Can Your Home Inspector check your oil or gas appliances?

Eddy’s Notes

Who is really allowed?

Last time I wrote about the lady on Easton Street who had her home inspected before purchasing her home.  The home inspector had advised her that the furnace was a little bit big but good for another 10 years.  It was only 10 years old and should last 20 years.  This got me to thinking about all the times over the years I heard these words: “ But I had the house inspected before I bought.”  “It cost me $400!”  “They inspected the furnace!”

I remember doing a furnace cleaning for a homeowner that had sold their house.  I found a blower motor which was on it’s last legs but still working.  I gave it another month to work at most.  The bearings were so bad that the amperage draw was nearly 3 times what the rating plate stated.  The seller made it very clear that the new buyer’s inspector had made them have it cleaned and cleaned was all they were going to pay for and do based on the contract.  No more.

Under the Natural Gas and Propane Installation Code and the Installation of Oil Burning Equipment, the only people that are allowed to inspect these appliances are certified oil, natural gas and propane contractors.  Before you say what every person has told me: “But what am I paying all that money for?”  The answer is everything but.  A person other than the owner is not allowed to even open the cabinet door to the furnace, fireplace, hot water tank, instantaneous water heater, gas stove or fire pit.   With the high cost for the replacement of these appliances (air conditioner included), get them properly inspected.  Save your pocketbook.

Eddy may be reached at 613-938-6148 for any questions or for any pre-purchase inspections.   Our work is guaranteed.