This is a picture of 2 heat pump units. When houses are large sometimes it is more efficient and comfortable to have 2 air conditioning units instead of just one. Think of it as 2 different zones that can be controlled independently. In this case there was a upstairs zone and a downstairs zone on a 2 story house that was over 3000 sq ft. I inspect both units during the home inspection.
What are some of the advantages of solar energy. The first point that comes to mind is that solar power is a renewable energy source. That means that it’s unlimited. Then next thing is that it has low emissions. You also have to consider the energy that and emission it takes when building and constructing the panels. Most people forger about that part. If you like in a country where there is a poor electrical grid solar energy is a good option because it’s remote. Solar panel have no moving parts so they are quiet. Solar power in the us is used to sell power back to the electric company meaning that it will lower if not fully eliminate you electric bill.
A Thermostat is a component of the HVAC System which controls the operation of the furnace, sensing the temperature of the system, so that it is maintained near the desired set point.The component sends signals to the furnace which opens or closes the main gas valve.
Air Distribution is a major part of the HVAC System and must be given much attention. The system consists of a Furnace, Possibly attached AC, air supply ducts, and return air ducts. Air MUST flow easily therefore the filters must be checked and changed when needed. If the air filter is clogged it is even possible that water from the condensate line will be drawn back into the supply system causing moisture buildup, which can lead to a variety of other problems. The seals of joints must not be leaking. Also the ability to check and repair the system must not be hindered, so there must be proper clearance in front of the system of 30" square. A minimum of 3" around the rest of the furnace. There must also be a 24" minimum door width for replacement of the unit. Furnaces in the attic must be a minimum of 20’ from the attic access for observation purposes. There must also be a 24" walkway to the system. Flexible duct must be installed properly so as not to have to much bend which will cause restrictions in air flow.
Clothes dryers operate by blowing hot air, heated by electricity or natural gas, past tumbling clothes spinning in the drum. The airborn water vapor exits the dryer through a dryer vent. It should be noted in the inspectors report if there are issues with vent connections and exhaust duct restricted airflow.According to the International Residential Code (IRC) the ducts should be constructed of rigid metal having smooth interior surfaces with joints running in the same direction as the airflow. The ducts shall not be connected with sheet metal screws or fastening means which extend into the duct. The flexible, ribbed vents used in the past should not be used as they are a potential fire hazard due to trapped lint. A fire hazard is created when accumulated lint reduces the airflow efficiency causing overheating in the dryer which can cause sparks to ignite the lint
This is a Carrier electric HVAC system installed horizontally in the attic of the home. It is hanging from the rafters by a metal rod system and is suspended directly over a galvanized steel drip pan, which is vented to the outside of the house to remove condensate.
Backdrafting happens when the byproducts of combustion are sucked into the living space rather than being exhausted to the outside via a flue. Backdraft can be caused by appliances that vent to the outside such as fireplaces, dryers and bathroom or kitchen vents. The combustion gases pulled inside the home can harm or kill occupants. The inspector should try to identify signs of backdrafting by releasing smoke or powder, using a lighter, looking for soot or using a carbon monoxide tester.
This furnace is in a home that was built in 1978 and has been vacant for 2 years, now being remodeled. The furnace is a Lennox which was installed in 1983. Unit is functioning today. Recommend budgeting for new installation as this unit is beyond its usage age. Recommend new filter every 2 months and continuing to monitor unit.
I read the anti-tipping article and learned that the American National Standards Institute and Underwriters Laboratory created standards in 1991 that all ranges after that year be able to support 250 pounds of weight on open doors and that anti-tip brackets be installed.
The photo being discussed in this essay relates to a residential radiator. This radiator is a heat emitting source and was integrated as a one piping system being supplied by a hot water heating system where warm water enters from the top and exits through the bottom after crossing through the chamber fins. Radiators are typically convection type sources.
For this essay I chose to write about an image located in the nachi gallery titled "Evaporator or Swamp Cooler. This type of cooler is an evaporative cooler (also swamp cooler, desert cooler and wet air cooler). It’s a device that cools air through the evaporation of water. Evaporative cooling differs from typical air conditioning systems, which use vapor-compression or absorption refrigeration cycles.
This is an example of a Down flow air conditioning and heating system. It gets its name from the way the air flows through the system. The return air vents are in the top of the unit and it forces air down in to the ducts that are in the crawlspace and the vents that are in the floor.
Pictured here is an outdoor condenser unit that is covered in frost. This is an indication that the defrost cycle may not be working properly for many different reasons. As a result damage could result if the unit is operated with out a properly functioning defrost cycle. Evaluation and correction by a qualified professional is needed.
When looking at the gas appliance connectors form the course I learned several things. I learned that appliance connectors cannot go through walls, ceilings, or floors. Also that the fuel shut off valve cannot be in a different room than the appliance that it is connected to; additionally that that point of connection to the appliance cannot be concealed.
Recommend replacement of air conditioning condenser electrical disconnect. Work on your AC unit may require the technician to cut power to the unit to complete repairs or perform a diagnostic screening. A disconnect, disconnect switch or isolator is used to ensure that the electrical circuit is completely off.
heat pump is an air conditioner in which the refrigeration cycle can be reversed, producing heating instead of cooling in the indoor environment. They are also commonly referred to as a “reverse cycle air conditioner”. The heat pump is significantly more energy efficient than electric resistance heating.
This is an older furnace. The efficiency is must likely between 78-85 and due to the rust on parts of it I would recommend them to get it check out by a certified furnace company. The gas line, cool air return and supply lines all look in good condition. Due to the age of the furnace it would must likely need to be replaced sometime in the future but that would be all I would be able to say. This is a forced air heating system with an A/C unit attached. Both at the present time are in good working condition.
HVAC refrigerant lines carry refrigerants to and from the outdoor and indoor coils. The larger of the two refrigerant lines, aka suction line, should be insulated for various reasons: on the inside, to help prevent sweating and leakage, and on the outside, to prevent it from heating up. The suction line at this particular house was missing its entire length of insulation on the exterior.
I choose the attic HVAC furnace inspection. The picture was of a newer furnace, it was set horizontal. This was a forced air unit with the proper exhaust connections. The unit was clean and would have appeared to be in good working conditions. From the picture all the connections looked good and the working area for the furnace was adequate.
“Defrost Cycle of a Heat Pump”-We have mild winters here in Columbia, SC (this current year excluded), so I don’t see frost on HVAC units very often and initially thought that it might be normal in unusually cold temperatures. From this article, I’ve learned that frost on a heat pump indicates a problem, such as a faulty thermostat, dirty coil, leaky refrigerant, a wiring problem, fan or motor issue, etc., that should be further evaluated by a specialist.