The image here shows a large crack in the vent leading back into the HVAC system located in the attic. This is a defect. Conditioned air leaking into attic. Recommend repair or replacement of return vent by a qualified HVAC professional.
The image I viewed shows the proper placement of outdoor cooling equipment. Should be a minimum of 48 inches from the eaves. 3 inches off the ground. Keep a minimum distance of 30 inches from the home to allow for servicing and replacement. And 10 inches around the other sides away from trees bushes and other things.
the attached photo is a picture of a cracked heat exchanger. The crack in the heat exchanger is likely to be due to overheating of the unit. This crack means that the furnace needs to be replaced because it is now releasing carbon monoxide into the air.
The photo I examined was about heat exchangers. The heat exchanger is the part of the furnace that is heated be combustion. Air is then heated as it passes through the heat exchanger and is circulated throughout the rest of the home.
This home has a Goodman natural gas forced air furnace. It is an upflow configuration with an 80 percent AFUE rating. It appeared to be in good working order at the time of the inspection. The unit’s label shows it to be manufactured the 11th week of 2014.
Always asking neighbor when you are going to do an inspection for a townhouse garage
to have more information because they are built in same structures.
The trusses cannot be cut or modified without the approval of a structural engineering.
Use proper trusses hangers and proper screws.
A blower door test can be very beneficial to a homeowner by identifying all of the air leaks in the structure. Identifying and fixing these air leaks will not only improve the indoor air quality, but also reduce energy costs.
This air filter cover is reinforced with sill seal insulation and made airtight so no surrounding air in the vacinity is drawn in from around the air filter cover. This upgrade makes the system run more efficient and blocks any air pollutants from being drawn in nearby.
Inspecting Solar Water Heaters
This is a great article for if you ever come across a solar water heater. You can inform them that it is not part of the SOP, but have a separate agreement form to do so as an ancillary service. Of course the obvious defects can be pointed out if it’s operation is affecting the outer envelope, such as water pentration or unsecured in wind event.
This is the evaporation and compression mechanism of a split system heat pump. The factory information is not legible so the model, serial number and manufacturer date are unknown. The heat function of the system operated at a satisfactory level ,however due to th ambient temperature was below 65’ the cold air test was not performed . This part of the system is the compressor and evaporator. when the refrigerant enters this component it is transformed into vapor collecting heat from the outside air then after it is compressed it is sent inside to the condenser where heat is transfered to the living space.
All furnace-mounted humidifiers work under the same principles, two basic types are the most common.
The humidifier may be a flow-through type, which is shown here, where the water flows through the humidifier and drains out. Or it may be a reservoir type, which uses a reservoir of water and a rotating drum to introduce the moisture necessary for humidified air.
Humidifiers are devices that humidify air so that building occupants are comfortable. Central air humidifiers are integrated into the forced-air heating system so that they humidify air while it is being heated. The water that is used by the device is pumped automatically into the humidifier from household plumbing. Humidifiers are available in various designs, each of which turns liquid water into water vapor, which is then vented into the house at an adjustable rate.
This is an image of a disconnected supply duct. Assuming 200 cfm of supply duct leakage here, we end up with a negative pressure in the house and more infiltration. This may also result in less air flow in the HVAC system, too.
Air that leaks through your home’s envelope the outer walls, windows, doors, and other openings wastes a lot of energy and increases your utility costs. A well-sealed envelope, coupled with the right amount of insulation, can make a real difference on your utility bills.
This condenser is not anchored to a hurricane pad in Florida. This is required to keep the condenser strapped down in the event of heavy wind which will prevent it from blowing away. We would recommend a licensed HVAC contractor add a hurricane pad and anchor it down.
While researching and inspecting HVAC for duct leaks it is very important to make sure that the ducts are sealed. This may be limited to the areas that are only visible to the inspector. They can be sealed with mastic. We recommend using licensed contractors
The furnace did fire and appeared to be in serviceable condition at the time of the inspection. However, the interior of the furnace was very dirty at the time of the inspection. Cleaning, servicing and/or certification of the HVAC system by a qualified contractor, with measurements according to the data plate, is recommended.
I read Inspecting the HVAC System for Duct Leaks and Energy Loss.
Ducts for the HVAC system should be checked for leaks. Leaks will result in poor performance causing loss of cooled or heated air.
Many duct systems come with knockouts and pre-cut holes for ease of installation. All seams, unused holes and knockouts should be properly sealed with mastic, foil tape, or putty.
High efficiency furnaces are about 90 to 98 percent efficient. They are more efficient because they have at least 2 heat exchangers. The secondary heat exchanger removes additional heat from the air by cooling the air enough that it condenses. This condensation actually makes it easier to extract more heat thereby being more efficient. The exhaust gas is cool enough that PVC can be used to vent the furnace. The condensation is collected and routed to a floor drain.
Air sampling during a mold inspection is important. It one tool in the belt to help determine what kinds of mold are present and if their are long chains of mold there might be areas of mold that have not been located. Outdoor air should be sampled at the same time as the indoor samples.