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BOILER SYSTEM

        SYSTEM CONDITION:

          Good          Good.  The boiler unit was run through a complete cycle.  The safety controls were observed. The boiler was operated by turning up the thermostat, and then turned back to its original setting.

          Dirty         Unit is due for a normal service maintenance cleaning and tune up.

          Fair          The boiler unit was run through a complete cycle.  The safety controls were observed. The boiler was operated by turning up the thermostat, and then turned back to its original setting

          Dirty         Unit is due for a normal service maintenance cleaning and tune up.

         OldBudget     Keep in mind the advanced age of this unit = The upgrade to a new unit is inevitable and should be planned and budgeted for.

         ShortCycle    The unit short cycles which indicates that the unit needs repair = Recommend further evaluation/repair by a licensed heating contractor.

         EvalChambe    There is ash, soot, and debris in the bottom of the combustion chamber which could be a sign of a cracked/rusted combustion chamber = Recommend further evaluation by a boiler specialist to verify the integrity of the combustion chamber.

         Inefic $$$    This unit is older and very inefficient by today's standards.  With the rising fuel costs consideration should be given to upgrading the unit if you plan on owning the dwelling long enough to recoup the investment = Consult with a boiler specialist on upgrade costs and payoff ratios.

        Poor          Poor = Recommend further evaluation by a boiler specialist.

        Pilot Off     The unit was not tested = Pilot Shut Off.

        Gas Off       The unit was not tested = Gas Shut Off.

        >85 DNT       Unable to evaluate the boiler when the ambient air temperature is above 85 degrees.

        Repair        Repairs are needed to the system = Recommend further evaluation/repair by a boiler specialist.

        HEATING AREA:

        TYPE:

            Boiler        Boiler system with room heat radiators.

            BoilerRad     Boiler system with radiant room heating.

            ClosedSyst    This system is a closed boiler system.  This means that the water is used solely for the heating system and is not part of the culinary hot water supply.

            OpenSystem    This system is an open boiler system.  This means that the water that is heated is also used for the culinary hot water supply.

        ESTIMATED LIFESPAN:

            CastIron35    According to industry experts, the average life of a cast iron boiler in the U.S. is 35  years.  Us this estimate as a general guideline.  Many factors can affect the operation of this system and it is possible for the system to fail at any time.

           Steel25    According to industry experts, the average life of a steel boiler in the U.S. is 25  years.  Us this estimate as a general guideline.  Many factors can affect the operation of this system and it is possible for the system to fail at any time.

           1520Exchan    According to industry experts, the average life of a heat exchanger in the U.S. is 15 to 20 years.  Us this estimate as a general guideline.  Many factors can affect the operation of this system and it is possible for the system to fail at any time.

            15Exchang     According to industry experts, the average life of a heat exchanger in the U.S. is 15 years.

            Unknown       The remaining life of this boiler impossible to predict.

        HEATING ZONES:

            1 Zone        This system uses 1 heating zone.

            2  Zones      This system uses 2 zones.

            3  Zones      This system uses 3 zones.

            4 Zones       This system uses 4 zones.

            5  Zones      This system uses 5 zones.

            6  Zones      This system uses 6 zones.

            Dead 1        One zone did not heat up as designed = Recommend further evaluation/repair by a boiler specialist.

            Dead 2        Two zones did not heat up as designed = Recommend further evaluation/repair by a boiler specialist.

            Dead 3        Three zones did not heat up as designed = Recommend further evaluation/repair by a boiler specialist.

            1Unused       There is one unused zones for future expansion to the system.

            2 Unused      There are two unused zones for future expansion to the system.

            3 Unused      There are three unused zones for future expansion to the system.

            4 Unused      There are four unused zones for future expansion to the system.

        THERMOSTATS:

            Manual        Manual models.

            Digital       Digital models.

            SetBack       Set-back programmable models.

            1 only        There is only 1 thermostat installed.

            1 unit        There is 1 thermostat installed.

            2 units       2 thermostats were found.

            3 units       3 thermostats were found.

            4 units       4 thermostats were found.

            5 units       5 thermostats were found.

            6 units       6 thermostats were found.

            7 units       7 thermostats were found.

            8 units       8 thermostats were found.

        BOILER CONDITION:

            Good          Good.  The boiler unit was run through a complete cycle.  The safety controls were observed. The boiler was operated by turning up the thermostat, and then turned back to its original setting.

            Dirty         Unit is due for a normal service maintenance cleaning and tune up.

