Filters

It is a fact that forced A/C systems should have filters. These are most commonly located in the heating plenum, but sometimes behind the return registry. Most common filters are made of disposable fiberglass. Permanent metal filters can be installed and are easy to clean. Whichever you chose to use, most have need to be checked monthly.

Failure to maintain your filters can cause clogging of the system and restrict airflow to your house, this will decrease the efficiency of your heating or cooling system, forcing you to use it more often, in turn raising your heating/cooling bill.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters or GFCIs are inexpensive electrical safety devices that are designed to reduce the risk of serious electrical shock and/or injury. They are typically installed in outlets on exterior walls and in damp environments. The GFCI will shut off power to the outlet if the electrical flow to the circuit changes slightly. The shut off is instantaneous, thus preventing long powerful shocks of electricty to an operator.

You should consider GFCIs for the following locations:

- Any outdoor/exterior outlets
- Kitchen
- Bathrooms
- Garage
- Basement and Crawlspaces

Recepticals and Switches

Older two prong recepticles normally are not grounded; this makes the newer three prong receptacles much preferable. In most cases it is possible to make the conversion from two to three. This should be done by a trained electrician.

Older houses have fewer outlets and as such the excessive use of extension cords is found to be a norm. This can cause many problems. If the house doesn’t have enough outlets it is preferable that you have extra outlets installed instead of using extension cables.

Crawlspaces

If you have a crawlspace you should inspect it at least twice a year.  This is to check for the accumulation of moisture on the floor or condensation on the structural material.

Ventilation in these places is very important.  As such you should have through-the-wall ventilators.  You should check the crawlspace on very hot or cold days.  If there is water accumulation, this is a sign that the ventilation is not sufficient.

Asbestos insulation is frequently detected around boiler lines.  If it is in good condition it can be covered with tightly sealed plastic to keep the fibers from becoming airborne.  If it is not in good condition it will need to be removed, however, the homeowner should never attempt this removal.  Instead they should call a specialist.

Foundation Cracks

Most houses have cracks of some kind.  A hairline fracture in the slab is normally of no structural significance.  However, cracking in the foundation wall is more important.  While a stairstep crack is less important than a vertical crack either one with an opening of 1/8″ to 1/4″ may be cause for concern.  Of course smaller cracks may also be a concern depending on the circumstances.

The key to load bearing wall cracks  is to ensure that there is no further movement.  To do this you should fill in the crack and then over a perioud of 6 to 12 months check for reappearances or seperation between the filling and the wall.  If there is additional movement then it would be advised that you call a specialist.  It may be anything from a simple matter regarding the property or something as expensive as unerpinning the foundation.  Remember, cracks frequently appear around windows and door frames which are places of inherent weakness.

Hot Air Furnaces

Furnaces can be fueled by many different things.  Electric furnaces are the cleanest but the most expensive to operate.  These furnaces require very little maintenance other than changing the filter and occasionally replacing a burnt out heating element.

Forced air gas furnaces are quite efficient and are much more common than the oil furnace.  The heat exchanger in these is quite difficult to inspect because it is encased inside the cabinet.  If a hole develops in the heat exchanger, the intire unit should be replaced.  If there is an accumulation of rust flakes in the bottom of the unit you should have it checked out.

Maintenance of the forced gas furnace is fairly easy; consisting of cleaning the combustion compartment and flue annually.  Gas furnaces should be serviced by a qualified technician every two or three years while oil burning furnaces should be serviced yearly.

How to Keep Cool While Saving Energy

Rising gasoline prices will probably mean fewer escapes to the Shore or the mountains. And for those on fixed incomes, the cost of keeping cool may stretch finances to the limit.

With that in mind, and with assistance from the U.S. Department of Energy and the nonprofit Alliance to Save Energy, here are some tips for being more efficient as the heat waves roll in.

Chill out. On days when air-conditioning isn’t crucial, open the windows and use portable or ceiling fans. When air-condition you must, use a fan with your window unit, to push the cool air farther.

Keep TVs and lamps away from your thermostat-the heat they generate can make central air-conditioning run longer.

If your air conditioner is old, upgrade to a newer model-it could save you up to 50% on your electric bills. Look for a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) of 14 or higher on central systems and the Energy Star label on room units.

Consider installing a whole-house fan or evaporative cooler, if appropriate for your climate. Ceiling and other fans provide additional cooling and better circulation, so you can raise the thermostat and cut down on air-conditioning costs. Energy Star-rated ceiling fans do even better, moving air up to 20% more efficiently than other models.  Continued…  How to Keep Cool While Saving Energy -The Philadelphia Inquirer

Mike Rozell ~ Realtor / Real Estate Agent ~ www.MyLifestyleRealtor.com