by Nick Gromicko A central vacuum system (sometimes called a whole-house vacuum system) is a cleaning device installed throughout a building. Located in the garage or basement, a canister receives dust and debris sucked by the force of a motor from wall outlets, which are located for the homeowner’s convenience. While many Americans are unfamiliar with central vacuums, they are not new inventions; the idea dates back as far as the 1850s in Sweden, where horse-powered fans were used to create suction through in-wall plumbing. Horses were later replaced by servants, who pumped giant bellows or pedaled stationary bicycles, until electric motors eventually took over. Shortly thereafter, however, portable vacuum cleaners became available, and central vacuum systems were largely forgotten due to their relative expense. Their hibernation ended by the 1990s when growing house sizes and concerns over air quality combined with the availability of cheaper plastic piping, more powerful motors and refined filtration systems. Yet, even today, American homes are dependent on portable vacuum cleaners, in contrast with Canadian and Scandinavian homes, where central vacuum systems are more common. Central vacuum systems boast some advantages over portable units, some of which are as follows:
Craftsman Home Inspections llc is a home inspection and Radon Testing company proudly serving the Aurora CO and Denver CO Metro Areas. If you are looking for a Home Inspector in Aurora or Denver, please give us a call at 720-593-0383 or check us out online at CraftsmanColorado.com or simply schedule your home inspection below.
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by Nick Gromicko and Kenton Shepard Humidifiers are devices that humidify air so that building occupants are comfortable. Central humidifiers are hard-wired into a house’s plumbing and forced-air heating systems. What is humidity? Humidity refers to the amount of moisture in the air. “Relative humidity” signifies the amount of moisture in the air relative to the maximum amount of water the air can contain before it becomes saturated. This maximum moisture count is related to air temperature in that the hotter the air is, the more moisture it can hold. For instance, if indoor air temperature drops, relative humidity will increase. How do central air humidifiers work? Central air humidifiers are integrated into the forced-air heating system so that they humidify air while it is being heated. The water that is used by the device is pumped automatically into the humidifier from household plumbing, unlike portable humidifiers, which require the user to periodically supply water to the device. Humidifiers are available in various designs, each of which turns liquid water into water vapor, which is then vented into the house at an adjustable rate. Why humidify air? Certain airborne pathogens, such as those that cause the flu, circulate easier in dry air than in moist air. Moist air also seems to soothe irritated, inflamed airways. For someone with a cold and thick nasal secretions, a humidifier can help thin out the secretions and make breathing easier. Indoor air that is too dry can also cause the following problems:
Humidifiers can cause various diseases. The young, elderly and infirm may be particularly at risk to contamination from airborne pollutants, such as bacteria and fungi. These can grow in humidifiers and get into the air by way of the vapor where it can be breathed in. Some of the more common diseases and pathogens transmitted by humidifiers are:
Craftsman Home Inspections llc is a home inspection and Radon Testing company proudly serving the Aurora CO and Denver CO Metro Areas. If you are looking for a Home Inspector in Aurora or Denver, please give us a call at 720-593-0383 or check us out online at CraftsmanColorado.com or simply schedule your home inspection below.
SCHEDULE INSPECTION by Nick Gromicko A building's central air-conditioning system must be periodically inspected and maintained in order to function properly. While an annual inspection performed by a trained professional is recommended, homeowners can do a lot of the work themselves by following the tips offered in this guide. Clean the Exterior Condenser Unit and Components The exterior condenser unit is the large box located on the side of the building that is designed to push heat from the inside of the building to the outdoors. Inside of the box are coils of pipe that are surrounded by thousands of thin metal "fins" that allow the coils more surface area to exchange heat. Follow these tips when cleaning the exterior condenser unit and its inner components -- after turning off power to the unit!
