Investigating Hydronic System Operation

Just recently, we completed training in effective and efficient chilled water systems. For those that are unfamiliar with hydronic systems, water is cooled by a large refrigeration machine called a chiller and then circulated to fan coil units. Air is forced over the coils and the cooled water used to absorb heat from the air. The cooler air is then blown into various spaces within a building. The class focused on such topics as chiller loading, pumping systems, and flow balancing. These are important concepts because during the design phase, if consideration is incorrectly or not given to how the building load is handled, hot and cold spots within the building can result, prompting claims and lawsuits. In addition, cooling equipment could begin to “short cycle”. That is, the chillers will operate for a short time, turn off, and then restart. The cycle will continue until the problem is addressed or a failure occurs. The end result of short cycling is the severe curtailing of equipment life. Another reason for initiating claims and lawsuits. Another area
of concern is efficiency, While it is desirable to have mechanical equipment operate as efficiently as possible, sometimes that’s not always the case. Inefficiency usually manifests itself as a reduced return on investment or payback to the building owner. As with a faulty design, an insufficient payback
can also result in claims and lawsuits against the design professional as well as the general and sub-contractors. It is extremely important to have someone who knows how these systems are supposed to work when they are evaluated for faulty designs and installation.

Ford Fusion and MKZ Recalls

Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ Recall

The Ford Motor Company has recalled both its Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles for a problem with the front brake hoses.
The recall applies to 2013 through 2018 model years and involves approximately 1.3 million units. The problem
with the hoses is that they can rupture and leak brake fluid. The resulting leak can increase vehicle stopping distances.
Ford will begin sending recall letters to owners on April 17, 2023. It should be noted that parts are not yet available and
a second letter will be sent to owners advising when they can take their vehicles in for repair. Owners should then take
their vehicles to their dealers where the front brake hoses will be replaced free of charge. For additional information,
owners can call Ford at 1-866-436-7332 and referencing recall # 23S12.

Screener Fire Potential

Back in December, we were asked to investigate the cause of a “screener” fire. A screener is a type of machine that can take wood and dirt debris and separate the larger pieces from the smaller. The finer material can then be used to landscape property. Photos of a screener are shown below in photos 1 and 2

In this particular instance, the screener under investigation had been purchased “new” and was only two months old when a small engine fire occurred. Upon examination, it was obvious that the fire erupted on the top of the engine. According to the manufacturer, their screeners are equipped with a 20.8 horsepower engine, manufactured by Honda Small Engines and identified by model number GX630. The engine is shown in photos 3 and 4.

It should also be noted that the manufacturer of the screener, Warkentin Fabricating, is a Canadian company located in Harrow; Ontario, Canada. In addition, Warkentin markets the screener under the “North 42 Ventures” and “Hustler” brand names. Furthermore, it should be noted that no recalls have been issued for the screener or the engine at this time. However, owners and operators of this type of machine should remain cautious and shut down the machine in event of unusual operation or sighting of smoke and flames. Moreover, questions pertaining to instances of fire and engine malfunction should be directed to the Warkentin dealer in the owner’s area.

Ford Recalls

The Ford Motor Company has announced the following recalls for its Escape, Bronco Sport, Lincoln Corsair, and Maverick vehicles:

2020-2023 Escapes and 2021-2023 Bronco Sport equipped with 1.5 liter engines.  The fuel injectors in these vehicles can crack and develop a fuel leak.  The resulting fuel leakage can ignite causing an underhood fire.  521,778 vehicles have been recalled and Ford intends to update the engine control software to indicate when a fuel leak occurs. Ford also will install a drain tube to channel fuel away from a hot engine surface.  Owner notification is expected to begin on December 19, 2022.  Ford’s recall number for this recall is 22S73.  It should be noted that this recall applies to vehicles repaired under campaign # 22V-191.  Vehicles previously repaired will have to have the new remedy installed. 

2020-2022 Escape, 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair, and 2022 Maverick vehicles equipped with 2.5 liter HEV or PHEV engines.  Engine oil and fuel vapors can accumulate in the engine compartment.  These vapors, in the presence of an ignition source, can ignite and cause an engine fire.  Owners are advised to shut down their vehicles as soon as possible if they hear any unusual engine noises, sense a reduction in power, or see smoke.  Ford dealers will modify the under engine shield and active grille shutter free of charge.  Ford’s recall number for this recall is 22S47.  It is expected that 100,689 vehicles will be affected by this recall.  Owner notification began on August 19, 2022.

2020-2022 Escape and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport equipped with 1.5 liter engines.  The engine oil separator housing can crack and leak oil.  This recall is expected to affect 345,451 vehicles.  Owners should take their vehicles to their dealer for a free inspection.  If necessary, dealers will replace the oil separator and seals, free of charge.  Ford’s number for this recall is 22S21. Owner notification began on April 18, 2022.   

For additional information on any of these recalls, owners can contact Ford by calling 1-866-436-7332 and referencing the Ford recall number of the particular recall.