            Fair          The boiler unit was run through a complete cycle.  The safety controls were observed. The boiler was operated by turning up the thermostat, and then turned back to its original setting.

            Dirty         Unit is due for a normal service maintenance cleaning and tune up.

            OldBudget     Keep in mind the advanced age of this unit = The upgrade to a new unit is inevitable and should be planned and budgeted for.

            ShortCycle    The unit short cycles which indicates that the unit needs repair = Recommend further evaluation/repair by a boiler specialist.

            EvalChambe    There is ash, soot, and debris in the bottom of the combustion chamber which could be a sign of a cracked/rusted combustion chamber = Recommend further evaluation by a boiler specialist to verify the integrity of the combustion chamber.

            Inefic $$$    This unit is older and very inefficient by today's standards.  With the rising fuel costs consideration should be given to upgrading the unit if you plan on owning the dwelling long enough to recoup the investment = Consult with a boiler specialist on upgrade costs and payoff ratios.

            Poor          Poor = Recommend further evaluation by a boiler specialist.

            Pilot Off     The unit was not tested = Pilot Shut Off.

            Gas Off       The unit was not tested = Gas Shut Off.

            >85 DNT       Unable to evaluate the boiler when the ambient air temperature is above 85 degrees.

            Repair        Repairs are needed to the system = Recommend further evaluation/repair by a boiler specialist.

        BRAND:

            Lennox        Lennox.

            Lennox Pul    Lennox Pulse.

            Rheem         Rheem.

            Day&Night     Day & Night.

            Bryant        Bryant.

            Payne         Payne.

            Carrier       Carrier.

            Tempstar      Tempstar.

            Armstrong     Armstrong.

            Amana         Amana.

            Comfortmas    Comfortmaster.

            Janitrol      Janitrol.

            Heil          Heil.

            Unmarked      No brand label was found on the unit.

        APPROXIMATE AGE:

            Original      Appears to be the original unit.

            1-3           Unit appears to have been recently upgraded.

            Over 15       The unit is over 15 years of age.

            Over 25       This unit is over 25 years of age.

            Over 35       This unit is over 35 years of age.

            2001          2001

            2000          2000

            1999          1999

            1998          1998

            1997          1997

            1996          1996

            1995          1995

            1994          1994

            1993          1993

            1992          1992

            1991          1991

            1990          1990

            1989          1989

            1988          1988

            1987          1987

            1986          1986

            1985          1985

            1984          1984

            1983          1983

        BURNERS:

            PoorFlame     There is a poor burning flame pattern = Recommend further evaluation, service cleaning, and tune-up.

            Erratic       The flame pattern is very erratic and needs to be adjusted for a clean burn= Recommend further evaluation/repair by a licensed Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning technician.

            FlameDefle    The burner flames deflect when the blower motor turns on.  This is a sign of a probable crack in the combustion chamber. Recommend further evaluation/repair by a boiler specialist.

            HighCOCCha    Elevated levels of carbon monoxide were measured inside the top of the combustion chamber =  Recommend further evaluation/repair by a licensed boiler specialist.

            HighCOFlue    Elevated levels of carbon monoxide were measured inside the exhaust flue = Recommend further evaluation/repair by a boiler specialist.

            CORegister    Elevated levels of carbon monoxide were measured at the interior heat register = HAZARD = Recommend further evaluation/repair by a licensed boiler specialist.

            90+           90+ efficiency heaters have sealed combustion chambers preventing visual inspection of the burner flames.

            Evaluate      Recommend further evaluation/repair by a boiler specialist.

        BOILER PRESSURE:

            H20<28     The pressure is below the recommended 28 psi maximum.

           H20>28HAZ     The pressure is above the recommended 28 psi maximum= Recommend further evaluation by a boiler specialist.

            Steam<15    The pressure is below the recommended 15 psi maximum.

           Steam>15HAZ   The pressure is above the recommended 15 psi maximum= Recommend further evaluation by a boiler specialist.

            NoGauge       The recommended pressure gauge is NOT installed.

        PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE:

            Installed     The recommended pressure relief valve is installed on the system.

            DrainFloor    The drain pipe is routed to the floor as designed.

            DrainCrawl    The drain pipe is routed to the crawl space as designed.

            DrainOutsi    The pressure relief valve is drained to the outside as designed.

            NoneHazard    No pressure relief valve is installed on the unit = Potential Hazard = Recommend the immediate installation.

