Inspection & Writing Assignment:
In this image we can see that the from sleeve on the refrigeration line is not completely sealed. This will allow the line to condensate, which can cause water intrusion to the building components below. This line needs to be completely insulated to prevent moisture damage.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I chose the gallery image titled AC Condensate Trap. In this image we can see a diagram of an AC Condensate Trap with a proper P trap installed. This is important to prevent backflow/siphoning of the condensate into the HVAC equipment.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
A furnace’s heat exchanger is a set of tubes or coils that are looped repeatedly through the air flow inside your furnace for the purpose of heating air. Simply put, the furnace heat exchanger is the part of your furnace that actually heats the air.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas that forms from incomplete combustion of fuels, such as natural or liquefied petroleum gas, oil, wood or coal. When CO is inhaled, it displaces the oxygen that would ordinarily bind with hemoglobin, a process the effectively suffocates the body. CO can poison slowly over a period of several hours, even in low concentrations. Sensitive organs, such as the brain, heart and lungs, suffer the most from a lack of oxygen.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
A photo of a high efficient Carrier brand direct vent with induced draft natural gas forced air furnace. The furnace shows to be 7 years old, but has no service records. The cabinet outside and inside shows no sign of corrosion. The filtrete high performance air filter was dirty and the drum humidifier water tank and drum needs to be cleaned/serviced.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Indoor Air Quality Article.
Indoor air quality can be detrimental to the occupants health without them even knowing it. There are an number of contributing factors to poor indoor air quality such as: moisture, insects, pets, appliances, carpet, radon gas, household products, furniture, smoke, and many other factors. There can be acute health symptoms or no immediate symptoms at all - as with Radon gas exposure. Without proper maintenance, air quality checks, proper ventilation, home inspections, and homeowner knowledge of what to look for, there will be poor indoor air quality and poor health for years to come.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
HVAC system is properly mounted to and suspended from ceiling joists with adequate fasteners. The electrical service disconnect is properly located within five (5) feet of the furnace. The ducting is properly sealed at joints with furnace and registers. System operates as intended.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The furnace is mounted in an attic. It is properly installed in an easily observable and accessible area. The is a proper, level work platform which is larger than the required 30 inches by 30 inches. There is a proper path which is 24 inches wide from the attic access to the work area.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Clean the Air Filter: Air filters play a big part of your indoor air quality. Filters remove pollen, dust and other particles that would otherwise circulate indoors. They should be replaced monthly during the heavy use in the cooling seasons.The filter should be periodically washed or replaced with a new one, depending on the manufacturers instructions.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Refrigerant travels with the lubricating oil through an a/c system. When the condenser is out-of-level, the oil can separate and the compressor may operate without adequate lubrication. Most manufacturer installation manuals specify that the unit be mounted on a level surface.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Essay: Heating radiators provide heat in two ways. Convection and Radiant heat, as the air is heated it raises and cooler air is brought up through the registers. The boiler is located in the basement and water/steam is circulated through a pipes that delivers it to each location where the heating transferred through the registers. This is a continuous circulating system with temperature regulators either at the boiler or at each register.
Research & Writing Assignment:
One of the big advantages of hot water heating is the ease with which it can be zoned. Radiant heating systems in older homes were typically set up in a series, with a single pipe going from the boiler to first one radiator than the next, with subsequent loss of temperature in each successive emitter. But newer distribution systems feature parallel or primary-secondary piping arrangements, with separate zones that can be controlled by separate thermostats to easily accommodate different temperature set points and schedules.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This furnace has a age of about 28yrs and is near end of life. I was able to remove cover and look into and observe the fire chamber. The flames did look good and nothing was noticed during operation that seemed worthy of noting. Recommend having it yearly checked by certified heating contractor.
Research & Writing Assignment:
When starting out in the home inspection business make sure you are not rushed during your inspections. It is important to take your time and go through the routine you have developed. It is easy to get rushed and miss things but when you are new your going to go slower then those who are experienced.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Ok, this duct work is made of plywood,it is solid and it is the only duct in this nearly eighty year old home. It supplies cool air to the hall way and distributes through the doorways to cool the house. It is ready for a major over hall for today’s standards. Ducts should be directed to each room and there should be appropriate return air vents in the rooms that require them.This was a very interesting inspection for the age of the home.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I live in California where only a certification is required. This letter of recognition is very well written for clients to read. It will promote your business with certainty that your qualifications are highly earned through Internachi. Some clients are skepticle and want to shop around for the lowest price so this adds to your value and may win you that Inspection. Cheap isn’t always better. You get what you pay for.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
80+ Gas furnace about ten years old. Interior is dusty. Observed some mineral buildup which may be the result of condensation and inadequate ventilation. Recommend maintenance from qualified HVAC professional.
Condensate hose is kinked and may prevent proper drainage. Recommend installing rigid pipe to floor drain.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Chimney Flashing photo
Masonry chimneys require flashing to prevent water penetration through the roof. The high side of a chimney is protected by head flashing that diverts water to the shingles. The low side has an apron installed over the shingles. Chimneys are protected on the side by step flashing, under a layer of counterflashing driven 1" into the mortar joint. All flashing joints should be covered with sealant.
Research & Writing Assignment:
To keep your central air-conditioning running it top shape and for a longer period of time, it’s suggested it get checked annually by a professional. Things a homeowner can do on their own are, after turning the unit off are; remove leaves and trim back foliage several feet to ensure proper air flow. Remove the grill cover and clean any debris from the unit’s interior, a hose can be helpful. Check the owner’s manual and add lubricant to the motor. Clean the evaporator coil and condenser coil. Straighten any bent fins with a tool called a fin comb.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
I performed an inspection on this 1997 3 ton AC condenser unit. It showed signs of minor rust and corrosion consistent with its age, as well as a missing hurricane strap connecting it to the hurricane pad. It was still in working condition with an air differential of 15 degrees.
