Heating and Ventilation

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The inspector should inspect:

A. multiple gas meter installations, such as a building with multiple tenant spaces, and verify that each meter is clearly and permanently identified with the respective space supplied;
B. the heating systems using normal operating controls, and describe the energy source and heating method;
C. and report as in need of repair heating systems that do not operate;
D. and report if the heating systems are deemed inaccessible;
E. and verify that a permanent means of access, with permanent ladders and/or catwalks, are present for equipment and appliances on roofs higher than 16 feet;
F. and verify the presence of level service platforms for appliances on roofs with a slope of 25% or greater;
G. and verify that luminaire and receptacle outlets are provided at or near the appliance;
H. and verify that the system piping appears to be sloped to permit the system to be drained;
I. for connectors, tubing and piping that might be installed in a way that exposes them to physical damage;
J. wood framing with cutting, notching or boring that might cause a structural or safety issue;
K. pipe penetrations in concrete and masonry building elements to verify that they are sleeved;
L. exposed gas piping for identification by a yellow label marked “Gas” in black letters occurring at intervals of 5 feet or less;
M. and determine if any appliances or equipment with ignition sources are located in public, private, repair or parking garages or fuel-dispensing facilities;
N. and verify that fuel-fired appliances are not located in or obtain combustion air from sleeping rooms, bathrooms, storage closets or surgical rooms;
O. for the presence of exhaust systems in occupied areas where there is a likelihood of excess heat, odors, fumes, spray, gas, noxious gases or smoke;
P. and verify that outdoor air-intake openings are located at least 10 feet away from any hazardous or noxious contaminant sources, such as vents, chimneys, plumbing vents, streets, alleys, parking lots or loading docks;
Q. outdoor exhaust outlets for the likelihood that they may cause a public nuisance or fire hazard due to smoke, grease, gases, vapors or odors;
R. for the potential of flooding or evidence of past flooding that could cause mold in ductwork or plenums; and
S. condensate drains.

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The inspector is not required to:

A. inspect or evaluate interiors of flues or chimneys, fire chambers, heat exchangers, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, electronic air filters, solar heating systems, fuel tanks, safety devices, pressure gauges, or control mechanisms.
B. determine the uniformity, temperature, flow, balance, distribution, size, capacity, BTU, or supply adequacy of the heating system.
C. light or ignite pilot flames.
D. activate heating, heat pump systems, or other heating systems when ambient temperatures or other circumstances are not conducive to safe operation or may damage the equipment.
E. over-ride electronic thermostats.
F. evaluate fuel quality.
G. verify thermostat calibration, heat anticipation or automatic setbacks, timers, programs or clocks.
H. inspect tenant-owned or tenant-maintained heating equipment.
I. determine ventilation rates.
J. perform capture and containment tests.
K. test for mold.

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Cooling

The inspector should inspect:

A. multiple air-conditioning compressor installations, such as a building with multiple tenant spaces, and verify that each compressor is clearly and permanently identified with the respective space supplied;
B. the central cooling equipment using normal operating controls;
C. and verify that luminaire and receptacle outlets are provided at or near the appliance;
D. and verify that a permanent means of access, with permanent ladders and/or catwalks, are present for equipment and appliances on roofs higher than 16 feet;
E. and verify the presence of level service platforms for appliances on roofs with a slope of 25% or greater;
F. wood framing with cutting, notching or boring that might cause a structural or safety issue;
G. pipe penetrations in concrete and masonry building elements to verify that they are sleeved;
H. piping support;
I. for connectors, tubing and piping that might be installed in a way that exposes them to physical damage;
J. for the potential of flooding or evidence of past flooding that could cause mold in ductwork and plenums; and
K. condensate drains.

II. The inspector is not required to:

A. inspect or test compressors, condensers, vessels, evaporators, safety devices, pressure gauges, or control mechanisms.
B. determine the uniformity, temperature, flow, balance, distribution, size, capacity, BTU, or supply adequacy of the cooling system.
C. inspect window units, through-wall units, or electronic air filters.
D. operate equipment or systems if exterior temperature is below 60° Fahrenheit, or when other circumstances are not conducive to safe operation or may damage the equipment.
E. inspect or determine thermostat calibration, cooling anticipation, or automatic setbacks or clocks.
F. examine electrical current, coolant fluids or gases, or coolant leakage.
G. inspect tenant-owned or tenant-maintained cooling equipment.
H. test for mold.