            Extend DL     The pressure relief valve drain line ends prematurely.  This is a SAFETY HAZARD.  We recommend the drain line be extended to the exterior or within 6" of the floor to prevent accidental scalding.

            NoDrainLin    The pressure relief valve is missing a drain line.  This is a Safety Hazard.  We recommend the addition of a proper drain line that is either routed outside or within 6" of the floor to prevent accidental scalding.

            Reduced       The pressure relief valve drainpipe is unsafely reduced in size = Recommend immediate further evaluation/repair by a licensed Plumber.  If the valve has a 3/4" discharge size, then the drain line cannot be reduced from 3/4" because when the line is needed it needs to be able to immediately blow off pressure build up. 

            Uphill        The pressure relief valve drain is routed uphill = Potential Hazard = Recommend immediate further evaluation/repair by a licensed Plumber.  Routing the line uphill can cause a collection of water and corrosion on the outside of the valve causing seizure of the valve.

            Reused        The pressure relief valve was unsafely reused from the previous unit.  The valves corrode with age and stop working properly = Immediately upgrade the valve for safety.

            Dripping      The pressure relief valve is currently dripping = Upgrade the valve.

            Damaged       The pressure relief valve is damaged = Repair/Replace immediately for safety.

       WATER TEMPERATURE:

            OldH20>140    The temperature of the water in this older hot water boiler system exceeds the recommended 140 degree limit = Recommend further evaluation/repair by a boiler specialist.

           NewH20>160    The temperature of the water in this newer hot water boiler system exceeds the recommended 160 degree limit = Recommend further evaluation/repair by a boiler specialist.

           H20>240Haz     The temperature of the water in this hot water boiler system exceeds 240 degrees = Hazard = Recommend further evaluation/repair by a boiler specialist.

            Above220      The temperature is above the recommended 130-220 degree standards = Recommend further evaluation by a boiler specialist.

            Below 130     The temperature is below the recommended 130-220 degree standards = Recommend further evaluation by a boiler specialist.

            NoGauge       The recommended temperature gauge is NOT installed.

           EXPANSION TANK:    

            Installed      The recommended expansion tank is installed on the system = Did Not Test.

            None           The recommended expansion tank was not identified on the system = Recommend further evaluation/repair by a boiler specialist.    

            Leaks           There is evidence of leaking from the expansion tank.  This usually means that the tank needs to be replaced = Recommend further evaluation/repair by a boiler specialist.

         STEAM BOILER SITE GLASS:

            Installed     The recommended steam boiler site glass is installed on the system.

            DirtyH20    The liquid in the site glass is dirty which indicates that the system needs servicing and possible flushing of the system.

            Fluctuate    Rapidly fluctuating water levels were observed in the site glass and this may mean danger = Immediate evaluation/repair by a boiler specialist is recommended.

         BLEEDER VALVE:

            Installed     The recommended system bleeder valve is installed on the system = Did Not Test.

            None          The recommended bleeder valve is not installed on the system = It is recommended that a bleeder valve be installed on the system by a boiler specialist.

                 FILL VALVE:

            Installed     There is a fill valve present on the system = Did Not Test.

            NoFillValve  The recommended fill valve is not installed on the system.

           NoBackFlow  The recommended backflow prevention valve on the water supply system is not installed.

           BackFlowYes The recommended backflow valve is installed on the system = Did Not Test.

         LOW WATER CUTOFF:

            Installed     The recommended low water cut-off valve is installed = Did Not Test.

            Definition    The low water cut-off valve shuts down the system if the water level gets too low.  This safety feature helps to prevent damage to the boiler and/or possible explosion.

           NotPresent    The recommended low water cut-off valve is not installed on this system.  It is recommended that the system be further evaluated by a boiler specialist and have the needed low water cut-off installed.

        CIRCULATION PUMP(S):

            Smooth        Operates smoothly.

            CurrenLeak    Leak evidence was observed = Repair/replace.

            PastLeaks     There is evidence of past leaks = Monitor and repair future leaks as needed.

            DNT           The circulation pump was not tested.

            1 Pump        There is one circulation pump installed.

            2 Pumps       There are two circulation pumps installed.

            3 Pumps       There are three circulation pumps installed.

            4 Pumps       There are four circulation pumps installed.

            5 Pumps       There are five circulation pumps installed.

            6 Pumps       There are six circulation pumps installed.

            Vibrates        The circulation pump is vibrating = Repair/replace.

