InspectAPedia.com InspectAPedia®
 

Free Encyclopedia of Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, Repair

Ask a Question or Search InspectAPedia

  • HOME
  • AIR CONDITIONING
  • ELECTRICAL
  • EXTERIORS
  • HEATING
  • HOME INSPECTION
  • INTERIORS
  • PLUMBING
  • ROOFING
  • SEPTIC SYSTEMS
  • STRUCTURE
  • WATER SUPPLY
  • ENERGY SAVINGS
  • ENVIRONMENT
  • INDOOR AIR IAQ
  • INSULATION
  • MOLD INSPECT TEST REMOVE
  • NOISE
  • ODORS
  • SOLAR ENERGY
  • VENTILATION
  • EXPERTS DIRECTORY
  • CONTACT US


Mobile Phone/PDA website viewMobile View
ENERGY SAVINGS in buildings
ENGINEERED WOOD Flooring
ENGINEERED WOOD Products

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS - INSPECT, TEST, REMEDY

AIR CLEANER PURIFIER TYPES
AIR FILTERS for HVAC SYSTEMS
AIR POLLUTANTS, COMMON INDOOR
ALLERGEN TESTS for buildings
ALLERGENS in buildings, RECOGNIZING
ALLERGY TESTS for PEOPLE
ALLERGY TEST ACCURACY
ANIMAL ALLERGENS / PET DANDER
ANIMAL ENTRY POINTS in buildings
ANIMAL ODORS IN buildings
ASBESTOS IDENTIFICATION IN buildings

BASEMENT MOLD
BATHROOM MOLD
BIBLIOGAPHY for ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH, MOLD, IAQ
BIOLOGICAL POLLUTANTS
BLUE vs YELLOW COMBUSTION FLAMES
BLUERAY Recall
BUILDING SAFETY HAZARDS GUIDE
BUILDING SETTLEMENT

CARBON MONOXIDE - CO
CARBON MONOXIDE WARNING
CABINETS & COUNTERTOPS
CARPETING & INDOOR AIR QUALITY
CARPETING, SELECTION & INSTALLATION
CAT DANDER in buildings
Cell phone Radiation Hazards
CHAIN OF CUSTODY - TEST SAMPLE
CHIMNEY INSPECTION DIAGNOSIS REPAIR
CHIMNEYS & Flues - Asbestos Transite Pipe
CHINESE DRYWALL HAZARDS

DRYER VENTING
DRYWALL INSTALLATION Best Practices
DRYWALL MOLD
DRYWALL MOLD RESISTANT
ENERGY SAVINGS in buildings
ENGINEERED WOOD Flooring
ENGINEERED WOOD Products

FIRE DAMAGE vs MOLD DAMAGE
FLOOD DAMAGE ASSESSMENT, SAFETY & CLEANUP
MOLD: A COMPLETE GUIDE TO MOLD
ACCURACY OF VARIOUS MOLD TEST METHODS

ACTION GUIDE - WHAT TO DO ABOUT INDOOR MOLD
BLUE vs YELLOW COMBUSTION FLAMES
BLUERAY Recall
CARBON DIOXIDE - CO2
CARBON MONOXIDE - CO
CARBON MONOXIDE WARNING
CABINETS & COUNTERTOPS
CARPETING & INDOOR AIR QUALITY
CARPETING, SELECTION & INSTALLATION
CAT DANDER in buildings
Cell phone Radiation Hazards
CHAIN OF CUSTODY - TEST SAMPLE
CHIMNEY INSPECTION DIAGNOSIS REPAIR
CHIMNEYS & Flues - Asbestos Transite Pipe
CLEARANCE INSPECTIONS - MOLD CLEANUP
COMBUSTION AIR
COMBUSTION AIR for TIGHT buildings
COMBUSTION GASES & PARTICLE HAZARDS
COMBUSTION PRODUCTS & IAQ
COMPLETE COMBUSTION, Stoichiometric
DO IT YOURSELF MOLD CLEANUP
EMF ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS & HUMAN EXPOSURE

