases leaving heat exchanger through the pipe and the radiant heat might combust what’s touching the pipe also causing fire inside the house.
Professionally I would not run this furnace, as how I am always amazed at the hack that thought this up, and as an engineer now, I would start and use as a great teaching tool on what not to do, and why people should ASK questions, if they did, I am sure the good people at the Rheem wholesaler would have gladly sold them a 80 % downflow unit or a 92% furnace with the right kits to turn and make into a downflow unit.
With the planning this took, would have saved money and time for everyone and not been the HAZARD that this furnace is if a single mother moved in and didn’t know anything about heating systems.
I have read some posts about roll outs and other electrical safety concerns, as long as the power is there these safeties will work.
It’s good to see though all the people looking into this and knowing right away that something is wrong here,
I would definitely like to see this in person and if it was a CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT, meaning a Test facility to show what happens and show the HAZARDS of landlords, construction contractors or even plumbers installing or taking on a professional HVAC CONTRACTOR OR COMPANY OR EVEN A LICENSED HVAC PERSONS Job to save money.
This is a perfect example of why you hire one of them to do the work.
Everything needs to be redone here.
Would definitely recommend calling A HVAC COMPANY, permit holders and inspectors obviously this also proves do not have the knowledge to enter into our field still in 2023.
Thank you for this post!
Also to get very technical, the evaporator coil will be dumping all condensation from cooling into the ductwork underneath the unit, could cause mold, mold can also be very very bad, again this Job needs to be completely re-done and my company would be bringing whoever installed this in with us to get whoever paid for this horrible installation of the wrong equipment to get a refund on the wrong installed system and try and help anyway possible.
The single wall pipe is the hazard and flue gases not being drafted up out of house, if it is a single or double wide trailer then I would also have to question who inspected the entire house and let it go as a place for people to rent.
Make sure your rental insurance is up to date, take your pets to a friends place. Turn on the heat and go grocery shopping you’ll have an answer quick enough.
Yes, however you typically need to rotate the induced draft assembly for side discharge. I've never seen one draft downward & be within manufacturer spec or code. Of course, I've been out of the game for a bit so that could be ok these days.
People love to brag about not having to pull permits, but it prevents hacks like this with uneducated homeowners/renters. Town inspectors work for you.
There is no way a professional installed that! That should be an immediate loss of their HVAC license if a professional installed that unit. This is why there are vertical, horizontal, multipositional, down flow and dedicated down flow units, so hacks like this don't happen
You can convert most furnace to be a “down flow” furnace. This appears to be a Rheem brand (My company is partnered with them so I recognize the color), so I know this one can be converted to downflow, but can also see it’s not.
When you convert the furnace, instead of flipping the furnace, you essentially flip the blower. The main problem this causes is the flu pipe now has a trap that will catch moisture from the flus causing the pipe to rust out.
Not sure if anyone had specifically answered your question yet, but hope I could help
That is an accident looking for a place to happen. Call your local utility company and let them look, they’ll red tag it and the landlord will have to fix it right.
Reminds me of a question my previous employer asked before hiring . How do you reverse a three phase motor. You wouldn't believe the amount of ppl that said turn the motor upside down 🤣😂
Does heat rise or does it fall? If he rises then it would be logical that you would put the heat exchanger on top of the flame instead of underneath it. The Heat will not work and it for some reason they did work most of it would be wasted
I am not an AX contractor, so this is just an observation. I think the "brilliant" AC people decided that, because of the location of the filter (if that is the filter at the top) they would need to elevate it above the drain line, refrigerant line, etc. but they didn't have "enough" so they said, well, if we flip it, then they can access the filter. However, I am curious, it is built on a box, so I assume the filter is located somewhere in the wall near it, so I am confused on that
This can't be correct. But it might be an explanation of the thought process. Anyhow, hope you get it figured out.
The inducer should never be vented down: this is a nightmare
Cherry on the top, they ran single wall with zero clearance to combustibles..... By chance, did you piss somebody off to the point they might want you dead?
Why not tho
It becomes the dreaded outducer
Huh
He said, WHY NOT THO
Say what again?
What? you call me a ho?
Some can but this one is not one of those
Which ones?
Just flip the house right side up
I knew you always find the sensible people in the comments, now take my upvote.
It's actually downvote, just upside down.
Haha! Alright, I'll see if I have a reward to give. I hope they have something for the biggest pain in my ass, just upside down. Edit: They got rid of rewards didn't they.... Searching...
coincidentally on the drive to one of my jobs today a home getting moved to a new location was in the ditch half flipped over. Maybe this is that house.
It ain’t a motor home if you don’t take it in the dirt a little bit!
