Student Discussions: How to Inspect HVAC Systems Course

The image I took is of a high efficiency Rheem Furnace it is fueled by natural gas. It is a forced air heating system with central air. This system utilizes both metal and plastic flex ducts to transmit the air through the house.

The image I chose is of a packaged unit air conditioner. The photo show the outside unit containing the evaporator and compressor the inside unit contains the a coil and distribution fan and the air flow cycle from intake to return.

This deck was built by a diy person without knowledge of code, you can see the lack of vertical balusters on the handrails and the use of piping to prop up the handrails. also there were no joist hangers below this deck.

i chose the article on aluminum wiring because i wanted to know more about it’s ability to expand and contract causing arcing within a panel box. i seldom see aluminum wiring but it is still around in some of our older communities.

Since we are upgrading to a new heating system, I chose to take a photo of the new ducts being installed with the furnace. This duct-work is what is know as a “Plenum Duct System”. These are easily distinguishable due to their large square/rectangular shape that comes off of the heating system and runs the length of the building. From the main rectangular duct, you will find smaller (usually circular) ducts branching off feeding warm air to the registers in different sections of the house.

https://www.nachi.org/gallery/?level=picture&id=1344

All burners in an gas furnace should fire up simultaneously. A crossover igniter is a device installed perpendicular to and on top of all the main burners, connecting them together. Tghe purpose of the crossover is to carry the flame bridging one burner to the next at start up.

This photo is of a pellet stove insert, when you a checking out heating systems like a pellet stove you should makr sure it is vented properly with a double walled vent pipe either into a chimney or vented directly out of the home by the instructions

My essay is on the gas shut off valves there should be a shut off valve on the forced hot water heater and also on the hot water boiler. if there is a gas leak in either unit you can shut the gas off quickly

The HVAC system appears to have several issues. There are too many ducts being pulled off the main supply. The are numerous sharp turns an bends in the ducting that will restrict airflow. They are held in place by duct tape where metal strapping should be used. It is highly recommended to have a certified HVAC technician evaluate the system and suggested process for repairs.

It is important to make sure the airflow is unobstructed, with as few turns as possible in a HVAC system. It is also very important not to over commit the airflow, as too many ducts could lead to drastically reduced pressure and functionality for the whole system.

Solar energy has many advantages over conventional energy sources. solar power is excellent in areas where there is no power grid. solar Energy contains no moving parts and is pollution free and quiet. There are tax benefits that the government provides for people that install solar panels.

This HVAC commercial grade unit is controlled by a switch on the wall.The heating and cooling of this room is controlled by a thermostat. The thermostat within the wall unit tells the AC to kick in when the temperature gets too warm. The same applies to the heater when the temperature gets too cold.

I looked a picture about balanced ventilation system how you have to take fresh air into the house and exhaust the air that is in there to keep the inhabitants healthy. It also keeps mold spores and other indoor air contaminates from building up.

The Upflow High Boy gas Furnace was particularly interesting to me. It is just different from what I was used to having in my home and houses Ive visited. I will be sure to maybe take a little time on my first few inspections that have them, just checking out the mechanics, without crossing any inspector lines.

When inspecting a central air system providing Manufacture date information I would give as a courtesy even if beyond the standards of practice. Although it is not considered a defect to be in working condition and be past the expected service life determining the approximate age can help prepare for future service and or replacement costs. Having to replace a climate control system will put a huge dent in anyones budget and if not prepared for repair expenses or complete replace in some instances will make a very uncomfortable summer/ warm weather months.

Identifying serial numbers on Hvac, Air conditioning and furnace equipment Can give homeowners / buyers important information about their heating and air conditioning systems. Building center.org website help you determine the approximate age of the unit buy manufacture date and help determine the expected service life . Serial number can also determine the capacity , and efficiency of the system. Knowing the age can help make decisions on negotiations for buyers. Also knowing the capacity and efficiency could help determine future operation costs.

Rust was observed in the secondary condensate drain pan(s), indicating a that the primary line is, or has been blocked. Ensure that the primary condensate drain line is free and clear and draining properly. Recommend further evaluation by a licensed HVAC contractor.

The Liquid Refrigerant Cycle image illustrates the flow of refrigerant in an Air Conditioning system from the compressor, though the condenser coils, down the liquid line to the metering device, through the evaporator coils, down the suction line and back to the compressor.

This is a picture of a gas furnace’s condensate pump. Because modern high efficiency furnaces (AFUE 90% or higher) transfer so much of the heat they produce into heat for the home (vs out the chimney). The furnace exhaust gases are cool enough that the furnace can be vented using PVC. One of the by products of the high efficient furnace is condensation (or condensate). The condensate is collected inside the furnace and directed into the pump shown in the picture. This pump unit has a collection reservoir and a float switch that automatically turns the pump on when needed to safely remove the water from the system. This pump is very important during during the heating season as a furnace can produce produce 1 qt of water every 30 minutes. It also needs to function during the cooling season if the furnace is equipped with an air conditioning system.

A clogged air filter during the cooling season can reduce or prevent air flow to the point that air is pulled in through the condensate line. When the condensate line cannot drain, the evaporator drip pans will overflow and moisture will drip into places inside the furnace where it will damage/rust out critical components of the furnace. Make sure to check the furnace air filter and any regular maintenance/cleaning information usually posted via a service sticker on the side of the furnace.