Atlanta Inspection News! Consumer information: October 2008

Standard building practices require an expansion/check valve.

Expansion tanks are recommended when a property is on a public water supply system and the property's water system is "closed" via a pressure reducing valve (PRV), check valve, or backflow preventer. In a closed water system which most all residential system are to prevent back siphion into the city water pollutants.A closed water system prevents the expanding water from flowing back into the main supply line,and the results thermal expansion can create a rapid,and dangerous pressure increase in the water heating system.No room for expansion of water exists in this type of system. Thermal expansion
occurs when water is heated during non-use periods. In a closed system with no provision for expansion, its effects may include:

1)Expansion tanks can eliminate these problems by giving water a place to go when thermal expansion occurs. When a water heating cycle ends, or when any fixture is opened within the system, the impact of thermal expansion is reduced, and water drains out of the expansion tank back into the system. Expansion tank are required per standard building practices

2)  Thermal Expansion,and rapid and repeated expansion & contracting of the components in the water heater and piping system can cause premature failure of the TRV.The suggested method of controlling thermal expansion is to install an expansion tank in the cold water line between the heater and PRV/or check valve.

The use of engineered water hammer arresters is not a new concept in the plumbing industry.
Engineers have been specifying arresters on new commercial projects for many years to
protect the plumbing system from damaging pressure surges caused by quick-closing valves
and faucets. However, installing this same type of arrester on new residential construction
has never really been considered an option because of the historically high cost of this commercial type of product. For many years, state and local code officials have tried to address the problem of water hammer at the residential level with air chambers (Thermal Expainsion Tanks), which have been the only affordable solution known to them,and code Compliance. The backflow preventer valve or check valve is not the same thing as a pressure reducing valve(PRV).

Water hammer is definitely a force to be reckoned with in any piping system... industrial, commercial, and certainly residential. High pressure surges from quick closing solenoid valves on dishwashers and washing machines, and even tub/shower valves and faucets, can cause premature failure of water heaters, valves, seals, joints, and pipes. There are now a amedment that has been added to this code section since 2003 IRC code section {P2903.4.1}, {P2903.4.2}.

In the connection of the water distribution system to stop water-heating appliances there is the potential for the migration of heated water into the water distribution system pipping. In a typical WDS, the water will expand into the water service and into public main if the water is not withdrawn from the system at an outlet or connection. If the expansion of the water is not accommodated in the system, dangerously high pressure can develope that can cause damge to pipping, components and water heater.

This was written to all home owners needing water heater repairs. Save yourself alot of greif when have water heater replaced! Because without Knowledge you could be not getting what you pay for. Any home having water heater or any appliance has to meet to the standard building codes in effect. They are grandfather in until you have the appliance change.

A LITTLE ADVISE FROM YOUR ONLY ACCURATE HOME INSPECTION OF ATLANTA

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EPA's ENERGY STAR program and Consumer Reports share a common goal - to empower consumers to make more informed decisions about the products they purchase. That is why EPA is disappointed in the article titled, "ENERGY STAR has lost some luster" in the October 2008 issue of Consumer Reports. It misleads consumers.

The article misses the basic purpose of the ENERGY STAR program. ENERGY STAR helps consumers not just find energy-efficient products, but ones that will cost-effectively help them save money while protecting our environment. Indeed, by providing this type of information for more than 15 years, the ENERGY STAR program has helped prevent 40 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of 27 million vehicles while saving Americans more than $16 billion on their utility bills in 2007 alone.

To accomplish this, EPA initially seeks to have about 25 percent of available models meet the ENERGY STAR criteria when they are first established for a product category. Increasing the market share of qualifying products from their initial levels is a goal of the program - not a fundamental flaw or an indication that the requirements are lax, as the article suggests.

EPA stands by the integrity of the ENERGY STAR program. The ENERGY STAR program includes a comprehensive set of activities to maintain the integrity of the label. Activities include testing of the performance of products where warranted, spot checking products pulled from the marketplace and coordination with a number of product testing certification programs. When issues are identified, they are addressed.

