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Monthly Home Tip

Make the best of a Gloomy, Dreary Day – Prep Your Deck

Since we have had a string of dreary days, now is the time to get out there and prepare your outdoor living areas for the summer outdoor entertainment season. While you want to use the sunny days for fertilizing the lawn, planting flowers, etc., don’t waste those gray, overcast days, which are great for other outdoor projects. One task that can be tackled on a dreary day is prepping and cleaning your deck to get it ready for staining.

Staining your deck is one of the best ways to protect your investment from the elements, It will be easier to maintain and look better longer. However, you won’t get the best results by laying down a coat or two of stain without proper preparation of the deck surface.  Every deck staining project should start with a proper cleaning and preparation. Although you may want a perfect – sunny weekend to stain your deck, prepping can be done at any time.  Take a look at these simple steps below to help achieve great-looking results that last:

Get all of your tools and materials together. To make your project flow, and save time, have the following within reach before you start your project:
* Broom or leaf blower
* Ladder (for decks off ground)
* Rags
* Tarps
* Buckets for mixing
* Synthetic brushes (2 to 4 inches)
* Rollers
* Long handles for rollers
* Roller frames and roller grids
* Cleaning product. Your local Rochester or Southeastern MN hardware or building supplies store offers a variety of wood cleaning and stripping products to help clean and brighten surfaces dulled and grayed by the sun, dirt and rain.

Check your deck surfaces to make sure they are both safe and sturdy.  Be sure to inspect for areas that may have bad wood, dry rot, loose nails, loose spindles and broken boards. Replace boards as needed and secure any loose nails and spindles.

Prepare yourself, the deck and the surrounding area. Make sure you follow all safety precautions prescribed by the cleaning product manufacturer before starting your deck cleaning project. Wear gloves, safety glasses or goggles, and old clothing – shorts are not recommended when using chemicals. Before starting, cover any areas you want to protect, wet down plants and shrubs, and wet your deck surface with water.

Clean, scrub and renew your deck. Work the cleaner into the wood, starting from the bottom up to reduce streaking. Be sure to keep surfaces wet with water and let the wood cleaner stand for 20 to 30 minutes before rinsing. Once you have your deck cleaned, the wood should dry for at least 48 hours before applying any stains or paint.

For the most part, cleaning the average sized deck, (300 to 500 square feet) deck will take you five to six hours. And, since Mother Nature won’t harm your work, cleaning can be done on a gloomy day. Once you have your deck properly cleaned you should stain it within 30 days. After 30 days, you may have to do a light cleaning with bleach and water before staining will do the trick. 

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector. HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942

Posted on Tuesday, June 15th, 2010.
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Posted in Inspectors Blog, Monthly Home Tip

Is Your Air Conditioner Ready For Summer?

Just like any of the other systems in our homes, our air conditioners need periodic maintenance to keep them running smoothly.  We want the air conditioner to work when we need it right?  Too often though, people wait until the temperatures soar to find out that the old unit just won’t fire up.  Summer is coming and soon we will all want our air conditioners to run at peak performance to keep us comfortable.  Careful inspection of the air conditioning system prior to peak use can help you to head off problems ahead of time.

First, the more you use your air conditioner, the more often it should be checked.  Filters are a good place to start.  Cold air moves harder that hot air.  If your air filter is plugged, the fan has to work harder to move the air.  If the air isn’t moving, the air conditioner has to work harder to meet the desired temperature in the home.  Buy a good air filter and make sure to change them at the manufacturers prescribed frequency. 

At the condenser, (outside), make sure that there is adequate clearance for air flow around the unit.  Three feet above and one foot at the sides, minimum clearance will allow the air to flow freely.  Also, make sure that the cooling fins are free of debris and damage.  If the fins are clogged with dryer lint or grass clippings, air can’t move freely through the condenser. 

Catch small problems before they turn into big problems.  Noisy condenser units could be anything from a loose screw on a panel or safety screen, to a loose fan blade.  Loose fan blades could also be hitting part of the unit.  If everything is tight and there is still a noise, it could be the condenser motor.  You should call for service if this is the case.  Make sure that the unit is sitting level to prevent unnecessary wear on the motor bearings. 

Noise at the furnace could mean a bad motor or loose/worn drive belt.  Again, you should call a service technician for repairs.

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector. HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942

Posted on Wednesday, May 19th, 2010.
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Posted in Monthly Home Tip

How to Cut Costs Efficiently, and Green up Your Home
It can be a challenge to keep your home cool and comfortable while keeping your energy bills in control, especially with the arrival of warmer weather.  There are a few steps you can take now that will make your home more environmentally friendly while saving money and natural resources.
 
