Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This image shows a picture of a duct inside a structure. Ducts are like “roadways” by which heated or conditioned air travels through the structure. Ducts should be air tight when possible and made of permitted materials such as aluminum or steel.
Research & Writing Assignment:
In the image titled “HVAC Duct Air Movement” I learned the importance of ducts to the movement of conditioned or heated air throughout a structure. Ducts should be air tight when possible and made of approved materials such as aluminum or steel.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
A heat pump transfers heat from one place to another. Heat pumps have three cycles: heating, cooling, and defrost. For the heating cycle, refrigerant enters the outdoor coil or conderser and moves through it. It absorbs heat from outdoor air passing through the coil. The liquid boils into a hot vapor in the coil, and then the heat is transferred or released to the indoor air. For the cooling cycle, the opposite happens. In the defrost cycle, the heat pump is automatically operated in reverse for a moment in the cooling cycle. This action warms up the coil and melts the frost from the coil. In this defrost cycle, the outdoor fan is prevented from turning on when the heat pump switches over, and the temperature rise of the outdoor coil is accelerated and increased.
Research & Writing Assignment:
An eyebrow dormer is a wavy dormer that protrudes through the slope of a roof. It houses a window that can be fixed or operable. Some advantages of eyebrow dormers include providing a subtle way to bring light into a building and ventilate the top-floor while breaking up the blandness of a standard roof or ceiling. It also provides the ability to gaze across the yard or see who is coming up the driveway, while adding additional headroom.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a photo from my parents house. They have two heat pumps - these are the two air handlers. You can see that both units have power disconnects right below each corresponding unit. Additionally, you can see the unusual placement of the filter driers right in front of each air handler.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I just completed the “How to Inspect HVAC Systems Course,” and chose to write my essay from the article called, “Defrost Cycle of a Heat Pump.”
I learned that there are different causes of frost accumulation around the exterior condensing unit.
These may include the following:
Although the above problems may be causing the frost, diagnosing the exact problem is beyond the scope of a home inspection.
Starting now.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
During the inspection we found the air conditioner to have a dirty air filter. It is necessary to keep a clean air filter to promote good air flow through the unit and prevent overworking and wasted energy. Replacement of air filter is recommended on a regular basis.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Air conditioning improves the quality of life by the buildings occupants in several ways. In addition to keeping us cool during the summer and warm in the winter, air conditioning removes moisture from the air, provides circulation and can remove or provide heat to make the room more comfortable.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Electric Heat Pumps seem to energy efficient device product. But seemed to struggle to produce heat when you need it most. That would be as things start to freeze out side, which is when the temperature starts dropping down to 32 degrees or lower. Most people that I have talked with on the subject in Texas think it is a great product but still have to have an alternate source of heat during the dead of winter.
Research & Writing Assignment:
While inspecting Aluminum Siding look for dents and loose attachments. Loose attachments will allow moisture into the interior walls. Which in turn could lead to wood rot. One of the advantages of Aluminum siding is that the home owner can easily paint any color of their choosing,But must be painted every 5 to 10 years.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Pictured is a compressor unit, manufactured in 2016 per the serial number. This portion of the a/c system is comprised of the compressor, condenser, fan, fan motor and refrigeration lines. This portion of the system is imperative to the system as this is the portion that contributes most to the actual cooling of the air in the living space.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The largest safety issue to a home, when it comes to a HVAC system, is having a properly functioning CO detector placed in the home. Being based in FL, it is less of a concern here, being that fuel burning heating units are uncommon to say the least. But when I study these units that are used more frequently, Having an approved CO detector in the home, where fuel burning furnaces are used, can save lives.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a Allegiance unit manufactured in 2004. It is a 2 ton unit and as a rule of thumb each ton can properly service 500-700 sqft, so this unit should be for a space approximately 1000-1400 sqft. The unit is currently working but it is approaching its 15 year service life.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The home is equipped with a hydronic oil fires boiler that supplies heat and hot water to the home. There are 6 zone pumps delivering hot water heat to 5 zone locations (basement, 1st floor, 1st floor family room, master bedroom and 2nd floor) the last zone is used to maintain hot water temperature in the storage tank. The pressure relief valve, and expansion tank were installed. No visible rust, oil stains or water stains were visible. The boiler had tags showing regular cleanings and inspections by the oil provider.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a picture of an oil burning furnace. The return air ducts are on the side of it and enter at teh bottom of the unit. The oil line can be found next to it leadign to the fuel that it uses to heat the home
Research & Writing Assignment:
The Gallery shows very good diagrams on HVAC. I like seeing how the airflow goes in to a unit and goes through the process of either being heated or cooled. Not many people realize the difference in the systems, but older homes use Boiler units that have water as a heat exchange and is pumped around the home. More modern homes use the air as a medium and then pump the warm air through the home.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
One thing that is often neglected by home owner is the filter in their heating system. This is why it is important to check the air filter/filters of the heating system during your home inspection and to explain to your client the importance of keeping tis filter clean.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a photograph of a HVAC unit taken outback of a home. This particular unit is a heat pump. This type of unit heats by absorbing heat from a cold space and releasing it to a warmer one. Heat pump are good in areas where there are not excessive cold temperatures.
Research & Writing Assignment:
During inspection we can sometimes see the distribution system (duct) of the furnace. When possible we can inspect and determine the heat ducts and the cold air return. We can determine there condition and there proper set up. If distribution system is not properly set up this can cause uneven distribution of heat throughout the home.
