Central air condenser unit outside need to be relocated
I am coming on Hackettstown Forum for some advise. Our liquid propane tank had a leak in outside line today. Technican came and fixed it no problem. He noticed that our central air conditioner condenser unit of 20 years is located to close to the propane tank. He told us we need to have condenser located farther away from liquid propane tank due to safety issues. The delivery men never noticed this. Would probably need to move it from the side of our house to behind our house due to other issues. Does any one have any suggestions of who to call that would be able to relocate the central air conditioner condenser unit to another location. Thanks I reposted this because I made a spelling error on first title.
maybebabyI would take a few photos and measurements then call and speak with the town code official to understand exactly what the code requirements are. It may be fine as it is.
Hackettstowwn Building Official:
Richard O'Conner 908 850 0660
Greg Greg, Thank you for this good advise . I left a couple messages for 2 heating and cooling companies in Hackettstown. Not sure if that was where i should start but I will wait for them to call me back also. Thanks again.
Why can't you move the propane tank instead? It would be cheaper than moving a condenser and linesets and electric .
Moving one of the smallest propane tanks might not be such a big deal, but the bigger ones are very heavy (especially when full), and moving them can be dangerous and expensive. Also, they are sometimes set atop--or affixed to--concrete pads.
FYI, the standard minimum distance from a "point of ignition" (including an A/C condenser) and the valve on a propane tank is 10 feet.
Keep in mind that moving the condenser may not be cheap or easy. It would require building permits, and running new lines out to where the condenser would be moved to. If the lines just run through an open basement, it might not be such a big deal, but if they snake through closed walls, it could be costly.
You can try calling Matt Musum Plumbing--he's installed a few A/C systems for me. 973-879-1692
JerseyWolf Sorry I misunderstood my husband. Technician came out to check for leak and found none that is why that problem was solved so easily. However, he noticed the central air condenser unit was very close to the liquid propane tank. So, I am looking for names of contractors who can relocate the central air condenser unit. Trust me it is easier to move the central air condenser unit.
JerseyWolf I will check to see if it is 10 feet, I thought the technician told my husband 15 ft. Thank you for all the good advise and the name of a contractor.
You may want to check to see if the 15 feet you mentioned is for new home construction. You may be grandfathered if it was installed many years ago. Just a thought.
kb2755 It's 10' from source of ignition such as ac condesor, GFI receptacles, motion light switches, any type of circuit breakers including transfer switches. 3' from any opening below the tank fittings including windows dryer vents and doors. Would most likely be much less costly to move the lp tank. Even if it's a full 120 gallon tank it can be moved as long as terrain is somewhat flat.
Forcefed4door Same issue. I moved my tanks. It was winter so we couldn't lay a pad. Bummer. Now will have to move again to put the pad in....
strangerdanger It is a 500 gallon tank in ground so moving it is not as easy as recommended but thank you.
Wow well that information sure would have helped on your original post :). The 500gallon ug tank has to be at least 10ft off your house. Can you take a picture of the situation?
Bug, you're probably thinking of old fuel-oil tanks, which sometimes develop leaks and seep fuel down into the ground. Propane tanks are still sometimes installed underground, because if a tank leaks, it is unlikely to cause permanent environmental damage.
eapos Which was there first? If whoever installed the second unit did so too close to the first, I’d say it’s their responsibility to correct it. Was there an inspector who approved the installation?
Music gal Thank you all for your recommendations on who could come and relocate the tank. You have been helpful. Have a super day.
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