Air conditioners, fans, and other appliances that we run in the summer can eat up energy and drive up our utility costs.  According to the EPA, the energy used in the average home is responsible for twice the greenhouse gas emissions that the average passenger car.  Below are a few tips that you can implement that will help reduce your energy consumption and help to keep you comfortable.
 
Install a programmable thermostat and pre-set your indoor temperatures.  This can save you up to 6% on your energy costs for every degree you raise your thermostat this summer.  Most models are simple to operate, allowing you to program them around your family’s schedules.

If you have an old air conditioning unit, you may want to upgrade to a newer system that meets or exceeds the government energy standards.  For example, it is possible to have savings of up to 47% on new heating and air conditioning costs with a newer model.  Thanks to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, you may be eligible for tax credits if a new air condition and/or heating system meets energy efficiency requirements.   

Turn off lights and keep costs down.  Being more efficient with your lighting is one of the fastest ways to reduce your electricity bills.  Turning off lights when you leave a room will add to your energy savings. 

How efficient are your exterior doors?  Old doors with poor seals may contribute to higher energy usage.  New exterior doors usually fit and seal better than older doors.  A new energy efficient door can help to stabilize your interior temperatures and decrease your energy usage.

Some other simple energy savers…  Even small acts of green can make a difference. Turning off your computer and monitor when not in use; lowering the thermostat on your water heater to 120 degrees; taking short showers instead of baths and washing only full loads of dishes and clothes can all add up to big savings on your homes energy consumption.

 
Rick Erickson, Home Inspector, HomePro Home Inspections, Serving Rochester and Southeastern, MN.  507-202-8942

It can be a challenge to keep your home cool and comfortable while keeping your energy bills in control, especially with the arrival of warmer weather.  There are a few steps you can take now that will make your home more environmentally friendly while saving money and natural resources.
 
Air conditioners, fans, and other appliances that we run in the summer can eat up energy and drive up our utility costs.  According to the EPA, the energy used in the average home is responsible for twice the greenhouse gas emissions that the average passenger car.  Below are a few tips that you can implement that will help reduce your energy consumption and help to keep you comfortable.
 
Install a programmable thermostat and pre-set your indoor temperatures.  This can save you up to 6% on your energy costs for every degree you raise your thermostat this summer.  Most models are simple to operate, allowing you to program them around your family’s schedules.

If you have an old air conditioning unit, you may want to upgrade to a newer system that meets or exceeds the government energy standards.  For example, it is possible to have savings of up to 47% on new heating and air conditioning costs with a newer model.  Thanks to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, you may be eligible for tax credits if a new air condition and/or heating system meets energy efficiency requirements.   

Turn off lights and keep costs down.  Being more efficient with your lighting is one of the fastest ways to reduce your electricity bills.  Turning off lights when you leave a room will add to your energy savings. 

How efficient are your exterior doors?  Old doors with poor seals may contribute to higher energy usage.  New exterior doors usually fit and seal better than older doors.  A new energy efficient door can help to stabilize your interior temperatures and decrease your energy usage.

Some other simple energy savers…  Even small acts of green can make a difference. Turning off your computer and monitor when not in use; lowering the thermostat on your water heater to 120 degrees; taking short showers instead of baths and washing only full loads of dishes and clothes can all add up to big savings on your homes energy consumption.

 
Rick Erickson, Home Inspector, HomePro Home Inspections, Serving Rochester and Southeastern, MN.  507-202-8942

Posted on Friday, April 23rd, 2010.
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Posted in Monthly Home Tip

Digital Spring Cleaning

As long as you are thinking about Spring Cleaning, why not take some time to attend to your digital gizmos and gadgets you have around the house.  I’m guessing, if you are like me, it’s probably been months since you have organized you computer files, or checked on the batteries in your safety devices, to make sure they operate properly in the event you may need them.

Let’s get organized this spring.  Make sure you add all of your digital gadgets and devices to the list.  Below are a few tips that should get you on the right path to your digital spring cleaning.

Let’s start with the computers first.  You might be surprised to see just how much faster they operate and process information when the files are organized.  You can de-clutter your e-mail by sorting out all old or un-needed emails.  Put important e-mails you need into folders for safe keeping.  Run your computer’s disk clean up and defragmenter software to de-clutter and organize hard disk file space.

Spring is also a great time to replace all of the batteries in your small electronics.  Restock your supplies so that you have batteries on hand when the need arises, or in case of emergencies.  Some of the electronic devices that may need new batteries are the digital cameras, digital clocks, remote controls, garage door openers, flash lights, toys, and don’t forget about the electronic key fob for your automobiles.  Changing out all of your batteries will guarantee the these electronics will be ready and in working order when you need them.

