Test Holes

LIBob51

I've recently had a rash of jobs with no test hole in the stack. Since it's argueably the most important safety feature within the heating system, no house is left without making the hole, and of course taking the tests that it's meant for. My main problem is the costumer's reaction to drilling the hole. I always explain that the hole was made to perform tests so I can tell them without a doubt their unit is running at it's peak, and more importantly, it's safe to operate. Many people have watched me take the tests, and many times make adjustments to obtain the proper results. Some have told me a decent tech wouldn't need the tests to know the unit is running well, others have sworn to have me fired, and of course some have promised not to use their previous service company after seeing things done properly. So does anyone have any suggestions on how to explain the importance of the test hole to the average homeowner?

billtwocase

also important

is to seal the hole back up. I find that they know enough about the possibility of CO, and are uneasy about any additional potentials. I have always used cement to reseal. I find tapes, plugs, etc don't stay very long

Steve_152

test holes

i do not know where you are,  but in Maine  it is  now a code issue that  you must do an efficiency test,  & leave  a copy on site.

Steve_152

test holes

i do not know where you are,  but in Maine  it is  now a code issue that  you must do an efficiency test,  & leave  a copy on site.

billtwocase

in Mass

combustion testing is a must. It just amazes me to pick up a new customer and find test holes everywhere that are open, and not sealed back up. I'm assuming that you reseal the test hole after testing, but find some that figure that such a small hole, nothing will escape thru it. Not true

icesailor

Holes:

If you do oil or gas service, check with your insurance company. You might find that they have a MANDATE that you test and leave a copy of the test EVERY TIME YOU SERVICE A HEATING APPLIANCE. so you can prove that when you left, it was running properly. If not, you may be on your own.

Unfortunately, there are far too many service persons that don't need to combustion test. They know so much that they can tell, "just by looking at it". Tell that to an inspector after there is a problem. Or a Tort Lawyer representing the other side in a Tort action against you or someone else.

As for any homeowner that questions the use of a digital combustion analyzer, ask them to get a notarized note from THEIR (the homeowners) insurance company saying that YOU are not liable for any damages if there is a problem and no combustion testing is done. Bet you won't get the note. And don't take the word of a Salesperson sitting in an office somewhere. Get it on Insurance Company paper with their logo right on top for the world to see.

Not DA combustion testing is like using a wool sock for a condom.

MO.

Paul Fredricks_3

Code

I believe it's NFPA code that anytime anything is done that can effect combustion a test must be done. We only do oil, so any nozzle change, pump replacement or adjustment, air band cleaned or burner motor replacement gets a test and a print out.



I never plug the hole. I've seen the silver tape on the holes which was never made for high temp applications and can cause odors. I've seen furnace cement on the holes which looks like crap. screw plugs look better. Sometimes the customer asks about it and I point out the giant hole with the draft regulator in it. If that hole is OK, the tiny one from the test is nothing. I also point out the the chimney is a giant vacuum cleaner and it's always pulling air in.

billtwocase

not only for flue gas escape

I also don't like seeing rusty boiler jacket tops, etc from the acidic residue that comes out and sits on top eating away at the paint and metal. I always reseal

LIBob51

Icesailor

I like the way you think. Your notorized letter idea is probably the only thing I could add in lol

VictoriaEnergy

....uh oh

Wool socks don't work.?...?

Mark Eatherton

What Paul said...

As it pertains to nat gas nat draft appliances, that little hole is NOTHING compared to the BIG hole that the factory provides for vent hood relief, and if IT is backing up, they've got a WHOLE lot more to worry about. On atmospherics, if I have to drill a hole, I rarely plug it off.



EXCEPT for modcons, which can run a slightly positive pressure at the breaching...



What makes the hair stand up on the back of my neck is seeing a mis-drilled hole. In other words, they are taking flue gas samples downstream of the dilution hood on the flue breaching. Nice instrument. Been using it long? Ever read the instructions that came with it?



I think the manufacturers SHOULD provide a means of sampling flue gas on modcon boilers, and I for one would be willing to pay the additional $20 for such a feature.



Most of the Europeans include the test ports as part of their system. I think it is time that the North American contingent of boiler manufacturers get in line with the rest of the world.



Of course, I'd also like to see a requirement for an annual inspection ala Germany. I know, no one wants any more government intervention in their lives than they already have, but this is one of those areas that needs attention, and if left to the whims of the consumer, it will never happen.



I wonder how many decaquadratherms per year could be saved by requiring an annual test and tune.... Hmmm more research for the DOE cronies....





ME

Gordan

Sure they do!

The chafing promotes abstinence.

billtwocase

can't comment on gas

but on oil the test hole should get plugged. I don't know where this thread was going gas/oil or both? My post is strictly for oil fired appliances, and is just my opinion from observations over the last 30 plus years