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Natural gas heat lpg gas heatNatural or lpg gas heat or electric heat: Natural gas is considered the most efficient fuel for heating. Properly adjusted, it burns clean and emits few pollutants to the air. It costs less to operate than does electric, lpg, or fuel oil systems. The flame on a natural gas appliance should burn blue. Yellow flames may mean the unit is out of adjustment. Being out of adjustment may be wasteful and potentially harmful. The higher efficiency, newer systems, seem to have lower exhaust vent temperatures which causes more condensation. This may lead to premature rust outs. Check each season for evidence of rust on exhaust flues. Some rust on an otherwise solid flue is allowable. Somewhat new to the industry are direct vent heaters. The new electronically controlled direct vent heaters are extremely efficient. They burn all fuels but most are designed to burn kerosene. Two major brands are "monitor" and "toyo." Often these types of heaters are generically referred to as "monitor heaters." The fan starts when the grill is opened. The air exhausts into the attic. At the top is the fan unit in the attic. Be aware that gas valves are not checked during a visual inspection. They will often stick and once they are operated, may leak. Check the valves during the pre-settlement walk-through or immediately after taking possession of the property if desired. Generally, a soapy solution of water and dish soap, spread over the valve, or any other gas connections, will cause bubbles if a leak is present (if the gas is on). Never test for leaks with an open flame. Check the condition of the heating unit and any filters on a monthly basis. Although liquid petroleum gas, or lpg will do the same job as natural gas it does produce a different size and temperature flame. Appliances must be modified to accept lpg gas if they were originally set up for natural gas. Check the heater monthly for flue rust or holes, dirty filters, if there are any, gas and electrical connections. Keep flames at least 50 feet from your lpg tanks. Check all connections to tanks each time they are filled. Note: all fossil fuel burning heaters have a device known as a "heat Exchanger." One of the most common methods of inspecting a heat Exchanger is with a mirror and flashlight. Often very little of the heat Exchanger is visible to the inspector without total disassembly of the Unit. The inspector is not allowed to disassemble anything under the Inspection guidelines with respect to inspections for individuals that Do not own the property. Components not visible to the inspector Cannot be effectively reviewed for defects. Any tests performed by The inspector to determine whether the heat exchanger is holed or Cracked may be inconclusive. It is therefore recommended you request That the fuel supplier (the gas company, etc.) Review the heating system before taking possession of the property. This is ordinarily a free Service. If this concerns you do not hesitate to contact the inspector For additional information on this subject.
File last updated May 16, 2012 * Copyright © 2012 All rights reserved by: Accurate Inspections, Inc. A New Jersey home inspection firm 56 Woodland Drive, Woodland Park (formerly West Paterson) NJ 07424 973-812-5100 providing New Jersey Certified Home Inspections in NJ, by New Jersey Licensed home inspectors. Inspector of record Michael Del Greco, New Jersey Home Inspector License GI 0121.
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