Inspection of heating system venting
How can you inspect venting of heating system?
Back-venting: -- Not observed -- Observed --> Serious health issue, ask a licensed HVAC contractor to evaluate.
Return air compartment and filter: -- Filter is clean -- Filter is dirty --> Needs to be replaced
Distance of vent: -- Sufficient -- Not sufficient --> Poisonous gas may enter living space - Serious health hazard.
Elbow angle: -- Sufficient -- Insufficient --> Exhaust gas may stay in the area – Health issue!
This pipe (photograph above) going to heating ducts has a sharp but an acceptable angle with a support right under the elbow.
Vent rise (angle): -- Proper -- Improper --> Venting will not be sufficient to let the gasses go out of the area. Health hazard!
Any rust, soot on vent pipe or chamber? -- No -- Yes --> Servicing required.
Is combustion and return air sources too close to each other? -- No -- Yes --> Evaluation by a licensed HVAC contractor required.
Is heater platform sealed? -- Yes -- No --> Sealing required.
Inspection of Heat Exchanger Venting
Reason: Poisonous gases may get into heating and fresh air system if heat exchanger has holes being subject to heat over years. What can you do to make sure that this is not the problem?
Inspection of heat exchange operation
Look at the burners before the fan starts operating. If any of the flames is sucked up when the fan starts sucking air, then there is a serious problem.
Inspection of thermostat operation
Thermostat type: -- Electronic (mercury) -- Programmable
Thermostat: -- Appears in functional condition -- Not functioned --> Servicing or replacement needed.
Thermostat setting: …….
Inspection of heating ducts and vents
Combustion vent pipes: -- Visible, no visible deficiency observed -- Not inspected – Invisible
This main venting pipe (in above picture) is a well-insulated pipe carrying the hot air from the furnace. Insulation material covers the exit from the furnace.
Vent pipe support: -- Seems to be appropriate -- Lacks appropriate support --> Provide necessary support to prevent serious health problem!
This vent pipe (in photograph above) was secured with a clap on the rafter.
An example of securing the vent pipe with suspension (picture above).
Does vent pipe have sufficient clearance from window and door? -- Yes -- No --> This is a serious health issue. Gasses may enter living space.
Heat-resistant sealing (shown in the photograph above) was used to close the gap around this heat-carrying pipe.
Are vents insulated: -- Yes -- No --> Insulation by a professional recommended.
Any damaged or missing register? -- No – Yes