Condensate drain lines collect condensed water and drain it away from the unit. They are located on the side of the inside fan unit. Sometimes there are two drain lines—a primary drain line that’s built into the unit, and a secondary drain line that can drain if the first line becomes blocked. Homeowners can inspect the drain line by using the following tips, which take very little time and require no specialized tools:
Air filters remove pollen, dust and other particles that would otherwise circulate indoors. Most filters are typically rectangular in shape and about 20 inches by 16 inches, and about 1 inch thick. They slide into the main ductwork near the inside fan unit. The filter should be periodically washed or replaced, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions. A dirty air filter will not only degrade indoor air quality, but it will also strain the motor to work harder to move air through it, increasing energy costs and reducing energy efficiency. The filter should be replaced monthly during heavy use during the cooling seasons. You may need to change the filter more often if the air conditioner is in constant use, if building occupants have respiratory problems,if you have pets with fur, or if dusty conditions are present. Cover the Exterior Unit When the cooling season is over, you should cover the exterior condenser unit in preparation for winter. If it isn’t being used, why expose it to the elements? This measure will prevent ice, leaves and dirt from entering the unit, which can harm components and require additional maintenance in the spring. A cover can be purchased, or you can make one yourself by taping together plastic trash bags. Be sure to turn the unit off before covering it. Close the Air-Distribution Registers Air-distribution registers are duct openings in ceilings, walls and floors where cold air enters the room. They should be closed after the cooling season ends in order to keep warm air from back-flowing out of the room during the warming season. Pests and dust will also be unable to enter the ducts during the winter if the registers are closed. These vents typically can be opened or closed with an adjacent lever or wheel. Remember to open the registers in the spring before the cooling season starts. Also, make sure they are not blocked by drapes, carpeting or furniture. In addition, homeowners should practice the following strategies in order to keep their central air conditioning systems running properly:
In summary, any homeowner can perform periodic inspections and maintenance to their home's central air-conditioning system. Craftsman Home Inspections llc is a home inspection and Radon Testing company proudly serving the Aurora CO and Denver CO Metro Areas. If you are looking for a Home Inspector in Aurora or Denver, please give us a call at 720-593-0383 or check us out online at CraftsmanColorado.com or simply schedule your home inspection below.
SCHEDULE INSPECTION by Nick Gromicko Cement substitutes are materials that may be substituted, to some degree, for cement in order to improve different properties, such as strength and longevity. The use of cement substitutes is generally encouraged because of the environmental advantages gained from their diversion from the waste stream, the reduction of the energy required in their re-purposing (as compared to the manufacture of cement), and the conservation of raw materials, such as silica, alumina and iron oxide. In fact, as much greenhouse gas is created during the production of cement used in the U.S. as the operation of 22 million cars. In addition, the U.S. imports about 20% of its cement, which adds to its cost and wastes a great deal of energy, according to Environmental Building News. Inspectors are more likely to encounter cement substitutes in heavy construction as opposed to residential construction, where contractors are less familiar with their use. Cement substitutes are distinguished from aggregate substitutes, such as ground scrap rubber and ground glass, and concrete additives, such as air-entrapment agents and plasticizers. Inspectors will not be able to visually identify concrete that has had substitutes for concrete incorporated into the mix. The most common cement substitutes include the following:
Craftsman Home Inspections llc is a home inspection and Radon Testing company proudly serving the Aurora CO and Denver CO Metro Areas. If you are looking for a Home Inspector in Aurora or Denver, please give us a call at 720-593-0383 or check us out online at CraftsmanColorado.com or simply schedule your home inspection below.
SCHEDULE INSPECTION by Nick Gromicko A fan attached to a room’s ceiling is known as a ceiling fan. Like other fans, it is used to provide comfort for building occupants by circulating air within a room. Fun Facts About Ceiling Fans
A ceiling fan is comprised of the following parts:
Craftsman Home Inspections llc is a home inspection and Radon Testing company proudly serving the Aurora CO and Denver CO Metro Areas. If you are looking for a Home Inspector in Aurora or Denver, please give us a call at 720-593-0383 or check us out online at CraftsmanColorado.com or simply schedule your home inspection below.
