1. Electrical Gas Plumbing Heating & Cooling
Systems of the Home
Electrical
Gas
Plumbing
Heating & Cooling

2. Electrical
Electricity provides the lighting and powers the operation of most of the systems within the house.

3. Electrical
Electricity is delivered to your home by the electric company at a voltage that will operate your lights, electric appliances and other equipment. Most require 120 volts.

4. Electrical
The kitchen range, refrigerator, water heater and furnace require 240 volts.

5. Electrical
Electricity comes from the power plant --- transformers (reduce the voltage and increases the current) --- neighborhood in wires on poles or buried underground in a conduit (surrounds and protects the wires) – transformers then reduces the power to the house (120 & 220 volts)

6. Electrical
At the home there is a service drop that connects the wires from the transformer to the entry of the home. A meter is also put here, that monitors the electrical usage of the home.

7. Electrical
Electricians install the wiring inside the home for all the lights and appliances. It is installed while the studs are open and must be inspected by an electrical code authority.

8. Electrical
Other things connected to the electrical system are telephone, door bell, intercom, thermostat, fire detectors, security system, computers, and cable TV systems.

9. Electrical
Each room should have at least 3 outlets. Outlets should be placed at least every 6 feet. A telephone jack may be in each room. Cable outlets may be in several rooms.

10. Gas System
This system is used for cooking, heating water and heating air.

11. Gas System
Inside the house, the plumber installs branch lines to all gas burning appliances. All fittings are sealed to prevent leakage. System must be checked before the system can be used by the owner

12. Gas System
Natural Gas – comes into the community through pipelines where the gas is forced by high pressure. The pressure is then reduced and distributed throughout the community by gas mains.

13. Gas System
Gas company taps the main and lays pipe to your home. A gas meter is placed where the gas line enters the house.
Propane Gas is used in homes that do not have access to a natural gas line.

14. Plumbing System
This system contains two parts, provides water to the home and removes waterborne waste from it.

15. Plumbing – Water Supply
Supplied to the house under pressure from a community water main or system. Enters the house through a building main. A shut off valve and a meter is located at the main.

16. Plumbing – Water Supply
The water may first pass through a water softener, filter or other treatment device. It then flows into separate hot and cold water mains.

17. Plumbing – Water Supply
The hot water starts at the hot water heater. To determine the size of water heater needed:
For 2 people + 1 bath + 1 washing machine = 30 gallons of hot water
For each additional person add 3.5 gallons
For each additional bathroom add 3.5 gallons
For an automatic dishwasher add 5.0 gallons

18. Plumbing – Water Supply
Pipes for this system are either ½ or ¾ inch in diameter and may be made from copper, plastic, or galvanized steel. They can be located in the walls, floor, or ceilings of the home.

19. Plumbing – Water Supply
A shut off valve is located next to each fixture or appliance that uses this system.

20. Plumbing
Comes mainly from the bathroom, kitchen, and laundry area. Waste water lines are separate from the water supply. They are larger in diameter and are not pressurized, but rely on gravity.

21. Plumbing
The waste water leaves the house and is transported to a community sewer line or private septic tank. From the community sewer line it goes through a treatment system and is then recycled and used for industrial or irrigation purposes.

22. Plumbing – Waste Water System
Each plumbing fixture has a trap which catches and holds a small amount of water that prevents the sewage gas from coming back into the house. The toilet has a built in trap.

23. Plumbing – Waste Water System
Plumbing fixtures are: kitchen sink, lavatories, toilets, bathtubs, and showers.

24. Plumbing – Waste Water System
Plumbing appliances are: hot water heater, water softener, washer, dishwasher and refrigerator

25. Heating System
The heating systems either use electricity, gas, oil or coal.

26. Heating System
Forced Warm Air System – air is heated by furnace and then delivered to the room through supply ducts. Another set of ducts takes the cool air back to the furnace. A thermostat in the home controls the system. (Most commonly used.

27. Heating System
Hydronic Heating System – water is heated in a boiler to a pre-set temperature. When this temperature is reached, the water is pumped through pipes to radiators. These radiators are usually along the outside walls of the house. It is quiet, clean and does not create drafts.

28. Heating System
Electric Radiant Heating – uses resistant wiring to produce heat in the wire. Wires are placed in the ceiling, floor or baseboards. Heat moves from the wire through the air. Must be installed when the house is being built.

29. Heating System
Central Heat Pump System – electric refrigeration unit is used to heat or cool the home. Removes heat from the outside air or ground in cold weather. The fan then circulates the heated or cooled air throughout the house.

30. Heating System
Solar Heating – uses energy from the sun to provide heating and sometimes controls the hot water for the home. Most that have this system, also have some kind of back up system.

31. Heating System
Fireplaces – most have a single opening. Made of masonry or metal covered with brick. Can burn wood or piped with gas to look like burning logs.

32. Cooling System
Central air conditioning is the most common system used. The central air compressor and condenser unit are located outside the home. This system uses the same duct system as the heating system.

33. Cooling System
Some individuals use individual window units in some particular rooms. They are placed in the window with part inside the room, and part hanging on the outside of the house.