Memorial Day 2015

Let us all remember why we even have a Memorial Day. It is celebrated to thank and "memorialize" those that have gone before us to make sure we all have the freedoms we enjoy.

With that in mind, many of us will gather to celebrate those freedoms and remember our loved ones and others that have fought for our nation. When we celebrate, the number one activity is Bar Be Queing/grilling/smoking during the weekend. Please take these tips into consideration, and enjoy the weekend!!

As always, check out www.righthomeinspect.com for all of your inspection needs, and like us on facebook.com/rightathomeinspectionsandsolutions .

Barbeque Safety

by Nick Gromicko

 

 

With barbeque season already here, homeowners should heed the following safety precautions in order to keep their families and property safe.

• Propane grills present an enormous fire hazard, as the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is aware of more than 500 fires that result annually from their misuse or malfunction. The following precautions are recommended specifically when using propane grills:
  • Store propane tanks outdoors and never near the grill or any other heat source. In addition, never store or transport them in your car’s trunk.
  • Make sure to completely turn off the gas after you have finished, or when you are changing the tank. Even a small gas leak can cause a deadly explosion. 
  • Check for damage to a tank before refilling it, and only buy propane from reputable suppliers.
  • Never use a propane barbecue grill on a terrace, balcony or roof, as this is dangerous and illegal.
  • No more than two 20-pound propane tanks are allowed on the property of a one- or two-family home.
  • To inspect for a leak, spray a soapy solution over the connections and watch for bubbles. If you see evidence of a leak, reconnect the components and try again. If bubbles persist, replace the leaking parts before using the grill.
  • Make sure connections are secure before turning on the gas, especially if the grill hasn’t been used in months. The most dangerous time to use a propane grill is at the beginning of the barbeque season.
  • Ignite a propane grill with the lid open, not closed. Propane can accumulate beneath a closed lid and explode.
  • When finished, turn off the gas first, and then the controls. This way, residual gas in the pipe will be used up.

• Charcoal grills pose a serious poisoning threat due to the venting of carbon monoxide (CO). The CPSC estimates that 20 people die annually from accidentally ingesting CO from charcoal grills.  These grills can also be a potential fire hazard. Follow these precautions when using charcoal grills:
  • Never use a charcoal grill indoors, even if the area is ventilated. CO is colorless and odorless, and you will not know you are in danger until it is too late.
  • Use only barbeque starter fluid to start the grill, and don’t add the fluid to an open flame. It is possible for the flame to follow the fluid’s path back to the container as you're holding it.
  • Let the fluid soak into the coals for a minute before igniting them to allow explosive vapors to dissipate.
  • Charcoal grills are permitted on terraces and balconies only if there is at least 10 feet of clearance from the building, and a water source immediately nearby, such as a hose (or 4 gallons of water).
  • Be careful not to spill any fluid on yourself, and stand back when igniting the grill. Keep the charcoal lighter fluid container at a safe distance from the grill.
  • When cleaning the grill, dispose of the ashes in a metal container with a tight lid, and add water. Do not remove the ashes until they have fully cooled.
  • Fill the base of the grill with charcoal to a depth of no more than 2 inches.

• Electric grills are probably safer than propane and charcoal grills, but safety precautions need to be used with them as well. Follow these tips when using electric grills:
  • Do not use lighter fluid or any other combustible materials. 
  • When using an extension cord, make sure it is rated for the amperage required by the grill. The cord should be unplugged when not in use, and out of a busy foot path to prevent tripping.
  • As always, follow the manufacturer's instructions.
    

Safety Recommendations for General Grill Use

• Always make sure that the grill is used in a safe place, where kids and pets won't touch or bump into it. Keep in mind that the grill will still be hot after you finish cooking, and anyone coming into contact with it could be burned.
• If you use a grill lighter, make sure you don't leave it lying around where children can reach it. They will quickly learn how to use it.
• Never leave the grill unattended, as this is generally when accidents happen.
• Keep a fire extinguisher or garden hose nearby.
• Ensure that the grill is completely cooled before moving it or placing it back in storage.
• Ensure that the grill is only used on a flat surface that cannot burn, and well away from any shed, trees or shrubs.
• Clean out the grease and other debris in the grill periodically. Be sure to look for rust or other signs of deterioration.
• Don't wear loose clothing that might catch fire while you're cooking.
• Use long-handled barbecue tools and flame-resistant oven mitts.
• Keep alcoholic beverages away from the grill; they are flammable!

