Research & Writing Assignment:
I read the article about backdrafting. In my experience, water heater backdrafting is often found where the water heater is in close proximity to dryers and exhaust fans. It is also important to understand the codes and guidelines for clearances of flues.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
I stole this pic from the internet because I’m too lazy to go through archived pics but I do see this a lot. Usually if a water heater spills without the operation of fans and the HVAC system, I start looking for a nest.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Here is a blower fan set up for performing a home energy audit. It comes with a frame that can be adjusted to fit the inside dimensions of the door jams. Next, the wind screen is attached to the frame and the whole assembly is inserted into the space between door jams. Then it is expanded against to jams for a tight seal and the fan is installed.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Abrasive Blasting
This is a process used to help clean and remove mold growth. It starts out by using compressed air or a centrifugal wheel that throws abrasive particles against the surface to be cleaned. Various products can be used but common ones are sand, dry ice and corncobs. This process cuts down on labour, time and can be used in hard to reach places.
Research & Writing Assignment:
In the gallery there’s a picture of cold air infiltration. using the techniques of the home energy audit, it can be seen either with a smoke torch or infrared imager. To save expenses, I would use the smoke torch. It can be easily resolved by using a window trim installed inside of the window. This can dramatically save on winter bills.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Old, damaged or missing weatherstripping around doors can lead to drafts and energy waste. It is important to check door seals, works especially well when testing during a blower door test and using an infrared camera. Leaks can then be easily identified end rectified.
Research & Writing Assignment:
It is important to do a follow up walk through with clients when completing a home energy audit. It is great when people can have a visual image end explanation of how their home is working as a system. Clients can then better understand how recommendations made will help improve the performance of their home.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
During depressurization of the home, a significant air leakage was noted on the vault and beam area of the living room. The insulation on the apron wall was also noted to not be afitted on the conditioned wall correctly, and was creating hot spots.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The writing if report narratives are one of the most important parts of an inpsection report. Obtaining the information is one part, but conveying the condition to the client with proper narratives, and necessary actions needed to correct the concern.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
During a recent inspection I noted that the chimney flue was open, during summer months. Additionally, when the damper was closed, it did not fully seat/seal in a manner that would best prevent air loss. Recommendation was made and upon return inspection repairs had been made.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I chose the article on Carbon Monoxide Poisoning and Detectors to refresh myself on the use of testing tools in concert with visual inspection processes related to the testing of Carbon Monoxide generating systems in a residential and commercial home inspections.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
After the visual inspection around the house and basement area a thermal image was taken in the basement and energy loss was noted around the exterior basement door in which case it will be recommend to seal to ensure and avoid further water infiltration and heat loss and help to use the systems more efficiently
Research & Writing Assignment:
Roof sidding needs to be attach and under the roof shingles to ensure and avoid water leak over time at the ceiling area and avoid any gaps that could create a potential issue and possible heat loss that will affect the energy of the systems in the house
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Here is a photo of a recessed light. According to the information within the Performing a Home Energy Audit Course, recessed lighting receptacles are one of many areas in the house that should be checked for air movement/leakage which promotes energy loss and higher energy bills.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I read through the article on “6 Reasons to Hire a Professional for Your Home Energy Audit” as it was in line with the training course just taken. A very informative article that would be a great marketing tool for home inspectors offering “Home Energy Audits”.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
In this IR photo that was taken during the inspection, there is a number of things that indicate potential issues that were later confirmed. We can see that there is a significant amount of thermal bridging, drafting along the outside wall as well as insufficient insulation in the corner. (from the attic we could later see that the 2x4’s from the rafters were not sufficiently covered and that it was not evenly distributed evenly and in some areas, such as the corner it was very thin.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Elements of an Energy-Efficient House
In this article regarding Energy-Efficient Homes, I have come to understand that there are many components, systems and considerations. This includes The Thermal Envelope, Wall and Roof Assemblies, Insulation, Air / Vapor Retarders, Foundations and Slabs, Windows, Air-Sealing, Controlled Ventilation, Heating and Cooling Requirements, Beginning a Project. There is obviously a lot to consider and I would personally add that it is in my opinion extremely important if you are going to build an energy efficient home that is healthy that you consider the potential toxic effects of all the building materials that you intend to use, and that you consider it under all the potential environmental conditions that you might encounter over time in this building.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Home energy audits have a huge return on investment for home owners and potential buyers . They are are a great ancillary service to add in your home inspection business .They are performed using a blower door to check the home for air tightness and can some times be performed using whole house fans, bathroom and range oven vent fans .
Research & Writing Assignment:
Even when buying a home “as is” you can still benifit greatly from a home inspection. After all what is “as is” . The home inspection is going to give you a great amount of knowledge about the homes as is condition so you can make the best decision about your new investment.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
In this photo you can see where you should begin to drill a pilot hole in the duct work for the combustion testing probes. 12 to 18" from any elbow is the proper length so that the probe does not come into contact with any circulating air at the base. This helps to insure a correct measurement with your meter.