The ENERGY STAR program now includes products across more than 50 product categories ranging from lighting to home electronics, office equipment, and home heating and cooling. In each case the ENERGY STAR criteria are based on established testing procedures for the energy use of the products. These testing procedures have been consistently updated as necessary to appropriately measure the energy efficiency of individual products, except in just a few cases.

For information on the complete set of program integrity activities that ENERGY STAR undertakes, see the  ENERGY STAR 2007 Integrity Report at www.energystar.gov/partners. or link pages at www.findmeaninspector.com

Kathleen Hogan, Director
Climate Protection Partnerships Division
US Environmental Protection Agency

REPORT to the SECRETARY of ENERGY

In response to a request from Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman for a report on the general status of energy in the U.S., the National Petroleum Council submitted a comprehensive report dated July 18, 2007. The report, entitled "Facing the Hard Truths about Energy"  was widely viewed by environmentalists as being overly conservative, which, considering the contents of the report, is alarming.

"Over the next 25 years, the United States and the world face hard truths about the global energy future:

• Coal, oil, and natural gas will remain indispensable to meeting total projected energy demand growth.
• The world is not running out of energy resources, but there are accumulating risks to continuing expansion of oil and natural gas production from the conventional sources relied upon historically. These risks create significant challenges to meeting projected total energy demand.
• To mitigate these risks, expansion of all economic energy sources will be required, including coal, nuclear, biomass, other renewables, and unconventional oil and natural gas. Each of these sources faces significant challenges including safety, environmental, political, or economic hurdles, and imposes infrastructure requirements for development and delivery.
• "Energy Independence" should not be confused with strengthening energy security. The concept of energy independence is not realistic in the foreseeable future, whereas U.S. energy security can be enhanced by moderating demand, expanding and diversifying domestic energy supplies, and strengthening global energy trade and investment. There can be no U.S. energy security without global energy security.
• A majority of the U.S. energy sector workforce, including skilled scientists and engineers, is eligible to retire within the next decade. The workforce must be replenished and trained.
• Policies aimed at curbing carbon dioxide emissions will alter the energy mix, increase energy related costs, and require reductions in demand growth.

The Council proposes five core strategies to assist markets in meeting the energy challenges to 2030 and beyond. All five strategies are essential-there is no single, easy solution to the multiple challenges we face. However, we are confident that the prompt adoption of these strategies, along with a sustained commitment to implementation, will promote U.S. competitiveness by balancing economic, security, and environmental goals.

The United States must:

• Moderate the growing demand for energy by increasing efficiency of transportation, residential, commercial, and industrial uses.
• Expand and diversify production from clean coal, nuclear, biomass, other renewables, and unconventional oil and gas; moderate the decline of conventional domestic oil and gas production; and increase access for development of new resources.
• Integrate energy policy into trade, economic, environmental, security, and foreign policies; strengthen global energy trade and investment; and broaden dialog with both producing and consuming nations to improve global energy security.
• Enhance science and engineering capabilities and create long-term opportunities for research and development in all phases of the energy supply and demand system.
• Develop the legal and regulatory framework to enable carbon capture and sequestration. In addition, as policymakers consider options to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, provide an effective global framework for carbon management, including establishment of a transparent, predictable, economy-wide cost for carbon dioxide emissions." 

The DIFFICULTIES of ENERGY PROJECTIONS

Trying to forecast the future of energy is like trying to nail Jell-O to a tree. Energy statistics are approximate at best. Countries, companies and organizations all have reasons for wanting to present statistics in ways which will benefit them. Generally, no means exist to confirm statistics such as proven reserves with much accuracy.

