​Air conditioners work very hard for us during the hot summer months so I’m sure you’ll agree that keeping them well maintained is in our best interests. Having your AC units professionally serviced every year is an important step to keeping them in good working order, but a homeowner can also do some things to keep them in good shape.
 
A good first maintenance task is to clean or replace the AC unit’s filters. If the filters become dirty or damaged in some way, this will strain the unit's motor, not to mention lower the quality of the home's indoor air.
 
Outside air conditioning units tend to get covered in all types of dirt and debris over the winter months so this is another area that will need attention to get them ready for summer. Clear all the leaves, branches, spider webs, and anything else that may have gathered around the unit. Then, remove the cover so that you can clean the inside of the unit as well. You should notice that there are hundreds of metal fins that surround piping coils. Very often these metal fins will become bent, but it is possible to straighten them out again using a special tool called a fin comb. 
 
Next, you should check the AC unit’s drainage lines which are designed to draw condensed water away from the unit. The AC unit will not work optimally if the drainage lines become blocked so, as you clean the unit, be sure to check that these lines are not clogged and that they are firmly connected to the unit.
 
Lastly, if the air conditioning unit needs oil, check the operating manual to find out what kind of oil you need to use for your particular unit.

​Water heaters, over time, start to develop issues and need maintenance. Among the more common signs that something is wrong are puddles of water under the heater and cold showers, etc. But what if the water heater isn’t showing those signs yet and appears to be in good shape? Is the cost of maintaining it more than the cost of replacing it?
 
One thing you should keep in mind with water heaters is their average lifespan. How old is the water heater? Perhaps it still has its warranty, and this is, of course, a good thing, but very often these warranties do not cover the labor costs which may end up being rather pricey. One part of the water heater, for example, that generally needs to be replaced every few years is the sacrificial anode. This can be a tricky job to do and the unit can be easily damaged. Replacing the anode can even void out some warranties. If your water heater is coming to the end of its lifespan and the anode needs to be replaced, it is a good idea to ask yourself if it is worth doing the job to extend the heater a little longer, or is it better to replace the water heater altogether?
 
If you are spending on average more than 10 percent annually of the amount it would cost to install a new water heater on fixing the old one, then you may find that it is not worth the time and effort to keep maintaining it. If you are unsure about how to proceed, why not have the water heater inspected? This way you can find out whether it will be better to replace it or keep repairing the existing one.

​A water heater is an essential part of a home and is something that a home inspector pays extra attention to during an inspection. One question a homeowner is likely to ask is how long does a water heater typically last before needing to be replaced? On average, the lifespan of a water heater is around 10 years, however, this does depend on a few factors. Here is a couple of them:
 
The proper installation of a water heater plays a major role when it comes to its lifespan. While some homeowners decide to try and install it themselves to save money, they may quickly realize that it requires more skill than they thought, especially with tankless gas water heaters.  Water heaters need to be installed in an upright position and in an area that is well ventilated. Do not install a water heater in a place that may sustain flood damage as this could cause the exterior pipes to rust, reducing their efficiency and lifespan. You should also place a water heater in an easily accessible area.
 
The amount of use a water heater gets is another thing that will greatly affect its lifespan. Naturally, the more water that must be heated, the more strain this will put on the water heater itself as it will have to work that much harder.
 
The quality of the water heater. As is the case with most things, you will get what you pay for. A more expensive water heater is likely to last longer than a cheaper alternative. One way to tell if the water heater is of better quality is by checking how long the warranty lasts. Water heaters with a longer warranty tend to be built better which means they will have a longer lifespan.

Biological pollutants are found in every home and have been associated with various types of illness and disease. However, a lot of these ailments’ symptoms may be caused by something other than your home’s indoor environment, so it can be hard to determine whether these illnesses are related to bad indoor air quality or not. If you are worried that biological pollutants are affected your health, here are a few questions to ask yourself:
 

• Have you recently moved into a new house? Did your symptoms only begin during or after the move? The same questions should be asked if you have recently remodeled your home or had some work done on it like installing insulation, weather stripping, storm windows, or any other kind of energy conservation work.

