Data Plate Question

[gigi63]

I noticed that the manufacturer's data plate posted inside the pantry shows I have a Nordyne gas furnace. I happen to have an electric furnace. I pulled the panel off the furnace and took a look. It's a Mortex electric furnace. I had also noticed that the lights in the house seem to dim every time the furnace shuts on. Had an electrician take a look at the wiring in the electrical box and he says the wiring is not adequate for the electric furnace. The manufacturer knew up front that we wanted an electric furnace, but they put a gas furnace in it, then tell my husband they will have to have $2500 to swap it out. It is my understanding that all items on the data plate must match exactly what is in the house. Am I right or wrong? Could we have a HUD and state violation here?
Please help. I am in the process of writing a formal letter to the manufacturer requesting they do the repairs.

[rbonnie]

Mortex is an aftermarket furnace. My quess is this furnace was installed, not by the home manufacturer, but by the selling dealer. The data plate probably indicates the furnace installed at the factory.

[rmurray]

rbonnie is exactly correct..you probably have an argument with the dealer..The dealer is NOT allowed to change the home to make it out of compliance with HUD. Has your dealer made any comment on this problem? I am sure he/she would much rather hire an electrician to correct the electrical problems than get into a losing fight with HUD. Ask them to correct the problem before you file the HUD complaint..Checking your IP number I am guessing you are in New Mexico or Texas. The state agencies that handle HUD complaints are;


Mardie Brandon, Bureau Chief
Manufactured Housing Division
Regulation and Licensing Department
2550 Cerrillos Road
Santa Fe, NM 87505
P.O. Box 25101
Santa Fe, NM 87504
PH: (505) 524-6320, ext. 107
FAX: (505) 476-4702 OR

TEXAS
Joe Garcia, Interim Executive Director
Manufactured Housing Division
TX Department of Housing & Community Affair
221 E. 11 Street
Austin, TX 78701

P.O. Box 12489
Austin, TX 78711-2489
PH: (512) 475-4999 or (800) 500-7074
FAX: (512) 475-4706
Designee: Cindy Bocz, Administrator

Call the appropriate agency and find out the process to ask for a HUD compliance inspection..Good Luck

[gigi63]

rmurray.....You are good. We are in New Mexico. We purchased the new Karsten home through Homes Direct of Albuquerque. The dealership and factory are on the same property. They did the furnace switch there at the factory and then delivered the home on August 25, 2008. We acutally did not move into the house until December as we were moving across country from Georgia. Of course the dealer has NEVER said a word to us about it. I'm thinking they thought we would never figure it out. The NM State Inspector stopped by to check our foundation and I asked him about the furnace and the lights dimming. After he looked at everything including the wiring in the breaker panel, he told me we have a "huge violation". I realize I must follow procedures and will stay after it until the problem is corrected.
I appreciate your help in this matter.

[rmurray]

A fellow Georgian wishes you a lot of luck with this problem..Sounds like the dealer is owned by the factory..This is good for you..no he said, she said finger pointing.. Seems odd they would make such a costly error when you were not rushed for the house..The state will determine fault and ORDER a complete correction..Power dimming is almost always the fault of the electric company's transformer needing attention...but some times it comes from improper electrical grounding, which might well be your case..Good Luck

[gigi63]

rmurray. I appreciate the well wishes. I mailed a Certified letter this morning to the dealer so we will see what happens next. Fortunately I have documented everything since day 1 with this dealer and it's great to be able to look back and tell them on what date they told me what. Of course this will also be helpful should I need to file the HUD complaint......Thanks