2026-01-26 – Weekly Home Inspector News : Strangest finds during inspections

Last week in the forum, we saw a mix of technical discussions and career-oriented conversations. Members were keenly discussing the challenges of dealing with leaky ducts and high static pressure in HVAC systems. There was also a lively thread about transitioning into the home inspection field, with seasoned inspectors offering advice to newcomers. Humor and camaraderie were evident in a post about the strangest finds during inspections, while another thread served as a starter guide for those considering a career in home inspection.


This Week’s Hot Topics

Leaky ducts and high static
Inspectors are sharing strategies to identify and fix issues in HVAC systems that can lead to inefficiency and client dissatisfaction.
Read more here

Considering a switch to home inspections
A great discussion for those contemplating a career change, with valuable insights from professionals who have made the transition.
Read more here

What’s the Weirdest Thing You’ve Found During an Inspection?
This thread is a treasure trove of funny and bizarre inspection stories, reminding us all of the unexpected nature of the job.
Read more here

Thinking About Becoming a Home Inspector? Start Here!
An essential read for newcomers, offering foundational advice and resources to kick-start a career in home inspection.
Read more here


Thanks for staying engaged in our community. If you have insights or stories to share, don’t hesitate to join the discussions. Enjoy your week ahead!

1 Like

Strangest recent find: a pizza box used as a β€˜duct patch’ β€” static was sky-high and a smoke pencil at the filter rack gave it away. Quick tip: measure total external static at the blower first and work backward; seal the filter rack gap with mastic before chasing registers (agree with @MartaH), but if it’s a variable-speed blower give it a minute to settle before reading.

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Found a foil takeout lid as a damper β€” β€˜high static’ solved; Magnehelic check, target 0.5 in.wc. @HVACNate.

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On a 90s build I traced high static to a flex trunk that looked fine outside but the inner liner was cinched shut a few feet in. I now pop the farthest supply register and snake a phone borescope down the run to catch hidden kinks β€” if that’s not possible, a smoke pen at the grille gives a quick read, @caleb_martin91.

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