National Home Inspector Exam Prep Podcast

Send us Fan Mail Solid fuel heating systems include wood, wood pellets, coal, and biomass (corn cobs, etc.). Most coal systems have been replaced. Wood and biomass systems serve as supplemental heating or sole heat sources in some houses. Central solid fuel furnaces, free-standing wood stoves, fireplace inserts, and masonry/factory-built fireplaces all fall under solid fuel heating. Dual-fuel syst...

Send us Fan Mail Master cooling system inspection scope, in-scope vs. out-of-scope components, and essential terminology for professional home inspection reporting. Show Notes: Episode Overview: Learn the scope of cooling systems in home inspections, distinguish central vs. room cooling, identify in-scope components (air handler, evaporator, condenser, refrigerant lines, condensate disposal, drain...

Send us Fan Mail Understand the refrigerant cycle, cooling and heating modes, heat pump operation, and the role of key components in residential AC systems. Show Notes: Episode Overview: Learn how air conditioning systems operate, including the refrigerant cycle for air-source systems, the role of evaporator, compressor, condenser, and metering devices (TXV/TEV/EEV), and how heat pumps reverse the...

Send us Fan Mail Learn BTU capacity concepts, ACCA Manual J/S basics, sizing tolerances, and the risks of under- or over-sized cooling systems. Show Notes: Episode Overview: Inspectors are not required to confirm exact BTU capacity but should understand capacity concepts to assess potential sizing issues. Learn ACCA Manual J (load calculation) and Manual S (equipment selection), ideal sizing toler...

Send us Fan Mail Master visual inspection and operational testing of cooling systems, including safe operating conditions and temperature-drop measurements. Show Notes: Episode Overview: Learn the two main inspection tasks: visual inspection and operating the system via thermostat. Covers access panels, homeowner-serviceable parts, safety considerations, when NOT to operate systems (disrepair, unf...

Send us Fan Mail Explore condensate disposal systems, refrigerant line sets, thermostats, zoning controls, and proper installation requirements. Show Notes: Episode Overview: Covers condensate disposal (primary and auxiliary systems), typical piping and installation considerations, blockage risks, refrigerant line set basics (insulation, support, length/height limits), thermostats and zoning contr...

Send us Fan Mail Understand duct categories, materials (sheet metal, duct board, flex duct), proper design, sealing, and common installation defects. Show Notes: Episode Overview: Compare duct categories (low pressure/low velocity vs. high pressure/high velocity), typical design goals (Manual J for loads, Manual D for duct sizing), duct materials (sheet metal, duct board, flex duct), sealing and s...

Send us Fan Mail Comprehensive checklist of typical cooling system defects: evaporator, condenser, line set, thermostat, condensate, ducts, and more. Show Notes: Episode Overview: Complete list of typical defects across all cooling components: evaporator coil/air handler (support, level, condensate tray, air leaks, icing, cleanliness), condenser (level, clearance, sun exposure, fin/cabinet damage,...

Send us Fan Mail Certain older panelboards have documented or alleged defects that create safety hazards. Home inspectors should recognize these panels and make appropriate recommendations. Most are at or past end of service life. Federal Pacific Stab-Lok Identification: Logo "FPE" on enclosure Also known as Federal Electric and Challenger Most common in houses built mid-1950s to early 1...

Send us Fan Mail Alternative energy systems are increasingly common but typically out of scope for standard home inspections. This episode introduces these systems and helps inspectors recognize components and limitations. Common Residential Systems: Solar photovoltaic (PV) Wind turbines Solar water heating Passive solar design Ground-source heat pumps Water-source heat pumps Home Inspector Action...

Send us Fan Mail Electrical codes and standards evolve over time. Understanding when updates are required helps home inspectors make appropriate professional judgments about reporting older installations. Two General Rules Rule 1: Existing Work Existing work does NOT need updating if: It complied with rules in effect when installed System/component is functioning safely Not modified or extended Ru...

Send us Fan Mail Professional home inspectors must communicate using precise electrical terminology. This glossary episode covers essential terms for the National Home Inspector Exam and professional practice. Key Term Categories Safety Devices: GFCI (protects people from shock) AFCI (protects structures from fire) Circuit breakers and fuses (overcurrent protection) Grounding/Bonding: Grounding (s...

Send us Fan Mail Episode Overview Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms save lives—but only if properly installed and functioning. Standards of practice usually require reporting presence/absence only, but understanding these devices helps home inspectors educate clients. Fire Types and Smoke Alarm Types Two Fire Types: Flaming fires: Lots of flame, little smoke Smoldering fires: Lots of smoke, little...

Send us Fan Mail Knob and Tube Wiring (1900s-1930s) Named for ceramic knobs (support conductors) and ceramic tubes (protect conductors through framing). Most popular early 1900s to 1930s. Still may be installed as extension of existing systems. Correct Installation Standards: ≥1" distance between wires and objects (walls, floors, framing) ≥3" distance between wires ≤6" between knobs...

Send us Fan Mail Current Types Direct Current (DC): Flows one direction (positive to negative pole) Sources: Batteries, some power supplies for electronics Not used in utility distribution Alternating Current (AC): Flows back and forth at 60 cycles/second (North America) Used in modern utility electrical distribution Don't try to visualize how it flows—just trust that it does Three Phase vs....

Send us Fan Mail Certain branch circuits are required in modern homes to ensure adequate electrical capacity and safety. This episode covers required individual circuits, dedicated circuits, multiwire branch circuits, and proper circuit loading. Required Individual Branch Circuits: Kitchen Countertop Circuits: TWO 20-amp, 120V circuits serving ONLY kitchen countertops May also serve breakfast and...

Send us Fan Mail Master subpanel inspection requirements. Learn why neutral-ground separation is critical for safety, how to identify subpanels vs. main panels, and special grounding requirements for detached buildings. Episode Overview Subpanel grounding and bonding is different from main panel configuration—and these differences are critical for safety. This episode explains why neutrals must be...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 06 provides comprehensive coverage of outlets—receptacles, switches, lights, and appliance disconnects. Understanding proper installation, location requirements, and common defects is essential for identifying safety hazards during home inspections. Kitchen Countertop Receptacles: Spacing: No point >2 feet from receptacle (≈4 feet between receptacles) Must be GFCI prote...

Send us Fan Mail Modern wiring methods include various cable types and conduit systems, each with specific uses, limitations, and installation requirements. This episode covers the most common wiring methods home inspectors encounter and how to identify improper installations. What You'll Learn Nonmetallic Sheathed Cable (NM) and Underground Feeder (UF): NM (Romex): Predominant wiring since 1...

Send us Fan Mail Understand the critical difference between grounding and bonding. Learn how grounding protects equipment from voltage surges while bonding protects people by clearing ground faults through low-resistance return paths. Show Notes (Full): Episode Overview Grounding and bonding are often confused but serve distinct safety functions. This episode clarifies these critical concepts and...

Send us Fan Mail Inspecting electrical enclosure interiors is required by most standards of practice but presents safety risks. This episode teaches you how to inspect safely and effectively while identifying critical defects that could cause fires or electrocution. Safety Risks and Precautions: Electrocution risk: touching energized parts Arc-flash risk: sparks between energized and grounded part...

Send us Fan Mail Master electrical service systems from transformer to panelboard. Learn service drop vs. lateral configurations, clearance requirements, voltage/amperage ratings, and how to identify typical defects during inspections. Show Notes (Full): Episode Overview Welcome to the National Home Inspector Exam Prep Podcast! This episode covers the complete electrical service system - the criti...