Maintaining hot-water supply temperatures at no more that about 120 F (49 C) will reduce the risk of injury; hot water represents a potential
scalding hazard. Anti-scald devices are available as an added safety measure. The combustion chamber or ignition sources of water heaters and other
mechanical equipment in garage areas should be positioned/maintained at least 18 inches above the floor for safety reasons. Adequate clearance to
combustibles must also be maintained around the unit and any vents. Restraining straps are generally required on heaters in active seismic zones
When considering the use of a space heater, especially for the purpose of improved energy efficiency, there are several final factors to consider. Space heaters will only impact energy efficiency in a positive way if they allow for the home’s main thermostats to be turned down. If a space heater is used simply in addition to central heat without lowering the central thermostat, it will only add to energy bills.
The attached photo shows a portion of an attic that had additional insulation blow-in to help reduce heat loss and save money. You can see that the drop soffit above the kitchen cabinets was not properly sealed or insulated, in addition most of the blow-in insulation has blocked the soffit vents.
When I inspect garages I like to first inspect the foundation and then make my way up to the roof framing, sometimes settling or differential movement can be noted in the slab or perimeter foundation or even at the drywall ceiling or walls. Large walls and ceilings as typically found in a garage can often show the smallest of signs of movement.
This is an infrared image of an interior attic access (blower door testing was not occuring). As there are temperature differences noted, it is expected that these differences would be further highlighted when subject to pressurization or depressurization. To reduce the heat loss, weatherstripping and additional insulation may be required.
This essay is in regards to the Conserve Energy and Save Money article. The article indicates that savings from the installation of an energy efficient furnace would be reduced in a poorly insulated home. It would be important to install a higher efficiency furnace, in conjunction with sealing of the many air leaks that occur in some homes. The addition of insulation may also prove to be beneficial in helping to reduce the heating and cooling costs.
What is a Blower Door?
A blower door is a powerful, variable-speed fan that can be temporarilymountedinto an exterior door frame to provide controlled air flow for analysis.By measuring the pressure and air flow in relation to each other, the airtightness of the building envelope can be quantified.
A well-sealed building requires less air flow to generate a change in pressure.
When air pressure and air flow are controlled and measured, they can provide data about how airtight a building is. The three variables involved are pressure, flow and leaks A change in one of these factors will produce a change in at least one other factor. Since the goal of a blower door test is to locate air leaks in the building envelope air pressure and flow can provide information about the holes, which may otherwise be tough to find.
The disconnects on the roof for the Air-Handler units are mounted on steel strut framing and horizontal framing members to ensure the disconnect boxes are secure. The disconnects are located approximately 3LF form the Air-Handler units which is within code.
When exterior doors are installed it is important to maintain a square and plum opening so the door will operate and seal properly when in the closed position. Exterior opening air-leakage will decrease energy efficiency which will in in turn increase your utility costs.
Missing, sagging or deteriorated insulation can be detected in ceiling areas with limited or no access to the attic by the use of an infrared camera. They can also show where the air is leaking at walls, around doors and windows
A 50 amp breaker to a 40 amp AC is a potential fire hazard. Wires could actually melt and cause a fire before a larger installed breaker trips. A larger AC is often installed without any regard to the electrical system.
A 50 amp breaker to a 40 amp AC is a potential fire hazard. Wires could actually melt and cause a fire before a larger installed breaker trips. A larger AC is often installed without any regard to the electrical system.
The photo shows electrical wiring protruding from a plastic conduit, which was located behind a bathroom mirror. The conduit is not sealed. Air can travel along these conduits for great distances and transport both hot and cold air as well as allow the migration of insects.
The article Blower Door Testing by Nick Gromicko and Ethan Ward describes the use of blower doors during energy audits and how they should be set up for safe use. It is extremely important that all fireplaces, stoves and furnaces are turned off. If open flames are present during a blower test their poisonous exhaust gases may get sucked into the living space.
During an inspection, thermal imaging was utilized during a summer rain storm. During the scan, I found evidence of moisture intrusion along the rear exterior wall. I have previously inspected the roof and reported missing shingles in that area. Deficiency was recorded on my inspection report.
Utilizing a thermal imager has been an asset to my inspection business. I perform partial energy assessments for my clients and always locate air infiltration from can lighting, exterior doors, attic hatches, light switches, plumbing penetrations, water heater and furnace closets.
this is a picture of insulation in an attic. the insulation is dirty where it was resting around a light fixture. this indicates there may be an air leak and the air moving through the insulation makes the insulation act as a filter collecting dirt. the solution would be to properly seal around the light fixture to prevent the movement of air.
I read an article called conserve energy and save money. the article talks mostly about upgrading or improving energy efficiency for heating and cooling the house. another way to conserve energy would be to do an energy audit with a blower door and properly seal problem areas.
This ceiling light is located in the 2nd floor north bedroom. The attic is just above this room. During the blower door test we found significant air flow coming in from around the base plate. It was observed that the fixture was not tight to the ceiling. We recommend tightening the fixture to seal the gap.
