Chapter 8: Mechanical Systems and Insulation

Electrical

-Electrical Service Size, from 60 amps in old homes to 200 amps in new, is dictated by the service entrance cable entering the property. As power enters the house, it travels into main disconnect with 2 fuses or 2 circuit breakers, sometimes connected together to look like 1 big breaker. The size of the service entrance cable determines how much electricity is available. 

-The resistance of any material to electricity is measured in ohms. The power is measured in watts.

-Distribution Panel distributes electricity through circuits into different parts of the house.

-Electrical Current (ток) measured in amps.

-Disconnect switch is used to provide or shut off all power in a structure. Can be in the panel or a separate box. 

-Grounded outlets provide safety escape rout in case something goes wrong. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters are normally used for bathroom circuits and exterior outlets, but could be utilized in various situations.

-Knob and Tube wiring was used (pre1950s), derives its name from the ceramic knobs and tubes. Problems may arise from overloading.

 

Heating 

-Furnaces and Boilers are central heating systems in that the heat is generated and distributed. 

• Electric Furnace
• Gas Furnace
• Gravity Furnace - relies on air convection rather having a fan.
• Oil Furnace 

-Capacity refers to amount of heat the a system can generate. Rating are given through BTUs per hour.

-Efficiency is about 55-65%. Mid-efficiency is 80% range. High-efficiency mid to high 90% range.

-Hot water boilers consist of closed and open systems.

-Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) regulate the even distribution of heating, cooling and fresh air throughout a building.

-Fireplace, the air goes up the chimney (труба). Flue (дымоход) is a separate channel for the discharge of smoke, located above firebox and smoke shelf. 

-Condensing furnace is the high efficiency furnace.

 

Plumbing (водопровод)

-The supply of water for drinking, washing and cooking, disposal of water and waste. 

-Wrapping the pipes with fibre glass insulation reduces noise.

-Hot water tanks are insulated to provide higher energy efficiency. 

-Water Wells legislated by the Ministry of Environment. Water testing - chemical analysis and microbiological analysis. Buyers and sellers must be fully informed regarding water test procedures.

 

Sewage Systems

-Most houses are connected to municipal sewer system.

-Class 4 Sewage System is the most common form of private onsite waste sewage. Consists of tank and leaching bed. Soil conditions must be done to establish the exact location.

-Class 5 installs only under specific situations. Holding tanks are grouped under class 5.

 

Insulation

-Thermal insulation is typically discussed in terms of R-Value: the higher the #, the greater the resistance to heat transfer. The RSI value is a metric equivalent of R-Value. RCI is metric and R is imperial.

• Conduction
• Convection
• Radiation

Energy Efficiency

-R-2000 is an energy efficiency program relating to new residential construction. Registration certificate is issued by Natural Resources Canada. 

-Energy Audit is an analysis of energy loss in a structure, typically including recommendations. 

1. air leakage and general condition of insulation.
2. Humidity and moisture lvl that can result in mould.
3. windows and other openings. 
4. furnace and duct distribution systems.
5. water heater system.