What about those modern thermostats?
Appliances Cost When Not in Use
How to Increase Insulation Effectiveness
Thermostats?
Studies indicate that two daily eight-hour setbacks of ten degrees will reduce annual fuel use by about 12% to 30%
for heating and 11% to 33% for cooling in an average home across the country. A single night-time setback of ten
degrees for eight hours will reduce heating costs 6% to 18% and will reduce cooling costs 7% to 19%.
0ne cause of higher-than-necessary fuel bills or an uncomfortable home is a defective, improperly located, or antiquated thermostat. Fortunately, the problem can be easily solved with an inexpensive thermostat equipped with a mechanical or electronic system to control temperature setbacks. When shopping for a new thermostat, note the brand and model number of the existing unit so a compatible model can be purchased. Although some automatic thermostats can be installed by do-it-yourselfers, a special isolation relay is best installed by a heating and cooling technician or electrician. Owners of heat pumps should usually leave thermostat installations to a heating technician.
Operating Costs
Money can be saved by using the automatic setback feature on most new thermostats. Thermostats with this feature provide for at least two daily temperature periods. Savings vary depending on how much the setting is reduced or raised. Homeowners usually use the setbacks during normal sleeping and working hours. Advanced thermostats allow automatic setback changes for weekends, and it is fairly easy to temporarily alter or override setbacks.
Replacing older thermostats with modern ones can reduce energy costs from 6% to 33% in average homes across the country!
Care must be given to each home's situation. For example, older people and pets can experience discomfort or some health problems if temperatures are too low. Also, extreme setbacks during very cold weather might put a home's plumbing system in danger of freezing.
Location
Even homes with modern thermostats may still be uncomfortable. This symptom can be caused by an improperly located or defective thermostat. In general, thermostats should be located on an inside wall about five feet from the floor. Thermostats react to the temperature of the air in their immediate vicinity, so they should be kept a reasonable distance from random sources of heat or cold such as lamps and appliances, drafty doors and windows, and heating registers and radiators.
Gas Heat
Question: what causes severe condensation on a home's windows and ceilings when the gas heat is turned on? How can this problem be solved?
Answer: Like every major energy appliance, a gas heater should be checked by an experienced service technician, especially its chimney and vents. Severe condensation is sometimes a sign that the chimney is blocked or partially blocked. Improper venting is a dangerous condition and needs to be addressed immediately by a professional.
If the heater is found to be in good condition, the home may require more ventilation to exhaust moisture. This can be implemented with vent fans in the bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room.
We recommend hiring a heating and cooling professional yearly to service a system so unnecessary problems, like condensation, can be avoided.
Have you ever listed a home with fireplaces that do not show signs of much use? How can you determine if the fireplaces will work properly without lighting fires?
You need to ensure that the fireplace will draw properly. If a fireplace draws properly, chances are that it will work properly. Here's a quick way to check it out:
1. FLUE PLACEMENT. Ensure that the chimney flue is two feet or more above any structure, such as a roof or building, within ten feet of the chimney.
2. FLUE SIZE. The flue must be at least one-twelfth the size of the firebox. For example, if the firebox is 30 inches high and 36 inches wide (1,080 square inches), a good flue size is 8 inches by 12 inches (96 square inches). The flue-to-firebox proportions can be improved by reducing the firebox size. An easy cure for this problem is to install glass doors.
If these items are in order, the fireplace should draw properly and be safe to use.
THE LIGHTER SIDE OF HOME LIFE
Millennium Kitchen Have you come across a kitchen that dates to the last century? Turn it into a sales advantage by advising your client to enter it in Sears' Kenmore Elite Dream Kitchen Sweepstakes to win one of three grand-prize awards -a new kitchen with appliances plus $10,000 for renovations. To register your clients for the sweepstakes and for official rules have them log onto Www.sears.com by Dec. 31, 1999.
And if they don't want the new kitchen, suggest that they pass it you as a sales bonus!
