Originally Posted By: mroach This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Is the minimum clearance for the outside compressor 18"? I no that I have read this somewhere but I cannot find it.
Thanks'
MarkR
-- Mark Roach
A Professional Home Inspection
TREC# 6467
http://www.aprofessionalhomeinspection.com
"Your Best Protection is a Professional Home Inspection"
Klien Volunteer Fireman
Originally Posted By: jpope This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
If you’re speaking of the “condensing unit,” the clearance is typically 12" as stated.
Some models don't require clearance all around the unit, only on the sides with the coils. Some only have coils on two or three sides, others on all four.
Manufacturers set specifications for their own equipment.
-- Jeff Pope
JPI Home Inspection Service
"At JPI, we'll help you look better"
(661) 212-0738
Originally Posted By: mroach This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Thanks for the quick replies.
The clearance I’m looking for is from a wall. I inspected a home yesterday and the unit was 6" from the wall. I reported that the unit should be 18" from the wall for max. Efficiency. Now they want to see this in a codebook. Do you know where I can find this?
Originally Posted By: rsummers This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Code in this area is 12" away from any wall or other unit on the sides, 30" between the access panel and any obstruction. If the Building official questions the top Clarence you have to provide the installation instructions. I’ve also have read in some HI books the 18" rule but I think that’s a bit much. If you have 5’ between property lines in this area they let you cram them in some times leaving just enough room to get by with your bags on.
Originally Posted By: jpeck This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Manufacturer’s installation instructions take precedence over the code. It MUST be installed to meet the manufacturer’s installation instructions. That is how it was tested, listed and labeled.
Tell your client to have the SELLER provide the installation instructions, that the installation instructions will specify EXACTLY how it is to be installed (minimum clearances from here, here, here, how high above grade minimum, be level, etc.), and, while they are looking at THAT clearance, make sure the installation MEETS ALL requirements in the installation instructions.
The seller will likely wish they never opened this can of worms.
You may lose (probably will) on that 18", but will likely win on the fact that the condenser units needs to be (whatever does not meet installation requirements). The seller will then need to make the installation meet the requirements.
I've seen one unit which required something like 'at least 12" on one side, at least 6" on one side, and 30" clearance on the service side'. Now, let's see, there are four sides with intake and coil (service is in one corner), does that mean the other side can have "no clearance" (there are only three clearances shown)? Not really, because, with the service area being on the corner, that entire corner must be free, and that covers two sides. Which leaves us with the 12" and 6" on the other two sides.
Originally Posted By: mroach This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Jerry and all thank you for helping me out on this issue. They are going to move the units for the buyer
Mark
-- Mark Roach
A Professional Home Inspection
TREC# 6467
http://www.aprofessionalhomeinspection.com
"Your Best Protection is a Professional Home Inspection"
Klien Volunteer Fireman