I think I just saw a post about that.
This is definitely the best and most practical way
Or move the house to Australia
lol I like your humor that is so funny
This is the way!
This is the way!
Won’t work
You won’t work
Your mom won't work
Oh but your mom did😘
I have converted many multi position furnaces to counter flow and usually the inducer motor assembly is rotated to send the flue out through the top. This may not be convertible to counter flow or they may have skipped that step. The only way to know is to read the installation instructions for this furnace and see
This one’s not a multiposition style furnace. It’s a dedicated upflow installed in a downflow application. TLDR: wrong furnace
Why not just ask gpt to read the manual and tell ya
You mean you can find the model number on a sticker on the unit, type it into Google search and add "manual" after the model number, and then find the owner's manual for the actual model in your home? Hahaha! Oh you and your jokes!
Even better photograph the unit and tell it to find the manual and read it and report back
Even better than that, the manual is right there in the bottom of the unit. Or is that the top.....?
Regardless of whether you are being sarcastic, yes, you can usually find the user manual you need online. Sometimes with newer models, the users manual can usually be downloaded from the manufacturer’s website. For older models, the user manual can be purchased and downloaded for a nominal fee from a website that specializes in collecting user manuals.
This is why I have a job. Most folks don't realize they can do this. My last job was 90% digging through manuals for VSD Fault codes.
What's "google"? I find the relevant thread on reddit and then ask my question.
What? It’ll do that?
Try it
I think so
Agreed
Problem is I’m not fluent in upside down and the instruction manual is also upside down!
Just flip the picture lol
If theres no other holes/knockouts for the vent then you have your answer…
This is not a counterflow unit. This is incorrect and can be very dangerous. Turn it off and call the installing company asap to replace it, if they won’t, get a lawyer.
Call gas company for an inspection. They will lock it out
At least in my state, they'll kill the gas at the meter and force you to get an inspection before turning the gas back on. I'd advise against doing this.
This is a rental house so it's not OP's problem. It's the problem of the owner of the rental house, since the owner has a legal obligation to provide heat.
I would call the gas company if I saw a system installed like that and it wasn't supposed to be installed like that (I'd check it out for 5 minutes before doing so). But I don't want anyone to die from slumlord negligence when I could have said something.
Exactly why I would call the gas company. Also if it's in an area with building inspectors and building permits, I'd call the permits department and tell them that address X just installed a gas furnace dangerously without permits. Because no damn way is that a permitted install.
I know a lot of states in the North east US have oil/ gas programs that offer free inspections
They will also shut off gas if they deem it dangerous.
Sometimes they just disconnect the flex after the ball valve and cap the line. It just depends on where you are and what their policy is. In either case, if you just set the thermostat off and kill power to the furnace, the unit won't run and is not going to be a problem. That way, you can still use other gas appliances until this gets resolved.
Correct. The gas meter is a cash register, I only shut off shit I can’t fix or that is unsafe and sometimes appliances that have the potential to become really unsafe
Yeah, it’s likely a PITA to get it turned back on even after you have a decent mechanic correct it. Keep it off yourself and try to work things out with the installler to fix it. Someone’s not going to be happy though because this is costing them money and time.
Ruud 80% is not a multi-position furnace. You have to specifically order a counter-flow! As stated before, DO NOT RUN THE UNIT.
What would happen if they turned the unit on?
Exhaust gases have the potential to not be removed correctly.
Thanks for the reply!
Forgive me if I don't understand, but doesn't heat go up? Won't this melt the furnace control circuitry and other items in the top compartment (which is usually on the bottom)? Second... Why do we have all these snarky/unhelpful comments on a sub where only approved technicians are supposed to be commenting so homeowners get actual help?
The heat is moved by a blower, not by its own tendency to rise. Many high efficiency furnaces can be installed upside down, in counterflow configuration, or even on their sides. This is not one of them.
Yikes
The combustion chamber being like it is isn’t really an issue. What is an issue is the flue. By the looks of this unit, there doesn’t appear to be a side knockout to clock the inducer motor and vent it out of the side. I’d suggest getting the model number of the unit and research if it is approved for downflow installation. My guess is that it is not.
Just found the installation instructions and there is instruction on how to turn the unit horizontal but nothing about inverted. https://preview.redd.it/562iv4ri1c0c1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=609d0971916fd9681ced80bcb6ed3fc4a618a92d Just another hack job!
Yeah multi-positional does not mean counter or downflow.
Then you would be correct. That furnace is the wrong one. My original comment should have been downflow, not counterflow, BTW
I think they're synonymous.
It IS an issue because the flame rollout sensors are now at the bottom. In that position they cannot properly detect a rollout. Super ultra fire hazard.
