Category: News

A GFCI, or ground fault circuit interrupter, is an inexpensive device designed to protect people from electrical shock in the home. They should be installed in any area with potential risk for electrical shock with a direct path to the ground, especially areas with plumbing. GFCI receptacles are commonly installed in bathrooms, along kitchen counters, in garages, unfinished basements, outdoor outlets and near swimming pools and spas. A GFCI monitors the electrical current leaving from and returning to the receptacle. If there is a mismatch in the currents, the GFCI will shut off the receptacle immediately, protecting people from serious electrical shock.

GFCIs have various configurations, including the standard GFCI receptacle with “test” and “reset” buttons. Homeowners should test these monthly to ensure proper operation. If the GFCI fails to trip or can’t be reset, it should be replaced. There are also remote GFCIs, which protect standard receptacles in the circuit. These should always have a visible label indicating GFCI protection, because there is no way to tell otherwise that a receptacle is or isn’t protected. Another option is a GFCI breaker, which is installed at the electrical panel and protects the entire circuit. These can be identified by the presence of test and reset buttons on the panel.

An arc fault circuit interrupter, or AFCI, is designed to prevent electrical fires in the home. This is a relatively new type of circuit breaker that detects arcing in an electrical circuit, shutting down the affected circuit before it causes a fire. Arcing can be caused if an electrical cable is punctured or cut by something as simple as hammering a nail into a wall. Other potential causes of arcing include frayed extension cords, loose electrical connections, and old and/or cracked insulation on electrical wires and cables.

An AFCI breaker fits into the electrical panel in place of a standard circuit breaker. AFCI breakers are much larger than standard breakers and have a test button. They may not be available for older electrical panels, so retrofitting with AFCI breakers is not always possible. In addition, old wiring may have been subjected to years of poorly-executed modifications, which AFCIs may or may not compensate for. It is always best to check with a qualified electrician who can assess your panel and electrical components before making the decision to install AFCI breakers.

Any home can have a radon problem – old or new homes, well-sealed or drafty homes, homes with or without basements. Health Canada estimates that 1 in 14 homes in Canada has an elevated level of radon. Prolonged exposure to unsafe levels of radon can increase the risk of lung cancer; in fact, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Lung cancer caused by avoidable radon exposure is preventable, but only if radon issues are detected and mitigated prior to prolonged exposure in homes and buildings. There is real risk in not knowing if a home has a high level of radon.

WHAT IS RADON?

Radon is a naturally occurring odourless, colorless, radioactive gas formed by the ongoing decay of uranium in soil, rocks, sediments, and even well or ground water. While radon that escapes into the atmosphere is not harmful, dangerously high concentrations can build up indoors, exposing occupants to possible health risks.

HOW DOES RADON GET INTO A HOME?

Radon can migrate into the home in several ways. Openings or cracks in basement walls, foundations or floors are common avenues. Sumps, basement drains, and spaces between gas or water fittings can also allow radon into the structure. Other entry points can include gaps in suspended floors and cavities within walls.

HOW CAN I MAKE SURE MY CLIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES AREN’T AT RISK?

We encourage homeowners to add radon testing to the home inspection process. Your Pillar To Post Home Inspector will set up the monitoring equipment in the home and report on the results. If an elevated level of radon is detected, steps can be taken to reduce the concentration to or below acceptable levels inside virtually any home. This can include a relatively simple setup such as a collection system with a radon vent pipe, which prevents radon from entering the home in the first place. Professional mitigation services can provide solutions for a home’s specific conditions.

Contact Pillar To Post to schedule radon testing when you book your next home inspection.

With winter coming on to cool much of North America, it’s worthwhile to address a potential hazard that arises with increased use of fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces and water heaters: carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas produced by the combustion of fuels such as natural gas, oil, and propane in devices including furnaces, water heaters, and stoves. These items are normally designed to vent the CO to the outside, but harmful interior levels of CO can result from incomplete combustion of fuel, improper installation, or blockages, leaks or cracks in the venting systems. Very high levels of CO can lead to incapacitation or death, with victims sometimes never having been aware they were being poisoned.

Homeowners can take action against potential carbon monoxide poisoning by taking the following steps:

• Never use gas stoves or ovens to heat the home, even temporarily.
• Have all fuel-burning appliances professionally inspected annually, preferably before the start of the cold weather season when heaters and furnaces are first used.
• These appliances include gas stoves and ovens, furnaces and heaters, water heaters and gas clothes dryers.
• All such devices should be properly installed and vented to the outside.
• If repairs are necessary, be sure they are performed by a qualified technician.
• Always use the proper fuel specified for the device.
• Have flues and chimneys for gas fireplaces inspected regularly for cracks, leaks, and blockages that may allow a buildup of CO to occur.
• Do not start a vehicle in a closed garage, or idle the engine in the garage even when the garage door is open.
• Gasoline-powered generators and charcoal grills must never be used indoors.
• Purchase a CO detector (either battery operated, hard wired or plug-in) and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper location and installation. Installation of working CO detectors in residential properties is now required by law in most states.
• Learn what to do if the CO alarm activates. If anyone in the home experiences symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, or confusion, everyone should leave immediately and seek medical attention. If no symptoms are felt, open doors and windows immediately and shut off all fuel-burning devices that may be potential sources of CO.

Enjoy the comfort and safety of home this winter and all year long.

If you’re welcoming ghouls and goblins to your door this Halloween or taking your kids for trick or treating, everyone will have even more fun when care is taken to reduce holiday hazards. Here are some recommendations to keep in mind:

• Keep pathways and porches well lighted for easy navigation. Look for and remove any tripping hazards such as garden hoses and low potted plants that children may not be able to see.
• Never use candles as outdoor decorations. People, costumes and pets can easily knock them over and cause a fire. Use small battery-operated lights instead. There are some that look just like small votive candles and provide the same effect without the flame.
• If using decorations such as dried corn stalks or straw bales, be sure to keep them away from any flames or other possible fire sources.
• Trick-or-treaters should use flashlights to guide their way from home to home. This will also help them be more visible to drivers. Stick to familiar neighborhoods, and visit only homes where the lights are on.
• Be sure that any costumes are labeled as flame resistant. This makes them safer, but does not mean they are completely flame proof. Avoid overly long and loose sleeves, and be sure the length allows the child to walk normally.
• Make sure masks fit properly and allow the wearer to see clearly. Alternatively, face paint is a good option for a safe and fun disguise.
• Children should refrain from eating their goodies until a parent can examine the treats for opened or damaged wrappers or any off-limits ingredients.

When driving, be on the lookout for trick-or-treaters that may dart out into the street unexpectedly. Drive slowly and cautiously, and make sure your headlights are on.

Happy Halloween from all of us at Pillar To Post Home Inspectors!