A/C and Water Heater Equipment Locations

Who feels it is important to note the locations?

Condensing unit loc'd on exterior back side. Since all CUs are outside, does it really matter where?

Fan/coil unit located in attic. Etc. More important to note in attic, garage, laundry, hall closet, etc.

But most of us take pics of all the equipment, so is it waste of time to report the locations?

Location is an item on our report, so it always get noted where.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 07/24/2014 07:57 PM EDT

I don't note the locations of almost anything. There are few things in the SOP that require a description of the location.

What purpose would it serve?

Juan Jimenez wrote:I don't note the locations of almost anything. There are few things in the SOP that require a description of the location.

What purpose would it serve?

I use to run the Customer Service Dept. for a large home builder here and doing the initial homebuyer walk thru was one the main duties of that position. I take that background and try to help inform our Clients about the little things like that.
Not required, but we hear back enough that it is appreciated

"Front door is located at front of house. Door is a left swing door meaning door handle is on the right side of the door. Hinges are on the left."

I don't see a big enough benefit. I wouldn't do it.

Nathan wrote:"Front door is located at front of house. Door is a left swing door meaning door handle is on the right side of the door. Hinges are on the left."

I don't see a big enough benefit. I wouldn't do it.

C'mon, not that basic, gas, electric, water shutoffs (especially the ones you find in the Crawlspace or Attic), panel locations, air filter location and sizes. Things along those lines.

Okay, let's come up with the list...then we'll debate over whether it ends up on the report or in a separate document.

I document equipment identification data in a simple table within the specific section of the report for the unit(s.) The tables (ie headings) are the same across all report sections, just for "consistency." One of the column headings is indeed "location;" primarily useful to differentiate say the "outside" AC from the "attic" AC. Model#s and Serial#s are typed in, but most other entries are on pull-down lists.

Sometimes documenting a location can help prove you looked at it. Otherwise, how did you know where it was? A general picture can usually do this also.

Philo wrote:I document equipment identification data in a simple table within the specific section of the report for the unit(s.) The tables (ie headings) are the same across all report sections, just for "consistency." One of the column headings is indeed "location;" primarily useful to differentiate say the "outside" AC from the "attic" AC. Model#s and Serial#s are typed in, but most other entries are on pull-down lists.

What software, P?

Assuming you use RC, why would you type in model and serial #s?

Can you copy and poste an example?

I am looking for an easy way to report on multiple a/c systems. House tmrw is 4,795 a/c sf. I am expecting to find 3 or 4 split systems, maybe more if the garages are cooled.

Hey, Pete.
(Sorry, the table isnt formatted clearly; but see the column headings, you'll get the idea.)

Location Mfr. Model Serial SEER Tons Built
Outside, Big York H3RC060S06A WHMM015330 5.0 2003
Outside, Small Lennox AC13-030-230-02 5806K19039 13 2.5 2006

Attic Rheem CH33-36B-2F-2 6007B21632 3.0 2007
Attic ?? SFM60482TC 3K3291895 4.0 ??

Software: Whisper Reporter
Tables such as these can be stored in AutoText. I have different AC tables stored for multiple numbers of AC units. And again, the stored auto text tables have pull-down lists for some of the columns.
I don't use the camera app for RC, so I type m/n, s/n in, so they become a part of the client's report. The AC table goes to an "Appliance & Equipt" Summary page, with the rest of the house's appli/equipt; and that summary gets manually emailed to ISG (since Whisper has not integrated RC into the software yet.)
I voice-record m/n and s/n data; I don't like using a phone on the job for a camera, and don't have to worry if the photo will be legible by ISG.
All my equipt and appliance numbers go into the inspection report for client use. I try to "take credit" for all I do; including documenting all those numbers. If there are not "potential recalls," then the homebuyer wouldn't know my inspection included documenting all those numbers, (some of which may actually be useful to the buyer.)

Pete, it is always a good idea to note the location of all HVAC systems, proves you looked at it for one thing! Takes no time at all to add. Keep it up!

One of the things I like to note locations of is GFCI outlet that are not obvious. I have seen a master bathroom trip a hall bath GFCI and even a main level 1/2 bath tied into the same GFCI. It doesn't serve a purpose other than just for reference if they know it's in the report (if they even read it). I also like to verbally tell them about odd locations.

If SOP requires it yes, other than that, no.

Well except for the auxiliary condensate line. I always have taken a picture of it and noted it's location and a description of what they need to do if it's dripping.

Pete Campbell wrote:Sometimes documenting a location can help prove you looked at it. Otherwise, how did you know where it was? A general picture can usually do this also.

Always something to get me thinking. I'll meet you 1/2 way on this one buddy and say not to include it in the report but to have your inspection photos stored for future reference, proving that you were there.