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Heat Exchanger Experts of Denver, Inc. Is your complete Residential and light Commercial HVAC (Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning) service company. Locally owned and operated, and serving Colorado for over 40 years, Heat Exchanger Experts, Inc. His residential furnace inspection manual will show you how to inspect heat exchangers thoroughly, yet efficiently, so that you can be satisfied you are doing the.
Furnace heat exchanger leak standards, hole sizes, permitted leakage allowances: this article describes the allowable leakage for furnace heat exchangers, explaining that zero combustion gas leakage may not be achievable. We review an industry expert's calculations used to determine just how much carbon monoxide leakage is allowable in a building and we translate the allowable gas leakage into an equivalent heat exchanger hole size of abouit 1/8'. We also provide a to this topic, or you can try the page top or bottom as a quick way to find information you need. Try the search box below or by email if you cannot find the answer you need at InspectApedia. Question: Strong winds may overcome exposed direct vent chimneys or flues for heating appliances? Concerning sidewall power vent to one of my residential gas furnaces. It is a proper code compliant side vent sloped properly with condensate drain etc.
However, it is on a wall exposed to a wide open area - thus winds can be strong against the house. Do I need to install something like an open vent collar to reduce the back pressure variations caused when winds are heavy? - Sack from VA 12/2/12 Reply: Sack Interesting question, I don't know but if you can tell us equipment brand and model we will research the question - or you can all the the manufacturer who can tell us. I've never seen a power vent with wind protection installed, and we have presumed that the blower fan that provides positive draft for the direct-vented heating appliance is designed & tested by the manufacturer to provide more than adequate draft provided that you have followed the manufacturer's installation instructions.
Those instructions typically state that The combustion air intake shall be installed upwind of the vent outlet when exposed to prevailing winds. Avoid locating the vent terminal on a wall facing prevailing winds and wide-open areas.
When impractical, choose a location that protects the vent from strong winds, such as behind a fence or hedge. 15 Do you have a copy of the installation instructions and can you give the brand and model of your heating appliance? Question: what is the required clearance between adjacent houses & a neighboring direct vent fireplace? Is there a minimum distance between brick houses in Toronto for venting termination of a fireplace using direct vent?
- A.W., Reply: I have not found building code citations that refer to nearby or adjacent buildings when specifying clearances for direct vent fireplaces, but it seems likely that your local building code inspector would agree that the clearance requirements for the building in which the fireplace is installed would set the minimum acceptable clearances that would then apply also to a nearby or adjacent building. In other words, if the fireplace vent distances and position relative to your own building windows or doors were LESS THAN those to the windows & doors on the building where the fireplace is installed, and presuming for a moment that the fireplace was installed properly, meeting local building permit and code requirements, then a violation probably exists. If the fireplace vent distances and position relative to your own building windows and doors is GREATER THAN those to the windows and doors where the fireplace is installed, and presuming for a moment that the fireplace was installed properly, meeting local building permit and code requirements, then a violation probably does not exist.
Take some some sharp photos of the installation that concerns you, or make a sketch and send those along and we may be able to comment further. Thanks to Alan Carson, Toronto, for assistance with this topic. Question: neighbor's power vent 18' from power line (Mar 8, 2014) James S said: My neighbor just installed a power vent for his furnace on the outside of his house.
The house is 18' from the property line (this is a grandfathered non-conforming setback), but the new very loud power vent extends a further 10' into the space, so stops 8' from the property line. Is it ok to extend into the non-conforming set back like this when the code says they can't build 3' from the property line?
Reply: James, Good question, for which I don't have a sure answer; this is a question for your building department. Most communities indeed have restrictions on just what can be close to the property line, with variations depending on whether you're considering a front, side, or rear property boundary.
Keep me posted. Question: clearance distance from direct vent furnace exhaust to clothes dryer exhaust vent (Apr 8, 2014) Paul T said: what is the clearance for a direct vent furnace to a dryer exhaust vent? Reply: Paul I'm not aware of a clearance specification between the furnace and a dryer exhaust vent, and I'm not sure if your question is distance to the vent pipe or distance from the direct vent furnace combustion air intake or distance from its exhaust, or distance from the heating appliance itself. But I'd say that ANY dust emitting source close to any fuel burning appliance is a concern if the dryer lint can enter or clog combustion air inlets (very dangerous where carbon monoxide may be produced) or other air vents such as cooling vents on equipment.
