Archive for Home Maintenance Tips
Winter Home Maintenance Tips
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As winter approaches, your home is susceptible to more hazardous conditions. This includes pipes freezing, damage from the cold weather, and high heating costs. If the home is not prepared properly, the value of the home can decrease due to wear and tear. Staying up-to-date with winter maintenance activities will keep it as good as new.
Here is a checklist of things to do to keep your home safe and maintained in the cold winter months:
- Check the roof. Watch for damage from ice and remove icicles.
- Avoid frozen pipes. Keep cabinet doors open for the heat to reach pipes, such as below sink areas. A slow dripping faucet can help pipes that are vulnerable to extreme weather, such as pipes that run through an unheated or unprotected space.
- Prevent leaks. Check the basement area for leaks and water, especially during a winter thaw.
- Test the electrical system. Check all ground-fault circuit interrupters to make sure they are working properly and offer shock protection. These outlets can cut off power to an electrical device; they should be tested especially after an electrical storm.
- If you are going out of town, prepare the home. Keep the heat turned on, even if you are leaving for an extended period of time.
- Keep heating costs down. Clean and check or replace furnace air filters every month. Install storm windows or use plastic-film sheets from a hardware store on windows for the winter season.
- Prepare for an emergency. Check the pressure gauge on all fire extinguishers and replace if necessary. Also, make sure to have a 72-hour kit on hand in the case of blackouts or snowstorms.
A home that is ready for winter will remain in good condition, keep costs down, and allow you to enjoy a cozy winter without worry.
10 Easy Ways to Save Energy in Your Home
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Most people don’t know how easy it is to make their homes run on less energy, and here at InterNACHI, we want to change that. Drastic reductions in heating, cooling and electricity costs can be accomplished through very simple changes, most of which homeowners can do themselves. Of course, for homeowners who want to take advantage of the most up-to-date knowledge and systems in home energy efficiency, InterNACHI energy auditors can perform in-depth testing to find the best energy solutions for your particular home.
Why make your home more energy efficient? Here are a few good reasons:
- Federal, state, utility and local jurisdictions’ financial incentives, such as tax breaks, are very advantageous for homeowners in most parts of the U.S.
- It saves money. It costs less to power a home that has been converted to be more energy-efficient.
- It increases the comfort level indoors.
- It reduces our impact on climate change. Many scientists now believe that excessive energy consumption contributes significantly to global warming.
- It reduces pollution. Conventional power production introduces pollutants that find their way into the air, soil and water supplies.
1. Find better ways to heat and cool your house.
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Fall Home Maintenance Tips
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Debris in Gutters
It’s important to keep your home in excellent condition for the entire year. Routine maintenance prevents costly repairs and protects the investment of your home. Doing a few things each season gets you in the habit of upkeep and ensures a healthy and safe place to live.
As fall approaches, this is the time to prepare your home for harsh winter weather. You’ll be spending more time indoors for the next part of the year and everything should be in working order, both inside and out. Here are some tips to follow:
Inside the Home
- Inspect the furnace and have it serviced, if necessary.
- Make sure the plumbing system is working properly, including removing hair and debris from all sinks and showers.
- Test the smoke detectors and replace the batteries if needed.
- Test the breakers in the electrical panel, especially after electrical storms.
Outside the Home
- Clean up debris from gutters, window wells, and storm drains.
- Turn off outdoor faucets, and disconnect and store garden hoses.
- Drain in-ground sprinkler systems.
- Check the weather stripping on windows and doors, and make sure windows are closed tightly.
- Check for holes and cracks on windows and doors.
- Check the caulking where two different materials meet, including where windows and doors meet the siding of the home.
- If the chimney has not been cleaned yet this year, clean and inspect.
Keeping your home in good condition in the fall season prevents it from aging and protects it from the elements. This increases its value, keeps costs down, and makes it easier to maintain your home for the entire year!
5 Tips for Dryer Safety
Posted by: | CommentsThere is a little-known cause of home fires that results from a clothes dryer that malfunctions and catches on fire. Now, some people like to make jokes that dryers cause pairs of socks or other garments to disappear forever, but this problem is actually quite serious.