        CIRCULATION PIPING:

            Types         The following types of piping were visible in the boiler liquid distribution lines:

                Copper        Copper

                Galvanized    Galvanized

                Rubber        Rubber

                PEX           PEX - Cross linked polyethylene

                Polybutyle    Polybutylene - Due to some failures of this piping on boiler systems we recommend that a boiler specialist further evaluate the system to verify the integrity of the piping.

            RubberLife    The anticipated lifespan of rubber boiler piping is unknown.

        COMBUSTIBLE CLEARANCE:

            Good          Clearance to combustibles is Good.

            Fair          Clearance to combustibles is Fair.

            Poor          clearance to combustibles is Poor.

        GAS SHUT-OFF:

            Hand          An easy operate hand shut-off valve is installed on the gas line.

            HandFlex      An easy operate hand shut-off valve is installed on the gas line. A flexible gas line is installed.

            HandNOFlex    An easy operate hand shut-off valve is installed on the gas line.  A flexible gas line is NOT installed.  Modern building standards recommend the use of a flexible gas connector line = Consider the upgrade. 

            WrenchFlex    The gas hook-up is equipped with a shut-off valve that requires a wrench to operate.  Modern building standards recommend the use of a hand shut-off type gas control valve = Consider the upgrade.  A flexible gas line is installed.

            WrenNOFlex    The gas hook-up is equipped with a shut-off valve that requires a wrench to operate.  The recommended flexible gas line is not installed.

            NoShutOff     A gas shut-off is not installed on the gas line = Potential Hazard.  Modern building standards recommend the upgrade installation of an easy off hand operated gas valve.

            HandValve     An easy operate hand shut-off valve is installed on the gas line.

            WrenchValv    The gas hook-up is equipped with a shut-off valve that requires a wrench to operate. 

            No Flex       A flexible gas line is not installed.  Modern standards recommend the installation upgrade of a flexible gas line.

            BrassLine     The unit is equipped with a flexible gas line.  The type of flexible gas line used is an uncoated brass.  The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a news warning in September 1997 that all uncoated brass flexible gas line connectors should be upgraded with newer plastic coated or stainless steel models.  The older brass models are prone to cracking or leaking and can cause a serious gas leak, explosion or fire.  Consult an licensed heating contractor for the installation of a new flexible line.

            OldFlex       The flex line was not upgraded when the new appliance was installed.

            FlexCase      The flex line of incorrectly passes through the case of the furnace.  In the event of an earthquake or movement, the case can easily shear the flexible gas line.  It is recommended for that this be repaired by a licensed heating contractor.

       VENTING:

            ComExGood     The combustion and exhaust venting appear to be Good.

            ComInterio    The combustion air is provided by the home's interior.  No exterior or attic ventilation air source is provided.

            ComExterio    The combustion air is provided from the home's exterior.  No obstructions were identified.

            ComAttic      The combustion air is provided from the home's attic.  No obstructions were identified.

            ComInadequ    Combustion venting appears to be inadequate.  This can starve the unit and cause an unsafe backdrafting condition = Recommend further evaluation/repair by a licensed heating contractor for safety.

            ComPoor       Combustion venting is Poor.  This starves the unit and causes an unsafe backdrafting condition = Recommend further evaluation/repair by a licensed Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning contractor for safety.

            ComStuffed    The fresh air venting is blocked off = Open up to restore the flow of fresh air = Safety Hazard.

            PrCrawlVen    There is inadequate ventilation for the gas appliances in the crawl space.

            ExhaustGd     Exhaust venting is Good.

            TapeJoints    The exhaust flue joint with the main vertical vent flue is not adequately sealed = Hazard = This allows exhaust gases to escape into the interior of the home = Recommend repair/resealing of the leaking joint.

            ExhaustFai    Exhaust venting is Fair.

            ExhaustPoo    Exhaust venting is Poor.

            DryerRoom     The clothes dryer is located in the same room as the gas appliance.  Clothes dryers suck air from the room and discharge it to the exterior.  If the door is shut to this room, this can create a starved fresh air condition that can affect the burn of a gas flame.

            Hor/Neg       Horizontal or negative fall on the exhaust vent line = Hazard = Recommend repair to prevent a backflow of the exhaust gases.

            Less 6" Cv    The exhaust flue is routed to close to flammable surfaces.  Single walled "C" vents are rated to need at least 6" clearance to combustibles = Recommend further evaluation/repair by a licensed heating contractor.