I can suggest two approaches to getting past speculative arm-waving: 1. If you see dryer lint in or on the appliance that's a potential safety concern that needs to be addressed 2. Check with the appliance manufacturer directly, for the particular brand and model of heater, starting with a review of its installation instructions and if needed a call to the manufacturer.
Watch out: if your clothes dryer were a model whose air intake were at risk of drawin in combustion products that would be a dangerous situation. Question: repairs for Sears Homart® direct vent gas fired wall-mount furnace (May 18, 2014) Anonymous said: I have an old Sears Homart Direct Vent Gas Fired wall furnace model #867.72542 It has worked well for 29 years with only the fan being replaced 3 times. As of late, it has been getting so hot behind the front panel that the wires going to the 2 limit switches are melting causing smoke. I'm not sure how to fix this or what the problem is. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I can't seem to find anybody that knows anything about these old Homart furnaces. [email protected] Lawrence Markowski Reply: Lawrence The overheating you describe is dangerous and suggests backpressure in the combustion chamber.
I'd expect that to happen if the system has not been properly serviced or adjusted and/or in particular if the exhaust venting is blocked or not working properly. Shut off the system and ask your heating service technician to diagnose and repair the cause for overheating. Any overheated switches and wiring should be replaced as well, as if they're damaged the system is unsafe and risks a fire. The problem is not one likely to be unique to the Homart Furnace. Finally, if the total proposed cost of repairs is a significant portion of the cost of a new furnace, I'd give that option consideration. Question: direct vent Weil McLain gas boiler may be too close to neighbor's windows (July 17, 2014) Concerned said: A neighboring house has a Weil-McLain gas-fired boiler with a sidewall direct vent that is directly across from the window of my 3' x 4' powder room. There is less than 9 feet between our houses- 7 feet on his side and 2 feet on my side of the property line.
If I open my window, you can see the condensation come in through the window. You can smell and taste it. I put a carbon monoxide meter on the windowsill and got a reading of 15.
I called the company and they originally told me that there is no specification as far as a required distance from the vent to a window and that exhaust is being emitted and that the city should follow code. I called the inspector and he told me that it should be 10 feet and that it had to be corrected, but it was a 'sensitive issue' because they passed the inspection. After about a year and various phone calls he told me that according to the 2009 International Residential Code the manufacturer's instructions needed to be followed which requires 6 feet from an adjacent wall- no mention of a window- which brings this around to the beginning again. I read a copy of the instructions and on the very first page it has a warning saying 'Perform steps in the order given. Failure to comply could result in severe personal injury, death or substantial property damage.' There is a section which comes before any clearances are given which says, 'Consider the surroundings when terminating the vent: Position the vent where vapors will not.
Be objectionable. Avoid possibility of accidental exposure of flue products with people or pets.' These are just 2 of the 7 considerations that should be given before proceeding to the clearance distances. Again I called the company and they told me that they would not guarantee the safety of this exposure and that I should keep my window closed. I met with a lawyer and he told me that it was a trespass on my property and that I would have to take my neighbor to court and not the installer.
I talked to my neighbor about it, but no response. Reply: Concerned, If the neighbor is not interested in addressing this concern, and before launching a costly lawsuit that will upset everyone for some time, I'd try speaking with your local building department. If your local code officials agree that the installation you describe is improper and violates local building ordinances that alone may be enough to encourage the neighbor to change the installation as needed. Question: clearance distance between direct vent propane fireplace exhaust and oil storage tank (Aug 26, 2014) Elsbeth said: Is there a required clearance for a direct vent from a propane fireplace and an outside oil tank? Thanks Reply: Elsbeth I'd respect the same distance for oil storage tanks as that required for clearance from the oil burner, since like an oil burner, a propane fireplace will involve flame - that's ten feet from the burner - which is not the same as 10 feet from the vent. Propane tanks also have clearance requirements, typically ten feet Reader follow-up: Thanks for your response- Are there any requirements preventing an oil tank being in close proximity to a propane tank?
