Although I still perform inspections- mostly high-end homes and expert witness work- a good deal of my time now goes into developing and co-producing educational videos for home inspectors for NACHI.TV. We have about 50 videos available online and about 45 of these are free.
They range in subject from technical subjects for inspectors like mold inspection, inspecting water heaters, photovoltaic systems and crawlspaces to consumer education on infrared cameras, Well and Water Quality, Strawbale home inspection and many more. Please take a few minutes to look over our selection for a few which might interest you!
We now have advanced online courses for continuing education for home inspectors approved in ten states, including (I'm proud to say) my comprehensive Green Building and Log Home Inspection courses. Both are free to the public and relevant to anyone with an interest in these subjects, not just inspectors.
NACHI TV is producing episodes of various subjects of interest to inspectors. Although they're designed for inspectors, these videos will also be relevant to other real estate professionals and buyers. View episode 12 as we tour this exceptional building and learn about the green design, systems and components which comprise EPA region 8 headquarters in Denver.
This building was built to be green from the ground up, showing the EPA practicing what they preach and incorporating into the design such energy-efficient features such as photovoltaics which convert sunlight directly into electricitry and daylighting systems which bounce natural light deep into the building. From the use of natural, sustainable materials and people-friendly office furniture to the green roofand much more, there's a lot to be learned here. Accompanying us was Jim Bleckledge, project manager for construction.
NACHI TV is producing episodes of various subjects of interest to inspectors. Although they're designed for inspectors, these videos will also be relevant to other real estate professionals and buyers.
Photovoltaic (PV) systems are systems which convert sunlight directly into electricity for use an buildings. View this Photovoltaic System Inspection video as InterNACHI founder Nick Gromicko and I accompany Steven Kane of Namaste Solar through the start-to-finish inspection of photovoltaic system. Learn about the different types of systems, their components and what inspectors can and can't inspect.
This video is goes well with the photovoltaic section of my free, comprehensive, online Green Building course, information from which is also available on my website page dedicated to photovoltaic systems.
NACHI TV is producing episodes of various subjects of interest to inspectors. Although they're designed for inspectors, these videos will also be relevant to other real estate professionals and buyers.
View the Strawbale Home Inspection video as InterNACHI founder Nick Gromicko and I accompany Colorado Straw Bale Association Executive Director Mark Shuenaman and natural plaster contractor Ryan Chivers through two strawbale homes, one under construction so that the bales are visible, and one complete, so that you can see the finished product.
No courses exist to teach home inspectors to inspect strawbale homes. In fact, having finished the free, comprehensive, online Green Building course, I now have a Strawbale Home Inspection course on my list of courses to write which will also be available online.
Until my course is available, this video is one of the few resources available for those interested in strawbale to learn about inspecting them. Those interested in strawbale homes may also find good information on my website page for them, Strawbale Home Basics.
NACHI TV is producing episodes of various subjects of interest to inspectors. Although they're designed for inspectors, these videos will also be relevant to other real estate professionals and buyers.
View the Log Home Inspection video as InterNACHI founder Nick Gromicko and I inspect a 35 year old log home at 9500 feet in the Colorado Rockies. No courses exist to teach home inspectors to inspect log homes. In fact, having finished the Green Building course, I'm now at work on a comprehensive Log Home Inspection course.
Until my course is available, this video is one of the few resources available for those interested in log homes to learn about inspecting them. Those interested in log homes may also find good information on my website page for them, Log Home Basics.
After many months of long days and nights of research and writing my Green Building course is finally complete and is available on the website of the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI). This course is free to the public and can be taken as often as you like. The content is also available on my website to be used as a reference.
The course is designed to educate those wishing to provide neutral third-party verification of green features in homes. For example, it defines "Passive Solar Design" so that no one can claim they have a passive solar design simply because they have windows on the South side of the home. The course typically takes 8-10 hours to complete, not including following the links, which are extensive.
The information available here was pulled together from many sources, spread widely accross the internet and the print media. Some, such as the section on photovoltaic inspections, is the result of my original research. This course is designed for inspectors, but is relevant to anyone involved in real estate and interested in green building. Here is the Table of Contents...
I'm considering putting together a home inspection which, in addition to complying with the typical Standards of Practice (NACHI, in my case), would identify green features in the home from a list of about 450. Along with that I'd offer energy rating services. I'm wondering if there's really a market out there for an inspection like this. Does this seem like just a good idea to me, or is it something people will pay for?
AMANA / BLACKHORSEB=1971 or 1981 (Of course, now that they've been bought by Goodman, who knows what'll happen)
BARD1962 to March 1980 Sample Number 123456 A D 1st six digits are the Unit Identity Number. In this example they are represented by the numbers 123456. 7th digit is the month of Manufacture. 8th digit is the year of Manufacture. (The letter D in the Sample represents 1964).
1962 = B 1965 = E 1968 = H 1970 = K 1973 = N Letter "Q" not used 1978 = T
1963 = C 1966 = F Letter "I" not used 1971 = L 1974 = O 1976 = R 1979 = U
1964 = D 1967 = G 1969 = J 1972 = M 1975 = P 1977 = S 1980 = V
April & May 1980 Sample number 123 D A 123456 1st three digits are the Compressor Part Number. 4th digit is the month of Manufacture. 5th digit is the year of Manufacture. In this sample A represents 1980. 1980 = A 6th thru 11th digits represent the Unit Identity Number. This serial number style was only used during the months of April & May 1980.
