When a home inspector opens the housing of a furnace for a visual inspection, he or she is looking to see whether or not it looks to be well-maintained. If the furnace has the interlock switch taped on or the unit is full of sawdust, rust or dust, those are concerns. One of the more frequent things I see is a furnace that is full of white condensate -- looks like salt crystals. When that is present, it can also be a sign of poor combustion or venting. I see this condition often in Bellingham. Manufacturers recommend professional service of furnaces annually and, at the outside, every two years.
Steven L. Smith
Bellingham WA Home Inspections
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Steve----good picture----unfortunately all too common in my neck of the woods too
Short blog. This must not be your favorite subject. So what do you do with the white stuff? Does it mean the furnace is going out? If this were a water heater you'd dwell on it for 5 paragraphs! lol
Barbara,
I have been running lately, afraid if my feet touch the ground I might get kidnapped and have to pick cotton. Around here the HVAC guys clean out the condensate. Down where Charlie is they leave it in the furnace so he knows not whether HVAC has been there or not. I hear he collects it and sprinkles it on his eggs.
Doesn't everyone? It is just as good on lettuce and turkey jerky too!
Steve, no one will kidnap you to pick cotton since you don't know what it is except on a shirt label. You're safe.
Barbara,
I may not be so good with cotton, or so you say, but I am great at picking orlon. You ever done that? Now that is a job. Charlie B quit the first day but I persevered.
I assume orlon is similar to nylon which I have lots of experience with. We do have something in common!!!
Yuck ..... Furnaces and A/C units were my biggest expense next to plumbing when I had my apartments. I always hired a licensed individual to work on these since I knew nothing about them.
Sean Allen
Sean,
Good news is none of my rentals have A/C. Not common here.