We're moving and want to install a propane fireplace and the oil tank is outside near the living room wall which is where we want the fireplace. Question: 9/8/2014 Pam said: We had a natural gas boiler installed in our house to replace a diesel burning unit. We asked that the new boiler be vented through the old chimney but the installer said that the new gas water heater was vented through there and that only one appliance could be vented through the chimney. We live in Alberta and from everything i have read my understanding is that 2 gas appliances through one flue is no problem so long as they don't exceed the max BTU output.please confirm or correct. Also, I have been reading here on testing new systems for leaks. Please let me know how that test is performed as I don't think it was done here. Yesterday I noticed an exhaust leak where the pvc didn't meet the outside wall vent cover and liquid was leaking down the siding of the house.
That and other issues with the installation has made me lose confidence in the installer and now want to make sure all was done correctly. Reply: two appliance through one flue. 'is no problem ' may or may not really be the case. In addition to total BTUs vs. Chimney venting capacity there are guidelines for how appliances are connected and how their draft hoods are arranged. If done wrong, for example, a higher BTU appliance can back-vent out through the smaller appliance flue vent connector, particularly when the smaller one is OFF, Also venting a small appliance into a large chimney can cause it to fail to vent properly when it's running alone - the chimney may be too big and too cold to develop proper draft. In sum, you want a qualified chimney or gas appliance technician to be sure that the installatin is correct and safe If not the CO risk can be fatal.
Furnace leak testing procedures are found at inspectapedia.com/heat/FurnaceHeatExchangerLeakTest.php and furnace leak standards are found at inspectapedia.com/heat/HeatExchangerLeakAllowance.php. Ask a Question or Search InspectApedia Try the search box just below, or if you prefer, post a question or comment in the Comments box below and we will respond promptly. 0 Keith R Prach, at Amazon.com, KRP Enterprises, 1993, ISBN-10: ISBN-13: 9421 You may also be able to purchase this book from its author: Keith Prach, K&P Enterprises, Inc., 1800 E. Lincoln Suite C-3, Fort Collins CO 80524.
0a Ellis Prach, at Amazon.com, may be out of print, Heat Exchanger Experts Residential Furnace Inspection Manual at Amazon.com, Quoting: This full-color residential furnace inspection manual will broaden your understanding of how defects occur in furnace heat exchangers and will enable you to accurately assess the integrity of any furnace. You will be led through the steps to identify defects, according to the history of metal failure in a variety of commonly used residential furnaces, and taught the techniques required to conduct furnace heat exchanger evaluations. The Heat Exchanger Experts Manual will prove to be invaluable for seasoned technicians, novice technicians and everyone in between. 1 ', Douglas DeWerth, P.S., The ASHI Technical Journal, Vol. 1, July1991.
2 'Heat Exchanger Testing, Who's Right?' Dan Friedman, The ASHI Technical Journal, Vol. DJ Friedman (editor of InspectAPedia.com) served as a professional home inspector and forensic investigator of building failures from, 1986 to 2010.
He previously operated a heating and cooling service and repair company and a residential construction and renovation firm. 3 'Case History: LP Gas Leak - Using the TIF 8800,' Dan Friedman, The ASHI Technical Journal, Vol. 1, July1991. 4 'Choosing and Using a Carbon Monoxide CO Monitor,' Dan Friedman, The ASHI Technical Journal, Vol. 1, July1991.
5 American Gas Association, Fundamentals of Gas Combustion, 7th printing, September 1985. Prepared by American Gas Association Laboratories for American Gas Association, 1515 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22209 and Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association, Inc., 1901 North Fort Myer Drive, Arlington, VA 22209. 6 National Fuel Gas Code, NFPA 54 1988 and ANSI Z223.1 1988, available from AGA at the address above, or from the National Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch Park, Quincy MA 02269. 7NFPA and AGA, National Fuel Gas Code Handbook, Z223.2, same source as above. 8 'Residential Gas Furnace Heat Exchanger Testing', Douglas DeWerth, P.E. American Gas Association (AGA) Laboratories under SAM number 630-92 9/86., Refrigeration Service Engineer’s Society’s Service Application Manual (SAM)' The manual outlines and explains the many test methods that are used and have been used to inspect and test heat exchangers. This manual also goes into detail about the test equipment used in the 3 step method that the AGA developed.
