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LIFE

Gas meters can't be near dryer vents

Question: I was told by a home inspector that the distance for my dryer vent and air conditioner are too close to my gas meter? What should a person look for as far as distances?

Answer: Gas meters should be located at least 3 feet from sources of ignition. Examples of sources of ignition are electric meter sockets disconnects, outlets, generators, air conditioners, etc. During a home inspection, the air conditioner is often found to be within 3 feet of the gas regulator vent. When this occurs, the gas vent needs to be moved by Wisconsin Public Service. This is an easy procedure. They put a pipe in the gas vent and move it away from the vent that is too close.

The following are clearances from the gas regulator vent that should be followed: A building air intake system either gravity or power must be 10 feet away from a gas vent; the clothes dryer must vent at least 3 feet away from the gas vent, and an appliance exhaust and any appliance air intake should be a minimum of 3 feet from the gas vent. Central air units must be 3 feet away from the gas vent.

Q: My home was recently inspected, and in the report it stated that some of the windows have broken seals. What does this mean? Aren't they fitting tight? What can I do?

A: This has nothing to do with how tight they are fitting or if the windows need weather stripping. When you have thermo pane windows, which means two panes of glass with a gas in between the panes for insulating qualities, When the seal becomes weak or as we call it broken, it does not mean the window is actually broken, in fact you may not see any type of damage but what does show up is that air gets in between the panes of glass causes it to fog up. Sometimes you just see something that looks like a dirty window but if your run your hand across the inside and outside of the window it doesn't come off which means it is trapped in between the panes of glass. Other windows show signs of moisture in between and are so fogged up that you can't even see outside.

You can call your local glass company with windows that have a broken seal; they will replace the thermo pane part of the window. Because of the style, some windows will have to be replaced.

Q: My home inspection report said the floors in the home I was buying were in good condition, but the carpet was worn and torn. The vinyl was ripped. What is he looking at?

A: In a home inspection, a home inspector is not looking at the quality of the flooring. In my report, I may mention the flooring is torn etc. I may check the box that the floor is satisfactory but not report it in the summary report of needed repairs. If the floor is solid and I am not falling through the floor, that is what I am inspecting, not the cosmetics of the flooring. In new construction it would be a totally different inspection if you had cracked floor tiles etc. This shouldn't happen in new construction unless the floor tile is installed wrong.

Q: What can't you inspect that you normally would?

A: Any item that is turned off or unplugged cannot be inspected (refrigerator, gas fireplace, furnace, etc.). The reason we cannot assess these items when they are off, is they may be off for a reason and the inspector could cause serious damage to the home if he turns them on. We cannot build a fire in a wood stove.

In my report, I tell people if they have never used a wood stove or wood burning fireplace go to your local dealer and have them give you tips for proper operation. I do not recommend wood stoves if you do not plan on following through of proper usage, your chimneys cleaned and the units checked every year.

Rich Duerkop of American Sentry Home Inspection is a state-licensed home inspector and president and education director of the Wisconsin Association of Home Inspectors, Central Wisconsin Chapter. He can be reached at 715-241-8222 or by email at americansentry1@charter.net.