NAHI Standards of Practice

  11. Central Heating

11.1    Components for Inspection.
 
11.1.1 Fuel source.
 
11.1.2 Heating equipment.
 
11.1.3 Heating distribution.
 
11.1.4 Operating controls.
 
11.1.5 Flue pipes, chimneys and venting.
 
11.1.6 Auxiliary heating units.
 
11.2 Procedures for Inspection.
 
The Inspector will:
11.2.1 Identify the type of fuel, heating equipment, and heating distribution system.
 
11.2.2 Operate the system using normal control devices to determine function.
 
11.2.3 Open access panels or covers provided by the manufacturer or installer, if readily detachable.
 
11.2.4 Observe the condition of normally operated controls and components of the systems.
 
11.2.5 Observe visible flue pipes, dampers and related components for safe operation.
 
11.2.6 Observe the condition of a representative number of heat sources in each habitable space of the house.
 
11.2.7 Inspect the installation and operation of fixed supplementary heat units.
 
11.3 Limitations.

The Inspector is not required to:
11.3.1 Activate or operate heating or other systems that do not respond to normal controls or have been shut-down.
 
11.3.2 To inspect or evaluate a heat exchanger.
 
11.3.3 Inspect equipment or remove covers or panels that are not readily accessible.
 
11.3.4 Dismantle any equipment, controls, or gauges.
 
11.3.5 Inspect the interior of chimney flues.
 
11.3.6 Inspect heating system accessories, such as humidifiers, air purifiers, motorized dampers, heat reclaimers, etc.
 
11.3.7 Inspect solar heating systems.
 
11.3.8 Activate heating, heat pump systems, or other systems when ambient temperatures or other circumstances are not conducive to safe operation or may damage the equipment.
 
11.3.9 Evaluate the type of material contained in insulation and/or wrapping of pipes, ducts, jackets and boilers.
 
11.3.10 Operate digital-type thermostats or controls.
 
11.3.11 Evaluate the capacity, adequacy, or efficiency of a heating or cooling system.
 
11.3.12 Test or operate gas logs, built-in gas burning appliances, grills, stoves, space heaters, or solar heating devices.
 
11.3.13 Determine clearance to combustibles or adequacy of combustion air.

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Updated: 07-May-2003 copyright NAHI™ - reprinted by permission