ENERGY SAVINGS in buildings
  AFUE DEFINITION, RATINGS
  AIR BYPASS LEAKS
  AIR CHANGE RATE ACH HEAT SAVINGS
  AIR CONDITIONING HEAT PUMP SAVINGS
  AIR LEAK SEALING PROCEDURE
  APPLIANCE EFFICIENCY RATINGS
  ATTIC LEAKS, CONDENSATION & ATTIC MOLD
  COOLING LOAD REDUCTION by ROOF VENTS
  ENERGY AUDIT - How to Use a Free One
  ENERGY SAVINGS MAXIMIZE RETURNS ON
  ENERGY SAVINGS PRIORITIES
  ENERGY SAVINGS RETROFIT CASE STUDY
  ENERGY SAVINGS RETROFIT LEAK SEALING GUIDE
  ENERGY SAVINGS RETROFIT OPTIONS
  ENERGY STAR PROGRAM
  ENERGY USE MONITORING
  GLASS vs HEAT MIRROR SOLAR GAIN/Loss
  HEAT LOSS in buildings
  HEATING COST SAVINGS METHODS
  HIGH MASS TRADEOFFS, HEATING vs COOLING
  HOUSE DOCTOR, how-to be
  INSULATION INSPECTION & IMPROVEMENT
  INSULATION LOCATION - WHERE TO PUT IT
  RADIANT BARRIERS
  REFLECTIVE INSULATION
  ROOF COLOR RECOMMENDATIONS
  Skylight Energy Efficiency
  SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS
  THERMAL MASS in buildings
  TIMERS for ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS
  VENTILATION, BALANCED HEAT COST SAVINGS
  WIND ENERGY SYSTEMS
  WINDOW EFFICIENCY Features & Ratings
  WOOD, COAL STOVES & FIREPLACES

FIND MOLD in buildings, HOW TO
FLOOD DAMAGE ASSESSMENT, SAFETY & CLEANUP

FUNGICIDAL SPRAY & SEALANT USE GUIDE
GASES, EXPOSURE, TESTING
  Carbon Dioxide - CO2
  Carbon Monoxide - CO
GAS MEASUREMENT TOOLS
Gas Toxicity Levels
  Gas Exposure Limits
  Volatile Organic Compounds
  Gas Toxicity Footnotes
TOXIC GAS EXPOSURE EFFECTS
  Ammonia Gas
  Arsine Gas
  Bromine Gas
  Carbon Dioxide Gas
  Carbon Monoxide Gas
  Formaldehyde Foam Insulation UFFI
  Hydrogen Sulfide Gas
  Ozone Gas
  Nitrogen Oxides Gas
  Propane Gas or LP Gas
  Propylene Gas
  Sewer Gas
  Sulfur Dioxide Gas
TOXIC GAS TEST PROCEDURES
  Allergens, common indoor
  Indoor Air Tests
LP & Natural Gas Safety Hazards
  Methane Gas Safety Hazards
Natural Gas Combustion Products
  Non-regulated particulates
  Oxygen - O2
  Ozone Warnings
  Ozone Hazards
  Particulate Testing
  Toxic Gas Test Selection
HIDDEN MOLD, HOW TO FIND
HUMIDITY CONTROL TO PREVENT MOLD

INDOOR AIR QUALITY & HOUSE TIGHTNESS
INDOOR AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT GUIDE
  Air Pollutants, Health Effects
  Air Pollutants, Common Indoor
  CABINETS & COUNTERTOPS
  CARPETING & INDOOR AIR QUALITY
  CHINESE DRYWALL HAZARDS
  INDOOR AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT, KEY STEPS
  VENTILATION, WHOLE HOUSE STRATEGIES
  VENTILATION, EXHAUST ONLY
  VENTILATION, SUPPLY-ONLY
  VENTILATION, BALANCED
  VENTILATION, BALANCED HEAT COST SAVINGS
  Air Filtering Strategies
  Particles in Indoor Air - Chart
  GAS EXPOSURE EFFECTS
  Gas Toxicity Levels
  Gases, Quick Guide to Indoor
  AIR CLEANER PURIFIER TYPES
  Air Filter Effectiveness
  Real-World Effectiveness of Air Cleaners
  Air Pollutants, Finding & Reducing
  Radon Hazards
  Formaldehyde Hazards
  BIOLOGICAL POLLUTANTS
  BUY PRODUCTS for MOLD & ALLERGY CONTROL
  Volatile Organic Compounds VOCs
  Pesticide Exposure Hazards
  Lead Exposure Hazards
  Asbestos Hazards
  CABINETS & COUNTERTOPS
  CARPETING & INDOOR AIR QUALITY
  Combustion Appliance Contaminants
  Backdrafting Appliances
  Fireplace & Woodstove Contaminants
  INDOOR AIR HAZARDS TABLE
  INDOOR COMBUSTION PRODUCTS & IAQ
  ODORS, Smells, Gases in buildings
INDOOR AIR QUALITY METHODS COMPARED

LEAD POISONING HAZARDS GUIDE
LEED GREEN BUILDING CERTIFICATION
LEED Building Designation & IAQ

