Chilliwack Home Inspection: HVAC Terms Explained

BC home inspectors are licensed by Consumer Protection BC, and there's no single standard report format, so wording differs between inspectors. Around Chilliwack, reports often cover a wide mix of equipment: gas furnaces, heat pumps, boilers, wood stoves and, on rural properties, oil or propane systems. These notes explain what common terms usually mean. Rely on your inspector's findings and ask them about anything unclear.

Furnaces and boilers

Heat exchanger not fully visible — Most of it can't be seen without taking the unit apart. A technician can inspect it more closely.

Boiler pressure / relief valve — Hot water systems run at a set pressure; a dripping relief valve or wrong pressure needs attention.

Venting / chimney concerns — Gaps, poor slope, corrosion or a shared chimney can affect safety. See furnace service.

Heat pumps and cooling

Heat pump not tested in heating / cooling — Inspectors may not run a mode that suits the season. It's a gap, not a defect.

Outdoor unit on ground / no stand — Units sitting low can sit in water or snow. A stand helps.

Ductless head — A wall-mounted indoor unit of a ductless heat pump. See ductless heat pumps.

Rural and older systems

Oil tank (in use or abandoned) — Buried or old tanks may need inspection or proper removal. Ask what your insurer and lender require.

Propane appliances — Need proper venting and certified gas fitter service.

Wood stove / insert — Needs regular chimney sweeping and inspection.

Air and safety

HRV / ERV — A ventilation unit that brings in fresh air; filters and core need cleaning. See ventilation and filtration.

CO alarm missing — Homes with fuel-burning appliances should have carbon monoxide alarms near sleeping areas.

How serious is it?

• Monitor: dirty filters, older but working equipment, no recent service.
• Fix soon: missing CO alarms, boiler pressure issues, outdoor unit without a stand.
• Before closing: no heat, venting problems, gas or propane smell, abandoned oil tank questions.

For inspectors and agents

You're welcome to link this page for clients. Related: choosing an HVAC contractor in Chilliwack · heating a farmhouse · heat pump or AC