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PLAY VIDEORadon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless radioactive gas that is sometimes found in the basements of American homes. While it is impossible to detect...
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PLAY VIDEOHeating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) equipment provides heating and cooling for your home. The HVAC system may also be responsible for providing fresh outdoor...
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PLAY VIDEOTermites and other wood destroying insects cause billions of dollars in damage each year. Termites are the most notorious pests, but you can also have carpenter...
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PLAY VIDEOYour fireplace is likely either a masonry fireplace or a factory built fireplace. There are a few hybrid types, but they are less commonly found....
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PLAY VIDEOAlmost every new home built today includes an elevated porch or deck. Great for seasonal socializing, right? However, before you put another shrimp on the...
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PLAY VIDEOA roof inspection is an important preventative maintenance job that can identify issues before they turn into larger problems like leaks and rotting wood. And...
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PLAY VIDEOAn attic inspection, while not exactly comfortable or glamorous, is a very important part of the home inspection process. In the Summer, attic temperatures can...
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PLAY VIDEOWhen establishing the final grading plan (the landscaping of soil elevations) of your home, make sure that water will move down and away from the foundation....
Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) equipment provides heating and cooling for your home. The HVAC system may also be responsible for providing fresh outdoor air to dilute interior airborne contaminants such as odors from occupants, volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) emitted from interior furnishings, chemicals used for cleaning, etc. When properly maintained, a well-designed system will provide a comfortable indoor environment year-round. When conducting furnace inspections, Bill Bitz looks for a steady heat supply. With fossil fuel appliances that means a steady blue flame and minimal orange, which can indicate an inadequate fuel air mixture. An inadequate fuel air mixture is a concern because it could signify a cracked heat exchanger, which can lead to carbon monoxide entering the living space. Yikes. Some systems have humidifiers which helps add humidity to the air to make it feel warmer. Warning signs for HVAC issues are:
- Noisy units
- Sudden increases in utility bills
- Uneven temperatures throughout your home
- Moisture or leaks around your system
- Strange odors around your vents
The most important maintenance step you can take with your HVAC system is filter replacement. Bill recommends changing your filter at least every 90 days, so his trcik for staying on top of it is changing your filter every time you get a water bill. With regular filter replacement and annual maintenance, most systems will stay ahead of the game. Fossil fuel appliances will last for about 20-40 years and a heat pump will operate for about 8-10 years.