SCHEDULE INSPECTION Home inspectors are often asked by their clients if they should have their home tested for radon. Real-world loss-of-life comparisons help consumers decide about whether or not they should test. If you are worried about shark attacks, getting trampled by cows, or terrorism, you should be worried sick about radon. These statistics help put things in their proper perspective so that your clients can decide if they want a radon test or not. Here is a downloadable PDF that inspectors can give to their clients onsite to help them decide if they should get a radon test: https://www.nachi.org/documents2012/radon-deaths-chart.pdf DEATHS PER YEARNumber CauseSource 611,105 Heart Disease -Centers for Disease Control (2015) 584,881 All Cancers -Centers for Disease Control (2015) 160,000 Smoking -American Cancer Society (2004) 88,000 Alcohol Use- Centers for Disease Control (2015) 51,783 Colon Cancer -Centers for Disease Control (2015) 40,290 Breast Cancer -National Cancer Institute (2015) 41,149 Suicide -Centers for Disease Control (2014) 32,719 Motor Vehicle Accidents -Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (2013) 29,500 Falls -National Safety Council (2013) 22,767 Prescription Drug Overdoses -National Institute on Drug Abuse (2013) 21,840 Leukemia U.S.- EPA (2010) 21,530 Lymphoma U.S. -EPA (2010) 21,000 Lung Cancer from Radon Gas U.S. -EPA 16,121 Homicides -Centers for Disease Control (2013) 14,775 Illegal Drug Overdoses -National Institute on Drug Abuse (2013) 13,712 AIDS -Centers for Disease Control (2012) 11,208 Firearm Homicides Centers for Disease Control (2013) 8,257 Heroin Overdoses -National Institute on Drug Abuse (2013) 4,944 Cocaine Overdoses -National Institute on Drug Abuse (2013) 3,880 Drowning -Centers for Disease Control (avg. 2005-2009) 3,005 Fires -U.S. Fire Administration (2011) 3,000 Secondhand Smoke -U.S. EPA 2,500 Choking -National Safety Council (2009) 1,690 Thyroid Cancer -U.S. EPA (2010) 630 Bicycle Accidents -National Safety Council (2009) 618 Excessive Heat -Centers for Disease Control (avg. 1999-2010) 606 Firearm Accidents -Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence (2010) 376 ATV Accidents -National Safety Council (2009) 300 Ladder Falls -International Association of Certified Home Inspectors 170 Carbon Monoxide -Consumer Product Safety Commission 104 Wind (including tornadoes) -National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (2012) 100 Scalding Tap Water -Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (2013) 100 Bee Stings -Boston Children's Hospital 72 Terrorist Attacks -FBI (avg. 1970-2015) 26 Lightning -National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (2014) 20 Dangerous Cows -Centers for Disease Control (2009) 15 Falling Icicles- Death in Society Research Foundation 12 High School and College Football Injuries -National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injury Research (2013) 2 Vending Machines Accidents -U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission 1 Shark Attacks -Mother Nature Network (2012) 0 Marijuana Overdoses -Numerous sources 0 Nuclear Power Plant Leaks -Numerous sources Craftsman Home Inspections llc is a home inspection and Radon Testing company proudly serving the Aurora CO and Denver CO Metro Areas. If you are looking for a Home Inspector in Aurora or Denver, please give us a call at 720-593-0383 or check us out online at CraftsmanColorado.com or simply schedule your home inspection below.
SCHEDULE INSPECTION by Nick Gromicko and Kenton Shepard Carpeted bathrooms are bathrooms that have carpeted floors instead of traditional floor surfaces, such as tile or vinyl. Despite their tendency to foster mold and bacteria, carpets are sometimes installed in residential bathrooms for aesthetic purposes. Carpets should never be installed in bathrooms in commercial buildings. Advantages of Carpets in Bathrooms
The pad beneath the carpet may soak up large amounts of moisture. Some of the common ways that carpets may come into contact with moisture in bathrooms include:
In addition to potential mold growth beneath the carpet, bacteria can accumulate in carpeting that surrounds the toilet. Bacteria are contained in urine, which can be accidentally deflected onto the carpet. Carpeted Bathrooms in Commercial Buildings It is against code to install carpet in commercial bathrooms. The 2007 edition of the International Building Code (IBC) states the following concerning carpeted bathrooms in commercial buildings: In other than dwelling units, toilet, bathing and shower room floor finish materials shall have a smooth, hard, nonabsorbent surface. The intersections of such floors with walls shall have a smooth, hard, nonabsorbent vertical base that extends upward onto the walls at least 4 inches (102 mm). Recommendations for Clients The following are recommendations that InterNACHI inspectors can pass on to clients who are experiencing urine- or moisture-related problems with their bathroom carpet:
In summary, carpets installed in bathrooms can trap moisture and urine, substances that can cause structural damage and health problems. Craftsman Home Inspections llc is a home inspection and Radon Testing company proudly serving the Aurora CO and Denver CO Metro Areas. If you are looking for a Home Inspector in Aurora or Denver, please give us a call at 720-593-0383 or check us out online at CraftsmanColorado.com or simply schedule your home inspection below.
