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Categories Home Inspection

The Truth about Air Duct Cleaning

Air Duct Cleaning

Out of sight, out of mind is the approach many take when it comes to regular home maintenance or big cleaning projects.

If you can’t see it, why bother?

Especially if you know it’s going to take up your entire Sunday to address.

While regular HVAC maintenance is important, there is debate surrounding one specific area: the air ducts.

The general consensus is that frequent air duct cleaning isn’t necessary, but there are some issues that call for a professional air duct cleaning.

 

Some Air Duct Problems to Leave to the Professionals

  • Suspicion of mold growth
  • Mice or vermin infestation
  • Visible dust coming from the supply registers when air is exiting the vents
  • Dust buildup when changing air filters
  • Black debris around air vent register

 

What Goes into the Duct Cleaning?

Air duct cleanings should be performed by professionals, as special tools and techniques are required for a proper cleaning.

Additionally ducts may have to be cut for access by special tools; which requires skill and previous knowledge.

It’s recommended to get a professional duct cleaning once every 2-5 years, but of course it’s all boils down to what you feel is best for you and your home.

Some families who deal with allergies or asthma may consider more frequent cleanings.

 

Preparing for the Cleaning

Site prep is key for a successful cleaning.

While you shouldn’t attempt to do the cleaning yourself, there are plenty of helpful measures you can take beforehand that will ensure a smooth and successful job.

 

1. Review

Along with your duct cleaning contractor, you’ll want to review and evaluate each step of the process so that there is no confusion.

You should disclose any and all information about remodels or HVAC issues in the past before the cleaning.

 

2. Make Space

Just like with a home inspection, you’ll want to make sure you clear out the key areas.

Find out ahead of time how much space around the air vent register your contractor would like. Ensure each register is accessible, and you’ll save everyone time.

 

3. Prepare for Noise

There’s no way around it, duct cleaning can be very loud.

If you have children or pets, consider getting them out of the house for the day as it may agitate them. If it’s not possible for them to leave the house, make sure you have them in a safe area.

 

4. Safety Plan

Even if you plan to stay in the house, you should go over a safety plan with your contractor.

While it’s uncommon, fires are always possible, especially when handling special equipment.

Be sure that you and your contractor both know where the nearest fire extinguisher and exits out of the house are located.

 

While there may be debate around the benefits of or how often to have duct cleanings, there’s one thing everyone can agree on—cleanings should always be performed by certified professionals.

If you have any home concerns or you’d like an expert opinion, get in touch with us here! Schedule your own HVAC inspection and see if an air duct cleaning is in the cards for your future.

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Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand
Categories Home safety

Seven Things to Know Before Starting Home Improvement Projects

Home Improvement Projects

Construction can be messy.

We know because we’ve seen plenty of mishaps over the years. One thing we’ve come across in our inspections are complications caused by DIY home improvement projects.

If you’re considering tackling a home improvement project in the near future, keep these tips in mind to ensure you’re on the right track.

 

Things to Keep in Mind

1. There will be problems.

Sometimes there’s no planning for the unexpected.

Considering how messy construction projects can get, you will likely face a few roadblocks.

Staying calm and embracing each situation is essential for not getting burnt out mid-way through a construction project. Stay cool and you’ll come up with a solution to get through any issue.

 

2. Set a clear budget.

Think about how much money you really have and are comfortable spending long before embarking on any home improvement venture.

The last thing you want is to run into financial troubles while you’re in the middle of remodeling your kitchen.

 

3. Invest in a contractor.

Hiring a contractor is not an area where you want to try to save money.

Finding one that you really trust is key to a successful project and will be well worth the payment.

Use referrals, read reviews and inquire about their experience to determine if a contractor is right for you. And don’t underestimate the power of intuition: You’ll be spending a lot of time together so go with your gut!

 

4. Organize your resources.

Know what you have readily available and what you’ll need to purchase or rent — this will also play a helping hand in your budget. Go through and make a list of what you have and you’ll save yourself time and money!

 

5. Pull out the original blueprints.

Having your original blue prints or any house plans from other home improvements over the years will be very helpful.

Offer these to your contractor and you’ll likely save everyone time, yourself money, and you’ll get the process moving along much faster.

 

6. Have a contract.

Before embarking on any journey that will impact your finances, you’ll want to have a contract in place.

