|
|
|
Home Inspectors
How to Inspect an Oilheated Home
Wondering what you should look for when you are inspecting a home's heating system?
Here is a checklist for identifying problems when you inspect an Oilheat system in a home:
• Check the aboveground tank and the condition, placement and size of the tank's vent pipe.
• Examine the exterior of the furnace cabinet or the jacket of the boiler/water heater. Look for signs of rust, discoloration, burn marks and soot buildup.
• Operate the heating system using normal control devices to determine function. (Tip: to run the system, make sure the thermostat setting is above room temperature.)
• Observe visible flue pipes, draft regulators and related components for safe operation.
• Observe the condition of ductwork and heat outlets, including vents, registers, baseboards and/or radiators. If you see marks that appear to be soot, be careful in making a conclusion about the cause. A homeowner often mistakes dark marks on walls for soot when they might actually be residue from cooking grease or candles. Marks on walls near registers and vents may also be "baked-on" dust. (While these are possible explanations, there are others too, of course. Dark marks on walls could also indicate an inadequate draft, ignition problems or a cracked heat exchanger.)
|
|
|
|