            Less 2" Bv    The exhaust flue is routed to close to flammable surfaces.  "B" vents are rated to need at least 2" clearance to combustibles = Recommend further evaluation/repair by a licensed heating contractor.

            Dryw2Close    The exhaust vent flue is routed to close to drywall which is also considered a combustible material = Recommend further evaluation/repair by a licensed HVAC.

            Carp2Close    The exhaust vent flue is routed to close to interior carpet which is a combustible material = Recommend further evaluation/repair by a licensed heating contractor.

            FlueBedroo    The exhaust vent flue is routed openly through a bedroom = Safety Hazard = Recommend further evaluation/repair by a licensed heating contractor.

        COMBUSTION CHAMBER:

            DNE           Did Not Evaluate.  The complete evaluation of Combustion Chambers/Heat Exchangers is technically exhaustive and is beyond the scope of this evaluation.

            AshSoot       Ash, soot and debris was noted in the burn chamber.

            Rust          There was rust noted in the combustion chamber which indicates some deterioration of the combustion chamber.

            Suspect       The combustion chamber shows sign of deterioration = Recommend a full combustion chamber evaluation to verify its integrity by a licensed Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning technician.

            Popping       Popping was heard during the warm-up cycle.  This may be a sign of a deteriorated combustion chamber.

            WhiteCryst    There is a white crystal type of build-up on the combustion chamber = Recommend further evaluation, cleaning and servicing by a licensed heating contractor.

            90+           90+ efficiency heaters have sealed combustion chambers preventing visual inspection.

        AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE:

            15            15 degrees.

            20            20 degrees.

            25            25 degrees.

            30            30 degrees.

            35            35 degrees.

            40            40 degrees.

            45            45 degrees.

            50            50 degrees.

            55            55 degrees.

            60            60 degrees.

            65            65 degrees.

            70            70 degrees.

            75            75 degrees.

            80            80 degrees.

            85            85 degrees.

            90            90 degrees.

            95            95 degrees.

            100           100 degrees.

       PLUMBING LEAKS:

            Above         There is a leak on the piping above the unit = Recommend Repair.

            AboveValve    There is a leak on the valve above the unit = Recommend Repair.

            SRV Drip      The pressure relief valve is dripping = Recommend Repair.

            DrainDrip     The drain valve is dripping = Recommend Repair.

            Replace       The boiler unit has failed = Recommend replacement of the unit.

       RAISED PLATFORM:

            Yes           Yes

            No            No = Potential Hazard

                18"           It is recommended that the unit be installed so that the burner is at least 18" off of the ground to prevent explosions.

        RECOMMENDATION:

            NoMaintena    The unit shows no evidence of recent maintenance.  Part of the normal maintenance of gas appliances is that they should be serviced at least annually to ensure the integrity of the unit.  It is recommended that you have this unit serviced, evaluated, and retuned by a heating contractor before closing on the home.

            YesMainten    The unit shows evidence of recent maintenance.  Part of the normal maintenance of gas appliances is that they should be serviced at least annually to ensure the integrity of the unit.

            HVACEvalu     Recommend further evaluation/repair by a licensed heating contractor.

            OffGasCo      The gas is currently shut off = We recommend before closing on the home that, for your safety, you have the gas turned on and have the gas appliances checked by either the Utility Company or a licensed heating contractor.

            Tune-up       Recommend a service tune-up/cleaning and further evaluation by a licensed Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning technician.   This service is best performed before the home's closing, and will improve the overall energy efficiency of the heating unit.

            RecentMain    The unit shows evidence of recent maintenance.

            RecMainten    Regular maintenance, as recommended by the manufacturer, is required for all appliances.  See the Owner's Manual for details.

            NOGreenSti    The now famous Questar "Green Sticker" is NOT present on this unit.  The "Green Sticker" verifies that this unit has been tuned to operate at this elevation and with the current grade of natural gas.  Consideration should be given to having this unit serviced and tuned up to perform at its most efficient level.

            YESGreenSt    The now famous Questar "Green Sticker" is present on this unit.  This means that the unit has been adjusted for the lower grade of natural gas that has been used in our area since 1998.

            NoGSDone      The now famous Questar "Green Sticker" is NOT present on this unit, but the installer has left the markings that indicate that the unit has been tuned for the gas and elevation.  It is recommended that the settings be reverified during your normal annual furnace service tune up.

        EQUIPMENT SIZE:

        MODEL #:

        SERIAL #:

        REMARKS:

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