National Home Inspector Exam Prep Podcast
The Complete National Home Inspector Training Manual—In Audio Form
Welcome to National Home Inspector Exam Prep Podcast—the most comprehensive audio course for aspiring home inspectors preparing for the National Home Inspector Exam.
Your Complete Exam Preparation Resource
This is a complete professional training program based on the National Home Inspection Training Manual, transformed into detailed audio lessons you can study anywhere, anytime. Whether you're commuting, at the gym, or reviewing before bed, master the entire home inspection curriculum.
Complete 16-Discipline Coverage:
This training program covers ALL major areas tested on the National Home Inspector Exam:
📋 Analysis & Reporting - Professional report writing and communication
❄️ Cooling Systems - Air conditioning, heat pumps, and distribution
⚡ Electrical Systems - Service equipment, panels, circuits, wiring, safety devices
🏠 Exterior Components - Siding, trim, doors, windows, finishes
🔥 Fireplaces & Chimneys - Masonry and factory-built systems, venting, safety
📖 Complete Glossary - Essential professional terminology
🔥 Heating Systems - Furnaces, boilers, distribution, controls
🌬️ Insulation & Ventilation - Attic ventilation, insulation types, energy efficiency
🍳 Kitchen Appliances - Ranges, ovens, dishwashers, disposals, built-ins
🚰 Plumbing Systems - Supply, drainage, water heaters, fixtures
👔 Professional Responsibilities - Ethics, standards of practice, business practices
🏚️ Roof Components - Coverings, flashings, drainage, structural elements
🌳 Site Conditions - Grading, drainage, driveways, landscaping
🏗️ Structural Components - Foundations, framing, load paths, structural defects
🪟 House Interior - Walls, ceilings, floors, stairs, doors, windows
200+ Detailed Episodes
Each episode provides in-depth coverage of specific topics within each discipline. Episodes are designed to be studied in sequence, building your knowledge systematically from fundamentals to advanced inspection techniques.
Who This Is For:
✅ New home inspectors studying for the National Home Inspector Exam
✅ Career changers entering the home inspection profession
✅ Real estate professionals expanding technical knowledge
✅ Anyone preparing for state licensing exams
✅ Practicing inspectors seeking continuing education
Why This Training Works:
🎯 Exam-Focused - Aligned with National Home Inspector Exam requirements
🎯 Field-Tested - Based on real inspection scenarios and common defects
🎯 Code-Referenced - Current IRC standards and industry best practices
🎯 Comprehensive - Complete coverage, not just highlights
🎯 Audio Learning - Study while driving, working out, or multitasking
🎯 Sequential Structure - Logical progression builds expertise systematically
Study Approach:
For best results, listen to episodes in numerical order within each discipline. Take notes, pause to review complex topics, and re-listen to challenging sections. This is professional training designed for exam success.
Beyond the Podcast:
This podcast is part of our complete National Home Inspector Training program. For comprehensive training including visual materials, practice exams, hands-on demonstrations, and certification support, visit [YOUR WEBSITE URL].
National Home Inspector Exam Prep Podcast
12 - Alternative Energy and Generators: Solar PV, Wind Turbines, Generators
Alternative energy systems are increasingly common but typically out of scope for standard home inspections. This episode introduces these systems and helps inspectors recognize components and limitations.
Common Residential Systems:
- Solar photovoltaic (PV)
- Wind turbines
- Solar water heating
- Passive solar design
- Ground-source heat pumps
- Water-source heat pumps
Home Inspector Actions:
- Report presence of system
- Disclaim inspection
- Recommend specialist evaluation for condition and function
- Note permit requirements (few systems may be installed without permits)
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems
Grid-Connected (Most Common):
- Connected to utility grid
- Provides some/all occupant electricity during daylight
- Utility provides electricity when system insufficient
- Excess electricity fed back to grid (net metering—utility may pay)
- Most systems home inspectors see are grid-connected
Stand-Alone:
- Not connected to utility grid
- May serve one/few loads or entire house
- Batteries/generators provide power at night
- May include wind turbine supplement
System Components:
- Solar arrays (panels on roof/ground)
- DC disconnect switch (service/safety device)
- Inverter (converts DC to AC)
- AC disconnect switch (service/safety device)
- Backfed circuit breaker (connects to house panel—should be labeled and secured)
- Conduit/conductors (EMT, MC common)
- Mounting hardware
- Waterproofing (roof/wall penetrations)
Key Requirements:
- PV conductors identified where accessible
- PV conductors NOT in same conduit as other system conductors
- Conduit/boxes labeled as containing PV conductors
- Non-current-carrying metal parts grounded
- Emergency access pathways on roof (new requirement—36" wide, separate planes)
- Arrays set back from roof ridge 18-36" (new requirement)
Typical Defects (If Reported):
- PV system disconnected/not functioning (check inverter display)
- Backfed breaker not secured in panelboard
- Components not labeled
- Absent disconnect switches
- Exposed conductors
- Metal components not bonded
- Panels cover vents/exhausts (okay if adequate spacing)
- Damaged panels (scratched glass)
- Significant shading of arrays
Wind Turbines
Key Components:
- Rotor and generator module
- Inverter, disconnects (similar to solar PV)
- Tower (self-supporting or guy cables)
- Surge protective device (lightning arrestor)
- Grounding electrode connection
Generators
Transfer Switch (REQUIRED):
- Disconnects house from grid while generator provides power
- Prevents dangerous backfeeding into utility grid (fatal shock hazard to utility workers)
- May be automatic or manual
Key Takeaways
- Alternative energy systems typically out of scope
- Report presence, disclaim, recommend specialist evaluation
- Solar PV most common alternative energy system
- Generators require transfer switches (prevent backfeeding)
- Few systems may be installed without permits
IRC/NEC References
IRC 2018: R324, R327, Chapter 23 NEC 2017: Article 690 (PV), Article 694 (wind)
For complete training with visual materials, practice exams, and certification support, visit nhiexamprep.com
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