If a contractor acts shady or refuses when you mention a contract, ditch them! The contract should include the company’s name, address, and phone number, and have start and completion dates, plus estimated cost written into it.

 

7. Lock down necessary permits.

If you’re taking on a big project, it’s likely that you will need a permit.

The contractor should provide the costs for all permits in your estimate; and usually the contractor is responsible for pulling the permits from local offices unless you agree otherwise.

Home improvements that may require permits include new windows, fences; structural changes, like building a deck; and plumbing and electrical work.

Ask your city council office for information on improvements and projects that require permits.

 

A clear idea and a little planning will go a long way in ensuring a successful home improvement project.

If you have any concerns or doubts about how a new project will affect your home, get in touch with us here or schedule a home inspection today!

 

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Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand
Categories Home safety

Pet Proof Your Home

pet proof

After years of inspections and seeing thousands of homes, we’ve gotten a firsthand view at some common home dangers for family pets.

We wanted to take the opportunity today to lay out some potential dangers for your furry friends and give you some tips on making your home more pet-friendly.

 

Common Dangers for Pets in the Home

Various household items can pose a threat for our beloved furry family members.

  • Human medications
  • Certain household plants (azalea, dieffenbachia (dumb cane), lilies, mistletoe and philodendron are toxic to animals. See a full list here)
  • De-icing salts, antifreeze, rodent traps, and poison
  • Holiday décor and lights
  • Fumes from self-cleaning ovens
  • Toys with movable parts
  • Cedar and other soft wood shavings
  • Small objects like batteries, buttons, string, and needles

 

Making Your Home Safe

We know how curious our furry companions can be. Follow these tips to make sure they’re safe and sound at home.

1. Create a secure space:

Make sure all doors, windows, and patio entrances are securely closed and don’t have problems locking. Pet doors should be the right size and close without issue.

 

2. Keep toxic substances out of reach:

Put all medications, chemicals, laundry supplies, and cleaners in locked cabinets or high shelves.

 

3. Don’t forget about the bathroom:

Keep the toilet lid closed to prevent ingestion of any chemicals as well as drownings.

 

4. Secure wires:

Put all dangling cords, loose wires or cables away! Tie them up or place them out of reach.

 

5. Check nooks and crannies:

Be sure you regularly investigate those hard to reach places that your vacuum may not reach for harmful objects your pet may have dragged there.

 

6. HVAC system:

Make sure all vents and heaters have covers.

 

7. Sharp objects:

Whether it’s in your kitchen or your bathroom, if it can draw blood it should be in a hard to reach place or secure in a pull out drawer.

 

8. Fireplace:

Never leave your pet unattended around an open fire. Investing in a cover or barrier is a great idea.

 

9. Child safety locks:

Many pets are capable of maneuvering their way around cupboards and drawers. Consider investing in safety latches to keep them shut for extra protection.

 

10. Use blockades:

Animals can get trapped behind large units; use blockades to keep them from getting stuck behind appliances like washing machines or refrigerators.

 

Our furry, feathered, and finned friends not only require our love but also our time and attention. Putting in a little effort can make your home much safer for your beloved pets and relieve you of extra stress and worry.

Try to think like a pet and imagine the areas of the house they spend the most time in, and places they will likely want to explore, including spaces in which they can jump or climb to reach. Your pets will thank you!

 

What are some precautions you took to pet proof your home? We want to hear!

If you’re worried your home may have a few issues or even some hazards schedule an inspection with us today!

 

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Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand
Categories Home Inspection

Five Common Gutter Problems and How to Fix Them

gutter problems

When considering the important parts of a home, many people fail to see the significance of gutters.

They protect our foundations, help to prevent water damage, and have a significant role in reducing the chances of a flooded basement.

Which is why regular gutter maintenance should be a top priority in your homecare routine.

Regular upkeep can ensure your home has healthy gutters that will serve you for years to come. Here are five of the most common gutter problems and how to address them:

 

Clogged Gutters

Obviously when gutters are clogged they don’t drain which can lead to overflow and eventually more complicated issues within the home.

To avoid any complications from this, you should ideally follow a biannual gutter-cleaning schedule. Depending on the climate where you live, it can look something like this: once in late fall and again in spring (April or May).

 

Overgrown Gutters

Your home’s gutter can instantly become a huge flowerpot if you neglect it.

An overhanging branch may drop a seed or birds may defecate. And after some rain and sun, you’ll have a mini jungle on your hands.

