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Detecting Hazardous Gas
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On a recent home inspection I came across what appeared to be a blocked chimney flue.  Both the furnace and water heater were functioning properly with nice blue flames.  I was however getting back draft Carbon Monoxide exhaust from both appliances.  Carbon Monoxide does not smell or taste and can lead to death if occupants are over exposed.  I recommended to the homeowner that they immediately get a qualified Plumbing & Heating contractor to resolve the condition.  In addition, it was recommended that Carbon Monoxide detectors be installed on all levels of the home.

If you enjoyed this video, and would like to see more like it, please leave a comment.

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

Posted on Friday, July 2nd, 2010.
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Posted in Heating, Inspectors Blog, Plumbing

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

Blocked Furnace Venting

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The recent heavy snowfall and drifting brings one more thing that Rochester and Southeastern MN homeowners need to keep an eye on.  Home owners with High Efficiency, direct vent furnaces and water heaters need to check to see that the venting has not been drifted over with snow or blocked.  These systems typically vent through the sill plate of the home, close to ground level through a white PVC piping like in the photo above.  Drifting snow has the potential to block these vents, causing your furnace or water heater to not operate.  These systems have sensors that will detect blockage which will shut down the system.  Simply got out and check to make sure these vents have adequate clearance.  If they are blocked, simply clear the snow out of and away from the vents, and you should be good to go.  If there are still problems, call your local Rochester heating contractor to resolve the issue. 

I was discussing this with a client recently at a home inspection.  The client’s Realtor spoke up and said that he learned this lesson last year.  Cost him $75 to have someone come and clear the snow away from the venting. 

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

Posted on Friday, December 11th, 2009.
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Posted in Heating

Furnace Improvements

The only can of green beans we have in the house.. And they are way past the expiration date.  I guess we’ll have to run to the store

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

Posted on Thursday, November 19th, 2009.
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Posted in Inspectors Blog, Oh My Gosh...

Change Your Furnace Filter Regularly

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As a home inspector, I take the time to discuss the furnace filter with the new home owner during the walkthrough at their home inspection.  It is crucial that you change your furnace filter regularly to help keep the air clean in your home.  The filter in the picture above had to be at least a year old.

The filter is designed to remove the dust and particles from the air flowing in and through your home.  A clean filter will allow the air to move freely.  A dirty and clogged filter will cause the furnace fan motor to work harder to move the air.  That along with poor air exchange will cause your yearly utility bills to be higher. 

According to the company that replaced my furnace this year, the “blue, fiberglass looking” type furnace filter is the best balance for air flow and particle removal.  The 1 inch thick accordion type filters do a great job of removing particles, but can plug up rather quickly.  If air flow is restricted it will slow air movement as well as cause your furnace fan to have to work harder to move the air in your home..  Change your filter once a month to keep your furnace system running at its peak performance.

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

Posted on Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009.
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Posted in Heating, Inspectors Blog

When Was The Last Time Your HVAC Was Cleaned?

 

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It’s getting cold and you are starting to close up the house for the season.  Contaminants that are in your furnace, home, and duct work will circulate through out your home all winter long.  Your HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning) system can collect molds, fungi, dust, bacteria’s, pollens, and other allergens, that can cause irritation to some or all who live in your home.  Believe it or not, the air in your home can be 2-5 times more polluted that the outdoor air according to the EPA.

Having a complete inspection, cleaning and tune up done on your HVAC system can help to clean up the air in your home.  Your system will run more efficiently, and in the end save you money on your yearly heating and cooling bills. A clean HVAC system also helps to increase air flow in your home, resulting in added comfort to you and your family. 

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

Posted on Friday, September 18th, 2009.
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Posted in Heating, Inspectors Blog

It’s Important That Carbon Monoxide Detectors Are Placed Properly

hh_det_prev_carbon_monoI see a lot of homes in the process of performing home inspections that do not have Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors installed.  In some cases  I find that they are not installed properly.  If you are installing only one carbon monoxide detector in your home, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends it be located near the sleeping area, where it can wake you if you are asleep.  Additional detectors should be located on every level and within 10 feet of every bedroom of a home to provide extra protection against carbon monoxide poisoning.

