The difference between a residential and a commercial multi-family property depends on the number of units to be inspected. Most state regulations define a residential building as a structure containing four or fewer dwelling units. By that definition, a commercial building is a structure containing five or more dwelling units, so it should be as…
Waste oil recovery unit (oil tank at the bottom) Waste oil recovery heaters are a very popular method of heating found in workshops and mechanics’ garages across the county. They are very cost-effective because they use the waste oil found in those shops and turn it into free heat. These units are composed of three…
Infrared tube heaters, also referred to as tube heaters, are found in large open spaces, such as warehouses, factories, and other industrial spaces. Tube heaters may also be found over doorways to prevent heat loss and on restaurant patios for customer comfort. A tube heater is an alternative to a central heating system. It is…
Outside ductless heat pump compressor Mini-split heat pumps, also referred to as ductless heat pumps, are an alternative to radiators and baseboard heating, as well as a replacement for window units for cooling. It is a common cooling source for computer rooms and remote locations where ducting and hydronic systems do not have coverage. Like…
An evaporative cooling system is different from an air conditioning system in that an air conditioning system relies on refrigerant gases and a chemical process to cool the air, whereas an evaporative cooling system uses water to cool the air. (Here, we discuss evaporative coolers, also called swamp coolers, that utilize direct evaporative cooling technology.…
A hanging gas furnace is a cost-effective alternative to a central heating system in warehouses, garages, loading docks, and manufacturing environments that typically have high ceilings and open floor plans, as they do not take up floor space. Commonly referred to as hanging units, under most conditions, they do not require much maintenance, and have…
Evaporative cooling is a technology that utilizes evaporation and blowing air to cool buildings. It may be the sole cooling source, or it may be combined with an air conditioning system. In general, there are three types of evaporative cooling systems found in commercial buildings: direct evaporative cooling, indirect evaporative cooling, and direct/indirect evaporative cooling.…
There are various types of electric heating systems. They all use electricity to transfer heat in the following three ways: forced air; convection; and radiation. Here, we are concerned with the use of electric baseboard heaters as a heating source in commercial buildings. Convection is known by most people by the phrase “heat rises.” Convection…
There are two different types of boilers found in commercial buildings: hot water and steam boilers. There are similarities between the two types of boilers, and differences as well. Both types of boilers have a fuel source. This could be natural gas, propane, fuel oil, or electricity. There are some that use solid fuel, like…
A standard commercial property inspection according to the ComSOP should include the visual inspection of permanently installed restrooms throughout the property. While this is generally a visual-only inspection, the general operation of some fixtures, devices, valves, and stoppers is typically required using basic manual techniques in order to test their normal functionality. Any fixture or…
Definitions and Acronyms You Should Know: building code: rules and regulations adopted by the governmental authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) over the construction and/or remodeling of the commercial property. code official: the officer or other government-designated authority charged with enforcement of building codes. IBC: International Building Code ICC: International Code Council IPC: International Plumbing Code The…
An Annual Building Maintenance Inspection is a comprehensive, visual examination of a commercial property within a 12-month period. It is designed to identify defects within specific systems and components as delineated in the International Standards of Practice for Inspecting Commercial Properties (ComSOP) and to monitor the condition of a building over a period of time…
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