Feng Shui The 3000 year old Chinese art of feng shui suggests to clear out the clutter since it accumulates dead energy. It congests; and makes people unable to do things. if an item has not been used in 18 months - chuck it.
This newsletter contains basic information on the home and general topics of interest. Due to the variations in homes, individual recommendations require a comprehensive evaluation. To reprint any article in this newsletter, please contact our office. Q 1996-1999. All rights reserved.(ISND99)
D99)
Toilet Tanks
Condensation on toilet tanks is a common symptom during the summer when the weather is humid. It's caused by water vapor condensing on the cold surface of the tank and outer surface of the bowl.
On a short-term basis, this situation can be improved by running an exhaust fan during and after baths and showers. A longer-term solution is to install water-mixing, antisweat tank refills. This water mixture will help keep the tank surface warm so water vapor won't condense on it. Other long-term answers are to place a tray under the toilet to collect dripping water or to use a dehumidifier in the bathroom with doors and windows closed.
Can Burn!
The time it takes for hot water to cause
second- and third-degree burns on adult
skin:
0 160 degrees F.: 1/2 second
0 150 degrees F.: 1-1/2 seconds
0 140 degrees F.: less than 5 seconds
0 130 degrees F.: 30 seconds
0 120 degrees F.: more than 5 minutes
It is important to maintain all hot-water appliances and their sources of energy to ensure that the normal setting of 120 degrees F. is set. This safety precaution will help avoid injury.
Appliances Cost When Not In Use
Although the energy cost is minimal, it is estimated that the average household spends about $40 annually on equipment that is plugged in but not in use. About half the home's wasted electricity comes from TVs, videocassette recorders, and peripherals such as cable boxes. Some newer TVs use about one to four watts of power when they are turned off, while older sets can consume as much as 20 watts. VCRs in particular are energy abusers. Their remote-control features, channel memory, and time displays use about 10 watts of power according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. To curb energy use, we suggest these three action items:
1.Just unplug the appliance when it's not in use.
2. Plug equipment into one power strip and turn all the appliances on and off with one button.
3. Look for products with low standby energy losses if quick starts are an issue.
THE LIGHTER SIDE OF HOME LIFE
Furniture Conflict "How much ugly furniture and decor in your home would you get rid of - if only your spouse didn't love the stuff so much?" A recent survey shows 34 percent said they wouldn't discard any of it, 9 percent said they'd toss one thing, 23 percent would throw away two to five things, 17 percent said they'd eliminate an entire roomful, and 15 percent said they'd literally clear out the entire house!
Come Clean
A recent Kimberly Clark survey revealed
some interesting "dirty laundry" - 41
percent of respondents conceded that
their personal cleaning standards had
declined over the years or their house was
less clean than the one they grew up in.
Thirteen and nine percent, respectively,
said they would rather go to the dentist or
visit their mothers-in-law than clean.
More than half said their kitchen floors
were "not clean enough to eat off of most
of the time."
This news letter contains basic information on the home and general topics ol interest, Due to the variations in homes, individual recommendations require a comprehensive evaluation To reprint any article in this newsletter, pl-c comaCt oUr 0111, 1 (0 1990-2000. All rights reserved,(ISMJOO)
s reserved,(ISMJOO)
Seepage
With changes in seasons there are at times extraordinary amounts of precipitation, which causes basement or crawlspace water seepage. Water seepage is the intrusion of water into the lower level of a home. The effect can be a small wet spot, a puddle, or a layer of water completely covering the ground, such as a flooded basement or crawlspace.
Water entry is the result of a number of factors and can appear in many locations, so it is important to determine the cause and source of the seepage in order to take proper corrective action.
Here are some areas to look at to determine the causes of water seepage:
Ground pitch: Does the ground adjacent to the house slope away from the structure?
Patio pitch: Do the concrete patios and footpaths pitch away from the house?
Flood areas: Does the home have crawlspace or basement windows or stairwells that can be flooded?