MILDEW in buildings ?
MILDEW ERRORS - MOLD PHOTOS
MILDEW REMOVAL & PREVENTION
MOISTURE CONTROL in buildings

MOLD: A COMPLETE GUIDE to TEST CLEAN PREVENT
MOLD ACTION GUIDE - WHAT TO DO ABOUT MOLD
MOLD ACTIVITY in buildings
MOLD AGE - Old is the Mold?
MOLD APPEARANCE - WHAT MOLD LOOKS LIKE
MOLD APPEARANCE - STUFF THAT IS NOT MOLD
MOLD ATLAS & PARTICLES INDEX
MOLD BY MICROSCOPE
MOLD in the PETRI DISH, PHOTOS
Mold on Books, Book Conservation
MOLD CLASSES, HAZARD LEVELS
MOLD CLEANERS - WHAT TO USE
MOLD CLEANUP COMPANIES
MOLD CLEANUP GUIDE- HOW TO GET RID OF MOLD
MOLD CLEARANCE INSPECTIONS
MOLD CLINICAL REFERENCE TEXTS
MOLD DETECTION & INSPECTION GUIDE
MOLD DOCTORS - ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE
MOLD EXPERT, WHEN TO HIRE
MOLD EXPOSURE, FOOD HAZARDS
MOLD EXPOSURE RISK LEVELS
MOLD EXPOSURE STANDARDS
MOLD FAQ's
MOLD FREQUENCY in buildings
MOLD GROWTH on SURFACES
MOLD INSPECTORS & MOLD TESTERS
MOLD KILLING GUIDE
MOLD LEVEL REPORTS
MOLD LEVELS IN buildings
MOLD BY MICROSCOPE
MOLD in the PETRI DISH, PHOTOS
MOLD ODORS, MUSTY SMELLS
MOLD PREVENTION GUIDE
MOLD RELATED ILLNESS GUIDE
MOLD RELATED ILLNESS SYMPTOMS
MOLD RESISTANT CONSTRUCTION
MOLD SPRAYS, SEALANTS, PAINTS
MOLD STANDARDS

MOLD TEST KITS
MOLD TEST KITS for DIY MOLD TESTS
MOLD TEST PROCEDURES
MOLD TEST REASONS
MOLD TESTING METHOD VALIDITY
MOLD TESTING SERVICES
MSDS Material Safety Data Sheets
MVOCs & MOLDY MUSTY ODORS
MYCOTOXIN EFFECTS of MOLD EXPOSURE

Nanomaterials Hazards
NOISE / SOUND DIAGNOSIS & CURE

ODORS, Smells, Gases in buildings-Diagnosis & Cure

RENTERS & TENANTS GUIDE TO MOLD

SAFETY HAZARDS GUIDE
SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECT DIAGNOSE REPAIR
SICK HOUSE IAQ QUESTIONNAIRE
SEWAGE BACKUP TEST & CLEANUP
STAIN DIAGNOSIS

TECHNICAL & LAB PROCEDURES
THERMAL TRACKING
TRAPPED MOLD BETWEEN WOOD SURFACES

VENTILATION in buildings
  Air Bypass Leaks, Thermal Tracking
  AIR CHANGE RATE ACH HEAT SAVINGS
  ATTIC CONDENSATION CAUSE & CURE
  BALANCED VENTILATION, HEAT COST SAVINGS
  BATH & KITCHEN DESIGN GUIDE
  BATHROOM VENTILATION
  BLOWER DOORS & AIR INFILTRATION
  BLOWN-IN INSULATION
  BRICK or BLOCK WALL CAVITY INSULATION
  BRICK VENEER WALL INSULATION
  CATHEDRAL CEILING INSULATION
  CATHEDRAL CEILING VENTILATION
  HOT ROOF DESIGNS: Un-Vented Roof Solutions
  CRAWL SPACE VENTING & Dryout Procedures
  HOUSEWRAP AIR & VAPOR BARRIERS
  HUMIDITY LEVEL TARGET
  ICE DAM PREVENTION
  MOISTURE CONTROL in buildings
  MOISTURE CALCULATIONS
  MOISTURE METER STUDY
  MOISTURE PROBLEMS: CAUSE & CURE
  ROOF VENTILATION SPECIFICATIONS
  Roof Venting: Eaves Intake if no Overhang
  Roof Venting: Soffit Intake Vent-Continuous
  Roof Venting: Un-Vented Hot Roof Solutions
  ROOF VENTING ENERGY SAVING DETAILS
  ROOF VENTING NEEDED?
  VENTILATION DESIGN PROBLEMS & SOLUTIONS
  VENTILATION, WHOLE HOUSE STRATEGIES

