What is this fan in attic

[sbridges2 (Scott Bridges)]

@mboucher

I’m going to do the individual modules before I do my other mock inspections…

[jjonas (Jeffrey Jonas)]

@ruecker

I wonder if it was set up that way to accommodate inspectors that were already practicing and/or were a part of ASHI?

Interesting comment, because the long running feud between ASHI and NACHI revolved around the “NO REQUIRMENTS” to become a NACHI Member! All of this being discussed was fuel for that fire.
“Take a test and pay the fee”!

[mdurante (Michael Durante)]

@ruecker

That said, as a new student, it seemed obvious to me that taking all of the required courses should be done before taking the test. So that is what I did. And I performed my mock inspections only after passing the test.

I took the exam right off to find my weaknesses, took those courses, then retook the exam. Like you, I did the mock inspections afterwards.

@mboucher

I’ve been at this only about a month. Just following the path laid out by interNACHI. Ben’s videos and the coursework have been excellent so far. I also have no illusions I’m ready to be an inspector having done this limited coursework, or that I’ll know it all after I do the individual modules.

Humility is a good thing!!! Do yourself a favor, and take the first year courses ahead of time, before conducting any more mock inspections as @ruecker suggested. It is time consuming for sure, but worth it. If you look at each category, there are “advanced” courses in addition to the “first year req’s” that get considerably more involved…
Free Home Inspector Training Courses & Online Classes - InterNACHI®
Then look at state specific courses for PA:
Free Home Inspector Training Courses & Online Classes - InterNACHI®

[lhenderson2 (Lon Henderson, CMI)]

I’ll chime in late in the conversation. A good thing about doing a mock inspection before completing the course work, is to inform you of how much you need the course work to know what you are doing.

So, all good in my opinion and good luck to you Matthew. But Simon does make some good points and also goes to one more aspect of our business. This is a business where you need a thick skin and the ability to learn from criticism while shedding it like water off a duck’s back. Once you are doing real inspections, you’ll have someone (like an electrician or plumber, for instance) saying that you are an idiot. Some of my best lessons have been from those times, even if I was p*#$$ed.

One more thing about whole house fans. Home inspectors are not required to do the math on whether the attic ventilation is adequate to handle the volume of air generated by the fan, but we should be able to some rough math and call out attics that appear inadequately vented for the fan.

[lmarquez (Luciano Marquez)]

Whole house fan, also known as a poor mans air conditioner. Make sure you locate the on/off switch or dial timer.

[jhartman9 (Jame Hartman)]

Congrats on completing your first mock inspection. Regarding the fan in your neighbor’s house, it sounds like an attic fan. Attic fans work by drawing hot air out of the attic space to reduce the temperature, which can help cool the house’s central part. It doesn’t remove air from the main part of the house into the attic but instead pulls hot air out of the attic and replaces it with cooler outside air. Attic fans can be a great way to reduce energy costs and extend the life of your roof. Check out this article spheralsolar.com for more information on how attic fans work. Good luck with your certification courses!