Can anyone tell me what this is? This was found in a 2nd floor bedroom next to a closet and behind an access panel. There is some unexplained ductwork that connects into a larger rectangular ductwork that goes into the wall, a small transformer, and also what appears to be a dirty condensate drain line, but I did not see any condensate producing appliance nearby or in the attic. There was a gas furnace located in the basement of the home, and a plenum in the attic, roughly above this area.
Was there a line-voltage thermostat or a switch that did not seem to go to anything in the area?
The only line voltage thermostat was in a basement bathroom. There was a nearby switch that did not seem to do anything.
My guess is that the switch opened the damper to control conditioning of a room that was not used that often. Normally turned off until the adult kids come home for a few days at Christmas. Something along those lines anyway.
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That box in the attic looks like an air exchanger.
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Yup… HRV/ERV.
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Afternoon, Julian. Hope to find you well.
Please, list the HVAC equipment please. Make/Manufacture/Model and serial numbers as well.
Clearly some ductwork has been disassembled in the top image. Remaining is a vent/duct damper with holes in drywall. Likely an old install.
The second image looks like a condensate line on the floor.
3rd image is a damaged heat recovery ventilator or as Marcel explains an Air Exchanger but that is old-school for HRV and ERV Heat and Energy Recovery Ventilators.
Observation: Damaged heat recovery ventilation system.
Recommend: A licensed HRV contractor/ technician further review and repair or replace the air exchanger and duct work. Act upon any recommendations therein.
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Thank you for the detailed reply Robert. Unfortunately, the access panel to the furnace was bent and was not easily removable so I wasn’t able to get a serial number.
Make and model: American Standard Freedom 80.
Additionally, the below picture was observed on the exterior near the bedroom. Unpatched hole revealing ductwork and a vent for supply/exhaust air for HRV/ERC ?
American Standard Freedom 80 single-stage, 80% efficient gas furnace?
The hole on the outside of the home is important for getting a better idea on what is going on. Where did the hard pipe tie into? To me, it looks like there is just ductwork and not an actual ERV. If the hard pipe does tie directly into this box, they are trying to do the same concept.
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Research the Hrv/Erv that JJonas posted and you will know why there are external vent holes. There should be 2 one for incoming and one for outgoing air. Important system to have operational in a tight home
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Looks that way to me as well. Looks like a basic distribution box in the picture.
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Don’t think so. Look at the condensate line and the ductwork location in the first image.
Do you have any images of the gas fired furnace and ductwork?