HVAC Technician Says Homeowner-Installed Furnace Was Venting Exhaust Into the House

"You know it's kind of amazing more people don't die from this kind of stuff."

An Ohio HVAC technician says they found a furnace installed by a homeowner's nephew that was pushing exhaust fumes into the home.

According to the technician, the setup was so badly done that nearly every major part showed problems.

Here's what to know

In a Reddit post, the technician shared photos of the furnace at a home in southern Ohio. Even though the unit was described as new, its condition made that claim questionable.

The technician said drains were missing, refrigerant lines were kinked, and the gas, electrical, and ductwork connections were also done incorrectly.

They added that the exhaust vent was "straight up blowing fumes into this old man's house."

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More background

The service call began after a failed transformer left the furnace unable to operate, according to the technician.

They also said signs of previous use made the story behind the equipment seem doubtful. In a reply, they said it had been described as an old furnace bought secondhand but supposedly still in its box.

Possible carbon monoxide exposure also worried the technician, who said the homeowner had been ill and hospitalized.

"You know it's kind of amazing more people don't die from this kind of stuff," one commenter wrote.

What can be done?

The technician said they got the furnace running safely and planned to fix every issue, with the homeowner's daughter able to cover the repairs.

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The technician ended with a strong warning: "Homeowners don't DIY an install it's not worth your life."

Where can I learn more?

Faulty furnace installations can expose homeowners to exhaust fumes and a range of other hazards.

• A homeowner discovered a loose furnace flue after AC work and was warned against running it.

• A Philadelphia homeowner received a $4,900 furnace quote after carbon monoxide testing, prompting calls for further checks.

• A Pennsylvania homeowner's supposedly code-compliant furnace installation drew warnings over a flex gas line.