When a dryer operates, it blows hot air while spinning at high rate to evaporate the water from the clothing. This makes the vent of the dryer a very important piece of this appliance, both for operation and for safety. Tiny pieces of material from clothing accumulate as lint and are highly flammable. Because of this home fires due to lack of dryer safety are actually quite common. They most often occur as a result of not cleaning out the lint filter and a mechanical failure that can cause the lint to catch on fire.
Proper maintenance of this vent and dryer safety are very important to prevent fires and keep the appliance operating normally. Here are some tips to make sure the your dryer is in good working order:
- The dryer and the vent are fully connected. The dryer can operate without this connection, but this will result in a lot of steam filling the room and there is a high risk of fire and mechanical failure. Make sure these parts are fully connected by checking on the back of the dryer or on the wall behind it.
- 2. There is no restriction of airflow. The dryer vent is flexible and can easily be crushed or kinked when placed against a wall. Any airflow restrictions are a potential fire hazard, so a clean, unobstructed vent is very important.
- 3. The lint from inside the dryer is cleaned out. Cleaning out the lint filter not only helps the dryer work more efficiently, but pieces of lint are highly flammable and if the dryer overheats, this can trigger sparks and cause a serious home fire. Be sure to clean the lint filter after every cycle and put it back into the appliance.
- 4. The area is clean behind the dryer. Since dryers are usually pushed into walls and small spaces, lint and dust tends to build up behind the dryer. This area should be kept free of dust, clothing and other objects as it can get very hot.
- 5. Only clothing items are placed in the dryer. Putting plastic, metal, rubber, or foam pieces can contribute to a dryer safety issues. In addition, if clothes in the washing machine have had flammable substances spilled on them such as gasoline, they should not be placed in the dryer.
Lately, make sure to have a working smoke detector in the laundry room as a precaution. By following these dryer safety tips you’ll greatly reduce any problems that could occur and also have a more efficient appliance.
For more information read the article Dryer Vent Safety.
5 Electrical Safety Hazards
Posted by: | CommentsElectricity is an important part of any home, but it can also be a significant hazard. While many electrical fires and injuries are due to appliances or electrical systems malfunctioning, a greater portion of problems are from misuse and poor maintenance or appliances, as well as overloaded circuits and extension cords and incorrect wiring.
Here are some of the top electrical safety hazards:
- Extension cords under carpet: This can pose a big problem if the cord is under the carpet, becomes damaged, and then overheats and catches fire. The da
mage can be caused from foot traffic, furniture, or general wear and tear, and it won’t be readily visible. This can be especially bad in home where the cord is forgotten about and deteriorates, so extension cords under carpet are a major electrical safety hazard. - Electrical appliances: Any appliance you can plug in needs to be treated with care and common sense. Never leave paper or plastic close to a hot appliance or store appliances so they may tip over. Always unplug appliances when not in use and check periodically for corroded wires, cracked insulation, defective parts, and anything else that might not work properly. Also, remember to use caution with space heaters, electric blankets, and be sure to keep plugged in appliances away from water.
- Electrical outlets and cords: Electrical outlets can be especially unsafe for young children and safety plugs should be inserted in unused outlets, as well as electrical safety emphasized to children. Also, the use of electrical cords should be minimal and there should be enough electrical capacity in outlets. It is recommended that all electrical outlets are three-hole grounded outlets. If an outlet is located in the bathroom or outdoors, it should have a GFI or Ground Fault Interrupter outlet.
- Electrical wiring: All electrical wiring in your house should be up to wiring safety code. In addition, if you have had small rodents in your home or the walls, the wires will need to be checked to ensure they are not being damaged.
- Power Lines: Many people aren’t aware of overhead and underground power lines. Unfortunately, there have been electrocutions when people accidently put an object in the way of a power line, such as ladders, antennas, kites, and poles. Tress and bushes can also be a hazard, as well as animals who get caught in trees near power lines. Power lines are dangerous to touch, whether they are standing straight up or fallen down.
Keep electrical safety hazardous in check and be sure to also check out the article for Electrical Safety more information.
Minimizing Asbestos Risk in the Home
Posted by: | CommentsAsbestos was once common in home building, but as we know by now, exposure to it can pose a potential danger. Asbestos is basically a fiber that when cut or damaged can produce toxins that can cause serious illness, including lung cancer. If you’re wondering about asbestos in your home, here are a couple indicators, as well as what to do about it.