Regular cleaning and extra protection in the form of gutter guards can save you big bucks.

 

Poorly Pitched Gutters

In order to keep water flowing properly away from your home, your gutters should be angled (pitched) properly.

The slope should sit at the correct angle, which is at least a quarter inch for every 10 feet of gutter.

If you think your gutters might not be pitched properly, it’s easy to tell—just check for standing water after a rainstorm. Sometimes fixing this is as easy as bending it into place. Otherwise you may need to completely reinstall.

 

Gutters with Joint Leaks

Especially common in older homes without seamless gutters, you’ll see leaks occur where two sections of the gutter join together. Temperature changes, house settlement, and weather all play a role in causing the leaks.

Thankfully there is an easy and quick fix! Just get some silicone caulking and reseal the joints. Be sure to keep the silicone as flush as possible to prevent a dam effect.

 

Inadequate Gutters

A big problem we see when it comes to gutters is that some homes don’t even have a gutter system installed!

You can imagine the issues that result.

If you don’t have gutters or they’re a bit outdated, it’s best to make the investment to have a solid system put in professionally.

We like to recommend aluminum gutters as they can last nearly forever with proper care and regular maintenance.

 

Keeping an eye on your gutters will prove to be valuable in protecting your home. Ignoring smaller issues can lead to extensive repairs and even bigger bills.

 

We Can Help!

If you have any doubts about your home’s gutters or other functions, don’t hesitate to schedule an inspection with us today! EIG will put your mind at ease that your home is in good shape.

 

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Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand
Categories Home safety

7 Ways Clogged Gutters Damage Your Home

clogged gutters

Clogged gutters usually fall at the bottom of the list when considering potential home problems. However, issues stemming from clogged gutters can do plenty of silent damage that will cost you big.

When left untreated, clogged gutters can lead to expensive repairs for damages ranging from roof leaks to foundation damage.

If you have forgotten to tackle your gutter cleaning this season check out some of the more serious issues your home could face if not done soon.

How Clogged Gutters Damage Your Home

1. Expect roof leaks

When your gutters can’t carry rainwater away, it will sit until it becomes too heavy and eventually make its way inside your home. Water dripping from your ceiling is a telltale sign of gutter issues.

 

2. Mold accumulation

Standing water will lead to mold — it’s only a question of time. You don’t want to see mold begin to breed inside your roof, attic, or walls of your home. You’ll have a whole new set of problems.

 

3. Wood damage

Standing water and mold growth will wear away at your home’s wood. It will get soggy and start to rot, which when left too long can eventually deteriorate your home’s structure.

 

4. Landscape issues 

Clogged gutters can cause water to spill over the sides onto shrubs or flower beds below around the base of your home. All of your hard work will go to waste after just one rainstorm thanks to faulty gutters.

 

5. Compromised foundation

Pooled water that sits around the foundation can cause cracks over time, and in more serious instance eventually lead to collapse.

In any case, protecting your home’s foundation is essential to having a functioning home.

 

6. Ice dams

Clogged gutters highly increase the chance of ice dam formation. Ice dams can lift roof shingles (allowing water inside your home), get insulation wet and lead to mold growth, or completely destroy your gutter altogether.

 

7. Welcomes uninvited guests

Mosquitoes and other pests sure do love standing water. Stagnant puddles are inviting for mosquitoes, termites, carpenter ants, and other unwanted guests.  

They’re likely to lay their eggs there, and you’ll be hosting an entire colony of pests in no time.

 

Things to Keep in Mind

If you decide to go the DIY route and tackle the gutter cleaning yourself, there are a few items you should consider:

  • Always go with a partner
  • Use a safe/secure ladder
  • Wear rubber soled shoes, gloves, and safety goggles
  • Get a gutter scoop and utilize a garden hose
  • Rake or power wash the roof
  • Watch out for power lines

Even if you have gutter guards there can still be debris trapped underneath.

Professional gutter cleaners will remove all debris from the roof, gutters, and downspouts. They will also do an overall check of the gutters and repair any loose gutter spikes.

Sometimes it’s well worth it to pay a professional to ensure your safety and the job is done properly.

 

Clogged gutters aren’t just an eyesore; we can see the proof is in the pudding. Don’t leave your gutters unattended for too long or you’ll be facing some serious troubles.

 

We’re Here to Help!

If you come across anything concerning or you want a professional opinion don’t hesitate to call us today!  

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Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand
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