Natural 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.