wrote in message
ups.com...
Hello,
I recently had a home inspection in preparation for selling my house.
The inspector informed the buyer that I need to downgrade the circuit
breaker (from 40amp to 15amp) for new hvac? He said he sees this
problem a lot. My father, who does a lot of DIY including some
electrical, says that if we change to 15amp when the hvac switches to
aux. heat it will blow the breaker?

I need to find out if this really needs to be changed, the inspector
warned the hvac unit could be damaged if this isn't changed. But I
don't want to have the change done if it will cause problems when the
unit goes to aux heat.

I'd call the hvac installer, but, clearly, they didn't think it was
necessary to change the breaker & I'd really like an independent
opinion on this.

ALSO, is changing a breaker best left to an electrician or might this
be something we could do ourselves?

Thanks in advance for any input.
WJ


What I have seen done a lot is for the breaker in the main panel to NOT be
changed when a new unit is installed but the correct sized breaker to be
installed in the disconnect box located next to the unit. Assuming the wire
from the breaker to the disconnect box is properly sized this would be fine.
Not something the average home inspector is smart enough to realize.

The final protection for the unit is at the disconnect box. The wiring may
be able to carry 40 amps to the disconnect but if that is a 20 amp breaker
only 20 can pass to the unit.

By doing it this way the HVAC contractor has not messed with your wiring or
your breaker box and is only liable for the disconnect and the unit. It is
a CYA (his A) type of thing.

If that is the case a simple letter from the HVAC contractor should be
enough to satisfy the "repair requirements" of the home inspection. You
should offer to pay the HVAC for the time to write the letter. Most will
not charge.

I have never seen a home inspector argue with a licensed person who is
willing to commit something to writing.

Colbyt