June 1980 to Current Sample number 123 H80 1234567 02 1st three digits = Compressor Part # 4th digit = Month 5th & 6th digits = Year 80 = 1980 81 = 1981 82 = 1982 The year 2000 started the numerical numbering from 00.
00 = 2000 01 = 2001 02 = 2002 Right on through to current date. 7th thru 13th digits = Unit Identity #. 14th & 15th digits = Factory Code (01=OH; 02=GA)
Carrier, Bryant, Payne, Day & NightRecently (last 20 years or so) the first four numbers in the serial number represent the week and year. Previously, it was a complex series of letters and single digits. Call 905-672-0860 if you get stuck.
ColemanSerial numbers prior to April 1992=1st two numbers are month, then year, then series. After April 1992, 1st two numbers are year, then month, then series. Call 905-672-0860 if you get stuck.
Comfortmaker (International Comfort)Uses the first letter for the month (skipping I) and the first two digits are the year.
First Company Service PartsIs one of 4 divisions of First Operations. They supply OEM equipment to all of the major HVAC manufacturers. They are located in Dallas, Tx at 214-388-5751. Harold Hammer at Tech Support (ext#5) will answer your questions.
GoodmanFirst two digits of the serial number are the year. Second two are the month.
Lennox Either the first two or second two digits are the year, it varies by era, but most of them actually have a separate sticker somewhere that has the year printed on it. Newer ones are first two equals manufacturing plant #, 2nd two are year and letter in fifth slot is month.
PeerlessPrior to 1984 there was not a date code included as part of the serial number. Starting in 1984, there was a four digit date code following the serial number that was month and year. Example - JO-12345-1084, this unit was built in October of 1984. Starting in the year 2000, same idea only it was a six digit date code following the serial number that is year and month. Example - 1234567-200105, this would have been build in May of 2001. Anything without the addition to the serial number would have been made before 1984 and would require contact with the factory.
Rheem & Rudd WeatherkingSomewhere in the middle of the serial number will be a letter. The following four numbers are the week and year.
TRANEUses alpha codes in their serial numbers to determine year of manufacture. They started this in 1987 with the letter B and skipped a couple of letters during the years... The first letter of the serial number gives the year of manufacture as follows:
In 2002 they started their serial numbers with the year it was built. In 2002 the first character of the serial number is 2, in 2003, 3 and so on.
Weil-McLainPlease look on the outside jacket of the boiler for a CP Serial Number. It will have a bar code on it. Call (or email) Weil-McLain and they will tell you the date of manufacture. Phone: 219-879-6561 ask for Technical Services
YORK (Unitary Products since 1984)York purchased Fraser, Johnston and Luxaire in 1980. Year of make indicated by 3rd letter in the serial number. Note: they skip the letters I, O, Q, U, Z.
1971 - A 1975 - E 1979 - J 1983 - N 1987 - T 1991 - Y 1995 - D 1999 - H 2003 - M 1972 - B 1976 - F 1980 - K 1984 - P 1988 - V 1992 - A 1996 - E 2000 - J 2004 - N 1973 - C 1977 - G 1981 - L 1985 - R 1989 - W 1993 - B 1997 - F 2001 - K 2005 - P 1974 - D 1978 - H 1982 - M 1986 - S 1990 - X 1994 - C 1998 - G 2002 - L 2006 - R
Rheem & Rudd: in the middle of the serial number will be a letter "F" the following four numbers are the week and year.
Carrier, Bryant, Payne, Day & Night: Recently (last 20 years or so) the first four numbers in the serial number represent the week and year. Previously, it was a complex series of letters and single digits. Call 905 672-0860 if you get stuck.
Lennox: Either the first two or second two digits are the year, it varies by era, but most of them actually have a separate sticker somewhere that has the year printed on it. Newer ones are first two equals manufacturing plant #, 2nd two are year and letter in fifth slot is month (A thru M minus I). So 5898G 07568 would be Plant # 58, Year of MFR would be 98 and month would be July. Amana: BLACKHORSE. B=1971 or 1981. (Of course, now that they've been bought by Goodman, who knows what'll happen.)
Goodman: First two digits of the serial number are the year. Second two are the month. Btu rating is model number..ie; GMP075-3 (75,000 bonnet input) Compressor is same :serial # 9709088872 (yr1997 wk 09) Tonnage is model # CK361C The first two numbers after the CK (letters) divided by 12 is tons. ie: 36 div by 12= 3 tons.
YORK HVAC DATING (Unitary Products since 1984) Note: they skip the letters I, O, Q, U, Z. Year of make indicated by 3rd letter in the serial number.
1971 - A 1992 - A 1972 - B 1993 - B 1973 - C 1994 - C 1974 - D 1995 - D 1975 - E 1996 - E 1976 - F 1997 - F 1977 - G 1998 - G 1978 - H 1999 - H 1979 - J 2000 - J 1980 - K 2001 - K 1981 - L 2002 - L 1982 - M 2003-M 1983 - N 2004-N 1984 - P 2005- P 1985 - R 1986 - S 1987 - T 1988 - V 1989 - W 1990 - X 1991 - Y
My blogs are restricted to home inspection, real estate and green building-related topics. I write most of them myself, posting work by others only when I find it unique or especially interesting or helpful.
Please feel free to contact me personally with questions about the subjects of my blogs.
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
;)
;)
