SAFE Home Alpharetta

I asked my trusted Home Inspector, George Font, if he would make a guest appearance on Sweet Home Alpharetta to share some very timely information on winter home maintenance. Thank you, George, for the following valuable contribution!

Its that time of the year, time to get firewood for the fireplace and wake up the old furnace after its summer of hibernation. Now if you’re like most of us, you won’t think a thing about it. It’s kind of a yearly ritual, so not a lot a thought goes into it. However, w!e should take some precautions.

Furnace filters should be checked monthly and maintained as necessary. For the best result, seek HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters. Although more expensive than regular filters, these will help clean the air while your system is running. A good HEPA filter can remove at least 99.97% of airborne particles 0.3 micrometers (µm) in diameter from the air you breathe. This type filter will pick up mold spores, and many air borne allergens. This is the time of year you and your family will spend a lot more time indoors.

For more information goto http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HEPA

If you have a smoke and or Carbon Monoxide (CO) detector, test them now. The process is not very complicated. Most detectors have a self test feature. Follow the manufacturer's suggested testing procedure. It will not take long to do. While you’re at it, replace the batteries. Remember Murphy’s Law!

For more information go to http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/downloads/pyfff/smkalarm.html.

Carbon Monoxide is a silent killer. It is odorless, tasteless, has no color and kills by robbing your red blood cells of their ability to absorb oxygen. Results are that your organs are gradually suffocated. Your brain is the most sensitive organ to oxygen depravation. So how does that affect you? You start feeling tired and sleepy. Be warned, This does not mean that every time you feel sleepy or tired you have CO poisoning. But to be on the safe side you need to have a CO detector or monitor.

You do not need a security system to install a CO monitor. There are many plug in models available. These are installed on a 110 VAC receptacle and do the job required. Check at Lowes or Home Depot. Make sure you get one that has a battery backup. In the event of a power failure your fireplace may be your best friend. Your fireplace can produce CO emissions in rare occasions or power could be lost to the monitors but not the furnaces. CO monitors are very inexpensive for the work they do and the lives they can save.
When you buy one, follow the manufacturer's recommendation on where best to place them and how to test them.

In our next installment, George will explain creosol and how it builds up in chimneys to create a potentially dangerous situation. Tune in later this week for more Winter Home Maintenance Tips from George, the Home Inspector. George is the owner of Athenia Home Inspectors and is ASHI certified. If you have questions, give him a call at 404-447-4677. He is very patient and never makes you feel dumb when you ask (probably) dumb questions. Believe me, I've had to ask a lot of them! But, I have learned a lot from George over the past couple of years, and so have many home buyers.

George joins me in wishing all of you a Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving!

Linda