Category: News

Furnaces in homes throughout North America are cranking up for a long winter season. It is especially important to have furnaces inspected and maintained to ensure that they run efficiently and safely now that the colder months are here.

SIMPLE WAYS TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY
By some accounts, home heating, especially gas furnaces, can represent half of a typical home’s winter utilities bill. Efficient operation means lower energy bills and a more comfortable home. For example, programmable thermostats can be used to automatically turn heat up or down at specified times, so that the temperature is lowered overnight or while no one is at home. Thermostats should be calibrated occasionally to avoid “off cycle” heat loss; a properly calibrated thermostat will result in more even heating between the on/off cycles, which is both more efficient and comfortable.

SAFETY AND MAINTENANCE
Safety is an important factor in furnace operation. Gas furnaces can be a source of carbon monoxide if there are leaks or cracks that go unnoticed or unrepaired. The furnace flame should be steady and burn blue; if not, this should be addressed immediately. A qualified contractor or inspector can detect these types of problems and recommend needed action.

Yearly furnace inspections are strongly recommended. A heating service and repair company can clean and inspect all components of a forced air furnace, including the blower motor, belts, heat exchanger and filter, and check the flue for obstructions.

Simple furnace maintenance includes checking and replacing disposable air filters and cleaning permanent-type filters, as well as keeping dust, hair, and lint away from the burner compartment and air intake. A dirty furnace costs more to run and takes longer to heat the home. No matter what type it is, a well-maintained furnace will not only last longer, but can save energy, money, and help a home’s overall air quality and comfort.

CONSIDERING A NEW FURNACE?
If a new furnace is necessary, it is a good opportunity to evaluate the various types of furnaces now available and how well they might meet a home’s specific situation. Furnaces are defined as conventional efficiency, mid efficiency, and high efficiency. There are advantages and drawbacks to each type, and some are better suited to older homes, for example, and cost may be a factor in considering various types of systems. However, the ability of some new furnaces to reduce off cycle heat loss, eliminate the need for an always-on pilot light, etc. make replacing a furnace worth considering if a current system is in bad repair functioning poorly. Your local Pillar To Post office can provide you with additional information on various types of furnaces.

More and more homeowners are considering radon detection a "must" - and with good reason. Health officials have warned that exposure to unsafe levels of radon can cause an increased risk of cancer. In fact radon is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths among nonsmokers in North America, yet it is easily preventable. The Environmental Protection Agency has dubbed January "Radon Awareness Month." Read below to learn more about testing radon levels in your home and protecting your family.

WHAT IS THE SOURCE OF RADON?

Radon is naturally occurring odorless, colorless, radioactive gas that is 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 residents to possible health risks.

HOW RADON ENTERS THE HOME

Radon gas can migrate into the home in several ways. Openings or cracks in basement walls or floors are common avenues. Sumps, basement drains, and spaces between gas or water fittings can also allow radon into the structure.

HOW CAN MY CLIENTS FIND OUT ABOUT RADON IN A HOME THEY ARE CONSIDERING FOR PURCHASE?

A Pillar To Post Home Inspector can conduct a Radon test as either part of the home inspection process or on its own. An inspector will set up the testing equipment and report on the results once the proper measurement procedure is complete. If an elevated level of radon is detected, steps can be taken to lessen the concentration inside the home.

REDUCING THE LEVELS OF RADON IN THE HOME

Radon mitigation methods can include sealing likely entry points, improving ventilation, and a process called soil depressurization, which vents air from the house back into the surrounding soil, reducing the level of radon that can enter the home. Professional mitigation services are recommended to provide recommendations for a home's specific conditions.

Homeowners can take a number of steps to get their home ready for inspection – and help avoid some basic problems that could negatively affect the inspection report or impede the progress of the inspection itself.

• The chimney and fireplace should be professionally cleaned prior to the inspection. Check for cracked or loose masonry and ensure that the cap or spark arrestor is in good condition and working properly. Likewise, have the furnace inspected for proper functioning and to have any problems fixed in advance of the inspection.
• Permits and plans for major renovations should be available to prove that such work was done legally. Unpermitted work will need to be disclosed as part of the transaction process.
• Access – The inspector will need to have access to any locked areas such as storage sheds, garages, gates, etc. Either leave these unlocked or make sure the keys are available to avoid delays.

NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS FOR YOUR HOME

Many of us make optimistic resolutions for the New Year. Whether it’s deciding to take a class, stick to a budget, or to finally drop those 20 pounds, we’re full of ideas on how make ourselves and our lives better. Because your home is such an important part of your life, why not make some worthwhile resolutions for it as well? Here are some ideas to get you started.

KEEP CURRENT ON ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
One of the most important things you can do as a homeowner is to make sure routine maintenance is part of your plan. Catching problems early can often help you avoid larger issues down the road. What is now a minor plumbing or roof leak can cause major problems if not detected and fixed immediately. Check around your home for cracked or peeling paint, have the chimney and fireplace inspected and cleaned, and make sure the driveway and walkways are not cracked or lifting.

UPDATE YOUR HOME INVENTORY 

FOR INSURANCE PURPOSES
If you’re like many homeowners, it’s probably been a while since you’ve reviewed your home insurance policy and reassessed the value of your home’s contents. An updated home inventory of your possessions can help you determine if you have the proper type and amount of insurance. Your insurance company may make forms available to help you organize and record your inventory, and there are several home inventory software programs available. You also can download a free program from www.knowyourstuff.org. Should you have an insurance claim for property loss or damage, a current and accurate inventory can help make the process and accurate valuation easier.

AUDIT YOUR HOME FOR ENERGY SAVINGS
There are simple things that every homeowner can do to improved energy efficiency and save on utility bills. Check around your home for any fixtures that still have incandescent bulbs and replace them with CFL or LED bulbs wherever possible. This saves money and makes things easier for you, too; for example, bulbs in awkward places will need replacement far less often. Make sure windows and doors are caulked and in good repair; this will save energy in both winter and summer. If you’re planning to replace any appliances this year, shop for and compare efficient, energy-saving models.

CREATE A FIRE SAFETY PLAN FOR YOUR FAMILY
Everyone knows the importance of having a plan in place should a fire occur in your home. But each year, tragedy strikes homes and families who didn’t think about it or who promised to make a plan “one of these days”. The basics include working and properly installed smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and an escape plan for every room. Your local fire department is an excellent resource for directions on creating a plan designed to keep you and your loved ones safe. Give yourself some peace of mind by making 2012 the year to put that plan in place.

For more information about home inspection and for additional resources, please contact your local Pillar To Post office.