Energy forecasts are even less accurate because energy supply and demand are subject to such a large number of future variables such as:

• Rates of US/world economic growth
• Economic/political stability
• Foreign investment climate
• International energy policy decisions
• Advances in technology
• Changes in consumption patterns
• Discovery rate of new resources
• Future energy price changes
• Changes in weather patterns 

CONCLUSION

 

The world energy situation is experiencing the beginning of a period of change which may eventually affect the lives of Americans to a major degree. The change will not be rapid, but eventually, the easily-accessible, inexpensive petroleum which has fueled the US economy since the early 1900s will become increasingly scarce and expensive. Maintaining future power supplies without disruptions will require making changes in the ways we produce and consume energy. Failure to address these problems will result in future disruption of energy supplies,  damage or weaken the U.S. economy and compromise national security.

The concentration of lead or copper in tap water which determines whether a system
may be required to install corrosion control treatment, collect water quality parameter
samples, collect lead and copper source water samples, replace lead service lines,
and/or deliver public education about lead. The action level for lead is 0.015 mg/L.
The action level for copper is 1.3 mg/L.Lead and Copper Rule Minor Revisions that were
published in the Federal Register on January 12, 2000 (65 FR 1950).

The purpose of the lead and copper regulations is to protect public health by minimizing
lead and copper levels in drinking water. Most regulations require sampling at entry points
to the distribution system. Because lead and copper in drinking water is primarily due to
the corrosion of distribution and household plumbing materials, tap water samples are
collected at kitchen or bathroom taps of residences and other buildings. This requirement
significantly complicates sample collection, requiring you, the water system, to coordinate
with the people you serve.

However, if your lead and copper tap monitoring results are higher than the lead action
level of 0.015 milligrams per liter (mg/l) and/or the copper action level of 1.3 mg/L,
corrosion control treatment is required.

If you exceed the lead action level, you must deliverto your customers to
inform them of the health effects of lead, measures are taking to correct the problem,
and what they can do to minimize their exposure to lead.

www.Findmeaninspector.com  Home information site.

Residential Plumbing Venting
The simplest form of venting a trap or trapped fixtures is an individual vent for each trap.A single vent pipe is connected between the trap of a fixture and the branch connection to the drainage system.With a properly installed individual vent,only the drainage of the fixture served is flowing past the vent.
A common vent installed vertically may be used to protect two fixture traps when the drains connect at the same level on a vertical drain.A typical installations is two horizontal drains connecting together to a vertical drains to a double pattern fitting.The extension of the vertical pipe serves as a vent.The vent may connect at the interconnection of the fixture drains or downstream along the horizontal.A wet vent is a pipe that is wet because it also conveys drainage.
The wet venting concept is based on employing oversized piping to allow for the follow of air above the waste flow.The low probability of simultaneous fixture discharge and the low flow velocity that results from fixtures on the same floor level provide the nessary degree of realiability that there will always be adequate volume within the wet vent pipe to permit required airflow.Wet vents is permitted for both vertical and horizontal branch drains and includes what previously was referred to as stack venting.The vertical wet vent must extend from its connection to the dry vent to the lowest fixture drain connection.

Waste stack vent
A waste stack vent employs a waste stack as a vent for fixtures.The principles of use are based on some of the original research that was done in plumbing. The system has been identified by a variety of names, including vertical wet vent and muti-floor stack venting.
Because the the drainage stack serves as the vent,there are certain limitations placed on the design of the waste stack vent. The system prohibits the connection of water closets and urinals.Only waste can discharge to this vent.

Circuit venting
The principal of circuit venting is that the flow of drainage never exceeds a half-full flow condition.The air for venting the fixtures circulates in the top half of the horizontal branch drainpipe.The flow velocity in the horizontal branch is slow and nonturbulent,therby preventing pressure differentials from affecting the connecting fixtures.The connection of the circuit vent must occur between the two most upstream fixture drains.The circuit vent pipe cannot receive the drainage of any soil or waste.The horizontal branch drain is limited to 8% slope.