Downspouts: Do downspouts have extensions to carry discharged water away from the foundation?
Sump area: Is there a sump pump and is there water in the sump pit? Is the water being discharged away from the house or to a dry well?
Waterproofing: Has the home been waterproofed and is the waterproofing guaranteed?
Chimneys vent smoke and gases from heating systems and fireplaces. Here are some
checkpoints for inspecting chimneys made of brick, stone, and concrete block.
LJ Does the masonry or stucco have any cracks or loose, chipped, or missing sections?
~) Does the chimney lean?
U Does the area between the chimney and the sidewall show any open joints?
D Does the chimney extend less than three feet above the roofline if the roof is flat or
less than two feet above the roof ridge if the roof is sloped?
LI Does the chimney cap have cracked or missing sections?
U Does the chimney flashing have any holes, tears, or loose areas?
U Are there any signs of water leakage?
Oneor more "yes" answers will most likely require the service of a professional.
Standard THE LIGHTER SIDE OF HOME LIFE
S- Cap
Room Conflict
Ikea, the marketer of home furnish
ings, recently completed a survey on
which room in the home causes the
most conflict - the computer room
(53%). Three years ago it was the
bathroom (41%).
How To Pack A Hippo
Check out the USPS's Movers Net
(www.usps.gov) to get help with
packing all kinds of stuff, from air
conditioners to hippos to washing
machines. Hippos you say? Check out
www.usps.gov/moversnet/plain/
howtopacka2.html#hippos.
Need A Contractor?
Start-up web-site ImproveNet.com
lets homeowners pick from a database
of over 500,000 contractors for home
improvement projects. The contrac
tors must pass a screening process
that includes credit history and
license status.
This newsletter contains basic information on the home and
general topics of interest. Due to the variations in homes.
nul
,v.;vidual recommendations require a comprehensive
uation. To reprint any article in this newsletter, please
contact our office. 0 1996-2000. All rights -erved.(ISMA00)
d.(ISMA00)
How to Increase Insulation Effectiveness
One of the ways a house loses and gains energy is through conduction - the movement of heat through solid objects such as walls, floors, and ceilings. Heat always moves toward colder air in an attempt to equalize the temperature.
Insulation in floors, ceilings, and walls is helpful because it traps tiny pockets of air which retard the transfer of heat. insulation won't stop heat entirely, but it will slow it down. Insulation's effectiveness is tested by its R-value, its ability to resist the heat flow from warmer to cooler areas. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation. It is important to remember that a material's insulating ability is based on R-value, not thickness.
Types of Insulation
1. Batts & blankets: fiberglass. The Rvalue per inch is 3.1-3.5. It is best suited for standard joists, studs, or rafter spacing in attics, walls, and undersides of floors.
2. Loose fill: cellulose, fiberglass, vermiculite, The R-value per inch is 2.2 - 3.7. it is best suited for non-standard spacing, infill of block walls, and obstructed spacing between joists.
3. Rigid board: polystyrene, polyisocyanurate urethane, bead board.
The R-value per inch is 3.5-5.5 and Is suited for basement walls, foundations, exterior walls, interior walls, and cathedral ceilings.
Where to Add Insulation
1. Ceilings. Ceilings below an unheated attic.
2. Floors. Floors above unheated basements, crawlspaces, garages, and open porches.
3. Frame Walls. Uninsulated exterior frame walls.
4. Rafters. Between sloping rafters. Be sure to leave an air space for ventilation between the insulation and the roof (select insulation accordingly).
5. joists. In the back of band or header joists around the perimeter of the basement.
6. Basement Walls. When below-grade space is finished for living purposes or when the basement doesn't enclose a fossil-fueled (gas or oil) furnace or boiler, or when the above-grade exposure exceeds 50% of the interior wall surface.
7. Attics. In attics, keep at least 1-1/4" space between the insulation and the sheathing so air from the soffit/eave vents can flow to the ridge and/or gable vents.