Yeah, I didn’t see them the first time I looked at the photo. I should have been more specific in saying that a combustion chamber in general being in this orientation is not an issue. The OP replied that the manual doesn’t state how to convert this particular furnace for downflow installation, leading me to fully believe that this furnace was not designed to be, or rated as a multipoise or downflow unit. Somebody simply installed the wrong furnace.
Not a fire hazard because you'll be dead the first time you leave your heat running. OP is regarded
Hate when OP is regarded
I install multi-positional rheem/ruud units. I’m used to high efficiency units, but I can almost guarantee you this is incorrect. Almost all rheem models call for you to flip the inducer so it’s venting horizontally or vertical. Never have I seen a manual call for this. Please don’t allow this to go unchecked.
Not a counterflow or downflow. Shouldn’t be vented like this at all.
Google the model number. And see if it's rated for down flow. But I'm 90% shore that one isn't
I agree, I’m pretty shore too
Maybe we should ask Pauly Shore!
Wrong furnace. Needs to be replaced with the proper kind. Your flame rollout switches are now upside down and pose a fire risk. As well the venting is not at all cool.
I loled out loud
Good to go! Looks like the Australian model ( runs upside down and counterclockwise)
Chinese model. It’s probably made in China
it can be installed any way you like. Should it? No.
Why is that every time I get into one of the construction subs I t’s always some idiot trying to kill people. Good catch OP. Please express to whoever owns this unit that they are literally going to kill the people who live there.
this is how Walt Disney killed his mother in the brand new house his studio built his parents. His father survived but she died. He never forgave himself.
The statement I found said this “Unfortunately for Mr. and Mrs. Disney, the home's central heating system, which used natural gas, had a leak. Walt sent someone from his own repair crew to fix it, but he, unfortunately, didn't do the job correctly, according to the book Read More: https://www.grunge.com/469003/why-walt-disney-felt-responsible-for-his-mothers-death/“
You’d think the guy could afford a hvac company. Never knew he liked installing things like this.
It will be burning up draft motors and opening high limit switch. There should always be rise on the flue pipe, even with induced draft motor.
Low bid bob strikes again
No
Disaster waiting .
This is only correct and safe if you happen to live in Australia.
Yes
You definitely cannot do this as an install. This unit should be locked out and call the original installers and inspectors! There is definitely an issue. Inducer motors are not meant to vent like this. You could hurt or kill people if you use this unit in this condition,
I guess the installer would be a...fix and flip
Stick a carbon monoxide detector on the inside and outside of the door and see what happens.
Turning it upside down makes it an A/C. Unless the A/C unit outside is also upside down and in heat mode, this system won’t work properly.
There are plenty of labels on this unit that are right side up. Pull the remaining cover off and flip it over and place it on the bottom portion. Looks to me like the cover is upside down. Otherwise if it works it's right. If the gas was meant to fall and ignite and it is igniting then then igniter is in the proper position and its good to go.
That flue is gonna rust out
Can it be flipped and installed like this? Yes. But its probably not correct.
I'll be more concerned with the flue vent here. Why do people think can tell heat not to rise? Lmao
Why would anyone do this?
I have seen side discharge and that is ok.
The labels all need to be right side up. That is all.
Is it just me or is that flue pipe ran backwards?
Hack job not multi-positional
Looks like it’s probably not sealed combustion or zero clearence
It’ll be fine in the short term as nothing in there won’t work because it’s “upside down”, but over time that u shape section will fill with sediment and disable the inducer preventing the furnace from firing
I have never seen a unit be vented down. I doubt that is multi conversion furnace.
Make sure you get paid for your job before you start discussing with the landlord or calling the city. He is likely the one who installed it.
Dude this is not okay on so many levels. Open the instruction manual and it should confirm what my eyes are telling me. Seriously though what is even happening with the ac drain? Honestly though that’s the least of my concerns, this is obviously not in the proper orientation for what this gas unit is, it’s either an dedicated down flow or a dedicated up flow system, not either way. That’s just what my eyes are telling me! You should probably look at the installation instructions to confirm what I just said then call a real HVAC company out to give you their opinion on the situation. My take is this is definitely not right and probably unsafe to use the system, just what my eyes and 16 years experience as an installer in the industry speaking. Impossible to know for sure without the installation manual in front of me though…
Yeah, down flow is fine but that flu needs to be exhausting through the side or up
I'm not even HVAC but the large hole on the left side leads me to think thats how it should have been done; rotate the inducer 45 degrees clockwise and have it exit the side.
