Thread: Water heater in chase

Amazing what one finds in the heat pump return chase. Water heater directly below the heat pump filter.

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Looks like it is sealed off from the return air plenum with duct board.

Of course, all the edges should be sealed too, but the edges could be sealed in the plenum side.

Metal return vent is on hinges and opens for direct access to the water heater. The water heater sits directly below the opening for the heat pump system that sits directly above. Yep, all the plenum boards are nicely sealed though. Water heater blocks most of the furnace filter though.

Originally Posted by Ken Larson

Metal return vent is on hinges and opens for direct access to the water heater.

I saw that metal return air grille in the edge of the first photo, but I didn't pick up on the hinge (which I now see), so I thought that was the area 'next to it'.

Oh ... I got it now ... I see says the blind man.

So the heater is inside the return air chase, right?
That is why the pipes, etc. are coated with dust, right?

Yep, good dust / crud catcher. Guess it helps keep it out of the furnace.

Originally Posted by Ken Larson

Yep, good dust / crud catcher. Guess it helps keep it out of the furnace.

You have to look at it this way. The water heater helps warm the return air in the winter.....What a novel idea. To bad for the AC in the summer.