by Joseph Truini for The Home Depot There’s a common misconception that if your home has older windows that are in less-than-perfect condition, you must replace them with new windows. But as long as the window is structurally sound, you can fix most problems and extend the window’s service life by many years. Of course, […]
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Author Archives: MattReed
How to protect my home from water damage
Protect Your Property From Water Damage Water may be essential to life, but, as a destructive force, water can diminish the value of your home or building. Homes as well as commercial buildings can suffer water damage that results in increased maintenance costs, a decrease in the value of the property, lowered productivity, and potential […]
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How to make my house Energy Efficient
Elements of an Energy Efficient House Designing and building an energy-efficient home that conforms to the many considerations faced by home builders can be a challenge. However, at InterNACHI, we believe that any house style can be made to require relatively minimal amounts of energy to heat and cool, and be comfortable. It’s easier now […]
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Are two slot electrical outlets safe
Ungrounded Electrical Receptacles by Nick Gromicko Grounding of electrical receptacles (which some laypeople refer to as outlets) is an important safety feature that has been required in new construction since 1962, as it minimizes the risk of electric shock and protects electrical equipment from damage. Modern, grounded 120-volt receptacles in the United States have a […]
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What I need to know about generators
Generator Hazards and Inspection by Nick Gromicko Homeowners may use a generator to supply electricity to their home in the case of a power outage, either out of necessity or convenience. Inspectors may want to know about generators and the potential hazards they present when improperly wired or utilized. Generator Types There are two main […]
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Are my electrical wires safe
Common Electrical Conductor Types by Nick Gromicko and Kenton Shepard Poorly installed and maintained electrical cables are a common cause of electrical fires in homes. Many older homes contain wiring that is now considered obsolete or dangerous. InterNACHI inspectors should understand the basic distinctions between the different types of cable systems so that they can […]
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How can I prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning and Detectors by Nick Gromicko 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. Facts and Figures 480 U.S. residents died between 2001 and 2003 from non-fire-related carbon-monoxide poisoning. Most CO exposures occur […]
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Check on Your HVAC System
(Before your HVAC Checks Out on You) by Fran J. Donegan for The Home Depot Have you ever woken up in the middle of a winter night, shivering under the blankets and able to see your breath? Or have you ever watched the thermostat creep into the upper 80s during a record-setting heat wave, […]
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Condensation
by Nick Gromicko Condensation, also called sweating, forms on building materials when the temperature drops below the dew point, which is the temperature at which droplets of water vapor are forced so closely together that they coalesce into liquid water. Because of their characteristic thermal conductivity, components made of metal are usually the first places where condensation will appear in a building. Condensation […]
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Emergency Preparedness
by Nick Gromicko and Kate Tarasenko Whether you’re facing rising floodwaters or a wildfire that’s too close for comfort, many homeowners confront seasonal threats to their safety that force them to flee their properties, at least temporarily. In the last three years alone, damage created by severe weather and natural disasters in the U.S. has […]
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