my fixer upper

9 years ago

last modified: 9 years ago

I really jumped the gun, when I bought my house. It didn't look like a fixer upper, but it sure is one. Today I am working on taking the old air return openings out, as in closing them forever.

I think, I found the worst yet. YIKES! I took the first
return air cover off. Back in very early October I sealed them all of them off,
and didn't have heat or use the AC till the new heater and air ducts were
installed.

I am ssssooooooooo glad, I turned the AC off
back then, and sealed these up. But it is time to get them sealed up
forever, and in a clean state.

Next, will be the removal of the air ducts under the house. It will make navigating under there a WHOLE lot easier.

Remember, when I posted a picture of what it looked like under my fridge? This is even worse that that was.

I have also accomplished the water drainage problems, just don't have pictures handy. I put a drain pipe at the end of the downspouts, and dug a drench to the front yard, and buried the pipe. All rain water drains to the front now, away from the house. No more moisture problem under the house! Yeah! :)

Moni

Featured Answer

jim_1 (Zone 5B)

9 years ago

I can't wait until it is all done and OK. The party will be lots of fun for us.

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Comments (16)

ravencajun Zone 8b TX
9 years ago
Good job! I know it's a difficult dirty job but how rewarding! Probably hasn't been touched in ages. You are giving it new life.
Yayagal
9 years ago
You've accomplished a lot, pretty amazing.
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Yeah, I don't agree with that. I don't personally think that saying "Sorry...." or "Not to be _______...." before a message absolves you of responsibility for the content of that message. Responding by asking someone what planet they are on, or including 22 questions marks at the end your question is just rude and unnecessary. I think that if you feel the need to include a disclaimer like "Sorry" before your message, than that is an opportunity to pause to reflect and consider whether or not your message is helpful, appropriate, or needed. I feel that when we respond negatively to people who open up to ask a question, and in doing so admitting their ignorance on a topic, then we are discouraging them, and anyone else who might see the interaction from reaching out to ask questions in the future. These types of reactions contribute to our collective ignorance, and general disconnectedness of our society. I think that we as individuals, have a far greater ability to shape our country and world through the many small choices we make on a daily basis, then any politicians or celebrities. We all bear the weight of that responsibility. I would encourage you and everyone else to consider that when choosing how to interact with people, on the internet or otherwise.
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nanny98
9 years ago
OHMYGOSH....you are a wonder worker! Great job!
pudgeder
9 years ago
Oh my what a chore!!!
Alisande
9 years ago
Wow--you are skilled and accomplished, Moni!! I cleaned out my stove pipes today, and it was a Big Deal. :-)
User
9 years ago
One thing I like about a mess like that is there is a lot of satisfaction in getting the visible mess out of there. I hope you're feeling some satisfaction right now.
sjerin
9 years ago
You are an impressive person, Moni, and I admire your grit and determination, not to mention your strength! It DOES feel good to complete a big job by yourself, and you've done many from what I can tell.

I don't quite understand why you're keeping the vents closed after they've been cleaned, and the returns. Did you have new pipes and vents installed and I missed that?
jkayd_il5
9 years ago
Oh Moni I wish I still had your energy.
glenda_al
9 years ago
Go, Moni!
OklaMoni
Original Author
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
After I moved in here, I noticed the bad moldy smell coming from the AC. I had it off, while visiting with the kiddos in New Mexico, and it stank, when I turned the AC on, upon return.

After a check under the house, I realized, how nasty wet it was under there. It had rained, the night before I left. Prior to me buying this house, we were in a drought, it hadn't rained in AGES!

The return ducts are under the house. They are still there. I bought a new heating system with all new duct work in the attic (had it installed). The old ducts are just there. Will never be used again, but are a pain in the butt, when you have to go under the house for anything, as the ducts have to be crawled around to get anywhere.

Of course, when I found the problems, I taped the return air duct opening shut to keep the smell out. They don't look to pretty... LOL, actually they look nasty from the outside too. I am removing them, and sealing up the openings forever. There are 4 total. One down, three to go.

Moni

PS, I only bought a new heater and air ducts at this time. The air-conditioner is still there, and hooked to the new unit. I will replace it, when it needs it, or at least after I recover from the expense of the house and all so far.
jemdandy
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
That looks about like the amount of lint and crud that collects in floor level cold air returns in about 20 to 30 years of use. There shouldn't be as much in the hot air ducts if the furnace filter was kept in place, however, in 30 yrs time, there will be some in those also.

You do have some work to do to clean this out, but from what I infer, you have updated your heating plant and will not be using these hot air ducts. These air ducts come in handy if you planned on installing central air conditioning.
gmatx zone 6
9 years ago
I agree with jemdandy about the amount of lint and crud there. Moni, you are certainly someone women and men can look up to. Perhaps you could teach a class in home maintenance to new home owners and especially single homeowners. You aren't afraid to tackle just about anything are you...(smile). When I was younger I did about the same as you since DH was nearly always off somewhere else working when things needed to be done and I was too impatient to wait!!

You go girl!!
User
9 years ago
I applaud you! Your a get 'er done girl!
sjerin
9 years ago
Hey Moni, did the sellers not disclose these problems, especially the water under the house, when you bought the place? Aren't they required to do so?
Amazing Aunt Audrey
9 years ago
Wish I could accomplish as much. Kudos!

my fixer upper

jim_1 (Zone 5B)

Comments (16)

ravencajun Zone 8b TX

Yayagal

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my fixer upper

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