Your Smoke detectors and Carbon Monoxide detectors should also have their batteries changed at least annually.  Your family’s safety is important, and we rely on these devices to keep us safe and alert us in the event of an emergency.  Working smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors are the simplest ways to to protect you and your family from fire.

You can combine your digital spring cleaning with your regular organization of tax records, sales receipts, Auto repair receipts, and anything else you keep in your file cabinets.  I scan all of my documents and store them electronically.  This saves space and allows for easy retrieval.  Of course you should also make digital back up’s to protect your documents in the event of a hard drive crash.

Keeping your digital house in order will help to make your life a little more organized while also keeping you prepared for any technical emergencies that may arise.  Get your spring cleaning going now and enjoy the benefits of a clutter free home.

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector, HomePro Home Inspections, Serving Rochester and Southeastern, MN.  507-202-8942

Posted on Thursday, March 18th, 2010.
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Posted in Inspectors Blog, Monthly Home Tip

So Why Wouldn’t You Cover Your Air Conditioner During The Winter Months?
Yes, there is an air conditioner under there

Yes, there is an air conditioner under there

Some experts argue that some AC covers actually trap moisture inside your air conditioner for long periods of time which could then lead to the rust as well as the exact same icing problem as when it wasn’t covered.  Others point out that covers on AC units keep them dry and relatively clean and free from a steady cold wind – which makes them a perfect place for mice, chipmunks and other critters to snuggle in for the winter and chew your air conditioners wires to shreds.

To summarize, here are the pros and cons of covering your AC unit in the winter months:

Pros to covering your air conditioner:

  • Keeps your air conditioner coils a little cleaner so it may run a little more efficiently when you use it again
  • Prevents heavy debris like sticks, branches and other yard waste from blowing into your AC
  • Helps prevent water from directly resting on your coils and freezing, which could be damaging.
  • May save on maintenance costs and help lengthen the life of your air conditioner

Cons to covering your air conditioner:

  • Could trap in moisture if not doneproperly
  • Could provide a tempting spot for small animals to nest during winter months
  • Most AC manufacturers don’t specifically recommend covering the outside unit

Air conditioner units are expensive to replace and even repair should something happen to it. If you’re not going to use air conditioner for a good six months or so out of the year it makes logical sense to close it off from the elements, at least a little bit. Covering your ac unit each year may allow it to last and run a little longer.

Here are some options to consider:

Cover Just the Top of your Air Conditioner: A lot of people choose taking the middle ground with an AC cover. They cover the top of their unit with a piece of plywood and secure it using a heavy brick or rock. This prevents most of the snow and ice from entering your AC unit from the top and it still leaves the sides open for plenty of cool air to blow through, eliminating the trapped moisture problem.

Fully Cover Your Air Conditioner: If you fully cover your air conditioner, you’ll want to take a few things into consideration. Using plastic makeshift  AC covers out of things like tarps or large plastic bags are not a good idea because they can easily keep moisture stuck inside for a long time. They will also almost certain rip or blow off during a long winter unless you get pretty creative with your fastening.

If you’re going to go with a full cover then you might want to consider using a specially designed air conditioner cover.

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector, HomePro Home Inspections, Serving Rochester and Southeastern, MN.  507-202-8942

Posted on Thursday, February 18th, 2010.
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Posted in Inspectors Blog, Monthly Home Tip

Dirty Refrigerator Coils

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Although kitchen appliances are not included in the standards of practice for the home inspection profession, it is common practice to at least check to see if they are operating properly.  Typically on a refrigerator freezer unit that means checking to see that it is colder on one side than the other and that the water and ice dispenser works.  Recently I came across a refrigerator/freezer unit that was heavily frosted up in the freezer unit.  I took a look underneath the unit and the coils were completely loaded up with lint and dust bunnies.  When the coils under a unit are all loaded and dirty up they can not operate efficiently, resulting in higher energy bills.

The answer to this problem is to give your refrigerator/freezer coils a breather.  Coils should be cleaned at least once a year.  These appliances have a set of coils typically in the back, or on the bottom.  These coils circulate refrigerant which is cooled by air passing over them.  If the coils and area is plugged then air can not flow smoothly, causing your energy bills to soar.  To clean the coils, remove the clip-on cover from the bottom front on the unit and use a coil brush to loosen and remove the built up lint and dust.  A vacuum cleaner with a crevice tool can come in handy too.  You may need to roll the unit out to get at the back side if everything is not accessible from the front.   Be careful not to damage any attached water lines for ice makers.  The attached picture shows a coil brush which can be purchased at your favorite Rochester or Southeastern MN hardware or home maintenance store. 