SCHEDULE INSPECTION by Nick Gromicko and Ethan Ward The Dangers of Mold Molds produce allergens, which are substances that can cause allergic reactions, as well as irritants and, in some cases, potentially toxic substances known as mycotoxins. Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people. Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold, but can also occur. Carpet at Risk Carpeting is an area of the home that can be at high risk for mold growth. In order to grow, mold needs moisture, oxygen, a food source, and a surface to grow on. Mold spores are commonly found naturally in the air. If spores land on a wet or damp spot indoors that contains dust for them to feed on, mold growth will soon follow. Wall-to-wall carpeting, as well as area rugs, can provide an ample breeding ground for mold if conditions are right. At especially high risk for mold growth are carpeting located below ground level in basements, carpet in commonly moist or damp climates, and carpet that has been wet for any period of time. Identifying Mold in Carpeting Just because mold is not immediately apparent or visible on a carpet's surface does not mean that mold growth is not in progress. In fact, mold will probably only be visible on the surface of carpets in unusually severe cases of growth, such as carpet damaged in flooding that has remained wet for some time. The following are some examples of identifiable instances where mold growth has occurred or is likely to occur:
The best method for combating mold is to not allow mold growth in the first place. The best way to do so is by ensuring that conditions conducive to growth do not exist. Below are some ways to prevent mold growth in carpets.
In many cases, if mold has grown on carpet, cleaning will not be possible. If growth has occurred on more than one area of the carpet, or if there is a large area of growth, the carpet will probably need to be replaced. Small areas of growth that have been quickly identified can sometimes be dealt with. Detergent and water used with a steam-cleaning machine may be enough to clean the carpet thoroughly. It is then important to ensure that the carpet dries completely after cleaning to prevent the growth from recurring. Stronger cleaning agents can be substituted if detergent does not work. Anything stronger than detergent or common rug-cleaning products should first be tested on an inconspicuous area of the carpet to ensure that the rug will not be damaged during cleaning. About 24 hours is a reasonable amount of time to wait after testing to be sure that wider cleaning will not discolor or damage the carpet. Another option in instances where mold growth is not widespread is to remove the ruined section of the carpet. If cleaning has been attempted unsuccessfully, the area of mold growth may be removed and replaced with a patch of similar carpet. Of course, this will only work in situations where aesthetics are not a big concern, since exactly matching the patch to the original carpet may be difficult and the seam may be visible. If mold has grown in more than one area of the carpet, or if the area of growth is larger than a couple of feet, this will probably not be an effective method of mold removal. As with all areas of the interior at risk for mold growth, prevention is the best method of control for carpet mold. Eliminating high-moisture conditions and preventing the risk of flooding or standing water will reduce the possibility of growth. Inspectors will want to know where to look for and how to identify mold growth in carpeting. It is also helpful to know how to determine if carpet should be replaced, or whether there is a possibility of cleaning and saving it. Craftsman Home Inspections llc is a home inspection and Radon Testing company proudly serving the Aurora CO and Denver CO Metro Areas. If you are looking for a Home Inspector in Aurora or Denver, please give us a call at 720-593-0383 or check us out online at CraftsmanColorado.com or simply schedule your home inspection below.
