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HEATING/COOLING AND ELECTRICALHEATING (cont.) / COOLINGAir Filters: For proper furnace performance, it is important to clean or change air filters regularly. Dirty filters can cause damage and increase operating costs. Evaluation of the operation of electronic air cleaners is not part of the inspection, but if present and accessible, cleanliness will be commented on. Normal Controls: These include devices such as a thermostat, wall switch or safety switch. It is recommended that loose thermostats be secured, and placed in a central location for better furnace performance. Heating Notes: The inspection only includes a visual evaluation of the heating system. This does not include dismantling the unit. For an in-depth evaluation, a service technician should be consulted. Annual cleaning and adjustment of the furnace should be done for optimum performance and safety. Check with your gas company… some will perform an annual safety check and light gas pilots for their customers. Humidifiers integral to the heating unit are not included in our evaluation. Air Conditioner: To operate properly, air conditioning systems rely on a constant flow of air through the system. When air flow is restricted due to dirty filters or blocked coils icing can occur on the evaporator coil. While this may cause the conditioned air to be colder, it is actually harming the system. It is recommended that compressor units located outside be kept clear of any air restriction. This can be accomplished by trimming back shrubs and grasses and by keeping any objects from being placed over the top of the unit. Evaporative Cooler: Commonly called a swamp cooler, these units are seldom
installed in this climate. They operate by introducing cool, humid air into the house. ELECTRICAL
Main Panel: The system’s ampacity is determined by the size of the service wires, the rating of the panel and the size of the main fuse or breaker. Newer systems use circuit breakers. Some older panels will have fuses. Every system should have a main disconnect to shut down the entire electrical system in the house in case of emergency. No more than six breakers are allowed to be installed if no main shutoff exists. Conductors: Wires used for electrical installations are called conductors. Common materials used for electrical wiring are copper and aluminum. A booklet on the hazards of aluminum wire installations (done primarily in the early 1960’s to the mid 1970’s) is published by the U.S. Product Consumer Safety Commission (http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/elec_sfy.html). If aluminum is noted, please refer to this information. Panel Notes: The condition of the inside of the electrical panels will be noted in this section of the report. Due to the inherent hazards, repairs to wiring should only be performed by a qualified electrician. Sub-Panel: This is an electrical panel that does not contain the main service wiring. Sub-panels can be for adding breaker space, supplying a large appliance like an air conditioner or water heater, or supplying a home workshop. It is possible for a sub-panel to be hidden by pictures or furniture in an occupied home. We recommend that you check carefully during your final walkthrough of the house after all belongings are removed. Wiring Notes: Electrical wiring and fixtures, including outlets and lights throughout the house, will be tested at random. At least one outlet per room, all accessible outlets in the garage and on the exterior, and all outlets within six feet of sinks will be tested for grounding and polarity. |
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Electric Service: This term refers to the wires that run from the street, main pole, or group service box (in a condominium) to the house. These might run underground, through the rooftop, or through a sidewall. The number of wires that enter the panel determines the voltage of the service: 2 wires = 120 volt, 3 wires = 120/240 volt. A 120 volt service would be considered out of date by today’s standards because a home's larger appliances that operate at 240 volts cannot be utilized. This inspection will not include electrical load and demand calculations.