Ventilation
No matter what part of the country in which you live, attic ventilation is important. So, what is the best way to ventilate an attic?
Attic air is warmer than the outside air all year-round, although it's more obvious how warm attics are in summer.
The best way to ventilate an attic is with high-low ventilation because warmer air is lighter and has a tendency to rise if the opportunity presents itself. With high-low ventilation, warm air rises out of the high vents, preferably ridge vents, and this air is replaced by air from low vents, typically soffit vents.
The amount of air and the speed at which it moves is dictated by the temperature differential between the attic space and the outside air. This is called thermal convection. When the ventilation is correct, mother nature will control the air changes and mechanical help is altogether unnecessary.
Exterior Systems
Gutters & Downspouts Years
Aluminum 15-25
Galvanized 15-22
Copper 35-60
P.V.C. 25+
Window Systems Years
Wood 35-100
Aluminum 10-25
Vinyl 20+
Aluminum Storm 30-40
Roofing Systems Years
Fiberglass reinforced
asphalt shingles 15-25
3-ply or 4-ply
Built-up roofing 10-15
Metal 50-90
Cedar 20-50
Slate 35-200
These life expectancy projections are based on averages and an assumption of routine maintenance. Factors that impact these ranges include: workmanship and installation quality, proper usage, geography, weather conditions, and exposure to fuels, water and air.
Asphalt Roofs
Asphalt roofing is one of the most popular types of roofing materials today. The condition of an asphalt roof is dictated by the condition of the granules in the joints between the tabs or cutouts in the shingles. Here are some observations to help you determine the condition of this type of roof.
0 If the granules are intact in the cutouts or joints between the tabs, the shingles are acceptable.
0 If the granules in the cutouts are worn and the asphalt matrix is visible, the shingles are marginal because of the obvious wear and limited remaining life expectancy.
0 If the granules and matrix in the cutouts are worn through, the shingles are no longer acceptable.
Curling or cupping shingles may be an indication of wear, age, or condensation problems; however, it does not indicate failed shingles. Roofs with multiple layers may not leak when the shingles are poor due to the layer of shingles below.
THE LIGHTER SIDE OF HOME LIFE
Stress & Mess It cannot be stressed enough that we're not making up this observation. At 3M, maker of Scotch-Brite cleaning products, a poll indicates that 50 percent of women clean their house to reduce the stress in their lives. However, only 25 percent of men use cleaning as a stress-reducing outlet.
Effect of Air Conditioning The enclosed shopping mall would not have been possible without the invention of air conditioning! Air-conditioning has truly turned some of the world's most inhospitable sites for human habitation into the fastest-growing areas. This invention has also encouraged 11cocooning" with people learning to move seamlessly from air-conditioned houses to air-conditioned cars, offices, malls and entertainment centers.
This newsletter contains basic information on the home and general topics of interest. Due to the variations in homes, individual recommendations require a comprehensive evaluation. To reprint any article in this newsletter, please contact our office. (D 1996-2000. All rights reserved. OSS000)
A simple maintenance plan and monthly check-up can help prevent this silent and odorless killer.
There's no doubt about it: an annual heating system inspection and follow-up maintenance is essential to the prevention of carbon monoxide poisoning. Many agencies, including the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, the US Environmental Protection Agency, the National Fire Prevention Association and the American Lung Association, now encourage the regular maintenance of home heating systems and chimneys in order to keep "the silent killer" at bay.
A well-tuned furnace or boiler, when connected to the properly-sized venting system br flue, will operate efficiently and keep the home warm, comfortable and safe.
are readily available in most large retail stores and hardware stores, and they're affordable, so every home should have at least two. One should be mounted near the furnace, and the other near the family sleeping area. Although carbon monoxide detectors have been lifesavers, they are not a substitute for routine Homeowners should remember that detectors point out a problem; maintenance can avoid the problem to begin with.
Maintenance
Safety Checklist
Locate CO detectors nearfurnace and each sleeping area. Do annual heating system inspection and maintenance. Do annual chimney inspection and maintenance.
