Your Home Heating Diagram
The heat exchanger is the most critical component of a furnace. It separates the air which is being heated from the burning fuel. While the configuration of heat exchangers varies, a heat exchanger can be thought of as a metal box inside of another metal box. The interior box has fuel burning in it. The heat from the burning fuel warms the interior box. Air is then passed through the outer box where it picks up heat from the hot walls of the inner box. In this way, the burning fuel never comes in direct contact with the house air. This is called an indirect fired heating system.
Furnaces may fail for a number of reasons. Improper installation, lack of sufficient combustion air, a deficiency in return air, an over firing of burners, improper venting, humidity, dirty filters, or old age are just some of the reasons for failures.
However the most important item to take into consideration would be the heat exchanger. A cracked heat exchanger or hole in this component can lead to the spillage of carbon monoxide into the air being distributed through the duct work throughout the house.
Inspection of the heating system is part of a ASHI Professional Real Estate Inspection performed by our inspector.These types of cracks can leak products of combustion (carbon monoxide) in to the living space.
Our Inspection Includes:
| Exterior • Coverings • Patios/Decks • Patio covers • Sidewalks/driveways • Soffits/Fascias • Doors/Windows/Trim • Gutters/Downspouts • Retaining walls • Fences/Gates. |
Heating/AC • Description • Combustion System • A/C components • Supply/Discharge Lines • Venting • Ductwork • Registers • Controls/Thermostats |
Roofing • Structure • Coverings • Flashings • Skylights • Vent/Stacks |
| Electrical • Service Entrance • Grounding • Panel/Sub Panels • Branch Circuits • Outlets • GFCI’s • Circuit integrity. |
Plumbing • Main supply line • Distribution Lines • Fixtures • Vents/Traps/Drains • Functional Flow |
Interior • Walls • Ceilings • Windows • Floors • Doors • Stairs • Fireplaces • Smoke detectors (test buttons). • Insulation |