 Combination waste & Vent system
A combination drain and vent system is a means of extending the distance from a trap to its vent for an unimited distance because the vent and drain are literally one. The number of fixtures connecting to a combination drain and vent system is also unlimited,provided that the fixtures are floor drains,sinks,standpipes,drinking fountain or lavatories.The system is useful in areas that cannot accommodate vertical vent risers,such as where island sinks are installed or wher floor drains are located in large open areas.

Air Admittance Valves
Individual vents,branch vents,circuit vents and stack vents may all terminate with a connection to an air admittance valve rather than extend to the open air.Air enters the upper plumbing drainage system when negative pressures develop in the piping system. The device closes by gravity and seals the vent terminal when the internal pressure is equal to or greater than atmospheric pressure.Because an air admittance valve is capable of relieving only negative pressures, at least one stack vent or vent stack vent must extend outdoors.The vent to the open serves as the positive pressure relief for the drainage system.

A trap is a simple method used to keep sewer gases from emanating out of the drainage system.The water seal prevents the sewer gases and aerosal-borne bacteria from entering the  living area.A trap is a simple U-shaped piping arrangement that offers minimal resistance to flow.This is the only type trap allowed.All other traps such as bell traps,drum traps,s-traps,and traps with moving parts are prohibited.

Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs)

Atlanta Inspection provides EMF inspection reading at affordable cost.people are routinely exposed cause health effects?We are number one in the measurement service.

Can the electric and magnetic fields (EMF) to which people are routinely exposed cause health effects? What are sources of EMFs, and when are EMFs dangerous?

EMF (or ElectroMagnetic Field) is a broad term which includes electric fields generated by charged particles in motion, and radiated fields such as TV, radio, hair dryer, and microwaves. Electric fields are measured in units of volts per meter or V/m. Magnetic fields are measured in milli-Gauss or mG. The field is always strongest near the source and diminishes as you move away from the source. These energies have the ability to influence particles at great distances. For example, the radiation from a radio tower influences the atoms within a distant radio antenna, allowing it to pick up the signal. Despite the many wonderful conveniences of electrical technology, the effects of EMF on biological tissue remains the most controversial aspect of the EMF issue, with virtually all scientists agreeing that more research is necessary to determine safe or dangerous levels.

Research since the mid-1970s has provided extensive information on biological responses to power-frequency electric and magnetic fields. The Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF) Research and Public Information Dissemination (RAPID) Program was charged with the goal of determining if electric and magnetic fields associated with the generation, transmission, and use of electrical energy pose a risk to human health. The fact that 20 years of research have not answered that question is clear evidence that health effects of EMF are not obvious and that risk relationships, if risk is identified, are not simple. Because epidemiologic studies have raised concerns regarding the connection between certain serious human health effects and exposure to electric and magnetic fields, the program adopts the hypothesis that exposure to electric or magnetic fields under some conditions may lead to unacceptable risk to human health. The focus of the program is not only to test, as far as possible within the statutory time limits, that hypothesis for those serious health effects already identified, but to identify as far as possible the special conditions that lead to elevated risk and to recommend measures to manage risk. 

Electromagnetic hypersensitivity (ES) is a physiological disorder characterized by symptoms directly brought on by exposure to electromagnetic fields. It produces neurological and allergic-type symptoms. Symptoms may include, but are not limited to, headache, eye irritation, dizziness, nausea, skin rash, facial swelling, weakness, fatigue, pain in joints and/or muscles, buzzing/ringing in ears, skin numbness, abdominal pressure and pain, breathing difficulty, and irregular heartbeat. Those affected persons may experience an abrupt onset of symptoms following exposure to a new EMF such as fields associated with a new computer or with new fluorescent lights, or a new home or work environment. Onset of ES has also reported following chemical exposure. A concerted effort to provide scientifically valid research on which to base decisions about EMF exposures is under way, and results are expected in the next several years. Meanwhile, some authorities recommend taking simple precautionary steps, such as the following:

• Increase the distance between yourself and the EMF source sit at arms length from your computer terminal.
• Avoid unnecessary proximity to high EMF sources dont let children play directly under power lines or on top of power transformers for underground lines.
• Reduce time spent in the field turn off your computer monitor and other electrical appliances when you arent using them.