Of course, the flue or venting system must be structurally sound, clean and free of blockages. Homeowners should contract for an annual inspection to insure these conditions.
Carbon monoxide detectors are another ,'must have" for the home today. These
One of the first things a potential homeowner inspects is the roof, so it's best to replace it if necessary prior to selling the house. While there is no agreed-upon age at which a roof should be replaced, there are several clues that will indicate if the roof is passed its serviceable life.
Another good maintenance tip is to have a qualified technician service your furnace at least once a year. Also have chimneys checked annually by a C.S.I.A. Certified chimney sweep, who can clean the chimney or, repair it as needed. Considering the benefits of a well-maintained heating system - and the risks involved when -systems are neglected - the smart homeowner would consider such inspections a sound investment.
The first, and perhaps most obvious, clue is numerous leaks. Unfortunately, once the leaks spring up, water damage is quick to follow, so a smart homeowner will replace a roof before the leaks start dripping.
If numerous shingles on a roof are missing, loose, broken, split or curled, or if the mineral surface of asphalt shingles has worn through to the backing, a new roof would be a wise investment.
Even if the aging isn't as obvious, professionals recommend that the health of asphalt shingles is checked routinely. To do this, bend over a corner of one or two shingles on the sunniest side of the roof. The material should flex without crumbling or breaking. If it doesn't, it's time to replace the roof.
Of course, how quickly one needs to replace an aging roof depends upon the structure of the dwelling. Worn roofing on a steep roof will last longer than worn roofing on a shallow-sloped roof. However, if potential buyers see it as an indicator of the condition of a house, the roof should be in the best condition possible prior to putting the house on the market..
On occasion, homeowners may be stumped by the "fungus problem" - specifically, the growth of mushrooms on the underside of the sheathing of their roof. According to U.S. Department of Energy consultant Michael Lamb, the cause of this problem is often moisture leaking into the house through the basement floor and walls. It is particularly frustrating because the problem often becomes evident after the homeowner has replaced older windows and weather-stripped the doors, actions which usually improve the maintenance of a home.
Unfortunately, once a house is weatherized, moisture can no longer escape through air leaks. These leaks are shut tight - shutting in the moisture that is conducive to the growth of various molds.
To control moisture in the basement, cover the floor with 8-mil plastic from wall to wall. To assure coverage, the homeowner should overlap the sheets by 3 to 6 inches, then tape the seams. Place wooden planks where you need to walk. Any loose mortar between the foundation stones should be chipped out. The homeowner should repoint the stones with hydraulic cement, then parge (cement skim coat) the walls from the floor up to where the outside grade begins. Apply two or three coats of latex-based foundation waterproofing, which should help keep the basement dry.
If homeowners want added protection against mushroom growth, they can add roof vents, using aerosol foam caulk to plug any holes leaking air into the attic. This is just a secondary measure, however; sealing the attic floor is much more effective.
If there's already mold in the home, the homeowner can kill i by spraying it with a 30/70 mixture of bleach and water. Use fans to ventilate the area to protect against breathing in chlorine fumes. Dress appropriately and wear a respirator.
To continue the prevention of mold growth, monitor the home's humidity with several relative humidity (RH) gauges. The RH should never exceed 45 percent. The RH can be controlled with fans in warm weather and heat-recovery ventilators in cold.
THE LIGHTER SIDE OF HOME LIFE
Low-Crime Index
Trying to make the point of low crime in the neighborhood? Capindex.com has one of the most detailed list of crime information on the Web. This company lets you request reports on the area surrounding any address. The ten areas with the lowest combined indices of personal and property crimes (as reported by ehomes.com) are: 1. Oakham, MA; 2. Three Rivers, MA;
3. Lakeside, CT; 4. Pinetop, KY;
5. Buckland, MA; 6. Grantham, NH; 7. Vorhees, NJ; 8. Imperial, PA;
9. Sandy Hook, MS; 10. Clarksville, FL.