This humidifier is attached to a heat pump. It is no longer in operation due to a filter that has not been replaced for years. This unit requires maintance to help insure that the air that passes through the filter is not spreading any possible contaminates.
Carpet in a bathroom may be comfortable to walk on but can contribute to a lower standard of air quality. If you have carpet in your bathroom I would suggest taking the proper steps to prevent air contamination and possible respiratory issues. Precautionary measures can include keeping the carpet dry to help prevent mold growth and having a fan in the bathroom to remove excessive moisture. Taking the proper steps in caring for you bathroom carpet will be beneficial to your health and prevent the carpet from wearing out prematurely.
Inspection: Vented Hood Duct
This vented hood duct has been removed and destroyed from the chimney due to drafting issues from multiple ducts entering at same location. When ducts enter on same floor, they must be one above the other with the smaller duct above the larger duct. Natural and forced ducts using the same chimney can cause significant issues. This duct is a health and safety defect, and must be repaired or replaced by a licensed contractor.
Articles read:
Sewer Gases in the Home
Sauna Inspection
Essay:
A mix of sewer gasses can vent into the home through improper or damaged plumbing. Hydrogen sulfide poisoning is the greatest danger from sewer gas. It can cause eye damage, dizziness, lead to pulmonary edema, and even death. Asphyxiation is also possible through displacement of breathable oxygen. If a leak is suspected, plumbers can locate it using a pressurized smoke test.
Bathroom fans should be sealed to prevent leaking and the duct should be directed to the outdoors. In this house, the bath fan can be seen to have gaps around the edges and also the duct vents directly to the attic. We recommended venting the fan outdoors and keeping the duct as straight and short a run as possible, as well as sealing the fan. Fan is a Panasonic FV08-VKL1, 80 cfm; 0.3 somes. Total likely air volume is going to be close to 40 cfm, which is acceptable; we recommend installing a timer switch on the fan to keep it running longer. The noise level of the fan is adequate. Pics attached as needed.
I read the article “Thermal imaging reports”. It discusses the advantages of thermography in reports and it’s many advantages for an inspector. Being able to explain this information to a client in an easy to understand language is also important.
The other article I read is “Limitations of a home inspection”. Even though we have many advanced tools like thermal cameras or moisture meters, we as home inspectors can still only see so much. Even with these tools and our experience there are conditions we still might not detect.
This is a Whole-House True HEPA Air Cleaner from Goodman manufacturing.
This unit is designed to improve the IAQ in the home with filtering the air from the home though a charcoal then a hepa filter.
The unit is installed so it pulls air from the return a minimum of six feet from the furnace filter, then blowing the air back in where the filter is located. This unit can remove lint, unpleasant odors, atmospheric and household dust, coal dust, insecticides, dust mites, pollen, mold spores, fungi, bacteria, cooking smoke and grease, pet dander and tobacco smoke particles.
There is also a humidifier installed on the furnace to help add moisture to the air in the winter months. The home owner also installed a chart to let a person know where the unit should be sit at what temperature.
Indoor air quality should be hand-in-hand to mold inspecting. By understanding these simple basics, we can be better inspectors in the air quality and mold field alike.
I chose to read these 2 articles:
• IR Cameras: Inspecting for Air Leaks
• 10 Easy Ways to Save Money & Energy in Your Home
The first article 10 easy ways to save money and energy gives consumers some easy ways to save energy and money. Some of the easiest is to install a programmable thermostat so the home is not being heated when no one is home to use the heat, as well as having your HVAC equipment serviced annually. The use of a ceiling fan can also help with the comfort level as well.
Some other suggestions:
• Install a tank less water heater
• Change out their light bulbs with LED or CFL.
• Install low water flow shower head and efficient toilets
• Insulate your home and air seal
• Change how you do your laundry and cooking
These suggestions will add up to saving energy as well as money for the consumer. Most consumers will find the changes were well worth it.
The second article is IR Cameras: Inspecting for Air Leaks. This article explains how an inspector can use a thermal camera to find air leakages in a home, by proper set up and evaluation of the reading the inspector is getting on the camera. The use of a thermal imager will help an inspector identify problem areas and the sources/
The camera works by seeing a spectrum of light just of the inspectors naked eye by using color to show hot and cold areas.