The Office of Technology Assessment of the Congress of the United States recommends a policy of prudent avoidance with respect to EMF. Prudent avoidance means to measure fields, determine the sources, and act to reduce exposure.

1. Detect EMFs in your home and work environment. It is good to know where the sources of EMF are in your everyday world and how strong these sources are. Is there wiring in the wall behind your bed that you dont even know about? Is the vaporizer emitting strong fields in the babys room? How much EMF are you and your family getting from the power lines in the street? Even hair dryers emit EMFs. Home inspectors often have meters to measure EMFs, or they can be purchased and shared with friends.

    

2. Diminish your exposure to the EMFs you find. Determine how far you must stay away from the EMF emitters in your home and work environment to achieve less than 2.5 mG of exposurethe microwave oven, the alarm clock, the computer, and so on. Rearrange your furniture (especially the beds, desks, and couches where you spend the most time) away from heaters, wiring, fluorescent lights, electric doorbells, and other EMF hot spots. Where practical, replace electric appliances with non-electric devices. Where practical, replace electric appliances with non-electric devices. Have an electrician correct faulty high EMF wiring and help you eliminate dangerous stray ground currents. Consult a qualified EMF engineer at 404 680-4578 if necessary. Contact Accurate Home Inspection Field Testing for a test reading in your home for 79.95 in your area.
3. Shield yourself. Use shielding devices on your computer screen and cellular phone. Add shielding to your household wiring, circuit box, and transformers.

Electric fields in the home, on average, range from 0 to 10 volts per meter. They can be hundreds, thousands, or even millions of times weaker than those encountered outdoors near power lines. Electric fields directly beneath power lines may vary from a few volts per meter for some overhead distribution lines to several thousands of volts per meter for extra high voltage power lines. Electric fields from power lines rapidly become weaker with distance and can be greatly reduced by walls and roofs of buildings.

Magnetic fields are not blocked by most materials. Magnetic fields encountered in homes vary greatly. Magnetic fields rapidly become weaker with distance from the source.

The chart on the left summarizes data from a study by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) in which spot measurements of magnetic fields were made in the center of rooms in 992 homes throughout the United States. Half of the houses studied had magnetic field measurements of 0.6 mG or less, when the average of measurements from all the rooms in the house was calculated (the all-room mean magnetic field). The all-room mean magnetic field for all houses studied was 0.9 mG. The measurements were made away from electrical appliances and reflect primarily the fields from household wiring and outside power lines.

If you are comparing the information in this chart with measurements in your own home, keep in mind that this chart shows averages of measurements taken throughout the homes, not the single highest measurement found in the home.

Magnetic fields close to electrical appliances are often much stronger than those from other sources, including magnetic fields directly under power lines. Appliance fields decrease in strength with distance more quickly than do power line fields. 

Most emissions from homes are from the fossil fuels burned to generate electricity and heat.
By using energy more efficiently at home, you can reduce your emissions and lower your
energy bills by more than 30%.

In addition, since agriculture is responsible for about a fifth of the world's greenhouse
gas emissions, you can reduce your emissions simply by watching what you eat.

For a family of four in a 15-hundred square foot house, on average you'll pay about
40-bucks a month just on the heating portion of your power bill, but using a programmable
thermostat drop that price saving you money.

During an average work week you spend well over 40- hours outside your home and without
a programmable thermostat, your heat is running without anyone to enjoy it.Programmable
thermostats are great because when you're away from your home particularly, if you are
working and have regular work hours. you can turn it down during the day and have it come
up an hour or so before you come home.By turning your heat down for even just a few hours each day,Ga Power says you can reduce the heating portion of your bill by at least 10-percent each month.

*Heating: Lower the thermostat a few degrees or consider installing a programmable
thermostat to cut your heating bill. Have your furnace tuned up and clean air filters
monthly.