VINYL Siding or PLASTIC Window ODORS in buildings
VINYL CHLORIDE HEALTH INFO

WALL SIDING TRIM & FINISHES
WALL FINISHES INTERIOR

WATER BARRIERS, EXTERIOR BUILDING
WATER ENTRY in buildings
WATER ODORS, CAUSE CURE

More Information

Soot and oil burner combustion product leak (C) Daniel Friedman Combustion Products from Heating Appliances: Indoor Air Quality Hazards
InspectAPedia®  -    

  • Flue gas hazards from heating equipment
  • Combustion product gas hazards: carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide (sulfur dioxide), soot and combustion particles
  • INDOOR AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT, KEY STEPS
InspectAPedia offers impartial, unbiased advice without conflicts of interest. We will block advertisements which we discover or readers inform us are associated with bad business practices, false-advertising, or junk science. our contact info is at InspectAPedia.com/Contact.htm.

This article explains flue gases and particles produced by various heating appliances and their impact on safety and indoor air quality in homes. This article includes excerpts or adaptations from Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction, by Steven Bliss, courtesy of Wiley & Sons.

See our summary table of INDOOR COMBUSTION PRODUCTS & IAQ and see ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS - INSPECT, TEST, REMEDY for our full list of environmental hazard identification and remedy related to buildings. See COMBUSTION AIR for additional details about the requirement for combustion air. COMBUSTION AIR for TIGHT buildings explains how to provide outside combustion air for tight buildings. See COMBUSTION GASES & PARTICLE HAZARDS for an explanation of the dangers of inadequate combustion air. See COMBUSTION PRODUCTS & IAQ for the relationship between fuel burning appliances and building indoor air quality. More about carbon monoxide - CO - is at CARBON MONOXIDE - CO and at CARBON MONOXIDE WARNING.

© Copyright 2012 InspectAPedia.com, Daniel Friedman, Steve Bliss, Wiley & Sons, All Rights Reserved. Information Accuracy & Bias Pledge is at below-left. Use page top links to major topics or use links at the left of each page to navigate within topics and documents at this website. Green links show where you are in a document series or at this website.

Combustion Appliances as Sources of Indoor Air Contaminants

As stated in Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction:

A combustion appliance is any device that burns fuel for heating, cooking, or decorative purposes. This includes central-heating systems, space heaters, water heaters, ovens and cooktops, woodstoves, and fireplaces. The major pollutants associated with combustion are carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and particles. See INDOOR COMBUSTION PRODUCTS & IAQ for a Table of Combustion Products & Indoor Air Quality Hazards that accompanies this article.

Unvented space heaters and gas stoves without range hoods dump combustion products directly into the living space and have no place in the modern home. Vented appliances, such as boilers, water heaters, and fireplaces, are designed to exhaust combustion products to the outdoors, but they are vulnerable to backdrafting in today’s tightly built houses. When appliances are malfunctioning or out of adjustment, they produce more pollutants, including carbon monoxide. The combination of backdrafting and the high production of carbon monoxide can be deadly.

Health Effects of Combustion Products. Possible health effects from combustion products include eye and respiratory irritation, persistent coughing, headaches, fatigue, and dizziness. In the case of carbon monoxide, symptoms can include nausea and confusion, and, at very high levels, loss of consciousness and death. Effects associated with specific pollutants are discussed below:

Leaky flue (C) Daniel Friedman
  • Carbon monoxide. CO is a colorless, odorless gas produced by incomplete combustion. Common sources include blocked chimneys or vents, cracked or rusted heat exchangers, poorly adjusted appliances, smoldering fireplaces, and auto exhaust from an attached garage.

  • CO interferes with the blood’s ability to deliver oxygen to the body. Low concentrations may increase chest pain in people with heart disease. Sustained concentrations above 70 ppm can cause fatigue, headache, weakness, and nausea, and may be confused with the flu or food poisoning.

    Fetuses, infants, the elderly, and people with anemia or heart disease are especially vulnerable. At very high levels, CO causes confusion, loss of consciousness, and death. CO alarms are programmed to sound before levels reach 100 ppm for 90 minutes, 200 ppm over 35 minutes, or 400 ppm over 15 minutes.

    see CARBON MONOXIDE - CO for details about carbon monoxide standards, exposure, testing, and remediation.

  • Nitrogen dioxide. NO2 is a colorless gas with an acrid odor at high levels.

    T he primary source of NO2 in homes is unvented gas and kerosene space heaters, gas stoves without a range hood, and stoves with continuously burning pilot lights. Studies have shown that homes with unvented gas appliances have elevated NO2 levels, and there is some evidence linking this with impaired lung function and increased respiratory infections in children. At high levels, NO2 is an eye, nose, and respiratory irritant.

