• Home
  • About Us
  • Forensic Services
  • Our Experts
  • Locations
  • Contact Us
  • Awards
  • Careers
  • Featured Projects
  • Continuing Education
  • News & Events

U.S. Forensic

  • Home
  • Client Resources
  • Submit an Assignment
Featured Projects
  • About Us
    • Leadership
    • Qualifications
    • Professional Organizations
  • Forensic Services
  • Our Experts
  • Locations
  • Contact Us
    • Submit an Assignment
    • Client Resources
    • Sign Up for Emails
    • Customer Satisfaction Survey
  • Awards
  • Careers
  • Education
  • Featured Projects
  • News & Events

Heat Maintenance Evaluation

February 11, 2019 in Featured Projects, News & Events

It was reported that a residential building in the Northeast was damaged due to frozen and burst water or heat pipes. We were retained to provide a weather analysis for the time period during which the damages reportedly occurred, and to provide opinions regarding whether or not the capacity of the heating system in the building was adequate to provide reasonable heat to the building, and whether or not reasonable heat was maintained in the building during the time period in question. Our work to complete this assignment was performed by Dennis Morrissey, P.E.

Background

It was reported by the homeowner that between January 7th and January 10th of 2018 he was away on vacation. When he returned to the property on the 10th, he discovered that the boiler was not functioning. There were water leaks and water damage throughout the interior of the building. He stated that he maintains the programmable thermostat setting on hold at 67 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the winter season, and that when he was on vacation, the thermostat was set at 67 degrees Fahrenheit. Shortly before our inspection, he said that he noticed that the thermostat was not functioning properly due to dead batteries. He indicated that he replaced the batteries, but was unable to restore the thermostat to proper operation.

The homeowner reported that in November of 2017, 300 gallons of fuel oil were delivered to the property. No additional fuel oil deliveries were made to the property between November of 2017 and September 4, 2018, the date of our inspection.
The homeowner reported that since January 10, 2018 through the date of our inspection, the boiler remained off, and aside from replacing the batteries in the thermostat, no repairs or modifications were performed to the building.
We were provided with copies of utility bills for the property, including gas, water, and electric, during the periods that included January 10, 2018.

Weather Information

Weather information recorded at an airport located approximately 6 miles from the property, indicated that between December 1, 2017 and January 10, 2018, the average outside air temperatures recorded in the area were as indicated in the table below.

Date or Date Range Averages of Outside Air Temperature

Analyses

The scope of our assignment was to determine whether the capacity of the heating system in the building was adequate to provide the reasonable heat to the building, and to provide an opinion regarding whether reasonable heat was maintained in the building on or about January 10, 2018.

The heating system at the property was a single-zone, 2-pipe low pressure steam system with cast-iron radiators and an oil-fired boiler. The net heat output of the boiler was 241,000 BTU/Hr. The steam pipes routed within the unheated basement area were insulated and the radiators were located appropriately to distribute the heat evenly throughout the living areas of the building. The physical evidence we observed and the heat loss calculations we performed indicated that the heating system in the building was adequate to provide reasonable heat to the building.

The owner reported that he maintained a thermostat setting of 67 degrees Fahrenheit in the building throughout the winter season. We performed heat loss calculations for the building for the period of December 1, 2017 and January 10, 2018, using available outside air temperature data and measurements and observations of the building characteristics made during our inspection of the building. We used the boiler efficiency values indicated on the boiler identification plate, and reasonable and commonly accepted values for the heat capacity of fuel oil, the heat conductivity of the building components, and air infiltration rates in the building. We ignored convective and radiant heat losses, which results in our calculations underestimating the amount of energy required to heat the building during the winter months.

The heat loss calculations we performed indicated that 565 gallons of fuel oil was required to maintain an average temperature of 67 degrees Fahrenheit within the building from December 1, 2017 through January 10, 2018. We performed an alternative calculation using an average temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit inside the building, which is a commonly accepted interior temperature that constitutes reasonable heat maintenance in an unoccupied residential building. The calculations we performed indicated that 274 gallons of fuel oil was required to maintain an inside temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit within the building between December 1, 2017 and January 10, 2018.

