a46geo

KY Ted, No, Never heard that one. I admit that I have only worked on a hand full of electric furnaces. But, wouldn't that mean the first barefooted kid that comes by and touches the cabinet could be electrocuted? Seems if you find that situation, you better write it up right after you have killed the power to it. Are you also saying the elements of the furnace will heat with an "incomplete" circuit? George

Paul, Good question. Those that take all day to do an inspection and report would have to have better than 16 years in the business. Maybe ASHI's 250 X 3 could be a realistic minimum. That way anyone doing 1 a day would have the needed 750 inspections in a couple of years. Perhaps a sliding scale, like 5000/2 hour inspections, or 2500/4 hour inspections, or 833/6 hour inspections, or 625/8 hour inspections. Perhaps a report based number could work, based on check list vs. a written report. Check list need 5000, written need 50. Since most state licensing is only intended to demonstration a minimum of competence and not guru-hood, 250 might be sufficient. That number seems to be quite difficult for many newbies at ASHI, I think that that number has worked well for them. What have the other states with licensing done? George

All I can say is that in Michigan, history demonstrates a limited effectiveness of licensing. BUT, effectiveness none the less. There is a list in Lansing of literally thousands of people in a lot of different license categories that have had their license suspended or revoked. They can no longer work in the profession or trade without the risk of very serious consequences. There is, I'll bet, another group of licensees that conduct business to a little higher standard than they otherwise might because of the "gun" of licensing pointed at them. For the truly good guys, passing a test and being licensed has done nothing to hurt their public image. Removing some of the real bottom feeders in any profession does not hurt the honest Joe. I was knee deep in this issue back in the late 70's over state mechanical licensing. After almost 30 years of living with it, we have yet to find any serious down side. Who among us would not avoid driving our families through a state with no driver license qualifications or rules of the road? Mandatory E&O however is another storey altogether. It is an attorney magnet and, if mandatory, would only serve to raise prices to an even more unreasonable level. Just Think About It George

This inabitily to concentrate is EXACTLY why the south lost the war.

I'm happy to just think about it. Chad, Pay attention here. You are in Rochester N.Y. I am in Detroit MI. Chris is in Anthem AZ. WE NEED TO SEE IT. The temperature here is in the low teens, we need to go ASAP. George

Chad, The problem here is that we really need to SEE it. We need to look at both the outdoor and indoor units. Play with it a little. With out that, we are both just guessing. George

Chris, I agree with everything Chad said, except the likelihood. It is most likely a contactor (relay). The relay points start out pitting and then arcing and eventually welding together. To help prevent this in the future, gently clean the points every spring with emery cloth. (too late for this one) New contactor cost vary, but generally under 100 bucks. New condenser? $1,500 range. Plan on that one. George