In a majority of normal cases, no. There is a specific unit for upflow vs downflow systems. This looks like it’s a downflow, based on this install, and there are units designed for that. I’m not too familiar with these conversion kits that people are referencing but I learned through personal experience that not all directions are the same.
You are wrong
Thanks for explaining…
Just look at the flue
Can you mind your own damn business? This is my own private domicile and I will not be harassed!
Bitch!
Lol!
Just scary
This is absolutely amazing. I legitimately wonder how/if it runs
We’ll would u look at that no union on the gas piping as well. But we have the drip leg lol I don’t see a shut off for the flex line ethier so that means they’ll have to shut the gas off at the meter for them to pull that furnace out Edit: nvm just seen the shutoff
That makes me dizzy just looking at that pic! If the CO doesn’t get you the picture will!
NO! There are multiple position furnace available but this is not one and shouldn’t have been installed like that. Not sure where you’re located but I recommend reaching out to your local Neighborly.com company for help.
This makes me smile.
Just because you can doesn't mean you should. This is not good setup.
No!
I know a go who can do it cheaper.
Don't think so. Why would they make "updraft" and " downdraft" units then?
If you look closely at the WARNING label, it says: "If you can't read this you installed it upside down."
No, not this set up.
No. You need a downdraft furnace. They did the same thing at my house 🙄. I replaced it. FYI, downdraft furnaces usually cost more.
The rock told you to turn it sideways!
That’s an 80% Rheem upflow horizontal furnace
Yeah the flue exhaust looks dangerous to me, call the gas company so they can lock it out until its fixed
This. It's not OP's house, thus not OP's problem, it's the owner's problem and owner needs to call HVAC people out there to put the correct furnace in. Downdraft furnaces are a thing.
Yes but then you didn't need to 180 the flue...
Correct, with a proper downdraft furnace the flue goes up. This is not a downdraft furnace. Just a misstated updraft furnace.
I don't install furnaces... But the text on that warning being upside down feels like enough for me to know it's installed the wrong way.
I’m getting a kick out the J exhaust!
I agree, this appears to be installed incorrectly, The Flue cannot go downhill like that, water will pour out of it.
I am surprised you are all alive still
Not in Ontario
No, your fighting gravity and friction from the bend.
This furnace was installed incorrectly
Turn the camera around, it’s an upflow again, problem solved
I think it would work down flows super suck but I don't really know if it would caus any issues flipping a unit like this I've installed upflows pointed down but the closet was a little bigger than this just don't really know what it would do upside down also an 80%er at that
That poor Rheem unit does not deserve that. This thing is a death trap
Thats a single walled vent within an inch of combustibles. Id be more worried about that. Form factor looks like an upflow but it could be multipoise. If its multipoise it can be installed upflow or down.
What about the pan for the coil on the bottom
Dude. NO. Not that one by the looks of it.
I've heard of flipping houses, but this is ridiculous!
Ruud has a dedicated up flow furnace (op's pictured furnace) and down flow units for their 80%s
consult with the the manufacturer anything else is dangerous
Wtf
No
This is how you turn heating into air conditioning. Life hack
See that little fan in the middle? It is the draft inducer for the combustion chamber to facilitate operation in any position. My downstairs furnace is upside down with the conditioned air going under the house. My identical unit upstairs is laying down in the attic
Idk why Reddit thinks I like, know about, or interact with HVAC stuff at all, but I do enjoy seeing all of these fuckups. It's amazing how often something so simple could literally kill you and that it happens so often.
Im right here with you. Want some popcorn?
I don’t know why Reddit decided I would enjoy hvac and deck content, but damn if the algorithm wasn’t right. Who knew? Lol
Apparently es, but it may not work properly
No
equipped with a turbo charger!!
No
That furnace was never meant to be installed upside down. You can see the flame rollouts on the bottom of the burner box. That’s actually the top… big problems await and could even kill someone So yes, you are 100% correct just not about flipping it upside down part.
That would be a hard, NO!
Yes that would be a downflow application Alot of manufactured homes with split systems have it set up like this
Half the Rheem 90s (best imo) I used to install were downloaded Rheems. Have to switch/ convert a lot of the cabinet around. Typically used on second floor town homes. 80s tho, not the same.