    Children and people with asthma and other respiratory problem are more susceptible to exposure. Common Indoor Pollutants and Sources 293

    see Nitrogen Oxides Gas for details.

  • Sulfur dioxide. SO2 is a colorless gas with a pungent odor and is primarily associated with oil- and coal- burning appliances. At low levels of exposure, SO2 can cause eye, nose, and respiratory tract irritation. At high exposures, it can cause the airways to narrow, leading to chest tightness and breathing problems. People with asthma are particularly susceptible to SO2 exposure. see Sulfur Dioxide Gas.

  • Particles. The health effects of breathing particles depend on several factors, including the size and chemical makeup of the particles.

    In general, suspended particles can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, and increased respiratory symptoms for people with chronic lung or heart disease. In addition, a number of pollutants, including the carcinogens radon and benzo(a)pyrene, attach themselves to small particles and are then inhaled and carried deep into the lungs.

Guide to Reducing Exposure to Combustion Gases & Particles Indoors

The three main sources of combustion products in household air are unvented appliances, appliances or flues that are broken or poorly adjusted, and backdrafting. To minimize exposure, follow these general guidelines:

  • Unvented space heaters. Do not use unvented space heaters in living spaces. If required for temporary use, closely follow manufacturer’s directions, open a window, and open doors to adjoining rooms. A persistent yellow-tipped flame is generally an indicator of poor adjustment and increased pollutants.
  • Cooking. With gas ranges and cooktops, always use a range hood vented to the exterior. Choose appliances with electronic ignition rather than a continuously burning pilot light. Or replace with electric appliances.
  • Sealed combustion. In new construction, avoid the use of atmospherically vented boilers, furnaces, or water heaters. Instead, use power-vented appliances, preferably with sealed combustion.
  • Inspections and maintenance. Have central heating systems and water heaters inspected and adjusted annually. Inspect all flues and chimneys for blockages or damage and promptly repair any problems.

    Blocked or leaking chimneys or flues can result in serious illness or death from carbon monoxide poisoning. see DRAFT HOODS - gas fired for gas fired heating equipment, and see DRAFT REGULATORS, DAMPERS, BOOSTERS for oil fired heating equipment. Also see GAS MEASUREMENT TOOLS for a discussion of gas leak testing instruments.
  • Woodstoves. Make sure doors in older woodstoves are tight fitting with intact gaskets. New stoves should meet EPA emissions standards. Burn only seasoned wood. Make sure there is adequate air for combustion and that the house is not depressurized by exhaust fans (see Backdrafting and also page 295 of Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction).
  • Fireplaces. Fireplaces should have inserts with tight- fitting doors and a dedicated outside air supply. Fireplaces should not be used if the house is depressurized by exhaust fans (see Backdrafting and also page 295 of Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction, by Steven Bliss, Wiley & Sons).

-- Adapted with permission from Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction.

See INDOOR COMBUSTION PRODUCTS & IAQ for a Table of Combustion Products & Indoor Air Quality Hazards. At CHIMNEY INSPECTION DIAGNOSIS REPAIR we discuss chimney inspection and diagnosis including unsafe venting and fire hazards.

See COMBUSTION AIR for additional details about the requirement for combustion air. COMBUSTION AIR for TIGHT buildings explains how to provide outside combustion air for tight buildings. See COMBUSTION GASES & PARTICLE HAZARDS for an explanation of the dangers of inadequate combustion air. See COMBUSTION PRODUCTS & IAQ for the relationship between fuel burning appliances and building indoor air quality. More about carbon monoxide - CO - is at CARBON MONOXIDE - CO and at CARBON MONOXIDE WARNING.

Questions & Answers regarding this article

.

Ask a Question or Search InspectAPedia

HTML Comment Box is loading comments...

Share this Article      

...

Technical Reviewers & References

Google
  • InspectAPedia.com® - Daniel Friedman - Publisher & Editor.
  • Steven Bliss served as editorial director and co-publisher of The Journal of Light Construction for 16 years and previously as building technology editor for Progressive Builder and Solar Age magazines. He worked in the building trades as a carpenter and design/build contractor for more than ten years and holds a masters degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Excerpts from his recent book, Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction, Wiley (November 18, 2005) ISBN-10: 0471648361, ISBN-13: 978-0471648369, appear throughout this website, with permission and courtesy of Wiley & Sons. Best Practices Guide is available from the publisher, J. Wiley & Sons, and also at Amazon.com.
  • InspectAPedia Bookstore lists recommended books, organized by topic & available for purchase. Most of our articles also include a list of recommended books for the specific article topic as well as other references, and information sources.
  • Critique, contributions wanted: Contact Us to suggest corrections or additions to articles at this website, and if you wish, to receive online listing and credit as a contributor. Particular thanks are due to the many experts and also consumers who read and critique technical articles at InspectAPedia.com.
  • Additional technical contributors & reference sources for this article are listed below.