Heat Loss Calculations

Fuel Usage

We were not provided with any documentation regarding fuel oil deliveries to the property during any time period. The homeowner reported that in November of 2017, 300 gallons of fuel oil were delivered to the property and that immediately following the delivery he measured the fuel oil level in the underground storage tank to be 30 inches above the bottom of the tank. He reported that no additional fuel oil was delivered to the property between November of 2017 and our inspection of the property on September 4, 2018.

During our inspection, we measured the fuel oil level to be approximately 25 inches above the bottom of the underground storage tank. This reading, and the information reported by the homeowner, indicates that the maximum drop in fuel oil level in the tank from the date of the last fuel oil delivery in November of 2017 through January 10, 2018, was approximately 5 inches.

We were not provided with any information regarding the capacity or dimensions of the underground fuel tank at the property and we were not able to obtain the dimensions of the tank during our inspection. However, based upon the information provided by the homeowner that the maximum fuel oil delivery made to the property was 300 gallons, the measurements we performed at the property, the commonly available underground fuel oil storage tanks fabricated for installation at residential properties, combined with our experience regarding underground fuel oil tanks installed at residential properties, a reasonable presumption is that the tank at the property was a 330 gallon capacity tank installed in a horizontal position. For a 330 gallon tank installed horizontally, the applicable tank chart indicated that the maximum fuel oil consumption for a 5 inch drop in level is approximately 67 gallons. This fuel oil consumption is 207 gallons less than the fuel oil necessary to maintain an average temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit within the building.

We reviewed all commonly available fuel oil tanks fabricated for use at residential properties and the largest tank that might be reasonably assumed to be installed at the property is a 1000 gallon capacity tank. A fuel oil level drop from 30 inches to 25 inches for a 1000 gallon tank would correspond to a fuel oil consumption of 131 gallons, which is 143 gallons less than necessary to maintain a temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit within the building.

Conclusions

The physical evidence measured and observed at the property, the reported information, and the heat loss calculations performed indicated that reasonable heat was not maintained in the building between December 1, 2017 and January 10, 2018.

Photographs

View of the north side of the building.
View of the rear (west) side of the building
View of the driveway pavement adjacent to the south side of the central portion of the building. Note the fuel oil tank fill cap.

View within the attic area of the building. Note the nominal insulation installed within portions of the ceiling joist bays.
View of the steam boiler within the central portion of the south side of the basement area beneath the building.
View of a typical cast-iron steam radiator within the living area of the building.

View of the broken water pipe valve housing within the bathroom in the central portion of the south side of the upper level of the building.
View of the broken valve stem.

Welcoming NC, SC, & VA Client Services Manager

January 26, 2023 in News & Events

Solidifying a Case: Forensic Engineering’s Role in Subrogation

January 5, 2023 in News & Events

Honoring Our Veterans

November 11, 2022 in News & Events

New Locations – Milwaukee & Tuscaloosa

October 6, 2022 in News & Events

Mr. Fontenot, P.E. Joins Our Team of Mechanical Experts – Louisiana

September 14, 2022 in News & Events

What Our Clients Are Saying

"Great communications, and the work performed was done in a timely manner. It covered all the areas we were looking for and the finished report was very detailed and easy to understand. Great that the investigator follows up with a phone call to cover any questions that one may have about the information in the report."

"I would say that my experience has always been exceptional. I love working with Michelle Hughes as she is very prompt and attentive to your needs. She gets the assignments to where it needs to be very timely and the engineer's report is always on point and easy to comprehend. If I run into any issues with ascertaining any clarity, the engineers have always in the past been easy to reach and willing to provide any necessary additional information needed."

"Assignment accepted and acknowledged very promptly. Engineer made prompt contact and communicated throughout the process. Report completed and returned very promptly. The whole process was done in a very professional manner. All individuals involved from Michelle Hughes to Brian Darr are to be commended."

"I have used U.S. Forensic for several years in my capacity as a General Adjuster and always receive excellent and on-time service. I would highly recommend them to anyone needing assistance with an insurance claim."

"Great engineer assigned. We had some difficulty contacting policyholder on several occasions and Dennis hung in there with us. Providing timely and excellent service."

"I love working with U.S. Forensic as I have had a great working relationship with Michelle Hughes for multiple years at several other insurance companies. She makes it very easy and stress free for assignments and just a great overall individual that represents the company to the fullest. The work product is great as well."

"US Forensic is always willing to go the extra mile when asked and even when not asked. I appreciate their timely responses, reports and contact with our insureds. In addition their invoices are fair! We love US Forensic! Thanks for all that you do for us!"

