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 Furnace & Water Heater Space too Small
The Air In Your Home Affects Your Health
Even the most fastidious homeowner cleaning the bathroom, kitchen and floors never gives a thought to the duct work 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 duct work. The air in your […]Read More about The Air In Your Home Affects Your Health
Bad Thermostat Location Affects Heat & Cooling
Have you ever noticed how some houses feel comfortable with the thermostat set to 68 degrees, while some are comfortable at 74 degrees Thermostat location can play a major role in the way your home heats and cools. This poorly positioned thermostat thought the house was 84 degrees when the oddly placed wall light was […]Read More about Bad Thermostat Location Affects Heat & Cooling
You Found “WHAT” In the HVAC Ducting?
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 the HVAC Ducting?
Forgotten Greats….. Dayton Company Long Gone
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….. Dayton Company Long Gone
Steam or Water Heat, Confused? Explained
So what type of heating system is in the photo? It’s easy to figure out if you know what to look for. With hot water heat there is a boiler that heats the water up to a temperature somewhere between 160 and 180 degrees. A circulation pump that moves the water through distribution pipes and […]Read More about Steam or Water Heat, Confused? Explained
Radiant Heat Ceilings Explained
Walking through a home you might notice a non descriptive box in every room, some may have numbers on a dial 50, 60, 70, and wonder what it is. What you are looking at is a thermostat for a radiant heat ceiling an alternative to a furnace or boiler. The house is not heated by […]Read More about Radiant Heat Ceilings Explained
Asbestos Pipe Insulation Health Hazard
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.
Is it a Furnace or Air Conditioner Filter?
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 the filter is not […]Read More about Is it a Furnace or Air Conditioner Filter?
Where Are the Gas Shut Off Valves Located?
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. The requirement is that there must be a shut off valve within six feet of and in the same room as the gas appliance. Turn off the valve (a quarter turn on […]Read More about Where Are the Gas Shut Off Valves Located?
Commercial Inspection Issues
We are always busy with commercial business inspections which are challenging and often unusual. The commercial properties are all so different, large multi unit apartment buildings, offices, movie multiplex theaters, schools, car wash, an animal shelter, convenience stores, strip malls, motels, warehouses, drive thru liquor stores, medical offices, so varied and of course numerous restaurants. […]Read More about Commercial Inspection Issues
Your AC Condenser Does Not Like “Economy”
Air conditioners (condensers) positioned out of the way in a small space are not unlike unfortunate fliers in economy. They are in a space smaller than required and asked to behave as though everything is OK. When there are two condensers side by side they want 28” of space (yes, like leg room) between them, […]Read More about Your AC Condenser Does Not Like “Economy”
Disconnect Switch Required for Furnace
Video: Furnace must have a disconnect switch and not always where you think it might be.
Do Architects Think of Future Problems?
Inspecting a house in Xenia, I got to question the thought process of architects who design houses. A nice small 900 square foot ranch did not have much space for the furnace, so the architect put it in the crawl space (under the house). This is not a problem so as long as it works, […]Read More about Do Architects Think of Future Problems?
