Top 10 HVAC Items

Archive Public Archive
1

Originally Posted By: roconnor
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


I am teaching a class that briefly touches on HVAC issues and codes related to home inspection as part of the class.


I have my own thoughts on what the TOP 10 HVAC ITEMS would be, but since this is not one of my real strong areas outside of the codes and basic inspections I wanted to get some professional feedback on what people with a strong HVAC background think.

(PS ... I will post a similar message under Plumbing since that is also briefly covered)

--
Robert O'Connor, PE
Eagle Engineering ?
Eagle Eye Inspections ?
NACHI Education Committee

I am absolutely amazed sometimes by how much thought goes into doing things wrong

2

Originally Posted By: roconnor
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


P.S. Similar to my plumbing post, I?m just developing a general list of major things that are significant. I’ll give ya my rough first pass at this one also.


1. Unit fuel supply lines not deteriorated, with filter/trap.
2. Main power and fuel shutoff near unit.
3. Adequate clearance and fire rating above/around units.
4. Boilers have cutout/relief valve, and also equalizer/loop for steam.
5. Units operate properly, with adequate heat rise/drop (15? ? 20?).
6. Units and heat exchanger (where visible) not deteriorated.
7. AC condenser drip pan with pipe to drain or pump.
8. Exhaust vent pipe not deteriorated/blocked and sloped up to flue.
9. Flue clear and in good condition where visible.
10. Distribution ducts/pipes not deteriorated or frosted, and steam return sloped to boiler.

Again it's hard to narrow things down and be more specific. I was also thinking about a top 20 list here if the feeling is mutual, but want to try and keep it fairly limited to just major items. Any thoughts, comments, or suggestions.

--
Robert O'Connor, PE
Eagle Engineering ?
Eagle Eye Inspections ?
NACHI Education Committee

I am absolutely amazed sometimes by how much thought goes into doing things wrong

3

Originally Posted By: Robert L Dean
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Here is the other 10, primarily for HVACR


1. The condensate drain,(out side) is visible, and draining while the a/c is running.
2 The condenser pad is for the most part level,but should be slightly tilted to allow for drainage runoff.
3. The condenser has enough clearance around it from all sides.Minimum of at least 12" to 18" .This includes bushes and trees.
4.The outdoor unit has a pull disconnect.This may not apply to some state building codes,but does in Florida.
5.The indoor unit is level, and the platform top is not sinking.This is very common, and often overlooked.Indoor unit should have disconnect as well.
6.The suction line is insulated, and not sweating all over the platform top.Sometimes it's good to insulate the drain line,just inside at the air handler.
7.The air handler is not double filtered.Often there is a filter in the unit and in the ceiling.Take your pick, but you can only have one.Too much can cuase insufficient air flow, and freezing up of evap coil.
8.One common thing now in Florida is the indoor unit must be equipt with a float switch.This is a saftey cut off, in case the drain back's up.It's a good idea to have one of these in Florida or not.
9.Evap coil is inspected with a mirror.Imacted coils can cuase a lot of problems.A little dust on the coil is no cause for alarm,but a lot of dust is very bad.You can loose a compressor very fast.
10.Heat strips are not on in cooling mode.I don't think this one would be too invasive but you can decide this for yourself. It take 5 seconds to check with an amp meter.

--
R.L.Dean