2618 RUCKER AVE 2018-01-01 MF Import

Lngineer's Inspection of th� Propzrty Localed at Page 27 2618 a�d 2626 Rucker Avenue, Everetl, Washinglon � Condensation and mildew problems occur more readily than with.forced air sys:ems. They have the advantage that diflerent areas can be controlled to have differe.nl temperatures. Any electric-resistance system such as this is relatively expensive to operale. I checked severai oi � them and tound them presently operabie, except for one in the living area in the upper apartment. The kitChen baSeboard unit was covered with trash and was not tested. It is normai for them to burn out irom time to time. At least one baseboard unit front cover is missing. INSULATION; I found no insulation above the ceilings as viewed from the attic. I recrommend a minimum R-value oi 38 in this case. I would not expect to find insulation in the exterior walls. O( course, there is very little access where I Could check it. I recommend that ttie weatherstripping ot the doors and windows be improved. '�his should be done with quality materials. The weather;:tripping shr+uid be applied carefully to prevent the btnding oi openable units. The building presently has single gtazing in the windows. The installation of double glazing or Storm windows will improve comtort and substantially reduce heating costs. It will aiso sfgnificantly reduce the penetration of outside noise into ihe interior. However, it is expensive, and the economic returns often do not justify the expense. I recommend lhat it be considered, but careiully. Building 2626 BOILpR: The boiler is a retrofit, gas-fired hot water unit. To determine the needed output of a furnace, k is necessary to pertorm a detailed heat•loss analysis of the building, which is beyond the scope of this inspection. It appears probable thet this furnace has sufficient � �et normal haating standards. It appears that its designed.-in eific(ency,VJoQ(d`�'�':;:�✓�''-�' '''-�''"p ��f1�Ti�verage. It is an oid unit with a Cast-iron heat exchanger and was designed to burn solid fUel. Such boilers usually iast a very long time, but are less efficient than newer designs. The boiler system was not opera�ing at the time ot my inspection and was not tested for ope.ration. WAT�R CIRCULATION SYSTEM: The water is pumped through the system, rather than relying on convection. SYSTEM BALANCE: There is only one thermostat controlling the boiler operation, so I would not expect the system to be well balanced. INSUTATION: I found no insulation above the ceilings as viewed irom the attic. I recommend a minimum R-value of 30 in this case. I would not expect to find insulation in the exterior wails. Of course, there is very IiNle access where I couid check it.