"Very easy to submit claim to US Forensics for them to start a case. Very quick response time with acceptance of case and updates on the case. Very detailed report that is easy to read and understand. Very pleased with experience."

"Always a pleasure to work with your knowledgeable staff and engineers."

"Very thorough, efficient and timely. Great communication throughout process."

"From submitting the claim through receiving results, I'm 100% satisfied, and will definitely be keeping US Forensic on speed-dial for any new claims in LA. Thank you so much!"

"I recently called Michelle Hughes for some help...Because of system issues US Forensic is unable to provide the engineers contact info with their [automated] email however, Michelle, quickly figured out a solution. I love working with Michelle, she really is the best rep I've personally ever dealt with! Thank you Michelle and to US Forensic staff! You guys really do make our jobs easier!"

"Mike Deharde was extremely knowledgeable and very thorough, his report was very detailed and helpful to overall resolution of the claim. I would love to work with him again."

"Friendly, knowledgeable and thorough staff. I always appreciate your assistance no matter the type of claim."

"Very satisfied with the services provided by US Forensic. Quick turnaround time, knowledgeable engineers, professional reports and easy to understand conclusions. Highly recommend them for any insurance related investigations!"

“I used them many times around the country for mechanical failure and fire O&C claims. They are very detailed and professional with their inspections and write a very solid easy to follow report.”

“Professional engineers that provide great, quality services. Michelle Hughes has done continuing education for our company... I’d definitely recommend US Forensic.”

“Great company to work with, the engineers are very well trained and knowledgeable in their prospective fields…I am always pleased with the service I receive on the assignments given to your organization.”

“USF is an absolute fantastic place to work with a great environment and culture!”

“The response is always very prompt with initial results reported promptly so we can take appropriate action.”

“This company is great. I would highly recommend them. I dealt with Rob and his customer service and attention to detail is superb.”

Employment Opportunities

U.S. Forensic: Family-Like Culture & High Quality Results

On October 23rd, The Times-Picayune and The New Orleans Advocate published an article highlighting the U.S. Forensic organization and why it was … Read More

Engineering Opportunities in Chicago

Hiring Civil & Structural Engineers U.S. Forensic is hiring civil and structural engineers in the Chicago area to perform forensic evaluations.  … Read More

Civil Engineering Opportunities in Louisiana

Engineering Career Opportunities in Louisiana U.S. Forensic, a forensic engineering firm providing services throughout the U.S., has full-time and … Read More

See All Employment Opportunities

Contact Us

U.S. Forensic Main Office
3201 Ridgelake Drive
Metairie, LA 70002
Map

(504) 831-7001 Office
(888) 873-0012 Toll Free
(888) 436-3092 Fax

Email Us

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube

General Conditions
of Service Contract

SiteLock
Anchorage, AK · Atlanta, GA · Austin, TX · Birmingham, AL · Buffalo, NY · Charlotte, NC · Cheyenne, WY · Chicago, IL · Cleveland, OH · Columbia, SC · Dallas, TX · Denver, CO · Des Moines, IA · Destin, FL · Detroit, MI · Flint, MI · Ft. Myers, FL · Grand Junction, CO · Greensboro, NC · Greenville, SC · Hattiesburg, MS · Houston, TX · Indianapolis, IN · Jackson, MS · Jacksonville, FL · Kansas City, MO · Lafayette, LA · Lansing, MI · Las Vegas, NV · Lexington, KY · Los Angeles, CA · Macon, GA · Memphis, TN · Miami, FL · Milwaukee, WI · Minneapolis, MN · Mobile, AL · Nashville, TN · New Orleans, LA · New York City, NY · Newark, NJ · Norfolk, VA · Oklahoma City, OK · Omaha, NE · Orlando, FL · Philadelphia, PA · Phoenix, AZ · Picayune, MS · Pittsburgh, PA · Portland, ME · Pueblo, CO · Salt Lake City, UT · San Antonio, TX · San Francisco, CA · Santa Fe, NM · Seattle, WA · St. Louis, MO · Stratford, CT · Syracuse, NY · Tallahassee, FL · Tampa, FL · Toledo, OH · Tuscaloosa, AL · Washington D.C. · West Palm Beach, FL

© 2023 U.S. Forensic · Privacy Policy · web design

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL cookies.
Cookie Settings   Accept
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT