We're currently in the process of buying a home and just discovered that the insulation around the furnace's pipes contains asbestos. The pipes were not installed correctly and may be leaking asbestos into the furnace. Can the furnace and ducts be safely abated for the potential asbestos leak, or do we need to replace the entire system (both the furnace and ducts)?
4 Answers
Honestly, I think you should reconsider buying this house. The health risks associated with asbestos are significant, and you'd potentially face a huge financial burden if the abatement turns out to be extensive. There are plenty of homes out there without this hassle!
It's important to know that asbestos doesn't actually 'leak' in the traditional sense. Most likely, the insulation around the pipes contains asbestos, which can be a concern but is manageable in residential settings. You should start by identifying what kind of heating system you have—like hot water or forced air—and where the asbestos is located. That'll help you determine the severity of the issue.
Yeah, I agree with the others. It might be better to walk away. The costs and risks just aren't worth it. Remember, there are always more houses out there!
I highly recommend having a hazardous materials professional come to inspect the situation. They'll likely suggest abating the asbestos insulation and doing some air quality tests to ensure everything is safe afterward. If air samples come back clean, then you shouldn't stress too much about it.
Thanks for the tip! I assumed it would be a huge problem, but maybe it's manageable with the right help.
That's good advice! Also, figuring out how the asbestos could have entered the furnace will give you more insight into the situation.