 

• Have you had any problems with moisture intrusion? Is there a moldy or musty-smelling odor in the house or do you see signs of mildew or mold?

 

• Are you or any of your family members suffering from feeling tired or dizzy? Do you or they have trouble breathing and wheezing, fevers, frequent headaches, stuffy nose, or dry throat, etc.? If so, do these symptoms seem to go away after you spend time outside of the home?

 

• Have you noticed that moisture tends to collect on hard surfaces such as walls, windows, and ceilings, and does the air feel very humid?

 

• Have you recently given your air conditioners or humidifiers a thorough cleaning, or has it been a while since you last did it?

 

• Are you experiencing any problems with rodents or cockroaches in your home?

 
If you can answer yes to some or all of these questions, then biological pollutants may be contributing to poor indoor air quality in your home. Of course, you need to see a doctor if you are experiencing these symptoms but, remember to tell your physician this information as it can help them to make an accurate diagnosis.

​The air we breathe plays a vital role when it comes to our general health and wellbeing. A lot of money is spent each year towards improving pollution levels in the air outside, but what about the air we breathe indoors? Could that be affecting your health? With many of us spending so much more time at home now we are at greater risk of being affected by indoor air pollutants. So, what is the cause of some of them and what conditions do they thrive in?
 
Generally speaking, biological pollutants are either living organisms or parts that have come from living organisms. They travel through the air and are unseen most of the time. Among the more common biological pollutants that you will find indoors are bacteria and viruses, pollen, dust mites and cockroach parts, and animal dander.
 
What kinds of conditions do biological pollutants flourish in? It is important to be aware that these substances are found in all homes so it will not be possible to completely remove them, however, there are some conditions that make the problem worse. To help support the growth of biological pollutants, moisture and nutrients are necessary and there are numerous areas within the home that provide these conditions such as bathrooms, damp basements, and appliances like humidifiers, and air conditioners. Modern construction and materials are another contributing factor that can help support the growth of some biological pollutants because, reducing the amount of outside air coming into the home, can result in higher moisture levels indoors.
 
After this short review, you may ask how can I determine whether biological pollutants in my home are the cause of some of my health problems? This subject will be discussed in our next blog.

​Water intrusion has the potential to be a big problem for a homeowner. If left untreated, it can result in expensive repairs, bad indoor air quality, and can even lower the value of the home. Identifying the places where water is most likely to enter the home is an important step to avoiding this issue. Here are some of the most vulnerable places to water intrusion:
 
The roof has a lot of potential for water intrusion if it is not well maintained. It should have the appropriate amount of slope that allows for proper drainage. Any flashings on the roof have the potential to seep in water so these should be checked periodically for leaks. Some other moisture trouble spots are gutters and downspouts. If they become clogged, this will prevent water from draining and can cause water intrusion issues. Make sure they are regularly cleaned out and check that the downspouts are positioned so that water runs away from the building.
 
If indoor humidity levels are too high this can also create problems with moisture. Musty odors and poor indoor air quality are some signs that this is a problem. You may also notice staining on your ceilings or walls. A dehumidifier will help to reduce humidity. It is also important to clean and dry areas where moisture tends to collect.
 
Leaking plumbing fixtures, dripping pipes, and blocked drains are just some of the plumbing issues that will create water damage in your home. Even if the leak seems small, it could be doing a lot of damage so be sure to fix any of these problems immediately. Cracks and holes in walls and foundations, which appear over time, are another way water enters the home so these should also be sealed up as soon as you notice them.
 
While there are many more water intrusion trouble spots we could mention it should help to give you an idea of the areas to inspect in your home for signs of water damage.

​Did you know that you know that it is recommended for you to have your home inspected once a year? This may be surprising to many homeowners as the last time the house was inspected was probably at the time of its purchase, which for many, could have been some years ago. So, why is an annual home inspection important?
 