RSES members can view the SAM minus the photographs and diagrams at If you are not a member or want to purchase a complete copy call RSES (800)297-5660 for availability and cost. 9 Furnace Heat Exchanger Leak Test, American Gas Association. Step 1 Visual inspection. Step 2 Burner flame deviation test. Step 3 injecting a nitrogen/methane gas mixture into the burner chamber. The heat exchanger outlet of the heat exchanger is plugged and a combustible gas detector is used to check for gas leakage on the exterior of the heat exchanger. A detailed fact sheet on the AGA test procedure is of the heat exchanger.
Source:. 10 Jennifer Moore, Sales Administrator, Nextteq, LLC, Tampa FL, 813-249-5888. Nextteq is the master Distributor for Gastec in the United States. According to the company's website, Gastec Gas Sampling Pumps are the industry’s first and only pumps to provide on-the-spot measurement of ambient temperature. Private email, JM to DF 5/23/08.
11 AGA mixed gas test method for heat exchangers: see also see the gas test kit available from. American Gas Association, Fundamentals of Gas Combustion, 7th printing, September 1985.
Prepared by American Gas Association Laboratories for American Gas Association, 1515 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22209 and Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association, Inc., 1901 North Fort Myer Drive, Arlington, VA 22209. National Fuel Gas Code, NFPA 54 1988 and ANSI Z223.1 1988, available from AGA at the address above, or from the National Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch Park, Quincy MA 02269. NFPA and AGA, National Fuel Gas Code Handbook, Z223.2, same source as above.
DJ Friedman (editor of InspectAPedia.com) served as a professional home inspector and forensic investigator of building failures from, 1986 to 2010. He previously operated a heating and cooling service and repair company and a residential construction and renovation firm. Bacharach Instruments, 301 Alpha Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15238 412-782-3500. Gas Tech, Inc., 331 Fairchild Drive, Mountain View, CA 94043 415-967-6794.
Lynn Products Company, 400 Boston St., Lynn MA 01905 617-593-2500 and 617-596-0430 FAX. National Draeger, Inc.
101 Technology Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15275 412-878-8383 412-787-2207 FAX. R.W. Beckett Corporation, PO Box 1289, Elyria, OH 44036 216-327-1060. Sensidyne Corp. 12345 Starkey Rd. Suite E, Largo, FL 33453 813/530-3602.
Sensidyne does not sell retail. Their equipment is marketed by Industrial Products Company, 21 Cabot Boulevard, Langhorne, PA 19047 800-523-3944 or in PA 800-562-3305. This distributor also can supply GasTec colorimetric tubes used with the Sensidyne calibrated pump. TIF Instruments,Inc., 9101 NW 7th Avenue, Miami, FL 33150. Some ASHI Members operate inspection equipment companies and offer varieties of gas detection equipment:. Professional Equipment, 143 Plainview Road, Woodbury, NY 11797 800-334-9291.
The Specialty Tool Company, 145 D Grassy Plain St., Bethel, CT 06801 800-456-4605. Draeger equipment is marketed to home inspectors by Kirsopp Home Inspections Inc., Belleville, IL 618-397-3057. Dan Friedman is an ASHI Member in New York, NY Metro ASHI President, chairs the ASHI Technical Committee, and edits the ASHI Technical Journal.
He has owned and operated a heating equipment service and repair company.: Safety Concerns, safe and proper venting of combustion gases, carbon monoxide hazards. Toxic Gas Exposure Hazards and Test Protocols including links to our toxic gas exposure screening and gas testing protocols. for Toxic Gas Exposure to Ammonia, Arsine, Arsenic, Bromine, Carbon Dioxide, Carbon Monoxide, Hydride, Ozone - allowable exposure levels and hazard levels. hazard levels, poisoning symptoms, & testing. Sampling for gases in air such as VOC's, MVOC's, toxic chemicals, and combustion products.
Unfortunately no single test or tool can detect all possible building contaminants. We use methods and equipment which can test for common contaminants. If the identity of a specific contaminant is known in advance we can also test for a very large number of specific contaminant gases in buildings.