Use links just below or at the left of each page to navigate this document or to view other topics at this website. Green links show where you are in our document or website.

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS - INSPECT, TEST, REMEDY

AIR CLEANER PURIFIER TYPES
AIR FILTERS for HVAC SYSTEMS
AIR POLLUTANTS, COMMON INDOOR
ALLERGEN TESTS for buildings
ALLERGENS in buildings, RECOGNIZING
ALLERGY TESTS for PEOPLE
ALLERGY TEST ACCURACY
ANIMAL ALLERGENS / PET DANDER
ANIMAL ENTRY POINTS in buildings
ANIMAL ODORS IN buildings
ASBESTOS IDENTIFICATION IN buildings

BASEMENT MOLD
BATHROOM MOLD
BIBLIOGAPHY for ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH, MOLD, IAQ
BIOLOGICAL POLLUTANTS
BLUE vs YELLOW COMBUSTION FLAMES
BLUERAY Recall
BUILDING SAFETY HAZARDS GUIDE
BUILDING SETTLEMENT

CARBON MONOXIDE - CO
CARBON MONOXIDE WARNING
CABINETS & COUNTERTOPS
CARPETING & INDOOR AIR QUALITY
CARPETING, SELECTION & INSTALLATION
CAT DANDER in buildings
Cell phone Radiation Hazards
CHAIN OF CUSTODY - TEST SAMPLE
CHIMNEY INSPECTION DIAGNOSIS REPAIR
CHIMNEYS & Flues - Asbestos Transite Pipe
CHINESE DRYWALL HAZARDS

DRYER VENTING
DRYWALL INSTALLATION Best Practices
DRYWALL MOLD
DRYWALL MOLD RESISTANT
ENERGY SAVINGS in buildings
ENGINEERED WOOD Flooring
ENGINEERED WOOD Products

FIRE DAMAGE vs MOLD DAMAGE
FLOOD DAMAGE ASSESSMENT, SAFETY & CLEANUP
MOLD: A COMPLETE GUIDE TO MOLD
ACCURACY OF VARIOUS MOLD TEST METHODS

ACTION GUIDE - WHAT TO DO ABOUT INDOOR MOLD
BLUE vs YELLOW COMBUSTION FLAMES
BLUERAY Recall
CARBON DIOXIDE - CO2
CARBON MONOXIDE - CO
CARBON MONOXIDE WARNING
CABINETS & COUNTERTOPS
CARPETING & INDOOR AIR QUALITY
CARPETING, SELECTION & INSTALLATION
CAT DANDER in buildings
Cell phone Radiation Hazards
CHAIN OF CUSTODY - TEST SAMPLE
CHIMNEY INSPECTION DIAGNOSIS REPAIR
CHIMNEYS & Flues - Asbestos Transite Pipe
CLEARANCE INSPECTIONS - MOLD CLEANUP
COMBUSTION AIR
COMBUSTION AIR for TIGHT buildings
COMBUSTION GASES & PARTICLE HAZARDS
COMBUSTION PRODUCTS & IAQ
COMPLETE COMBUSTION, Stoichiometric
DO IT YOURSELF MOLD CLEANUP
EMF ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS & HUMAN EXPOSURE

ENERGY SAVINGS in buildings
  AFUE DEFINITION, RATINGS
  AIR BYPASS LEAKS
  AIR CHANGE RATE ACH HEAT SAVINGS
  AIR CONDITIONING HEAT PUMP SAVINGS
  AIR LEAK SEALING PROCEDURE
  APPLIANCE EFFICIENCY RATINGS
  ATTIC LEAKS, CONDENSATION & ATTIC MOLD
  COOLING LOAD REDUCTION by ROOF VENTS
  ENERGY AUDIT - How to Use a Free One
  ENERGY SAVINGS MAXIMIZE RETURNS ON
  ENERGY SAVINGS PRIORITIES
  ENERGY SAVINGS RETROFIT CASE STUDY
  ENERGY SAVINGS RETROFIT LEAK SEALING GUIDE
  ENERGY SAVINGS RETROFIT OPTIONS
  ENERGY STAR PROGRAM
  ENERGY USE MONITORING
  GLASS vs HEAT MIRROR SOLAR GAIN/Loss
  HEAT LOSS in buildings
  HEATING COST SAVINGS METHODS
  HIGH MASS TRADEOFFS, HEATING vs COOLING
  HOUSE DOCTOR, how-to be
  INSULATION INSPECTION & IMPROVEMENT
  INSULATION LOCATION - WHERE TO PUT IT
  RADIANT BARRIERS
  REFLECTIVE INSULATION
  ROOF COLOR RECOMMENDATIONS
  Skylight Energy Efficiency
  SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS
  THERMAL MASS in buildings
  TIMERS for ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS
  VENTILATION, BALANCED HEAT COST SAVINGS
  WIND ENERGY SYSTEMS
  WINDOW EFFICIENCY Features & Ratings
  WOOD, COAL STOVES & FIREPLACES