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector. HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942

Posted on Thursday, November 12th, 2009.
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Posted in Monthly Home Tip

Use Your Ceiling Fan To Save Energy

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As our summer temperatures are cooling down, it doesn’t necessarily mean the energy bill is going to magically disappear, but there are some things we can do to minimize them.

Use your ceiling fans.  Ceiling fans help to circulate the air in a room, taking away the heat in the process.  The expense of running a ceiling fan versus the Air Conditioning will result in several hundred dollars savings per year.  In the fall you can set your thermostat at 78 degrees and turn on your ceiling fan.  The air movement will make it feel like 72 degrees, (kind of like wind chill).  Or you could just use the ceiling fans and turn the Air Conditioning all together.  Also, only use fans in the rooms you are occupying to save energy.  Did you know that there are several ceiling fan models that even have built in heating to help out with cold rooms in the winter? 

If you do not have ceiling fans in your home and are in the market to purchase one, do your homework first.  Because it will last for years, there are many considerations when deciding on a ceiling fan. How big is the room you will be using the fan in?  How high are the ceilings?  Would you like the fan to blend in to the décor, or become a major focal point?  Will the fan be replacing a lighting fixture?  Do you want manual or remote control operation features?

All ceiling fans, because of their design and low energy consumption, will start to save you money from the day you have it installed.   The new Energy Star-qualified models will increase those savings even more.  Before purchasing a product, read labels.  Products that have undergone rigorous testing and meet the government’s strictest new guidelines for efficiency will have an Energy Star label.  All products that have met the Energy Star requirements will have an easy to read consumer guide right on the label.  When shopping for products, make sure that you read package labels carefully when comparison shopping to make sure you understand all information and make informed decisions.

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector. HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942

Posted on Tuesday, October 6th, 2009.
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Posted in Monthly Home Tip

In Case of an Emergency: Some things that everyone in the home should know.

Your families’ safety plan should include a list of things that everyone living in the home should know.  This should include maintaining a list of emergency shut-off locations, basic tools, and information sources. 

As a home inspector, I typically tag all of the gas and water valves for the homeowner during the process of inspecting a home.  In addition, when performing the final walkthrough with clients at the end of the home inspection process, I will point out and explain the location and function of these valves and other power sources such as electrical shutoffs.

Main Electrical Disconnect.   This will be located in the main fuse or breaker panel, typically located in the basement or garage.  In Condominiums or Townhomes, the main electrical disconnect can sometimes be found at the end of the building at a large service panel.  Each unit’s disconnect should be plainly marked.

Main Water Valve.  This valve turns off all of the water to the home.  If you are on a municipal water supply, the valve should be located somewhere on the “street side” of your home near the water meter.  If you are on your own well, the valve will be located next to the pressure tank.  If this is the case, in addition to shutting the valve, you will also want to shut off the power to your pump to disable the main water system.

Hot Water Shut-off.  This valve should be located on the cold water side, (inlet) near the top of the water heater.  The valve can be closed to turn off the hot water supply to the home.

Natural Gas Main.  The natural gas main should be located at the gas meter.  Many of the gas main valves will require a wrench to operate.  Occasionally there will be an additional valve at the gas regulator in the home, typically in the basement. A quarter turn will close these types of valves.

Local Gas Valves.  Water heaters, furnaces, gas fireplaces, and stoves all require a valve to be located at the appliance.  Again, these types of valves are typically quarter turn valves.

Furnace and Air Conditioning Main Switch.  This switch looks like a typical light switch on modern installations, and is located at the furnace.  On older homes there may be a single fuse box with a switch attached at the side of the box.

Central Air Conditioner Main Disconnect.  Central Air Conditioners require a main disconnect at the unit location on the exterior of the home.  This switch allows the service personnel control over the electrical power at the A/C unit.

Emergency Phone numbers.  Maintain a list of how to reach the Fire department, ambulance, police, mom, dad, relatives, workplace and others as appropriate for your household.

Fire Extinguishers.  Fire Extinguishers should be placed in the Kitchen, Basement and Garage.  Everyone in the home should know their locations and how to operate them.

Escape Plans.  Your family should have an escape plan on how to get out of the house in case of an emergency.  A meeting place should also be established so that all can be accounted for.  Practice your escape plan.

