Appraisers call for
Heating Certifications when they notice
unusual aspects of the heating system of the
property they are appraising or the
utilities are off, preventing a sampling of
parts of the system.
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What is a Heating Certification?
We need to be able to
mark the box on the form that states; "This inspection reveals
that the heating system is functioning properly and is capable
of furnishing adequate heat for this dwelling." Gas space
heaters are required to be "properly installed to assure fixed
placement and are properly vented or be equipped with an oxygen
depletion valve and UL listed for non-vented use."
What should be done
before the inspector goes to the property?
The gas (oil) and
electric service will need to be on. All areas of
the building(s) need to be accessible and the main
furnace area should not have any obstructions
blocking it. Forced air and gravity units need to be
turned off 1 hour or longer prior to the inspection
and hot water or steam units need to be turned on 2
hours prior to the inspection. All air duct vents
need to open or all radiators turned on and bled if
necessary.
What equipment will be
inspected?
Gravity and forced air systems will include an
inspection of the main shut off valve, heat
exchanger (if visible and accessible), and all
venting for air flow and heating temperature.
Gas space heater
systems will include an inspection of the main
shut off valve, proper venting, and proper placement
of the units. Gas space heater gas lines are
required to be rigid gas pipe and electric fans, if
part of space heater, can not be powered using
extension cords.
Hot water or steam
systems will include an inspection of the boiler
for active leaks, proper gauges, temperature and
pressure relief valve and main shut off valve.
All systems will be
checked for proper operation of the thermostat(s),
proper venting to the chimney, excessive soot build
up and proper operation of the draft diverter. Minor
maintenance and/or repair recommendations are
usually made verbally.
What are the most common problems found during an
Heating Certification Inspection?
The number one problem
is that the utilities are not on, closely followed
by a lack of access to all units in multi-dwelling
buildings. The actual problems we find are generally
minor, such as radiators that are not furnishing
heat because they need to be bled, a blocked air
duct, excessive soot build up and improperly
adjusted jets causing fouled combustion in the fire
box and improper venting. Major problems are rare
and include cracked heat exchangers, leaking boilers
and defective space heaters or space heaters with
flexible gas line feeds.
This service limited to Cook,
Kane, Will and DuPage Counties
If you don't
see the service you are in need of, just
give us a call at 800.540.1400. If we can't
help you, we will do our best to find
someone who can.
