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Home Maintenance, Safety, and Energy Saving Tips
Home Maintenance Tips:
"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."
- Change the HVAC filters as needed. For heat pumps and air conditioners,
hose out any debris from the outdoor condenser coil.
- Do not cover up attic vents in the winter. Even in cold weather, the attic
should have sufficient ventilation to prevent moisture build-up due to
condensation. Condensation can cause plywood roof sheathing to delaminate,
insulation to lose function, and wood framing may eventually rot.
- It is commonly recommended that you wait until the outside temperature is
above about 65 °F before turning on the air
conditioning system to prevent damage to the equipment.
- A common landscaping problem includes shrubs too close to the house. Roots
can damage the home's foundation and constant rubbing of branches can wear
down the siding or the roof. Branches and leaves that touch the structure can
also retain moisture and cause damage. Try to keep shrubs pruned back on the
structure-side to keep some clearance. Remember that even if a tree is
cut down, the roots can still continue to grow and cause damage in some
situations.
Energy Saving Tips:
With energy prices soaring, these simple tips can save you a bundle in the
long run.
- If the insulation in the attic is thin, increasing the amount here is one
of the best places for saving money. You will probably want at least an R-30,
which is equivalent to about 10 inches thick. Also, do not forget the vapor
barrier, which should face the heated living space.
- Planting trees and or shrubs around the home can reduce heating and
cooling costs. Wind increases the convective heat loss around outside walls
and roofs. Both foundation plantings and windbreaks can help. Additional shade
in the summer months can reduce the AC usage.
- Caulking and/or weather-stripping cracks around windows and doors reduces
the rate of heat loss, prevents moisture penetration, and makes the living
conditions more comfortable. All caulked and weather-stripped joints need
periodic inspection because of the constant expansion and contraction of
materials with seasonal weather changes.
- Make sure that the air conditioning condenser coil (the outside unit) is
clear of dirt, debris, vines, tall grass, shrubs, etc. so that it can remove heat more
efficiently.
- Installing a new "smart" thermostat can cut both your heating and air
conditioning bills by 10% or more. These thermostats not only save money, but
can also provide greater comfort in the home.
Home Safety Tips:
- Carbon monoxide (CO) is odorless, colorless, tasteless, and non-irritating
gas which can escape into homes from faulty fuel burning appliances like
furnace and water heaters. Installing a CO detector will also help in the
prevention of CO poisoning.
- Underwriters Laboratories Inc. recommends that you test and maintain smoke
alarms in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. In addition, test
battery powered smoke detectors weekly and hardwired alarms monthly. Replace
batteries at least once a year.
- When buying electrical equipment or appliances, always look for the
Underwriters Laboratories seal of approval and make sure it applies to the
entire appliance, not just the cord.
- Be sure to establish a fire escape plan for you and your family. If a fire
breaks out, no matter how small, the first step is to get everyone out of the
house and call the fire department.
- Be sure to have all fossil fuel burning appliances inspected by a
qualified professional at least once a year.
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Falcon Home Inspection, LLC 
