Heating Issues

Issue #1

All the rust and scale in the center of the boiler is due to a malfunctioning gas valve causing flame roll out. This is when at the start of combustion there is an excess of natural gas and upon ignition the flames roll out to the combustion chamber. This will most likely get worse and promote an explosion every time the boiler fires off. Due to the age of the boiler and its overall condition the owners chose to replace it with a more energy efficient model. The capital expenditure was $4500.00.

Issue #2

Why would you clean the heating ducts when you move in? They seem just fine. This house had pet hair caked in the duct work. They had only lived in the home for 2 years. Along with pet hair, dog food, rodent droppings, toys and cold cereal was found in the ducts. As part of the cleaning several sections of flexible ducting had to be replaced because they could not be effectively cleaned. The new owners spent around $2800.00. They now have no odors or pet hair from the duct work.

Issue #3

Within the trades this is called a snowman boiler. Under the cement and fiberglass covering you will typically find asbestos fiber acting as an insulating material. Asbestos is considered a carcinogenic according to the CDC, EPA and the American Lung Association. The boiler is a converted coal burner to oil. It is a gravity system. This heating system aside from the insulating material is obsolete. It has very minimal fuel economy and cannot be zoned for area comfort. Essentially the heat is on or off. With fuel prices on the rise and the boiler having lasted well past its life, the new owners will be replacing this system with one that can be zoned and better regulated. Plus they have the overall benefit of a more fuel efficient appliance. They should be budgeting in the area of $13 to $15,000.00 for this project.

Issue #4

Burned matches are never a good sign. Apparently someone was trying to light the gas burners in this warm air furnace after the thermal couple failed. This unit is over 35 years old. It suffers from long term neglect and maintenance. It is fully depreciated and depleted. Every day of heat is a gift. During a closer examination an impingement was observed on the heat exchanger, which suggested that a carbon monoxide leak could be expected. The home owner chose to replace the unit and not gamble with the outcome. Replacement was $2300.00

Issue#5

This furnace has had a burned out gasket for quite some time, thus the burn marks. I would imagine the house smelled of combusted oil and everything had a fine layer of black soot on it. The new service person used a non-approved red sealant to repair the service panel and also sealed the flame inspection door closed. The end result is improper servicing and a risk of the “new seal” rupturing and leaking black soot throughout the home. A proper servicing with eplacement parts should be around $350.00 to $400.00.

Issue#6

The cost of (2) 45 degree elbows was too much for this home owner. He cut right through the roof and secured the top of the chimney with wires so it wouldn’t sway in the breeze. I saw no flashing around the roof opening so one would expect water in the house at any time now. Corrective measures included taking the chimney down, repairing the roof, correctly assembling the chimney and bracketing against the wind. Initial money saved about $300.00. The entire cost to correct was over $3500.00. I wonder what his homeowner’s insurance company would say about this.

Issue#7

The golf bag, lamp, dehumidifier and table can all be moved. The wall to wall is not as easy. The proud owner of this home has wall to wall around the wood stove. It might dress up the room, but it is way to close to the stove for safety. To remove the carpet and install a non-combustible floor covering will run around $500.00 minimum, depending on your choice of materials.