We use gas sampling equipment provided by the two most reliable companies in the world, detector-tubes and Drager accuro bellows pump, the Gastec cylinder pump and detector-tube system produced. We also have used gas detection tubes by Gastec previously marketed for use with pumps but Sensidyne pumps now use Kitagawa gas detection tubes. We also use Sensidyne's. For broad screening for combustibles and a number of other toxic gases and for leak tracing we also use Amprobe's Tif8850 and 8800, and the TIF 5000 automatic halogen leak detector (for air conditioning and cooling system refrigerant leak detection). All of these instruments, their applications, and sensitivities (minimum detectable limits) for specific gases are described in our online document. Domestic and Commercial Oil Burners, Charles H. Burkhardt, McGraw Hill Book Company, New York 3rd Ed 1969.
National Fuel Gas Code (Z223.1) $16.00 and National Fuel Gas Code Handbook (Z223.2) $47.00 American Gas Association (A.G.A.), 1515 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22209 also available from National Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269. Fundamentals of Gas Appliance Venting and Ventilation, 1985, American Gas Association Laboratories, Engineering Services Department. American Gas Association, 1515 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22209. Catalog #XHO585. Reprinted 1989. 'Warm Air Heating Systems'.
Instructional Technologies Institute, Inc., 145 'D' Grassy Plain St., Bethel, CT 06801 800/227-1663 home inspection training material 1987. Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning Volume we, Heating Fundamentals,. The ABC's of Retention Head Oil Burners, National Association of Oil Heat Service Managers, TM 115, National Old Timers' Association of the Energy Industry, PO Box 168, Mineola, NY 11501. (Excellent tips on spotting problems on oil-fired heating equipment. Booklet.) Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair. Our recommended books about building & mechanical systems design, inspection, problem diagnosis, and repair, and about indoor environment and IAQ testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the.
Also see our. 120 Carlton Street Suite 407, Toronto ON M5A 4K2.
Tel: (416) 964-9415 1-800-268-7070 Email:. The firm provides professional & &. Alan Carson is a past president of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors. Thanks to Alan Carson and Bob Dunlop, for permission for InspectAPedia to use text excerpts from The Home Reference Book & illustrations from The Illustrated Home. Carson Dunlop Associates' provides extensive home inspection education and report writing material.
illustrates construction details and building components, a reference for owners & inspectors. Special Offer: For a 5% discount on any number of copies of the Illustrated Home purchased as a single order Enter INSPECTAILL in the order payment page 'Promo/Redemption' space. to manufacturer's model and serial number information for heating and cooling equipment, useful for determining the age of heating boilers, furnaces, water heaters is provided by Toronto - Carson Dunlop Weldon & Associates Special Offer: Carson Dunlop Associates offers InspectAPedia readers in the U.S.A. A 5% discount on any number of copies of the Technical Reference Guide purchased as a single order.
Just enter INSPECTATRG in the order payment page 'Promo/Redemption' space., Carson Dunlop & Associates, Toronto, Ontario, 25th Ed., 2012, is a bound volume of more than 450 illustrated pages that assist home inspectors and home owners in the inspection and detection of problems on buildings. The text is intended as a reference guide to help building owners operate and maintain their home effectively. Field inspection worksheets are included at the back of the volume. Special Offer: For a 10% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference Book purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAHRB in the order payment page 'Promo/Redemption' space. InspectAPedia.com editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author. Or choose the for PCs, Macs, Kindle, iPad, iPhone, or Android Smart Phones.
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Building inspection education & report writing systems from. protocol ASTM Standard E 2018-08 for Property Condition Assessments. including home study & live classes at eleven colleges & universities. ASHI@Home Training 10-course program. Special Offer: Carson Dunlop Associates offers InspectAPedia readers in the U.S.A. A 5% discount on these courses: Enter INSPECTAHITP in the order payment page 'Promo/Redemption' space.
InspectAPedia.com editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author. manages business operations,scheduling, & inspection report writing using Carson Dunlop's knowledge base & color images. The Horizon system runs on always-available cloud-based software for office computers, laptops, tablets, iPad, Android, & other smartphones.