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Rochester Mn Home Inspector Recommends Carbon Monixide Detectors

What is Carbon Monoxide and why do I need a Carbon Monoxide Detector?  Yes,  Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless and potentially dangerous gas produced when fuel burns without enough air for complete combustion. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include fatigue, headache, dizziness, nausea, coughing, irregular breathing, paleness and cherry red lips and ears.

If symptoms are noticed, it is advised that you immediately open windows and doors to ventilate the home or structure, call 911 and get outside into fresh air. Later, have appliances checked carefully by a qualified heating contractor.

When doing a home inspecion I look for, and note whether there are Carbon Monoxide and smoke detectors in all applicable locations. Make sure you install a carbon monoxide detector on each level of your home and within 10 feet of sleeping areas, in rooms over or near a garage, in the basement or other isolated area, and in rooms where space heaters are used. Detectors that have been verified by Underwriters Laboratory (UL) and have been manufactured after October 1995 conform to minimum alarm requirements. Those marked UL 2034 or IAS 6-96 have met the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission guidelines. Follow the directions for installing and using the detector carefully.

To help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:
 Your chimney and flue should be checked and cleaned every year.
 Have a qualified inspector check appliances and heating systems each year.
 Make sure all home appliances have adequate ventilation.
 Carbon Monoxide detectors should not be relied upon as a substitute maintaining appliances, furnaces or chimneys.
 The flames in appliances and heating systems burners should be blue, not orange.
 Never use a gas range as a space heater.
 Never run an automobile or gasoline engine in an enclosed space.
 Charcoal grills should never be used indoors indoors.

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector, HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester MN, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942. http://www.homepro-inspection.com

Posted on Thursday, March 5th, 2009.
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Posted in Heating, Inspectors Blog

Your Home and Your Health – Avoid Carbon Monoxide Hazards

 What is carbon monoxide?  Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas.  It is often called the “silent killer” because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes.  Unfortunately, hundreds of people accidentally die from carbon monoxide poisoning each year.  However, there are several things you can do as a homeowner to protect your family.

1) Winter is upon us here in Minnesota.  If you live in a colder climate like Rochester MN, it is important to clear snow drifts away from exhaust vents. 
2) Open flues when wood fireplaces are in use. 
3) Do not idle the car inside the garage.
4) Keep gas appliances properly adjusted.
5) Have your furnace maintained by a trained professional on a yearly basis.
6) Install approved and certified carbon monoxide detectors.

Did you know?  There is a new Minnesota law that has been enacted in order to help prevent carbon monoxide tragedies from occurring.  The statute requires a carbon monoxide alarm be installed within 10 feet of each room lawfully used for sleeping purposes in every single-family dwelling.  This not only includes new construction properties but existing homes as well. 

What does this mean for home buyers?  When purchasing a home, your home inspector will verify whether the home is properly equipped with the CO detectors as specified by the law.  If the detectors are missing, you can request the seller comply with the law and have the detectors installed appropriately before the closing.

What does this mean for home sellers?  You have a legal obligation to equip the home you are selling with the proper number of detectors in the appropriate areas.  It is not sufficient for seller’s to purely count on disclosure as a way to get around having the additional cost of purchasing the detectors.  It is imperative for sellers to be proactive due to the potential damage that could occur from not having the adequate number of detectors.  It’s going to come up on a home inspection report, so you might as well get them installed.   As a bonus, you are protecting your own family!

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector, HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester MN, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942. http://www.homepro-inspection.com

Posted on Tuesday, February 24th, 2009.
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Posted in Heating, Inspectors Blog

Rochester MN Home Inspector Recommends Heating System Tune Up

The winter heating season is upon us here in RochesterMN area.  When doing a home inspection and analyzing the heating system, I try to determine is a home’s forced air heating system’s age.   If it is an older unit I suggest you have a professional heating contractor service it every year.  If you furnace is newer, every couple of years should suffice.  This is your best protection against carbon monoxide dangers and heating problems. Routine service will also ensure peak efficiency to save you operating costs.

A good service and inspection costs about $80-$120 and should include a complete cleaning, safety check, and tuning.

The service contractor should:

  • clean the burner and heat exchanger, and inspect for cracks.
  • tune the burners for proper combustion.
  • perform a carbon monoxide test in the heat exchanger.
  • check the vent pipe and draft diverter.
  • inspect the chimney for obstructions and draft.
  • check vent pipes for proper clearance and materials.
  • test fan controls and safety controls.
  • check the thermostat.
  • run the furnace through a complete cycle.
  • check flame roll-out.
  • check gas pressure (if appropriate for your furnace).
  • clean and adjust the pilot light assembly.
  • inspect gas fittings and repair any leaks.
  • lubricate the fan and motor.
  • check belt condition and tension.
  • service the filter.
  • clean the fan and housing if excessive dirt has accumulated.

Replacing parts or cleaning extensively will cost extra.

You should have a basic understanding of how the system works, so if you aren’t clear on what is covered during the home inspection, ask the service contractor to explain the basics. You should routinely service the filter and lubricate the fan and motor a second time during the heating season. You should also inspect the flue connection to the chimney.

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector, HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester MN, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942. http://www.homepro-inspection.com

Posted on Tuesday, February 24th, 2009.
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Posted in Heating, Inspectors Blog, Monthly Home Tip

Rochester MN Home Inspector Recommends Regular Furnace Filter Maintenence

How often should you change the filter on the furnace?  Whenever it’s dirty.  And although it sounds a little silly, some of better filters get dirty more quickly and need to be changed more often.

A standard cheap (about $1) fiberglass air filter should be checked once a month and changed when it shows visible dirt. You also need to check the filter when running the central air conditioner, because air circulates through the furnace and the filter.

This home inspector recommends you  do a little research befor buying a furnace filter.  You will have to purchace a filter that meets your family needs.   Read the labels-some are more efficient than others. Price will vary from about $3 to $15. These filters will trap much more dirt and smaller particles of dirt. They need to be changed more often because they do a better job of trapping dirt.

The next level up from standard throw-away filters are washable filters and electrostatic washable filters. Washable foam filters work quite well if coated with a special sticky spray like Filter Coat. Electrostatic filters are relatively expensive (about $100), but they do trap dirt well.

A better filter is the 6-inch-thick pleated paper filter. Air is forced through a long accordion of filter paper. Fine holes in the paper trap small particles of dirt. The large surface area limits pressure loss in the heating system. A special frame needs to be installed in the duct work, and the filter costs about $25, but it will last one or two years.

The top of the line is an electronic filter that charges metal plates in the air stream and attracts dust. This is the only type of filter that actually removes smoke particles from the air. This filter costs about $700 installed. Filter plates must be washed monthly in the dishwasher or by hand with soapy water.

I consider the pleated paper filters a good investment. The more expensive electronic filters are great for people with allergies or sensitivity to dust.

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector, HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester MN, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942. http://www.homepro-inspection.com

Posted on Tuesday, February 24th, 2009.
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Posted in Heating, Inspectors Blog, Monthly Home Tip

You were pleasant and professional, and actually took the time to point out many things to me, such as the issues with the furnace. Thank you!

Gretchen F, Rochester, MN

Very professional, thorough and complete home inspection.

Jim & Karen L, Rochester, MN.

Very Knowledgable.  You answered all of our home inspection questions.  Thanks again!

Jackie and Ryan, Rochester, MN

Call and schedule your inspection today 507.202.8942