Increasing Home Energy Efficiency

InterNACHI advises that energy-efficient homes require less energy to perform household functions than homes that are less energy-efficient. There are many adjustments that homeowners can make to reduce the amount of energy required by their homes. Interesting facts about energy consumption in the United States and Canada: The United States is the world’s largest consumer […]

Central Air-Conditioning System Inspection

Central Air-Conditioning System Inspection 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 […]

Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered Wood Flooring Engineered wood flooring is an alternative to solid hardwood flooring made entirely out of real wood.  It’s currently the most popular type of flooring in the world.  North America is the only area left where traditional, solid wood floors still outnumber engineered floors, but engineered wood flooring is quickly catching up, with […]

Electrical Safety

Electrical Safety Electricity is an essential part of our lives. However, it has the potential to cause great harm. Electrical systems will function almost indefinitely, if properly installed and not overloaded or physically abused. Electrical fires in our homes claim the lives of 485 Americans each year and injure 2,305 more. Some of these fires […]

Dryer Vent Safety

Dryer Vent Safety Clothes dryers evaporate the water from wet clothing by blowing hot air past them while they tumble inside a spinning drum. Heat is provided by an electrical heating element or gas burner. Some heavy garment loads can contain more than a gallon of water which, during the drying process, will become airborne […]

Condensation in Double-Paned Windows

Condensation in Double-Paned Windows Condensation is the accumulation of liquid water on relatively cold surfaces. Almost all air contains water vapor, the gas phase of water composed of tiny water droplets. The molecules in warm air are far apart from one another and allow the containment of a relatively large quantity of water vapor. As […]

Carbon Monoxide Facts and Figures

Carbon Monoxide Facts and Figures 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. 480 U.S. residents died between 2001 and 2003 from non-fire-related carbon-monoxide poisoning. Most CO exposures occur during the winter months, especially in December (including […]

What is Asbestos and Why Can it Be Harmful?

What Is Asbestos and Why Can it Be Harmful? Asbestos is a mineral fiber that can be positively identified only with a special type of microscope. There are several types of asbestos fibers. In the past, asbestos was added to a variety of products to strengthen them and to provide heat insulation and fire resistance. […]

7 Facts About Arc Fault Breakers

7 Facts About Arc Fault Breakers Arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) are special types of electrical receptacles or outlets and circuit breakers designed to detect and respond to potentially dangerous electrical arcs in home branch wiring. How do they work? AFCIs function by monitoring the electrical waveform and promptly opening (interrupting) the circuit they serve if […]

12 Safety Concerns with Attic Pull Down Ladders

12 Safety Concerns with Attic Pull Down Ladders Attic pull-down ladders, also called attic pull-down stairways, are collapsible ladders that are permanently attached to the attic floor. Occupants can use these ladders to access their attic without being required to carry a portable ladder. 12 Common Defects Homeowners, not professional carpenters, usually install attic pull-down […]