In our last article we looked at the potential causes of air pollutants in our home. In this article, we will look at ways to reduce and treat these pollutants. Here are a few suggestions:
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• Make sure when using gas or kerosene heaters or even stoves etc that the room is well ventilated, try opening a door or window so that fresh air can flow throughout the room, as these appliances can release carbon monoxide into the air.

 

• When using cleaning chemicals in the home, try to avoid using aerosols and opt for non toxic cleaners, also make sure you read the instructions on the bottle to make sure you use them in the appropriate way.

 

• If you have pets in your home, make sure to vacuum and clean regularly, especially in areas where your pets sleep etc. Bathe and groom your pets on a regular basis.

 

• Certain types of new furniture and soft furnishings contain formaldehyde and can release formaldehyde gas, try to ventilate the area. Hang your curtains and soft furnishings in a well ventilated space at first to air them out.

 

• If you're a smoker, try and smoke outside as the smoke from tobacco contains harmful chemicals.

 

• Areas that can be prone to mold and damp (such as basements) should be inspected regularly. Your home inspector can help you with this.

As we can see, there are things we can do to improve the air quality in our home.  If you would like further information on this, please don't hesitate to contact us.

More and more people nowadays are being affected by pollutants in the air. These can cause many different allergies and respiratory ailments. It's important then, to analyze how good the air quality is in our home, especially as it's the place we spend most of our time.

The bad news is that every room of our home has potentially harmful pollutants in it and in general, outdoor air is better quality than indoor air. The good news is that something can usually be done about it.

Here are a few potential air quality hazards to look out for:

• Heaters, gas stoves, furnaces etc. that are not properly ventilated
• Damp and humid areas where mold and mildew can grow
• Pet dander, dust mites, and insects such as cockroaches
• Household cleaning products
• Solvents used to treat furnishings such as curtains and couches
• Asbestos and lead paints if the house is older
• Dust and pollen

This is a brief overview of the potential hazards to air quality in the home, but as we can see, most of us have at least a few of these in our home.

In the next blog, we will look at what can be done to treat these issues, as well as ways to prevent them.

Please contact us with any questions you may have about the air quality in your home

So many things in our home nowadays are electric, from kitchen appliances to iPads and phones, everything requires an electrical outlet. In many older homes, there are simply not enough outlets, so a power strip seems the obvious choice to keep up with the demand, but how can we make sure that we are using them safely? Consider the following:

• Never interconnect power strips, even if the power strip has a surge protector. These can become overloaded and cause a fire hazard. It is also a violation of OSHA and NEC regulations.
• You may think that old power strip you've had for years with its exposed wires and scorch marks is still in workable condition, but it is not safe and should not be used.
• Stop use immediately if power strip becomes hot to the touch
• When plugging in your device, make sure that none of the metal prong parts are exposed as this presents a danger also
• Power strips are not intended to be a permanent solution, but only for use temporarily.

As you can see, power strips can be very useful, but only if used correctly.
Please give us a call with any questions you may have about electrical outlet safety in your home

If you are thinking of buying an older home, you might want to consider that it could possibly be wired with aluminum wiring. Is this something you should be concerned about? Here are a few factors to consider;

• Aluminum has been shown to have certain weaknesses which make it less durable than copper wiring
• Aluminum is a soft metal, which can break down, especially if it has been twisted and bent a lot. and this can pose a real danger
• If exposed to air, aluminum can oxidize which can eventually create a fire hazard.
• If you are considering buying a house that hasn't been lived in for a while or has been neglected, be aware that electrical fixtures such as outlets and light fittings containing aluminum wiring can become a dangerous fire risk when neglected.
• You might not be able to insure the home if it has aluminum wiring

As you can see from this very brief overview, aluminum wiring can be quite dangerous especially as it poses a much greater fire risk than copper wiring
Please contact us for more information and also advice on what to do if you have aluminum wiring is in your home.

Mold is a most undesirable thing to deal with in a home. It can cause upper respiratory problems, as well as other health conditions such as skin problems, so naturally, we want to do our best to prevent its growth.
One area where mold can grow is in the carpet. Here are some things to think about

If mold is not visible on my carpet, could it still have it?
Yes, in fact, mold only appears on the surface of the carpet in more extreme cases

Where should I check for mold?
Check the underside of the carpet, also carpet padding is at high risk for mold growth so make sure to check that too
What can cause mold to grow in my carpet?
Mold loves a damp and dusty environment so if the carpet has been subject to a lot of moisture, especially a flood, it's at high risk for mold to grow. Watch out for carpet in the basement, or bathroom as this can also be a damp and humid environment.
Is mold easy to remove from my carpet?
If the carpet has been subject to a flood and has been wet for 24hrs or more, you will likely need to replace it. It will most likely need replacing also if the mold is covering a large area of the carpet. If discovered quickly though and if its only a small area, the carpet can be cleaned,

It is always wise though to seek advice on the best way to treat a mold issue. Please call us, and we will be happy to advise you.

A lot of people don't realize how easy it can be to use less energy in the home. With just a few simple adjustments you can save a lot of money. Here are a few simple ways this can be done:
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• Instead of using an air conditioner, which uses a lot of energy, try installing a ceiling fan.
• Maintain and replace filters in air conditioners and heaters
• Turn down your thermostat at night or when you are not at home
• Draw curtains over windows as this will insulate the room more efficiently
• Switch your incandescent lights to more energy efficient lighting such as compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) or light enhancing diodes (LEDs)
• Conserve water in your home by installing efficient toilets and showerheads
• Did you know that chargers, such as for cell phones, iPads and laptops etc. use energy if they’re plugged in? When not in use unplug them

These are just a few of the many things that can make your home more energy efficient, however for a more detailed assessment of the energy reducing potential in your home, please contact us, your local Certified Home Inspector.

When buying a new home, it is important to make sure that a radon test has been performed.  A certified home inspector usually does this as part of the seller's home inspection.  You might ask yourself, though, what exactly is Radon?  How dangerous is it? How common is it?  What is involved in testing my home for it? Here are some answers to those questions:
 
What is Radon?
Radon is a radioactive gas, that cannot be detected without testing for it. 
 
How dangerous is it?
Radon causes cancer and is responsible for causing many cases of lung cancer per year.  Because radon is undetectable, it means the occupants are unknowingly breathing in this dangerous gas.  If you are a smoker and your house contains high levels of radon, it is especially dangerous.
 
How common is it to find radon in a home?
It is very common and is detected in many homes both old and new throughout the States.
 
What is involved in testing for radon?
There are a couple of different methods that can be used to test for radon.  This involves placing a testing device in the lowest level of your home for a certain amount of time so that radon levels can be determined.  It's important to note however that it must be placed in an area that will be totally undisturbed. 
 
Please contact us, your local certified home inspector for more information on radon testing.  We will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
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