Garage Door Emergency Release.  In case of a power failure, the overhead garage door has an emergency release.  The release is typically a red handle attached to a rope located near where the garage door opener attaches to the garage door.  Disengaging this release will allow you to manually open the garage door.  If the garage door is not balanced properly, or if springs are broken it may be very heavy and difficult to lift.

Emergency Tool Box.  Set aside basic tools in case of emergency,  Adjustable wrenches screw drivers, hammer, flash light and batteries etc should be located in a place that everyone knows.

Keep in mind that this is just a basic list and that everyone’s situation is unique.  Be sure to take careful consideration to your home and family needs and be prepared.  It is important that each family member knows how to react to emergencies and to know that emergency shut offs will work when needed.  You can also contact you local utility companies, police and fire department for additional information.

Rick Erickson, HomePro Home Inspections, Serving Rochester and Southeastern, MN.  507-202-8942

Posted on Tuesday, August 25th, 2009.
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Posted in Monthly Home Tip

Cleaning Oil Stains from Concrete Flooring

Removing Oil stains from your concrete flooring can be easy. You can use commercial cleaners, a strong detergent, or dry Portland cement to remove them. Some products you may already have in your own home, other products may need to be purchased from your local Rochester or Southeastern MN hardware or automotive store.

Commercial cleaners that are labeled for use as driveway or cement cleaners are available at most hardware or automotive stores. These are usually solvent-based and require you to scrub the solvent into the oil stain. . Follow all directions on the product. 

You may wish to use a product that can be washed off with water. Most strong detergents will remove oil stains. Trying a slightly diluted liquid detergent  is recommended. Other detergent cleaners that work well include Spic and Span, Soilax, and Mex. A strong detergent such as TSP can also remove most oil stains if applied with a stiff scrub brush. After applying the detergent, scrub the spot several times and rinse with water. For tough stains we recommend letting the detergent solution soak into the stain for several hours, scrubbing every so often, and then rinsing. Let the cleaner do the work. You may need to try several applications if the stain remains.

 You can also pour dry Portland cement or hydraulic cement on the oil stain.  Rub the cement in with a broom, brush, or even your shoe and let it stand overnight. The cement will draw the oil out of the concrete. Simply sweep up the residue and repeat as necessary until the stain is no longer visible. If the stain remains, you can dampen the powder after sweeping. The cement will bond with the surface to freshen the appearance. Use Eyewear protection and cover your skin when working with cement. The fine powder can cause damage. 

Take all safety precautions when using any of the cleaners described above as they can contain strong chemicals.

 Rick Erickson, HomePro Home Inspections, Serving Rochester and Southeastern, MN.  507-202-8942

Posted on Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009.
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Posted in Exterior Components, Monthly Home Tip

Patching Rotted Wood

Wood Rot

Wood rot on windows, doors and frames can be a big problem. The humidity in Southeastern Minnesota summers and the addition of humidifiers set too high in airtight homes during the winter can cause windows of your home to collect moisture, and damage your door and window frames causing the wood to rot.  Your home inspector will note and point out these areas in your home inspection report.  If you paint over the rotten wood the surface looks poor and continues to deteriorate. Replacing these windows can be too expensive. One answer to this problem is patching the wood with epoxy filler.

Several types of fillers are available. You can compare the filler to “Bondo” (a filler used for car body repair). Bondo is an epoxy patch for metal that makes surfaces look like new, much like an epoxy filler will do for your wood frames.

For wood preparation you need to perform a full inspection of the affected area and remove all of the soft or “punky” wood.  Any small remaining soft wood areas can be solidified with a liquid consolidant.  You then patch the surface with an epoxy patch.  The patching material can be the consistency of stiff putty or almost a liquid, depending on the product used and the mixture.

All epoxy products consist of a two-part mix. You first add the hardener to a base product and mix thoroughly. The product cures through a chemical reaction. Setting time will depend on the hardener and the ambient temperature/humidity level.

You can make a wood or cardboard form and pour or shape the patch to almost any contour. Once the product is cured you can sand and file it to the precise shape needed. The next step is to surface-finish, paint, or stain the newly treated surface.

Epoxy is great for repairing wood surfaces. When properly used, it can restore the structural integrity of your door or window frame.

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector. HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942

Posted on Sunday, May 31st, 2009.
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Posted in Exterior Components, Monthly Home Tip

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

Jackie and Ryan, Rochester, MN

Rick, thank you for being so personable and answering all of my questions.

Donna F, Rochester, MN

Very accommodating. Rick drove to Northfield on very short notice and worked around my schedule.

Beth H, Northfield, MN

Call and schedule your inspection today 507.202.8942