The installer did a great job when this furnace was installed, they dropped a liner down the chimney to be sure there would be no issues. The flue pipe from the furnace only required single wall pipe and they upgraded to double wall pipe. They were doing it correctly. They left the user manual and […]Read More about How good was the installer
Where Is The Toilet Brush
How dirty can “in floor” heating ducts get? It’s not something most people think about. Vents near a dog food bowl tend to accumulate bits of kibble that escapes the hungry hounds appetite. Candy and small toys that junior looses are often hidden in there, but nothing as bad as the duct in this house. […]Read More about Where Is The Toilet Brush
AC not cooling bedrooms
As warmer weather approaches thermostats are being switched from Heat to Cool in homes across the country. The satisfaction of knowing your system is ready and will be there to cool your house down to a comfortable temperature when it gets unbearable outside. These desires for a comfortable house is not necessarily the same in […]Read More about AC not cooling bedrooms
Got my attention
Opening the door to the utility closet was like opening a door into a land of make believe, an installation by Walter Mitty! The first person who should take blame for the situation is the architect who designed a closet too small to put a furnace and a water heater into. The furnace requires three […]Read More about Got my attention
The air we breathe
Even the most fastidious homeowner cleaning the bathroom, kitchen and floors never gives a thought to the ductwork in the home. All sorts of chemicals are used to disinfect and sanitize every part of the home except the part that is most likely to affect your health, your ductwork. The air in your home is […]Read More about The air we breathe
Location, Location, Location!
Have you ever noticed how some houses feel comfortable with the thermostat set to 68 degrees, while some are comfortable at 74? Thermostat location can play a major role in the way your home conditions. This poor thermostat thought the house was 84 degrees when the oddly placed wall light was on! Imagine the […]Read More about Location, Location, Location!
You found “WHAT” in my duct?
Hidden treasures are not always glittering gold. Though we have heard tales of homeowners bursting through walls and breaking down cabinets to find a loaded piggy bank, the reality is what gets trapped in our homes ain’t always sunshine and rainbows. But what about places in our house that are less obvious, less noticeable? Take […]Read More about You found “WHAT” in my duct?
Forgotten Greats…..
At the time I saw this when inspection an older home in Dayton I thought nothing of it, other than this is an old furnace with a name that has disappeared and no longer builds furnaces. For sentimental value I took a photo of the manufacturers tag and thought I would be able to find […]Read More about Forgotten Greats…..
Steam Heat, Confused?
Yes, so what type of heating system is in the house we are looking at? It’s easy to figure out if you know what to look for. Steam heat does exist, the water is heated above 212 degrees (boiling point) turning it into steam. The steam moves by convection through pipes and radiators. Most homes […]Read More about Steam Heat, Confused?
Radiant Heat (What’s It?)
Walking through a home you might notice a non descriptive box in every room, some may have numbers on a dial 50, 60, 70. What you are looking at is a thermostat for the radiant heat ceiling. The house is not heated by air coming out of a vent but wires embedded in the ceiling. […]Read More about Radiant Heat (What’s It?)
Asbestos Pipe Insulation
Video of asbestos pipe insulation on a hydroponic (water) or steam boiler heating system. Asbestos can be dangerous to your health if fibers are disturbed, often found in buildings buildings from the fifty’s and older on heating and hot water plumbing pipes.
Furnace Filters Required
Everyone uses the phrase furnace filters which got me thinking as I worked my way through an inspection. The filters remove dust from the air going through the furnace which has nothing that really needs to be protected. Yes, the fan motor will last longer if it is not dusty, but it’s not really there […]Read More about Furnace Filters Required
Gas Leak : What To Do
Assuming it’s a small leak, one that’s hard to smell, the first thing to do is turn off the gas to the unit. There is supposed to be a shut off valve within six feet of and in the same room as any gas appliance. Turn this off and you should be good. Furnaces and […]Read More about Gas Leak : What To Do
Commercial Inspections
We are always busy with commercial business inspections which are challenging and fun. The commercial properties are all so different, drive thru beer stores, schools, car wash, an animal shelter, convenience stores, strip malls, motels, warehouses, so varied and then last week it was a Chinese restaurant. When we turned on the outside sign a […]Read More about Commercial Inspections
