Inspection of safe and efficient use of heating system
How do you read instructions of furnace?
Read the instructions on the label and in the operations manual well when you have a new furnace installed. Improper use may cause inefficient use and raise your energy cost.
The home inspector reported the following in his inspection report after inspecting the defective furnace:
[Furnace details: …. This particular model (…) has been manufactured by [manufacturing company's name] and determined to be defective due to unwanted attic fires. This furnace is a safety hazard and needs to be replaced by a licensed HVAC contractor as soon as possible.]
Take note of the location of emergency cutoff valve of your gas furnace in case of fire or gas leakage!
Above picture shows emergency cutoff valve of this gas furnace was manufactured in red color.
Inspection of the condition of heating system
-- Appears in serviceable condition
-- Unusual vibration / noise -- Leaks and rust observed at furnace / plenum / boiler / pipe fittings, other ……. -- Old, seems to be near end of its useful life --> Contact licensed HVAC contractor in the last two situations.
Photograph above show a typical electric fan of furnace
Condensing coil: -- Functional -- Not functional --> Only condenser unit can be replaced.
Flue pipe of heating system: -- Looks clean -- Dirty/Clogged --> Cleaning or replacement of flue pipe may be considered.
Do you have an old furnace?
There must be a fan in and around the gas furnace. The old heating systems may not have a fan as they may have a system based on gravity system. In his old system, air heated by the furnace in the basement goes through the ducts as a result of hot air. You may consider a new “forced air” gas furnace.