FIND MOLD in buildings, HOW TO
FLOOD DAMAGE ASSESSMENT, SAFETY & CLEANUP

FUNGICIDAL SPRAY & SEALANT USE GUIDE
HIDDEN MOLD, HOW TO FIND
HUMIDITY CONTROL TO PREVENT MOLD

INDOOR AIR QUALITY & HOUSE TIGHTNESS
INDOOR AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT GUIDE
  Air Pollutants, Health Effects
  Air Pollutants, Common Indoor
  CABINETS & COUNTERTOPS
  CARPETING & INDOOR AIR QUALITY
  CHINESE DRYWALL HAZARDS
  INDOOR AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT, KEY STEPS
  VENTILATION, WHOLE HOUSE STRATEGIES
  VENTILATION, EXHAUST ONLY
  VENTILATION, SUPPLY-ONLY
  VENTILATION, BALANCED
  VENTILATION, BALANCED HEAT COST SAVINGS
  Air Filtering Strategies
  Particles in Indoor Air - Chart
  GAS EXPOSURE EFFECTS
  Gas Toxicity Levels
  Gases, Quick Guide to Indoor
  AIR CLEANER PURIFIER TYPES
  Air Filter Effectiveness
  Real-World Effectiveness of Air Cleaners
  Air Pollutants, Finding & Reducing
  Radon Hazards
  Formaldehyde Hazards
  BIOLOGICAL POLLUTANTS
  BUY PRODUCTS for MOLD & ALLERGY CONTROL
  Volatile Organic Compounds VOCs
  Pesticide Exposure Hazards
  Lead Exposure Hazards
  Asbestos Hazards
  CABINETS & COUNTERTOPS
  CARPETING & INDOOR AIR QUALITY
  Combustion Appliance Contaminants
  Backdrafting Appliances
  Fireplace & Woodstove Contaminants
  INDOOR AIR HAZARDS TABLE
  INDOOR COMBUSTION PRODUCTS & IAQ
  ODORS, Smells, Gases in buildings
INDOOR AIR QUALITY METHODS COMPARED

LEAD POISONING HAZARDS GUIDE
LEED GREEN BUILDING CERTIFICATION
LEED Building Designation & IAQ

MILDEW in buildings ?
MILDEW ERRORS - MOLD PHOTOS
MILDEW REMOVAL & PREVENTION
MOISTURE CONTROL in buildings

MOLD: A COMPLETE GUIDE to TEST CLEAN PREVENT
MOLD ACTION GUIDE - WHAT TO DO ABOUT MOLD
MOLD ATLAS & PARTICLES INDEX
MOLD BY MICROSCOPE
MOLD in the PETRI DISH, PHOTOS
Mold on Books, Book Conservation
MOLD CLASSES, HAZARD LEVELS
MOLD CLEANERS - WHAT TO USE
MOLD CLEANUP COMPANIES
MOLD CLEANUP GUIDE- HOW TO GET RID OF MOLD
MOLD DETECTION & INSPECTION GUIDE
ODORS, Smells, Gases in buildings-Diagnosis & Cure
RENTERS & TENANTS GUIDE TO MOLD
SAFETY HAZARDS GUIDE
SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECT DIAGNOSE REPAIR
SICK HOUSE IAQ QUESTIONNAIRE
SEWAGE BACKUP TEST & CLEANUP
STAIN DIAGNOSIS