Before doing any inspection getting prepared and sit u is key to being successful, be sure all batteries are charges and the home is ready. Ideal is to have 15-20 degrees’ difference between outdoors and indoor. The use of a blower door helps to locate air leakage, but an inspector can use the home vent fans and HVC system to help sit this up also.
this is a very helpful course that informs the inspector on some items such as exhaust fans and HVAC systems that are extremely helpful.
The course was a great surprise concerning the amount of information provided. I read the article concerning Bathroom Ventilation Ducts and Fans and Central Humidifiers and has GREAT information that one should use for everyday inspections.
This course is extremely helpful in identifying sources of moisture, the issues of how building products contribute to the problems of indoor air quality and so much more.
The attach photo is of a Lennox Gas Forced Heating system. This is considered an 80% medium efficencent furnace. The unit is a upflow furnace using a disposable filter located in the return air ductwok located on the bottom right. The units chamber was inspected by removing the door that has a limit switch installed and clean burn chamber.
The ability of IR to find area of moisture intrusion is remarkable. I think however, the ability to see electrical lines and heating and cooling ducts are really remarkable.
Two articles that I have read are “Thermal Imaging Reports” and “IR Cameras: An Overview for Inspectors”.
“Thermal Imaging Reports” emphasizes the importance of proper interpretation of thermal imaging results and reporting to customers. The article listed dos and don’ts of the reporting, in addition to the details that how a report should be done.
“IR Cameras: An Overview for Inspectors”. An introduction of IR camera includes history, recent developments, special features, and the functions, especially their usefulness for Home Inspectors.
visual inspection of window for indoor air quality and moisture indicates there is a problem. there is a noticeable condensation build up and ice which indicates the relative humidity (RH) is too high inside the home and also there is a ventilation issue where air is passing past the seals on the window.
apparent mold has built up on the window. high moisture is a cause of mold. in order to permanently remove the mold, the moisture and ventilation problems will need to be addressed or the mold will grow back.
in performing AIC (indoor air quality) inspections with the assistance of an IR camera and moisture meter, many times the IR camera will indicate moisture problems that are not seen by the naked eye, in those instances the moisture meter will verify the level of moisture. sometimes visible signs of water damage remain long after a repair has been performed.
these inspections can provide the home owner both peace of mind and also assist in forming a plan of action for future repairs if required.
cold spots as seen on the IR camera also indicate locations to address ventilation issues which degrade the effectiveness of heating systems and also may allow moisture intrusion.
Indoor air quality has become of major importance. I have come across a few air exchangers in the past and have noticed the indoor quality of windows and feel of the home is better than without. This course was great for a refresher on blower doors and testing. This is occasionally a topic brought up by clients that are concerned about overall efficiency of heir home and having the added knowledge is a plus.
This shows a rather large hole in the buildings siding. This can be a host of numerous different building problems. From an indoor air quality and energy efficiency perspective, this will allow extensive air infiltration into the home, therby affecting the homes efficiency and air quality.
Home Winterazation… Dwellings are meant and built to be occupied, If no one is residing in the residence it will throw a homes environment out of wack. For example if your house is empty it will require much more winterization than if you were living there. Make sure you allow proper air flow but seal up any holes that may be causing improper drafting. Never shut your municipal water or heat supply off, If your home drops below freezing and your pipes freeze and burst it will empty your pocket book. If you leave your faucet on allowing it to drip this will keep your pipes from freezing.
House moving has always fascinated me in the fact that no matter how much you love your home ,there has to be an easier way to keeping your home than jacking it up and putting wheels on and rolling down the road. If you as an Inter Nachi home inspector get the opportunity to inspect such a home you will need to take extra precaution. Keep in mind that every line, pipe, switch and drain has been disconnected and reconnected allowing for double the mistakes. This process is almost ancient history but if you search you will find a couple of experts left.
This is a picture that I snapped in my own bedroom of a small room, store purchased humidifier. My fiancé claims that our air is dry, as it is. I almost feel that it would be better to use the old fashioned bowl of water in front of the register instead of a mechanical device but its not my decision.The moisture makeup with humidity in our bedroom is a good environment to spawn mold spores… The sponge filter if not properly cleaned after every use, will just be dispensing into the air leftover dirt. Oh well just going to stop there for now.