01/20/2025
PSA - One of the more common issues I see is in regards to HVAC replacement. This is especially more prevalent in older homes. AC compressors, heat pumps, and air handlers have become more efficient over the years. I would probably estimate about 65% of the homes I inspect now have oversized breakers installed in the main panels, or the HVAC technician did not install fusible links at the outside or inside service disconnects. It is not unusual for me to go to a home built in the 70s, and to see a 50 amp breaker installed in the main panel for the outside compressor unit. Then to go look at the label plate on the newer compressor and it states the maximum breaker sizes 25 amps. If there's ever a malfunction, this can cause wires to overheat and start an electrical fire before the breaker ever trips.
The example pictures are from a house I recently inspected. I smelled the distinct odor of electrical/plastic burning when I entered the attic. The max breaker size on the air handler label plate said 60 amps, but there was 100 amp breaker installed in the main panel. Turned out the heat pump emergency heat coils had an issue. Some of the readings I was able to get with infrared at the service disconnect were closing in on 410°F.
Just be sure when having a replacement performed, that your licensed pro accounts for this. Many rarely do!