SCHEDULE INSPECTION by Nick Gromicko Carpet beetles are household pests capable of destroying various household items. Inspection and knowledge of their habits can prevent costly destruction. Life Cycle and Habits Female carpet beetles will lay 50 to 100 small, pearly-white eggs on protected surfaces near a food source, such as the lint around baseboards, in the ductwork of hot-air furnace systems, and on wool clothing in storage. Larvae emerge once the eggs hatch after six to 11 days in warm weather, although they may require more time in cool weather. The larval life spans between 250 to 650 days, most of it spent scavenging for protein-rich food in dimly lit areas. By the time they reach adulthood, carpet beetles will live for only another few weeks or months, and they will no longer damage household goods. Unlike larvae, adults are attracted to light and can be found busily flying around windows or feeding on pollen outdoors. Types of Carpet Beetles Carpet beetles come in several types of subspecies, including the following:
Carpet beetle larvae prefer to feed in dark, protected places, consuming and damaging wool, fur, silk, cashmere, feathers, bone, and synthetic and cellulose-based fibers that contain some amount of animal fibers. Check for larvae and their cast skins under baseboards, and in and under upholstered furniture, air ducts, stuffed animals, stored cereals and grain, abandoned bird and wasp nests under eaves, and in attics, and clothes closets. Stored items are vulnerable to severe damage, so periodically inspect woolens and other susceptible items. Also, inspect for improperly sealed windows, as these are a likely entry point for carpet beetles, although the insects are small enough that it may be impossible to completely prevent their entry. It is important for the homeowner to know the difference between carpet beetle damage and damage caused by other pests, such as clothes moths. Fortunately, the distinction is simple; moth infestations are often accompanied by adult moths flying nearby, and you will likely find adult moths, pupae casings or cocoons and larvae in your clothes. Carpet beetles are less conspicuous, as they typically move elsewhere after feeding, and the adults spend much of their time outdoors. Telltale signs of beetle-damaged clothing include small, irregular holes, especially around the collar. Chemical Treatments Homeowners interested in pest control measures for eliminating carpet beetles indoors have the following options:
Craftsman Home Inspections llc is a home inspection and Radon Testing company proudly serving the Aurora CO and Denver CO Metro Areas. If you are looking for a Home Inspector in Aurora or Denver, please give us a call at 720-593-0383 or check us out online at CraftsmanColorado.com or simply schedule your home inspection below.
SCHEDULE INSPECTION by Nick Gromicko Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas that forms from incomplete combustion of fuels, such as natural or liquefied petroleum gas, oil, wood or coal. Facts and Figures
When CO is inhaled, it displaces the oxygen that would ordinarily bind with hemoglobin, a process the effectively suffocates the body. CO can poison slowly over a period of several hours, even in low concentrations. Sensitive organs, such as the brain, heart and lungs, suffer the most from a lack of oxygen. High concentrations of carbon monoxide can kill in less than five minutes. At low concentrations, it will require a longer period of time to affect the body. Exceeding the EPA concentration of 9 parts per million (ppm) for more than eight hours may have adverse health affects. The limit of CO exposure for healthy workers, as prescribed by the U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration, is 50 ppm. Potential Sources of Carbon Monoxide Any fuel-burning appliances which are malfunctioning or improperly installed can be a source of CO, such as:
PPM % CO in air Health Effects in Healthy Adults Source/Comments 0 0% no effects; this is the normal level in a properly operating heating appliance 35 0.0035% maximum allowable workplace exposure limit for an eight-hour work shift The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 50 0.005% maximum allowable workplace exposure limit for an eight-hour work shift OSHA 100 0.01% slight headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, errors in judgment 125 0.0125% workplace alarm must sound (OSHA) 200 0.02% headache, fatigue, nausea, dizziness 400 0.04% severe headache, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, confusion; can be life-threatening after three hours of exposure evacuate area immediately 800 0.08% convulsions, loss of consciousness; death within three hours evacuate area immediately 12,000 1.2% nearly instant death CO Detector Placement CO detectors can monitor exposure levels, but do not place them:
How can I prevent CO poisoning?
In summary, carbon monoxide is a dangerous poison that can be created by various household appliances. CO detectors must be placed strategically throughout the home or business in order to alert occupants of high levels of the gas. Craftsman Home Inspections llc is a home inspection and Radon Testing company proudly serving the Aurora CO and Denver CO Metro Areas. If you are looking for a Home Inspector in Aurora or Denver, please give us a call at 720-593-0383 or check us out online at CraftsmanColorado.com or simply schedule your home inspection below.
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