In summary, homeowners should exercise caution when using any kind of grill, as they can harm life and property in numerous ways. 

Warm weather is here. Tips on Air Conditioning.

Buying a bigger room air conditioner won't necessarily make you feel more comfortable during the hot summer months. In fact, a room air conditioner that's too big for the area it is supposed to cool will perform less efficiently and less effectively than a smaller, properly sized unit. The reason: an oversized unit will cool the room(s) to the thermostat set-point before proper dehumidification occurs, making the area feel “clammy” and uncomfortable. Central air-conditioning systems need to be sized by professionals. If you have a central air system in your home, set the fan to shut off at the same time as the compressor, which is usually done by setting the "auto" mode on the fan setting. In other words, don't use the system's central fan to provide air circulation -- use circulating fans in individual rooms.
Instead of air-conditioning, consider installing a whole-house fan. Whole-house fans work in many climates and help cool your home by pulling cool air through the house and exhausting warm air through the attic. Use the fan most effectively to cool down your house during cooler times of the day: your home will stay cooler through the hotter times of the day without using the fan.

Cooling Tips

• Set your thermostat at as high a temperature as comfortably possible in the summer, and ensure humidity control if needed. The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be.
• Avoid setting your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner. It will not cool your home any faster and could result in excessive cooling and, therefore, unnecessary expense.
• Consider using an interior fan along with your window air conditioner to spread the cooled air through your home without greatly increasing your power use.
• Avoid placing appliances that give off heat such as lamps or TVs near a thermostat.

Long-Term Savings Tips

• If your air conditioner is old, consider buying an energy-efficient model. Look for the ENERGY STAR® and EnergyGuide labels -- qualified room air conditioners are 10% more efficient, and qualified central units are about 15% more efficient than standard models.
• Consider installing a whole-house fan or evaporative cooler if appropriate for your climate.

Above tips are from energy.gov.

Home Maintenance- Is it Worth It?? 05-05-15

Home Maintenance Costs

Every house needs servicing and sometimes a professional is required so it is important to be aware of home maintenance costs. Many DIY-er's like to tackle tasks by themselves and save money, but work needs to be done correctly to reap the benefits. It can be more costly if work is done and incorrectly and results in the need for additional repairs. If you are unsure, call a professional. Have a separate calendar for house care so you have time to call different companies to find the one that best suites your needs and budget

Home Maintenance Services

There are some tasks that are much more suited for professionals while others are very simple for house owners. For example, changing a furnace filter is well within the capability of anyone interested in maintenance. On the other end, cleaning a chimney requires a set of specific tools and the need to scale the roof. If the task is dangerous and seems too complex, don’t be afraid to call upon help. You best bet is get a pro to help you the first time around and watch the method. Ask the service person questions and try to be involved in the process.Check your local jurisdiction as they may require permits, and ALWAYS find someone licensed AND insured.

Home Maintenance Costs

The big question is how much will all of these service calls cost? Generally speaking, a service call will be a minimum of $50-$85 just for a person to show up. If the task is less than an hour and doesn’t require any additional resources, then you could escape with just the initial fee. If additional time or materials is required the costs can sky rocket.
The recommended budget per year is 1-2% of your home’s value. That would mean $1-2,000 per year on a $100,000 home. It is good to have this budget set aside, but what is really involved in this budget?
Here are some good examples and some estimates:

• Air Conditioner: $50-150 per condenser/evaporator
• Furnace: $100-200
• Chimney Flue Cleaning: $100-200
• Water Heater Tank Cleaning: $75-150

All in all, remember this: you paid good hard-earned money for your house. You should maintain it to the best of your ability and you will be happy knowing that your house and it's systems will last a long time.


Until next time.....
Mark