The good news is that asbestos exposure has been for the most part eliminated from use in homes. However, for years it was used in a number of materials, inc
luding fireproofing material, insulation, and flooring. In the 1970s and 80s asbestos exposure was minimized and today the materials that contain asbestos will have a label. In older homes asbestos might be more of a problem.
Where Asbestos is Located
According to the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI), asbestos may be contained in a number of areas in the home, including:
- Roofing and siding shingles
- Insulation in houses built between 1930 and 1950
- Insulation in oil and coal furnaces and door gaskets
- Vinyl floor tiles
- Material or tape that is coated over hot water and steam pipes in older homes
- Textured paint on walls in ceilings before 1977
- Artificial ash and embers in gas fireplaces
- Older products, such as stove-top pads
- Walls and floors around wood burning stoves
When Dealing with Asbestos
Keep in mind that asbestos exposure becomes a problem only when the fibers are released. Improper repair or removal of this substance can cause a potential health risk. When it doubt, it is probably better to leave it alone, but consult a profession if you have concerns.
If you suspect asbestos might be in your home, check the material for any indication of damage—and if it is in good condition, leave it alone. Asbestos poses no danger unless the fibers are inhaled. To check for a disturbance, do not touch, rub, or handle the area or material; instead look for signs of damage, such as from water or tears, or abrasion.
Work with a trained asbestos professional or contractors if you have concerns or are considering removal. This person will know the steps to take to minimize the risk. This is especially important when it comes to home remodeling. An asbestos professional can take a sample of the material to test it.
For more information read the article Asbestos in Your Home.
More information on Asbestos:
Asbestos and Mesothelioma
Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma. PleuralMesothelioma.com has the most up to date and comprehensive information about Pleural Mesothelioma on the web today. With information ranging from a complete list of symptoms, to treatment options, as well as mesothelioma survival rate. http://www.pleuralmesothelioma.com/
10 Tips for Home Fire Safety
Posted by: | CommentsFires in the home are a common and also preventable problem.
According to the article Fire Safety in the Home, most home fires are avoidable with some common sense and smart planning. Here are some tips that you can use to keep your home safe:
- Test smoke alarm batteries. Experts say to check batteries once a month. Having a working smoke alarm is one of the most important home fire safety devices for homes.
- Unplug space heaters. Never leave a space heater turned on or even plugged in when you are not home or when you are sleeping. It’s not worth the risk.
- Put a fire extinguisher in the kitchen. Having a fire extinguisher you can access quickly can help you put out a kitchen fire before it gets worse. Store it under the sink and read the directions so you know how to use it. Fire extinguishers are also handy to have near bedrooms—plus the canister can be used to break windows if needed. Read More→
How to Keep Your Basement as Good as New
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As a home inspector I find that basements are susceptible to water damage and that homeowners might not realize there are some simple fixes that can sometimes prevent this problem. This problem of water leakage happens most often when the exterior parts of the home are draining improperly.
There are a few simple ways to keep water out of your basement and keep it as good as new. The key is to start with the outside of the house and pay attention to where water is draining. If it appears to be flowing inward toward the foundation of the house, it’s important to fix this problem before it gets worse. Here are some tips:
- Fix the Grading: When the ground slopes around the house—called grading—it causes rain water to spill toward the basement, rather than away. The cure is to get the water flowing in the opposite direction. This can be easily fixed with simple landscaping fixes. You don’t need a big slope to get the water to flow in the right direction, but a small adjustment in the grading, such as using dirt, rocks, and woodchips does the trick. These elements can create an angle that is better suited to keep water out of your basement. Read More→
Maintenance Checklist for Homeowners
Posted by: | CommentsBeing a homeowner is liberating, however you must remember that home ownership involves maintenance and repairs as required. It is especially important to maintain the home before and after the winter months, when the home is subject to harsh weather conditions and possible safety hazards.
At least once a year, homeowners should conduct a thorough check to ensure their home is in good order. Below is a maintenance checklist to help you keep track of the items you should inspect and maintain on a regular basis to prevent major repairs and expenses in the future: Read More→