When you think about it, doesn’t it make sense to have your home inspected annually? Think of all the things we generally have checked out at least once a year. We have our cars inspected every year to make sure they stay roadworthy, we get a health examination annually to maintain our physical fitness, and it is even recommended that we have certain household appliances serviced once a year to keep them in good working order. Think of a yearly home inspection in the same way. It is a way to ensure that all is working as it should in your home. What are some other benefits of having an annual home inspection?
 
Another benefit to having your home inspected every year is that it will help to diagnose small issues that, if left for a long time, could become big problems that will cost a lot of money to repair. So, it's clear that an annual home inspection can save you a lot of money in the long run, but you may be thinking that a home inspection will cost you a lot of money. Annual inspections are surprisingly very affordable. We are here to help you with all of your home inspection needs so, please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

​With 2021 just around the corner, many people are hoping to make some changes in their lives. What about you? Maybe putting your home on the market is something you are planning to do in the new year. Getting your home ready to sell in advance will make the selling process a lot easier. One of the ways you can do this is with a seller’s home inspection. This type of inspection is designed to find out any problems your home has that could affect its sale before the buyer’s home inspection finds them.
 
Before having the seller's home inspection performed, there are some things you will need to do to prepare. This way, the inspection will go nice and smoothly. The following short video shows you the steps you should take to get ready for the inspection. If you would like to learn more about the seller’s home inspection or any other types of home inspection we offer, please feel free to contact us.
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​A wood-burning stove can be a wonderful source of heat for a room or entire home depending on its size. If you have just moved into a house that has a wood burner, there are some things you need to know in order to maintain a high standard of safety and efficiency. Here are a few recommendations:
 
As the name implies, wood-burning stoves are designed to burn wood. This means that you cannot just burn anything in the stove and doing so may prove hazardous. For example, it is not advisable to burn coal in your wood burner. Coal burns much hotter than wood does and so this will pose a fire risk. You should also avoid throwing items in the stove that emit toxic chemicals. Such items include gift wrapping and colored paper, plastic, painted or pressure-treated woods, plywood, and particleboard.
 
You should also think about the kinds of wood to burn in your wood burner. If you can, choose dry wood that has a low moisture content as this burns hotter than wood that is freshly cut. Some types of wood are quicker to ignite than others and are good to use when lighting the fire. A softwood like pine work well. When you have the fire started, use hardwoods like hickory, oak, or ash and burn them in smaller pieces which will give off a cleaner, hotter burn.
 
Important reminders. It is a good idea to get your wood burner professionally inspected periodically. Creosote tends to accumulate in the stovepipe which is very dangerous. Dispose of ashes in a water-filled, metal receptacle. Finally, ensure your home has a sufficient number of smoke alarms fitted throughout the home, and don’t forget to check that they are working properly at least once a month.

​If you are about to remodel your bathroom, now might also be a good time to think about incorporating a few water-saving features. One option that is becoming more common, especially with new construction, are pressure-assist toilets. So, how does a pressure-assist toilet differ from a standard toilet, and are they a better option?
 
The outward appearance of a pressure-assist toilet is much like a standard type, so you do not need to worry about it standing out too much. Inside, however, it functions much differently. The toilet tank is fitted with an air-filled pressure container. When the toilet is flushed, compressed air is used to push water into the toilet bowl and through the system. This results in a very powerful flush that uses a lot less water, making it a more environmentally friendly option. An added benefit is that you will experience fewer blockages than a standard gravity toilet.
 
As well as new homes, can pressure-assist toilets be installed in older houses? Yes, they can, and you may find there are some advantages to doing so. For example, the way the tank is designed means that it does not have issues with condensation. Also, because the pipework in older homes is often prone to blockages, the power of the flush will help to push waste through and remove anything that may be trapped.
 
After reading about the benefits of a pressure-assist toilet, perhaps you are thinking of installing them in your home, however, it's good to think about any possible disadvantages as well. Pressure assist toilets need about 20 to 30 PSI to work well so this may be a problem if your home has low water pressure. The loud noise of the flush can also put people off. Pressure assist toilets also cost more which you would need to factor into your budget, however, they require hardly any maintenance so you may feel they are worth the money.