PDA

View Full Version : Energy Black Hole



baub
02-27-2004, 08:06 PM
Went to fix the heat at a bar/restaurant repo for a bank I do work for. I'm sure you have all seen worse, but this one, the gas company actually CALLED the bank, to tell them there was "an abnormally high gas usage".

When I finally found power, and access to the attic, here is what I found. All the flex duct off the metal was attached by duct tape, no screws. One supply, and one return had fallen off their transition piece. No insulation on the supply or return tin ductwork. Unit was in the attic, above the minimual insulation, so it was, at times sucking -20deg F air, and spewing some of the discharge into the same hole! The four supply and 1!!! return, were all on the 8' ceilng. Of course, plugged filter, and loose, cracked blower belt. Checked the temps at ceiling and floor with the thermostat at 50 deg. F.

Ceiling- 92deg F

Floor- 36deg F

Do ya think customers were not comfortable, gas bills were way too high, and maybe that affected the business bottom line?

The final hoot is this disaster is soon to be sold to another chump. Hope springs eternal in the small restaurant business.

http://ww2.imagewiz.net/images/hvac/31885_FURNACE_RETURN001.JPG

http://ww2.imagewiz.net/images/hvac/31886_FURNACE_SUPPLYE001.JPG

pmccune
02-27-2004, 11:07 PM
Is part of the flue piping not even hooked up !

PaysonHVAC
02-27-2004, 11:49 PM
The new owners will probably want that P.O.S. fixed vs. replacement too!

franksyer
02-28-2004, 12:04 AM
Is that a Stanley screwdriver in your bag? you must shop at wallmart like me. Just kidding,,, Good find, hope you did the right thing and let this one burn out.

baub
02-28-2004, 07:31 AM
Originally posted by pmccune
Is part of the flue piping not even hooked up !

Capped off with duct tape! Probably should have put on a metal cap, but on a POS like this, when do you quit?

Franksyer, yep thats a Stanley. Buy them in bulk cause I lose screwdrivers like there is no tomorrow. But I get them from Barnett Brass... I would never admit to shopping at Walmart on this site!

midhvac
02-28-2004, 10:37 PM
No wonder the bar went out of business. How much can you drink when you're breathin co?

topdog
02-29-2004, 09:16 PM
AND ALLMTHIS TIME I THOUGHT IT WAS THE ALCOHOL KILLING MY BRAIN CELLS.

burner man
04-05-2004, 12:50 AM
Should you not condemn a system like that? The heat exchanger is pooched for sure. I`m just curious but I know I would have shut that down.

HVAC Pro
04-05-2004, 12:27 PM
If that heat exchanger isn't full of cracks I'll eat my hat! :D

baub
04-05-2004, 05:25 PM
Originally posted by burner man
Should you not condemn a system like that? The heat exchanger is pooched for sure. I`m just curious but I know I would have shut that down.

As I mentioned in my original post, this was a repo by the bank that held the mortgage. They never want to put serious money into something like this.

There was no indication of a defect in the heat exchanger.

Also, the building was not occupied. Heat was on only to protect the pipes.

I take care of 7 branch offices for this bank, lots of work. I explained the situation and showed the same pictures to the maintenance super; but tell him the unit has to go? I don't think so. System was dying, but not dead.

burner man
04-05-2004, 10:37 PM
baub. I see your point, I was just curious, in that case I would leave it running as well.