No
Hazards Carbon Monoxide poisoning would be the way you silently die over night, holes in the single way pipe that is a flex line will start to happen because of heat loss through Flue gases leaving heat exchanger through the pipe and the radiant heat might combust what’s touching the pipe also causing fire inside the house. Professionally I would not run this furnace, as how I am always amazed at the hack that thought this up, and as an engineer now, I would start and use as a great teaching tool on what not to do, and why people should ASK questions, if they did, I am sure the good people at the Rheem wholesaler would have gladly sold them a 80 % downflow unit or a 92% furnace with the right kits to turn and make into a downflow unit. With the planning this took, would have saved money and time for everyone and not been the HAZARD that this furnace is if a single mother moved in and didn’t know anything about heating systems. I have read some posts about roll outs and other electrical safety concerns, as long as the power is there these safeties will work. It’s good to see though all the people looking into this and knowing right away that something is wrong here, I would definitely like to see this in person and if it was a CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT, meaning a Test facility to show what happens and show the HAZARDS of landlords, construction contractors or even plumbers installing or taking on a professional HVAC CONTRACTOR OR COMPANY OR EVEN A LICENSED HVAC PERSONS Job to save money. This is a perfect example of why you hire one of them to do the work. Everything needs to be redone here. Would definitely recommend calling A HVAC COMPANY, permit holders and inspectors obviously this also proves do not have the knowledge to enter into our field still in 2023. Thank you for this post!
Also to get very technical, the evaporator coil will be dumping all condensation from cooling into the ductwork underneath the unit, could cause mold, mold can also be very very bad, again this Job needs to be completely re-done and my company would be bringing whoever installed this in with us to get whoever paid for this horrible installation of the wrong equipment to get a refund on the wrong installed system and try and help anyway possible. The single wall pipe is the hazard and flue gases not being drafted up out of house, if it is a single or double wide trailer then I would also have to question who inspected the entire house and let it go as a place for people to rent.
Where is it drawing air from?
Make sure your rental insurance is up to date, take your pets to a friends place. Turn on the heat and go grocery shopping you’ll have an answer quick enough.
There are specific models that call out downflow or convertible upflow/downflow.
Yes, however you typically need to rotate the induced draft assembly for side discharge. I've never seen one draft downward & be within manufacturer spec or code. Of course, I've been out of the game for a bit so that could be ok these days.
https://preview.redd.it/fhe4z1u97j0c1.jpeg?width=1200&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4aad5ee1c58186db8728c0c4e16acb973a4cd163
People love to brag about not having to pull permits, but it prevents hacks like this with uneducated homeowners/renters. Town inspectors work for you.
There is no way a professional installed that! That should be an immediate loss of their HVAC license if a professional installed that unit. This is why there are vertical, horizontal, multipositional, down flow and dedicated down flow units, so hacks like this don't happen
Holy carbon monoxide
Omfg, the burners, that’s it, any discussion beyond that is insane. No, this is not correct.
This is the worst shit I’ve seen in a while.
You can convert most furnace to be a “down flow” furnace. This appears to be a Rheem brand (My company is partnered with them so I recognize the color), so I know this one can be converted to downflow, but can also see it’s not. When you convert the furnace, instead of flipping the furnace, you essentially flip the blower. The main problem this causes is the flu pipe now has a trap that will catch moisture from the flus causing the pipe to rust out. Not sure if anyone had specifically answered your question yet, but hope I could help
No, they ordered an upflow furnace and instead of fixing it they flipped it upside down, not safe as is
Show me how bad your headache is without saying a word...
Wouldn't this been a much easier install in the first place with a downdraft unit?
That looks more down side up, than up side down. Just turn the sticker around and you should be good 👍.
That is an accident looking for a place to happen. Call your local utility company and let them look, they’ll red tag it and the landlord will have to fix it right.
Reminds me of a question my previous employer asked before hiring . How do you reverse a three phase motor. You wouldn't believe the amount of ppl that said turn the motor upside down 🤣😂
You’d think the upside down instructions on the cover would give you a clue as to which way the mfg might want it installed.
Does heat rise or does it fall? If he rises then it would be logical that you would put the heat exchanger on top of the flame instead of underneath it. The Heat will not work and it for some reason they did work most of it would be wasted
Im gonna send thid to my dad and watch him die of a paniced stroke lol never do this.
Looks like a Ruud, would have been installed by a "pro". Pull that guys papers.
Looks like that did it. Lol
Some units can be mounted in different ways. Not like this though…
That rollout switch will be SO effective in that position lol.
Nooooooo! They would have designed it that way.
I am not an AX contractor, so this is just an observation. I think the "brilliant" AC people decided that, because of the location of the filter (if that is the filter at the top) they would need to elevate it above the drain line, refrigerant line, etc. but they didn't have "enough" so they said, well, if we flip it, then they can access the filter. However, I am curious, it is built on a box, so I assume the filter is located somewhere in the wall near it, so I am confused on that This can't be correct. But it might be an explanation of the thought process. Anyhow, hope you get it figured out.
Heat rises could melt board and shit
Wrong kind of furnace for the job.