🚀 go-pugleaf

We just had a full forced-air system installed, replacing our two wall 
furnaces.

Generally speaking we are _very_ pleased with the work.  However, the new 
system was installed in the garage, *right* next to the door from the main 
part of the house into the garage, and we have to walk by it frequently, as 
the laundry area is right there, we have a fridge out there, etc..  We also 
have a toddler, who of course has to come out there with me if I am doing 
laundry, or what have you.

Now, when doing the install, they wrapped the cold air return ductwork, which 
runs along the full length (from top to bottom) of the furnace, with 
fiberglass insulation.  They did *not* cover it with the mylar-type wrap, or 
*anything* at all.  All that fiberglass is completely exposed for us to brush 
up against as we walk by it.  I was stunned when the installer told me that 
they were all done and I inspected the job and saw the exposed fiberglass.   
I was beyond stunned when he told me that it wasn't included in the job, and 
that he couldn't do it unless it was listed on his order, or otherwise 
approved by the main office.  [I certainly don't blame him - he is just a 
labourer doing the job he was sent out to do.]

I did call the office, and was told by the superviser that  yes, the practice, 
at least here in the SF Bay area, is to *not* cover the fiberglass insulation. 
 It "isn't required", and they don't do it as part of a regular install.  If 
we want it done, they'll be happy to come back out and do it, of course for a 
cost.  The salesman told me the same thing, added that he hadn't factored it 
in when bidding the job, and then reiterated that "nobody" routinely did it. 
"It is always extra".

Now, before I blow a vein over this thing, is this really true?  I used to 
work as an office manager for an HVAC company, and it was not true of that 
company, but that was nearly 20 years ago, and on another coast.  If it's true 
that most companies do not cover up their fiberglass on exposed ductwork, and 
that it is an "extra", then we'll have to bite the bullet, and have them come 
out and charge us extra to put a barrier between ourselves, our toddler, and 
the fiberglass.  It just really galls me that it would be considered an 
extra, given that OF COURSE you need to not have exposed fiberglass in an area 
where there is regular human traffic!  

Sigh.

Thanks for any input.


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Anne
William - 4/11/98
Jessica - 8/28/78

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