TECHNICAL & LAB PROCEDURES
THERMAL TRACKING

Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair

  • Our recommended books about building & mechanical systems design, inspection, problem diagnosis, and repair, and about indoor environment and IAQ testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the InspectAPedia Bookstore. Also see our Book Reviews - InspectAPedia.
  • Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction, by Steven Bliss. John Wiley & Sons, 2006. ISBN-10: 0471648361, ISBN-13: 978-0471648369, Hardcover: 320 pages, available from Amazon.com and also Wiley.com. See our book review of this publication.
  • Decks and Porches, the JLC Guide to, Best Practices for Outdoor Spaces, Steve Bliss (Editor), The Journal of Light Construction, Williston VT, 2010 ISBN 10: 1-928580-42-4, ISBN 13: 978-1-928580-42-3, available from Amazon.com
  • Carbon Monoxide Gas Toxicity, exposure limits, poisoning symptoms, and inspecting buildings for CO hazards
  • DUST CONTAMINATION FROM HVAC? An Investigation of Indoor Dust Debris Blamed on a Heating/Cooling System Reveals Carpet Dust
  • Goodman Furnace High Temperature Plastic Vent HTPV safety recall US CPSC notice
  • Home Heating System Should Be Checked [for proper venting and for CO Carbon Monoxide Hazards - DJF]
  • Inspection Procedures for Oil-Fired Heating Systems Detailed step by step approaches for inspecting complex systems]
  • Lennox Pulse Furnace Safety Inspection/Warranty Program: Carbon Monoxide Warning
  • Oil Tanks - The Oil Storage Tank Information Website: Buried or Above Ground Oil Tank Inspection, Testing, Cleanup, Abandonment of Oil Tanks
  • Oil Tanks Above Ground, UL Standards, guidance for home owners, buyers, and inspectors
  • Plastic Heating Vent Pipe & Other Heating Safety Recall Notices
  • Weil McLain Model GV Gas Boiler/gas valve CPSC recall/repair
  • Domestic and Commercial Oil Burners, Charles H. Burkhardt, McGraw Hill Book Company, New York 3rd Ed 1969.
  • National Fuel Gas Code (Z223.1) $16.00 and National Fuel Gas Code Handbook (Z223.2) $47.00 American Gas Association (A.G.A.), 1515 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22209 also available from National Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269. Fundamentals of Gas Appliance Venting and Ventilation, 1985, American Gas Association Laboratories, Engineering Services Department. American Gas Association, 1515 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22209. Catalog #XHO585. Reprinted 1989.
  • The Steam Book, 1984, Training and Education Department, Fluid Handling Division, ITT [probably out of print, possibly available from several home inspection supply companies] Fuel Oil and Oil Heat Magazine, October 1990, offers an update,
  • Principles of Steam Heating, $13.25 includes postage. Fuel oil & Oil Heat Magazine, 389 Passaic Ave., Fairfield, NJ 07004.
  • The Lost Art of Steam Heating, Dan Holohan, 516-579-3046 FAX
  • Principles of Steam Heating, Dan Holohan, technical editor of Fuel Oil and Oil Heat magazine, 389 Passaic Ave., Fairfield, NJ 07004 ($12.+1.25 postage/handling).
  • "Residential Steam Heating Systems", Instructional Technologies Institute, Inc., 145 "D" Grassy Plain St., Bethel, CT 06801 800/227-1663 [home inspection training material] 1987
  • "Residential Hydronic (circulating hot water) Heating Systems", Instructional Technologies Institute, Inc., 145 "D" Grassy Plain St., Bethel, CT 06801 800/227-1663 [home inspection training material] 1987
  • "Warm Air Heating Systems". Instructional Technologies Institute, Inc., 145 "D" Grassy Plain St., Bethel, CT 06801 800/227-1663 [home inspection training material] 1987
  • Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning Volume I, Heating Fundamentals,
  • Boilers, Boiler Conversions, James E. Brumbaugh, ISBN 0-672-23389-4 (v. 1) Volume II, Oil, Gas, and Coal Burners, Controls, Ducts, Piping, Valves, James E. Brumbaugh, ISBN 0-672-23390-7 (v. 2) Volume III, Radiant Heating, Water Heaters, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Heat Pumps, Air Cleaners, James E. Brumbaugh, ISBN 0-672-23383-5 (v. 3) or ISBN 0-672-23380-0 (set) Special Sales Director, Macmillan Publishing Co., 866 Third Ave., New York, NY 10022. Macmillan Publishing Co., NY
  • Installation Guide for Residential Hydronic Heating Systems
  • Installation Guide #200, The Hydronics Institute, 35 Russo Place, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922
  • The ABC's of Retention Head Oil Burners, National Association of Oil Heat Service Managers, TM 115, National Old Timers' Association of the Energy Industry, PO Box 168, Mineola, NY 11501. (Excellent tips on spotting problems on oil-fired heating equipment. Booklet.)
  • ...
Home About Us Accuracy Contact Us Content Use Policy Privacy Website Description © 2012 Copyright InspectAPedia.com