*Lighting: replacing incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs. They use
one-fourth the amount of electricity and last ten times longer.

*Water Heating: Turn the water heater thermostat to 120-degrees F. Fix dripping faucets
and install low-flow faucet aerators. Run only full loads in the dishwasher.

*Almost half of the energy we use in our homes goes to heating and cooling. You could save
about 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide a year with this simple adjustment.

*CFLs use 60% less energy than a regular bulb. This simple switch will save about 300 pounds
of carbon dioxide a year. If every family in the U.S. made the switch, we'd reduce carbon
dioxide by more than 90 billion pounds.

*Cleaning a dirty air filter can save 350 pounds of carbon dioxide a year.

Accurate Home Inspection Atlanta

www.Findmeaninspector.com

Hot Water and How to Heat It   There are several water-heating options available to you. While you are taking steps to save on home heating, don't forget to see what you can do to lower your water heating costs. Check with your fuel supplier for more information, and consider alternatives to your current method.Check with your fuel supplier for more information, and consider alternatives to your current method.  

Storage-type water heaters Most homes have storage-type water heaters in which water in a tank is heated by a gas or oil burner or by electric elements. Traditional storage heaters have been improved with such features as through-the-wall venting for combustion units and better insulation, making them less expensive to operate. Units designed to give even greater efficiency are now available.  

Instantaneous water heaters Instantaneous water heaters which heat water as needed and have no storage tank are available, but not widely. They require little space, but they usually cost more than storage-type water heaters and more than one unit might be required to meet your needs. For electric instantaneous water heaters, upgraded wiring is often necessary.  

Integrated (combination) hot water systems Systems that combine space heating and water heating are becoming more popular. Water can be heated with a boiler or a storage-tank water heater. The hot water can be used for space heating as well as domestic hot water needs. Space heating methods include baseboard radiators, in-floor radiant heating and forced air heating when piped to an air handler. Some of these systems can also be used for pool and spa heating and snow-melting applications. Combo systems vary widely in efficiency and must be carefully designed to give satisfactory service.  

Solar water heaters In solar water heaters, energy from the sun is collected by solar panels and transferred by circulating fluids to a storage tank. These heaters are typically used with an electric water heater, or one fueled by oil, natural gas or propane, which acts as a back-up for overcast days. Solar collector panels can be mounted on any unobstructed roof, wall or ground frame that faces between southeast and southwest. Solar water heaters are designed to provide between 35 and 75% of your hot water needs, with the back-up providing the balance.

Replacing Your System   Review your options, consider the pros and cons of different equipment and fuels, and compare installation and operating costs. Now get ready to improve your existing system, and it's time to select a contractor. Here are some tips:

• Look for a registered contractor

Your contractor will supply and install your equipment. Proper installation is essential for the safe, efficient and economical operation of your system. Electric equipment must be installed by a licensed electrician and all electrical work must be inspected.

• Get estimates from several contractors.

Prices can vary significantly among contractors. Ask each firm for a written estimate covering the following items:

• The total cost and a listing of all necessary work including improvements to the existing system and the provision of combustion air if applicable
• Heat loss/gain analysis
• The size and seasonal efficiency of the unit, and sound ratings if applicable
• Responsibility of the contractor or homeowner for:
  • Obtaining permits and paying related fees
  • Removing and disposing of old equipment
  • Arranging for such work as installation of gas supply
  • Arranging necessary inspections
• A work schedule and completion date
• Guarantees, warranties and service contracts
• Terms of payment
• Evidence of an electrician's licence as appropriate

Use costs (both installed and operating), work schedule, warranties and service as the basis for your decision. Ask the contractors you are considering for references, and follow up by contacting previous customers. Ask what they think about the contractor, fuel supplier and the options you are considering.Always remember to have all istallation replacements of water heating systems,heating and air system for proper code installation.A inspection cost is far less than correction cost could add up to.