It should be noted that carbon monoxide detectors not be located directly above or beside fuel-burning appliances, as appliances may emit a small amount of carbon monoxide upon start-up. Also make sure that detectors are not placed within fifteen feet of heating or cooking appliances or in or near very humid areas such as bathrooms.

I often get asked whether it is better to place a carbon monoxide detector at the ceiling or use the type that plugs into an outlet.  Carbon monoxide is roughly the same weight as air so it can and may be contained in warm air coming from combustion appliances such as home heating equipment. If this is the case, carbon monoxide will rise with the warmer air.  Carbon monoxide is produced from incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. In the home CO can be formed, for example, by open flames, space heaters, water heaters, blocked chimneys or running a car inside a garage.

Since CO is colorless, tasteless and odorless (unlike smoke from a fire), detection and prevention of carbon monoxide poisoning in a home environment is impossible without such a warning device. To make sure that we are covered here in the Rochester and Southeastern Mn area, the state of Minnesota passed a law that requires CO detectors in all dwellings.  And again, that’s every level and within 10 feet of sleeping areas to protect you and your family.

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

Posted on Saturday, May 9th, 2009.
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Posted in Interior

Change Your Furnace Filter

When inspecting a furnace during a home inspection, I typically find that most people do not change their furnace filters at regular intervals.

Replacing your furnaces air filter at regular intervals is the first step in keeping your furnace running properly.  The furnace filter’s main purpose is to keep soot, dust, pollens and other particle contaminants out of the air in your home.  Clogged and dirty air filters result in your furnace blower having to work harder.  This makes your furnace more costly to operate and will shorten its lifespan.

Check your owner’s manual for the proper size and type filter for your furnace.  Furnace filters vary in size, and it is important that you use one that is sized for your furnace.  If you do not have access to the owners manual, you can sometimes find the filter information on the inside panel of the furnace.  If the information is not provided on the furnace, you can try contacting the Rochester or Southeastern MN heating company that supports your furnace brand.  Purchasing your furnace filters by the case changing more convenient.

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

Posted on Tuesday, April 14th, 2009.
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Posted in Heating

Maintaining Your Furnace Saves Energy and Expense
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There’s not a furnace out there that can, or will continue to operate efficiently without periodic maintenance. It’s important to keep your home’s heating system clean, lubricated, and properly adjusted.  Replacing the filter regularly will extended life of your heating system and will help the furnace to heat efficiently.  In addition, you will save energy and expense.

Ideally, your furnace should be inspected and serviced by a professional heating contractor on a yearly basis.  It’s best to have the system checked before each heating season begins. Your local Rochester, and Southeastern MN  utility and heating companies offer maintenance service at a reasonable price. If you do your own maintenance, you should have your heating system checked by a professional every three to five years.

The attached video is from a home inspection I did recently in an older home where it was obvious that the home owner did a good job of maintaining their heating system. 

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

Posted on Thursday, April 9th, 2009.
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Posted in Heating, Inspectors Blog

As a first time homebuyer it was nice to have someone who didn’t make me feel like I knew nothing!  I felt very informed by the end of my inspection and surprisingly enough we actually had fun!  Who would thought that was possible.  Thank you so much for making the long process of buying a home that much easier!

Tanna F, Rochester, MN

As a first time home owner you really made me feel comfortable in buying my new home.  Great suggestions and tips.  You were kind and patient.  Nice follow up after the inspection, I was very impressed!  Thank You!

Robyn M. Rochester, MN

Rick was very thorough and knowledgeable.  Thank You for fitting me in on a Saturday morning.  Great Job! I will definately recommend HomePro to my friends in the future.

Rosie P. Rochester, MN

Call and schedule your inspection today 507.202.8942