Research & Writing Assignment:
I reviewed the image entitled Air Conditioning System Components in the Cooling folder of the HVAC images. This demonstrates the major components of a split system heat pump, which include the compressor, condenser coil, refrigerant lines, evaporator and blower motor.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Central heat and air is performing beyond the manufacturer’s recommended average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. There is some rust and foliage too close to the system. It is recommended to remove the foliage. It is also recommended to have an annual service and plan on replacement when this one stops working.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The image i chose was of a neglected broken HVAC system. As inspectors we must be able to determine when a unit has been neglected and is not in proper working condition. This happens far to often with clients having this issue
Research & Writing Assignment:
The article i chose to write about was A Garage Inspection. Garage inspections a lot of time get overlooked but are vital in our inspection process to ensure that the garage was not only properly built but to determine whether they are hurricane approved and can withstand storms. We must pay extra attention to the overall structure and ensure that they all fall within a certain guideline.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Critical defects which an inspector should not fail to detect when examining any building component or system are defects which form an immediate, significant safety hazard or defects which are quite likely to involve significant repair or replacement cost, and which involve components or systems which are necessary to occupy and use the building.
Any inspection of the condition of heating equipment in buildings must include careful attention to life safety hazards such as evidence of unsafe chimneys, missing or damaged safety devices (relief valves, emergency shutoffs), and visual evidence of dangerous overheating or leaks.
Responsibly conducted, an inspection of a gas-fired furnace, for example, might discover that the furnace has been exposed to severe rust-producing conditions which risk an unsafe heat exchanger and a carbon monoxide hazard which could be fatal to building occupants.
Even though the heat exchanger may not be visible, the contextual clues around the furnace, if they are visually obvious, should be translated into a level of concern by the inspector, and where appropriate, translated into a recommendation for action.
This does not mean “failing” every furnace to be on the “safe side”, it means responsible inspecting and reporting.
Costly defects such as evidence of a heating system at or near the end of its life of safe, reliable operation, or evidence of a buried oil tank which is likely to be old and for which there is no record of leak testing, should be reported.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Building HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning) have three tasks: control indoor temperature and humidity at comfortable levels, provide adequate fresh air from outdoors, and the removal of indoor air odors and pollutants by a combination of air pressure control, filtration, and exhaust ventilation systems.
But not all HVAC systems are designed to perform all three of these jobs, and in typical residential buildings separate, and un-coordinated systems may be installed to heat, ventilate, and perhaps cool the building interior.
Start a heating system inspection with basic “distant” visual observations
A proper heating system inspection begins outside with taking notice of the chimneys, flues, and vents, and for the type and location of heating equipment fuel that is used oil tanks, LP gas, piped in natural gas, solar, etc.
Similarly, inside, before attempting a close inspection of the heating equipment itself, take not of and record defects in the heating distribution system (is there even heat present in every room?), and in the location of the heating equipment: is the boiler in a closet where it lacks combustion air, fire clearances etc.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The service disconnect for a compressor/condenser unit should be located typically on a building wall within sight of the outdoor unit. Service switches permit a service technician to work safely on the equipment by turning off electrical power to the unit.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The amount of water removed by your air conditioner in the summer can be staggering. Gallons of water are removed every summer day and if you do not keep this part of your air conditioner maintained, it can fail causing damage to your home.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The AC unit has three key parts. These are the compressor, the condenser, and the evaporator. Your units compressor and condenser are typically located in the outside part of the air conditioning system. Inside the house is where you will find the evaporator.
The cooling fluid reaches the compressor as a low-pressure gas. The compressor squeezes this gas/fluid, and the molecules in the liquid are packed closer together. The closer the compressor forces these molecules together, the higher the temperature and energy rise.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Aging in place" is the phenomenon describing senior citizens’ ability to live independently in their homes for as long as possible. Those who age in place will not have to move from their present residence in order to secure necessary support services in response to their changing needs.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
We have a horizontal furnace here that first off does not have the proper spacing in front of it to service the unit. The attic has 6 inches of insulation and is properly lit. All the piping is sealed and the unit is equipped with a leak sensor.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Anti tip brackets are very important for ranges. There are a 143 accidents from ranges that have tipped over every year. An inspector should report if the range is missing the Anti tip bracket and recommend the repair. Safety of people is the major concern and no one ever wants a possible child injury from a missing bracket.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The air distribution in the attic as shown in the attached picture shows ducts that are installed to tight and bent to a configuration that restricts proper air flow. The duct system should be installed in such a manner as to not restrict air flow in either supply.
Research & Writing Assignment:
It is important to read the HVAC system printed information at the unit to understand what the equipment restrictions are. The unit could possibly be installed incorrect, be too small or large for the dwelling (BTU’s), under manufacturer recall, etc. Always review the system information when it is ready available.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Attached you will find the 4 inch pleated filter that I currently use in my home. I was very relieved to hear that the ones I have been using are the best on the market currently. Having the right air flow is a very important part of having a proper HVAC system. It’s very common as a home inspector to see not only dirty filters but now I know having a really high end one is not doing yourself any favors.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
While inspecting the air conditioning in this condo we found a delta “T” of only 2 degrees with a supply air temperature of 81 degrees. We then checked the two refrigerate lines at the evaporator section and found the suction line to be very warm with the liquid line to be very hot (over 180 degrees). We headed outside to check the condenser unit and this is what we found.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Attached garages should be sealed off from the living space so that fire may be contained within the garage to give the occupants time to get out of the house. So many inspected homes we find a pull down staircase. These stairs bottom panel is made from 1/4" luan plywood, which does not have the required 45 minute fire rating.
Research & Writing Assignment:
After reading the article about avoiding lawsuits I really started to think about the protection I have taken to avoid one. As an inspector I try to make my report very detailed and take a lot of time to make sure the client understands everything I have found and is clear about my report. It comes down to the fact that there is not cookie cutter type of report that can be done for a client or any one right way to do an inspection. We try taking all of our knowledge and experiences to educate our clients so they can make informed decisions. What they do with that information however is completely out of our hands.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The furnace gas supply line does not have a drip leg \ sediment trap. Installation of an adequate drip leg \ sediment trap will assist in prevention of debris \ moisture entering the the gas valve and interfering with gas supply.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Dryer vents are intended to expel moisture laden air outside of the home. Improper venting systems may be a fire hazard or may lead to the development of moisture related problems. It is important to have a properly installed dryer venting system for protection of the home occupants.
