Can someone tell me what this pipe is for.
The pipe I’m pointing at. Goodman 2006.
Referred to as a high efficiency condensing furnace flue pipe, Mike.
Likely the fresh combustion air intake with the combustion exhaust pipe being on the right hand side.
Leaking condensate. Look at the cabinet corrosion.
No air break or cleanout for the evaporator.
You have the model number?
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100% agree with Robert
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As Robert said likely the fresh air intake.
In my area that needs a 1/4" screen to prevent vermin entry.
Run the furnace, and see if air is sucking in.
Note the rust also.
What’s the exact model number? Photo of the nameplate?
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Another note on an installation like this. It is not considered a direct vent appliance and the clearances for the exhaust termination change.
When you remove the furnace cabinet door you will be able to see what it is for. Which is combustion air.
In my area, there’s a requirement that the service manual for the equipment be left with the equipment (thus it’s a defect if that’s missing).
The Goodman®
GKS9 92.1% AFUE Single-Stage, Multi-Speed
Upflow Gas Furnace features a patented aluminized-steel
tubular heat exchanger and energy-efficient Hot Surface
Ignition system.
The rust appears to not be from the furnace condensate, which is lower down per the manual. Maybe it is from an A/C unit mounted on top of the furnace? Or from the vent pipe?
Note from the manual: For bottom return: Failure to unfold flanges may reduce airflow by up to 18%. This could result in performance and noise issues
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Thanks, Mike.
Goodman GKS90 - 90,000 BTU - Gas-Fired Furnace - NG - 92.1% AFUE - Single-Stage - Upflow - Multi-Speed.
Vintage equipment. Product discontinued. Replacement recommendation: GMSS921004CN. Age:
Age: Approximately 15 years old.
Probability of failure. Medium.
Recommend a licensed HVAC contractor: 1: service the furnace prior the next heating cycle.
Looks like a scorch mark on the under side of the exhaust flue.
These things leak like crazy when not serviced. Where and what is leaking is sometimes difficult to pin down.
I am curious if this should be connected. I wish had time to look it up, maybe the OP has the opportunity.
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I suggest you take some HVAC courses so you can better explain what you are inspecting for you clients. IMO.
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Edward, with all due respect, you should practice some manners and not come off condescending. Not all inspectors need to know everything to be a good inspector.
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[quote=“bcawhern1, post:11, topic:203805”]
I am curious if this should be connected.
[/quote] Sure looks like it should be go somewhere… maybe the black pipe slips over the black nipple?
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Correct Mike! We all have questions everyday on things we may not come across often. There are no and I mean NO boilers in my region, so if by chance I did see one, I would be on here in a heart beat asking questions.
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I apologize if I came off judgmental, the intake vent is pretty common on all HVAC units of these age of units. I learn something new on every inspection, and CE study.
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Thanks Edward, it’s all good. I always thought the intake and exhaust always came from outside.
Ya I would guess about 90% of the high efficiency units are vented to the exterior that I see around my area. My own one is not, it terminates in the lower level like the picture you showed. When I asked the HVAC guy who installed it about it, he said being my area is wide open he was not worried about combustion air sufficiently. Also he said that way we didn’t have to cut another hole in the rim joist to the exterior.
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#1 - It gets his combustion air from inside the house, SO you need to verify the room its in is large enough to provide that OR it needs a source of the proper CA. If there is NO other gas fired appliance in the room, ALL by itself the furnace needs to have at least 4,500 cubic feet of CA or its a confined space (for example a room 20’ x 20’ x 8’ high ONLY provides 3,200cf of combustion air).
#2 - Its been leaking from several places whether it is right now or not.
#3 - You’re obviously not really experienced with 90% furnaces, etc … SO
#4 - Do the clients and yourself a big favor AND recommend a FULL service checkup PRIOR to close by a licensed and competent heating contractor to VERIFY proper operation and condition, etc
#5 - Take more training courses on heating
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Yes. That’s the condensate drain from the system exhaust. Prevents water from entering the draft inducer fan, which can be (at least) damaging to the inducer fan or motor, and (at most) make the system inoperable, or (at very most) kill somebody. The hose (now disconnected) channels the condensate to the primary drain. Hence the rusting of the inner casing.
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