Ozone Machines

Ozone Machines

We have been investigating water damage claims due to overflowing or leaking washing machines for a number years. An investigation was recently performed on a washing machine that was connected to an ozone machine. The use of ozone in the laundry process is not a new concept but, the machines are beginning to appear in residences connected to household washing machines. In the case that was investigated, the claim was that the ozone machine leaked or somehow caused the washing machine to leak water. The machine that was examined is shown in the photo below. Upon examination, it was determined that the machine injected ozone into the water as it flowed through the machine and into the washer. It was further determined that when the flow stopped, the production of ozone also stopped. Lastly, it was also discovered that the control of the water flow remained with the washing machine and had nothing to do with the ozone machine. Since there was no evidence of water leakage from the ozone machine, it was concluded that the source of water had to have been the washing machine and was also declared a defective product.

Ozone machine used with washing machine

Water Source Heat Pumps

Recently, we attended a seminar on Water Source Heat Pumps (WSHPs). It seems that the HVAC industry is pushing the installation of WSHPs, in commercial buildings, in order to help reduce green house gas emissions. In effect, WSHPs are taking the place of gas fired furnaces and boilers. Why should the insurance industry be concerned? As shown in the diagrams below, WSHPs use a water loop, much like a chilled water cooling system, to transfer heat to or from the space to be cooled or heated. The amount of piping used in these systems indicates that the volume of water can amount to hundreds of gallons, depending on the size of the building. If a leak occurs, the cost to repair can extend into the hundreds if not thousands of dollars. Similary, the cost to repair or replace property can extend into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Possible causes of water leakage can include faulty workmanship by the installing contractor and defective materials used during installation.

Water loop used in water source heat pump systems

Buyer Beware!

Currently, there a number of ads running on television pitching how some insurance policies can save consumers large amounts of money in appliance and automobile repair costs. These ads give consumers the impression that air conditioner, refrigerator, or dishwasher repairs can run into the thousands of dollars. Similarly, engine, transmission, or coolant leaks can also result in very costly repairs. If you are considering the purchase of one of these policies, please be aware that maintenance is a key requirement. Regardless of the type of policy, your claim will most likely be denied if you can’t prove that you maintained your appliances or vehicle on a regular basis. For appliances, this means that you must keep your appliance clean. Use a vacuum cleaner to keep dust and lint out of motors and coils. Replace hoses when their use appears questionable. Replace wiring or have an electrician do the work before the wiring becomes worn and brittle. Similarly, you must change the oil in your vehicle at the manufacturer’s recommended intervals. In addition, the transmission fluid and filter must be replaced, usually every 100,000 miles, depending on the manufacturer’s recommended interval. Coolant must also be replaced, here again, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendation. Don’t forget the oil, air and gasoline filters, they also must be replaced. Lastly, don’t forget to save the receipts regardless of whether you do the work yourself or have someone else do it for you. You must have some documentation to show that you made an honest effort to live up to the requirements of the policy. For those things where you won’t get a receipt, I would suggest keeping a chart of the activity – list the date, time, a description of the appliance or vehicle and what was done. Hopefully, your carrier will step up when you need them and the settlement of your claim will go smoothly.

Ford Recalls Escape, Others for Roll-Away Problem

The Ford Motor company is recalling approximately 2.9 million vehicles as a result of a problem with the transmission shift cable. This recall applies to the following vehicles: 2013 to 2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C Max, 2013 to 2016 Fusion, 2013 to 2021 Transit Connect, and 2015 to 2018 Edge. The problem with these vehicles is that the transmission shift cable uses a bushing to connect the cable to the transmission, which can fail. Once the cable has detached, there is no communication link between the transmission and the vehicle. Consequently, the vehicle can roll, in an unexpected direction, and crash. Ford intends to replace the bushing and add a protective cap at no cost to the vehicle owner. Ford also intends to begin notifying owners beginning on June 27. For additional information, owners can contact ford by calling toll free 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s identification number for this recall is 22S43.

Boiler/Steam System Design

We have recently completed a review course in Boiler/Steam Systems Design. Steam systems are used in everything from air conditioning to manufacturing to power generation. For those involved in adjusting commercial claims, the implications for possible claims include faulty work, either in installation or maintenance; defective products, and defective system design. Those potentially liable for their errors include contractors, manufacturers, engineers, and codes inspectors. For additional information or for posing additional inquiries, please feel free to contact us by sending email to rjhill@rjhill.com or by calling 615-727-3601.

Water Damage But No Signs of Water

Part of owning a recreational vehicle or travel trailer is keeping up with the maintenance. Owners of these types of vehicles know that they must make sure that sealed seams remain sealed so as to prevent water leakage. When water leaks occur, the signs are usually obvious: water stains will appear on ceilings, walls, and floors. In addition, when water has a chance to collect, spongy floors can be the result of rotting plywood. But, what about those times when the damage is there but the cause isn’t so obvious. Case-in-point, spongy floor but no water stains anywhere. This was an actual case that was recently encountered. Once the titled floor was removed from the damaged area, it became obvious that water stains were present and that water had caused the plywood subfloor to rot. Since there were no indications that the water came from outside the trailer, it had to have come from within. It was later determined that water lines had been routed beneath the floor where the damage had occurred. It then became clear that one of the lines had to have been leaking and caused the floor damage. Photos of the damaged floor and rotten subfloor are shown below.

Damaged floor adjacent to exterior wall

Title floor removed from damaged area, water damaged plywood subfloor found rotted