I read the NACHI article entitled “Inspecting the HVAC System for Duct Leaks and Energy Loss” because the cost of cooling in Florida homes is so significant. Leaks in the supply side of the ductwork system will actually “suck” hot, humid air into the house if the duct leak is in the attic while leaks to the outside in the return side will “blow” air from the house to the outside resulting in a negative house pressure. Introduction of hot, humid air into the indoor environment not only increases the cost of cooling, it raises humidity, sometimes to unhealthy levels.
This is the air return vent with the air filter. It is very important to replace the air filter every month and make sure it is clean. The house air Cycles back through the filter to the furnace/air conditioning air handler.
Arcs can form where wires are improperly installed or when insulation becomes damaged. In older homes, wire insulation tends to crystallize as it ages, becoming brittle and prone to cracking and chipping. Damaged insulation exposes the current-carrying wire to its surroundings, increasing the chances that an arc may occur.
Home inspector inspects heating system with a large part of the system unable to be viewed. The cracked heat exchanger is a good picture of what can not be seen during a inspection and gives me pause when I do inspect gas fired furnace.
BTU British thermal unit of measurement is one I was unfamiliar with. That changed with going through the theory of heating and cooling systems for home inspection class. I just don’t understand the one pound of water, why not a gallon or some common used liquid measurement?
This is a gas furnace inducer in a furnace. The inducer expels gas from the system prior to the system turns on. The purpose of the inducer is to channel gas up and out of the unit by way of the b vent.
A gas inducer has the job of expelling gases within the unit once it receives the call from the thermostat to turn on. These gas are expelled by the inducer blower, which expels the gases up and out of the system through the b vent.
This is a conventional air filter. One of are commonly used in furnaces. The manufacturers recommendation is to have this checked once a month. There was easy access to the air without the need of special tools. It is evident that the filters are the same size and dimensions. There was a dirty air filter installed at time of the inspection. A dirty or clogged filter will affect the performance of the heating and cooling system. Replacement filter was aside the furnace and installed. This was reported to the client as well as the home owner.
Central Air-Conditioning System Inspection:
There can be an increase on energy cost and a significant reduction of energy efficiency having a dirty air filter. This can reduce air quality and make the life of the motor decrease. Proper homeowner maintenance and yearly inspection of the unit can extend the life of the unit. Make sure you look at the manufacturers directions for proper replacement of filters. It is also recommended to install new filters in a shorter period of time if the occupants have respiratory problems, have pets with fur or more than usual dusty conditions are present.
In this image, a Gas Furnace is displayed. With in the image you can see the Gas Valve, The Draft Hood above, and the gas burners and heat exchangers are covered behind the gas valve. From the looks of it, everything seems to be in good condition, from a visual perspective of course.
I chose the Article, “Gravity Furnace Inspection”. In this article I have learned that gravity furnaces only burned coal for the time being until newer fuel sources were introduced, and that The combustion-air and venting requirements are the same in gravity furnaces and forced-air furnaces, and the heat exchanger is similar. Although Gravity furnaces are larger that forced air furnaces, but they have fewer moving parts in them which generally increases the lifespan of them. Also, that gravity furnaces do not have a blower fan to force the air through the vents making them more quiet.
Air conditioning is not simply the cooling of air. Air conditioning involves many aspects of conditioning or changing the air in whatever way in order to make the living environment for the occupants of a building comfortable. This may include warming the air, cooling the air, adding moisture, dehumidifying the air, filtering the air, and maintaining a balanced distribution or circulation of the air.
Furnaces can be identified and described by heating efficiency. The energy efficiency of a natural gas furnace is measured by its annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE). The higher the rating, the more efficient the furnace. The U.S. government has established a minimum rating for furnaces of 78%. Mid-efficiency furnaces have AFUE ratings from 78 to 82%. High-efficiency furnaces have AFUE ratings from 88 to 97%. Old, standing-pilot gas furnaces have AFUE ratings from 60 to 65%. Gravity warm-air furnaces might have efficiencies lower than 60%.
Since we are in Florida there is no furnace present. This is the indoor AC unit installed on the second floor. It has an integrated electric heater in case of cooler weather with an AFUE of 100 which is typical for electric heaters. Per the label, this unit was manufactured in 2009 making it 7 1/2 years old. Visual inspection of the inside shows the evaporator coil is very clean. Homeowner says the coil was replaced in 2016 due to a leak.
Article: Home Heating Oil Tanks
Inspecting the on-site oil tank is important as Fuel Oil #2 can be moderately toxic and dangerous to the environment. The inspector wants to assure there are no leaks at the oil tank, evidence of a prior leak, or evidence that a leak has been repaired. The tank should be in good condition, mounted on sturdy supports and all connections are tight.
A home inspection is a crucial element of any home purchase. Most buyers make their purchase offer contingent on the results of a home inspection so they can decide not to buy if the inspection reveals significant structural problems. In a market with heavy competition for homes, buyers sometimes waive the home-inspection contingency to make their offer more appealing to the sellers. Even in those circumstances, it’s advisable to schedule an ‘information-only’ inspection so you know what you’re buying.
Bathroom ventilation fans should be inspected for dust buildup that can impede air flow. Particles of moisture-laden animal dander and lint are attracted to the fan because of its static charge. Inspectors should comment on dirty fan covers. Ventilation systems should be installed in all bathrooms. This includes bathrooms with windows, since windows will not be opened during the winter in cold climates.
A Condenser unit should be equipped with an adequate electrical shut off switch by the condenser unit. The refrigeration line should also be insulated for better efficiency. Checking the shut off witch, insulated refrigeration line and the base for the condenser is part of an inspection.
I have learned that combustible air appliances in the garage must be 18 inches off of the floor unless listed as a Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistant device. Such equipment shall be located as not to be subject to physical damage by a motor vehicle.
Attached is a photo of the air conditioning compressor. The serial number on the compressor indicates it was manufactured in 1992. These units typically last 15 years. This unit appears to be at the net of its life. This unit may need to be replaced in the near future.
