Our home was a new build and is 3.5 years old now. I've never owned a home with a pre heater before so I'm not familiar with their need. As far as I know it pre heats fresh air before it hits the furnace. I believe the main reason this was installed is due to the over size hood fan we have but that is just a uneducated guess.
18 months ago the preheater caught fire and luckily we were home and caught it before it spread. The basement had filled with smoke but I was able to turn the furnace off which killed the power to the preheater.
The builder came back and replaced the unit assuming it was faulty. Two nights ago we started to smell burning plastic and again it was the preheater melting. There were no flames but still a scaring situation.
The builder is coming out again with the HVAC company and electrical company. As of now I told the builder I don't want a preheater in the home as my wife doesn't feel safe since this has happened twice.
The builder said he mentioned this to the HVAC company and they think we should have it as it could cause other issue by removing it. They will provide me with more info when they come out for a site visit but I'd like to be prepared before I speak with them.
Can anyone offer some advice on the need for a preheater or past experience with Thermolec Pre Heaters. Do I request a different preheater? Do I have it removed? Any info would be appreciated.