Heat pump operated in heating mode, not tested for cooling: The inspector operates the heat pump in the heating mode only. The heat pump is not tested for cooling due to the low outside temperature and the manufacturer’s guidelines. If the compressor, the heart of the system, operates in one mode it is the same as operating in the opposite mode.
Heat pump operated in cooling mode, not tested for heating: The inspector operates the heat pump in the cooling mode only. The heat pump is not tested for heating due to the high outside temperature and the manufacturer’s guidelines. If the compressor, the heart of the system, operates in one mode it is the same as operating in the opposite mode.
Pilot light off, no operation: The pilot light is off, which prevents system operation and limits the inspection.
Exterior components inaccessible: Exterior components are inaccessible, which prevents inspection.
Maintained by local association: The heating system appears to be maintained by local association and, therefore, is not inspected.
Shared with other units, unable to determine responsibility for operation/maintenance: The heating system appears to be shared with other units. Therefore, the inspector is unable to determine responsibility for operation and maintenance.
Sealed cover, no access to interior: The service access cover is sealed. Therefore, the inspection is limited.
May be subject to recall: The heating system may be subject to a recall notice, which generally is issued because of safety concerns.
Condensate pump empty: The condensate pump is empty, which prevents operation and inspection. A condensate pump is required to discharge water which cannot be discharged by gravity.
Heat exchanger evaluation excluded: Comprehensive evaluation of the heat exchanger is specifically excluded from this inspection due to visibility and design limitations of forced-air furnaces. Comprehensive evaluation can only be obtained by dismantling or specialized testing, which is beyond the scope of this home inspection.
High-efficiency condensing furnace or boiler: The home is heated by means of a high-efficiency condensing furnace or boiler. This type of appliance is more complex than conventional systems and relies on various electronic controls and sensors during operation. In addition to its more advanced electronics, the majority of components typically accessible on conventional systems are enclosed or sealed. Visual assessments are, therefore, extremely limited. We recommend annual servicing.
Near/at end useful life, budget for replacement: The heating system is near or at the end of its estimated useful life. We recommend establishing a budget to replace the heating system.
Past end useful life, budget for replacement: The heating system is past the end of its estimated useful life. We recommend establishing a budget to replace the heating system.
Heat pump is compressor-based HVAC system that provides both heating and cooling, checked in heating or cooling mode, depending on exterior temperature: A heat pump is a compressor-based HVAC system that provides both heating and cooling. Please refer to the appropriate Heating System for details on your unit. Heat pumps are only checked in either the heating or cooling mode, depending on the exterior temperature. This is done to prevent damage to the appliance.
Interior parts of steam boiler are not included in a home inspection: The interior parts of the steam boiler are not included in a home inspection. Inspecting for failures in the boiler requires that steam pressure be developed and maintained for a period of time that is beyond the length of time of a home inspection, i.e., it is possible that a defect exists in an inaccessible portion of the boiler.
Age is estimate, exact age not determined, data plate missing or no info: The age of the heating system is an estimate. The exact age cannot be determined because the data plate is missing or does not provide the required information.
Interior/exterior units appear to be different ages, talk to owner/contractor to determine work performed: The interior and exterior HVAC units appear to be different ages. Determining which parts of the system have been upgraded is beyond the scope of this inspection. Consult with the owner or an HVAC contractor to determine what work has been performed.
House heated by hydronic forced air system with high-output water heater connected to piping and air handler: The heating system is a hydronic forced air system with a high-output, fossil fuel-fired water heater connected to piping and an air handler. A hot water coil inside the fan housing provides heat to the house. The water heater serves as a dual-function appliance that provides heating as well as hot water for domestic use.
Hire a contractor to service and clean an oil or wood combustion appliance regularly, check and clean flue pipe and service chimney: Hire a contractor to service and clean an oil or wood combustion appliance regularly. The flue pipe and service chimney also should be checked and cleaned as required.
Pulse furnace is a variation on other types of high efficiency furnaces: A pulse furnace is a variation on other types of high efficiency furnaces. Pulse furnaces achieve high efficiency by extracting nearly all of the heat from the combustion gases. The system has a blower, but unlike other furnaces, the blower is idle when the furnace is firing. The blower is used only for purge cycles before and after the combustion process. An issue with pulse furnaces is a higher level of noise and vibration.
Full scope of system’s condition not included due to specialist’s evaluation, refer to specialist’s report(s): The full scope of the HVAC system’s condition is not included in this report due to an independent specialist’s evaluation. Refer to the specialist’s report(s) for more information and required actions. Any observations are provided as a courtesy.
System predates revised DOE efficiency standards. Older refrigerants becoming rare; high efficiency replacement may not be compatible with all components, budget accordingly: This system predates revised Department of Energy standards for efficiency. As manufacturers cease or curtail the older production lines, spare parts support and the now-obsolete refrigerant gases will likely be more expensive. If an extremely high efficiency replacement is desired, they may not be compatible with air handlers and duct systems designed for the older less efficient units.
Water heater supplies hot water to in-floor pipes for radiant heat, annual maintenance recommended: The heating system uses a dedicated water heater to supply hot water to in-floor pipes. This provides radiant heat in a specific area. Annual maintenance by a qualified technician is recommended to ensure reliable and efficient operation.
Heating system accessible covers removed to permit visual inspection of interior, functional testing performed using manual override of homeowner controls: The accessible covers of the heating system are removed using manufacturer installed hardware and/or standard hand tools. This is done to allow a visual inspection of the interior components. Functional testing of the unit is performed using the manual override of the homeowner controls.
Heating system accessible covers NOT removed, sealed and/or blocked, limited visual inspection of interior, consult HVAC specialist, functional testing with manual override of homeowner controls: The accessible covers of the heating system are NOT removed due to being sealed with tape, caulk, or similar materials, and/or being blocked by ductwork or other installed building component(s). This limits the visual inspection of interior components. An HVAC Specialist should be consulted for further inspection of specific components and operation inside of housing. Functional testing of the unit is performed using the manual override of the homeowner controls.