At Around the Town Heating & Cooling Inc., we see our share of HVAC problems. But nothing is more frustrating than seeing a furnace installed incorrectly by someone who clearly was not qualified to do the work. Recently, our team responded to a service call in Chicago where the homeowner was experiencing heating issues. When we arrived, we immediately understood why.
The Problem: Missing Return Air and Improper Supply Ductwork
The furnace in question had two major installation problems that would prevent it from operating safely and efficiently:
- No return air duct — The furnace had no proper return air connection, meaning it could not pull air from the home to be heated and recirculated.
- Incorrect supply duct installation — The supply ductwork was not installed according to manufacturer specifications or proper HVAC practices.
These are not minor oversights. They are fundamental errors that indicate the installation was done by someone without proper training or licensing.
Why Return Air Matters
A furnace needs return air to function. The return air duct pulls air from the living spaces in the home, sends it through the furnace to be heated, and then distributes it back through the supply ducts. Without a properly installed return, the furnace cannot operate as intended. This can lead to:
- Poor heating performance
- Increased energy costs
- Overheating and system shutdowns
- Premature equipment failure
- Indoor air quality problems
In some cases, a missing or improperly sized return can also create negative pressure in the home, which may interfere with combustion venting and create unsafe conditions.
Supply Ductwork Done Wrong
The supply ductwork on this furnace was also installed incorrectly. Proper supply duct installation requires attention to sizing, sealing, support, and airflow. When supply ducts are not installed correctly, heated air may not reach the rooms it is supposed to, or it may be lost through gaps and leaks before it ever gets there.
In this case, the ductwork was poorly supported and improperly connected. The installation looked rushed and did not follow best practices for residential HVAC systems.
The Risks of Unlicensed HVAC Work
This installation is a clear example of what happens when unlicensed or unqualified contractors take on HVAC work. Heating and cooling systems are complex. They involve airflow, combustion, electrical connections, gas piping, and safety controls. Cutting corners or skipping steps can result in equipment that does not work properly, costs more to run, or creates safety hazards.
Homeowners who hire unlicensed contractors may save money upfront, but they often pay more in the long run through:
- Higher energy bills
- Frequent repairs
- Shortened equipment lifespan
- Costly corrections when the work needs to be redone
What Should a Proper Furnace Installation Look Like?
A professional furnace installation includes:
- Correct sizing based on the home’s heating load
- Properly installed and sealed return air ductwork
- Supply ducts sized and installed to manufacturer specifications
- Secure mounting and proper clearances
- Gas line connections tested for leaks
- Electrical connections done to code
- Combustion venting installed correctly
- System startup, testing, and adjustment
Licensed HVAC contractors follow industry standards and local building codes. They know what is required to make the system work safely and efficiently, and they stand behind their work.
Correcting the Installation
In cases like this one, correcting the installation may require significant work. The return air system needs to be added, the supply ductwork needs to be reinstalled properly, and the entire system needs to be tested to confirm it operates as it should. Depending on the extent of the original installation errors, this can be a time-consuming and expensive process.
For the homeowner, the lesson is clear: hire a licensed, experienced HVAC contractor from the start. The cost difference is small compared to the risk of dealing with poor workmanship, safety concerns, and expensive corrections later.
Furnace Installation and Repair in Chicago
Around the Town Heating & Cooling Inc. provides professional furnace installation, replacement, and repair services throughout Chicago and surrounding areas. Our technicians are licensed, trained, and experienced in all aspects of residential heating systems. We follow manufacturer guidelines, meet local code requirements, and make sure every installation is done right the first time.
If you are dealing with a furnace that was installed incorrectly, or if you need a new system installed properly, call Around the Town Heating & Cooling Inc. at 312-243-9896 for questions or to schedule service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Return air allows the furnace to pull air from the home, heat it, and recirculate it. Without proper return air, the system cannot function efficiently or safely.
Incorrectly installed supply ducts can cause uneven heating, air leaks, higher energy bills, and reduced comfort. Proper installation is essential for system performance.
Signs of poor installation include uneven heating, frequent breakdowns, high energy bills, strange noises, and visible issues like unsupported or improperly connected ductwork. A licensed HVAC contractor can inspect the system and identify problems.
No. Unlicensed contractors may offer lower prices, but they often lack the training and experience to do the work correctly. Poor installations can cost more in the long run through repairs, higher energy bills, and safety issues.
Schedule HVAC Service
Call or email to talk to a technician.Landlords & Tenants, please fill out this form to request HVAC work on tenant properties.(312) 243-9896