I was doing one of the writing assignments and was observing the HVAC at my in laws. I was able to look up the year it was built off the serial and recognized the condensate pump, but what I got confused over was if it was electric or gas? And how does one tell? I feel a lot is going on in the picture. I’d love some insight. I also included a picture of the outlet (other cords came off water heater, which is to the left of the HVAC and not pictured) as I’m curious if it needs to be GFCI or not?
Do you see the gas line and exhaust vent?
An electric furnace would have neither.
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Clue number 3…gas burners
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Hi Larry, can you see from the picture? I see to the left that metal pipe. But I don’t see anything yellow to indicate gas, or does that needed to be color coded?
Thank you so much, Larry! One last question. Would there be a pilot light inside the unit that turns it on? Sorry. I’m brand new at this.
Sure.
That vintage furnace probably has a pilot light. Around 2005-2010 electronic ignitions were the thing that lit the gas.
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What class/course were you performing this writing assignment for?
A pick a topic, 40 word essay. But this question stems from me just inspecting the thermostat and cooling.
Muchos gracias.
De nada…
Two things tell us at a glance that this is a gas furnace. The flue and the gas line.
The online course work is good, but nothing like some hands-on training. I highly recommend considering investing in the time and school in Boulder, Colorado.
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Never saw a class/course called “A pick a topic, 40 word essay.” listed in the INACHI training list??
Additionally. Look at the gas line coming into the side of the furnace, notice anything wrong with it?
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I assume that power supply you showed a picture of is for a blower motor for a water heater, also gas supplied (potentially).
A word of advice if I may, WIlliam. Do your in-laws a huge favor and tell them to call a Qualified/Reputable HVAC contractor to clean that mess up.
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Agree! I see at least four concerns in your pics, which happen to be with the Gas and Electrical you are addressing! The electrical is a safety and shock/fire concern.
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I was looking through these replies just to see what others are saying about the photos, and I haven’t gotten to any of the HVAC courses yet, but can you tell me what you see? I see it’s a bit messy, but specifically what are the issues you see? Thanks!
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Without being there it’s hard to see all the defects, but here is a list of what I suspect.
- No drip leg/sediment trap.
- Glavanized gas pipe, may or may not be allowed by the AHJ.
- It looks like they may not have used the proper thread sealant, it should be yellow.
- The flexible gas line is questionable, but probably wrong.
- there’s a visible electrical splice that isn’t in a J box.
- It could be an optical illusion, but from here it looks like the base of the vent pipe is not sitting right.
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80 words, sorry.
- Inspect any system or component covered within the Home Inspection Standards of Practice. For example, inspect the front door.
- Take inspection imaegs of that system or component. It can either be in good condition or have a defect.
- Make observations and take a lot of notes. Use your inspection software or InterNACHI’s checklist.
- Write and submit a short essay describing your observations. Upload an inspection image with the essay.
For example, you may inspect the bathroom toilet, the air conditioner, or a GFCI and its tester. Make observations. Take inspection images while performing the inspection. Take lots of notes. Then prepare to communicate your observations in written form. This will be your essay.
This inspection and writing assignment is very similar to what a home inspector does during a home inspection–performing an inspection, taking inspection images, making observations, evaluating, writing notes, formulating opinions, and communicating observations in written form.
Your essay must meet the following criteria:
- It must be written in English.
- It must be at least 80 words in length.
- It must be written at a minimum 4th-grade level.
- It must sufficiently comment upon the system or component inspected.
- It must be submitted with an inspection photo.