10 Maintenance Tips for Spring

Although Spring is a few months away, it is time to begin thinking about what maintenance you should be considering for your home,  The attached thoughts come from a home inspector who has published on HGTV and I thought might be of interest to you.

After a long, dark winter, spring's bright sun and warm winds are, well, a breath of fresh air. The only downside? All that sunshine spotlights your leaf-filled gutters, cracked sidewalks and the dead plants in last year's flower beds. Dwight Barnett, a certified master inspector with the American Society of Home Inspectors, shared this checklist to help you target the areas that need maintenance so you can get your chores done quickly, leaving you time to go outside and play in the sunshine.

• Check for loose or leaky gutters. Improper drainage can lead to water in the basement or crawl space. Make sure downspouts drain away from the foundation and are clear and free of debris.
• Low areas in the yard or next to the foundation should be filled with compacted soil. Spring rains can cause yard flooding, which can lead to foundation flooding and damage. Also, when water pools in these low areas in summer, it creates a breeding ground for insects.
• Use a screwdriver to probe the wood trim around windows, doors, railings and decks. Make repairs now before the spring rains do more damage to the exposed wood.
• From the ground, examine roof shingles to see if any were lost or damaged during winter. If your home has an older roof covering, you may want to start a budget for replacement. The summer sun can really damage roof shingles. Shingles that are cracked, buckled or loose or are missing granules need to be replaced. Flashing around plumbing vents, skylights and chimneys need to be checked and repaired by a qualified roofer.
• Examine the exterior of the chimney for signs of damage. Have the flue cleaned and inspected by a certified chimney sweep.
• Inspect concrete slabs for signs of cracks or movement. All exterior slabs except pool decks should drain away from the home's foundation. Fill cracks with a concrete crack filler or silicone caulk. When weather permits, power-wash and then seal the concrete.
• Remove firewood stored near the home. Firewood should be stored at least 18 inches off the ground at least 2 feet from the structure.
• Check outside hose faucets for freeze damage. Turn the water on and place your thumb or finger over the opening. If you can stop the flow of water, it is likely the pipe inside the home is damaged and will need to be replaced. While you're at it, check the garden hose for dry rot.
• Have a qualified heating and cooling contractor clean and service the outside unit of the air conditioning system. Clean coils operate more efficiently, and an annual service call will keep the system working at peak performance levels. Change interior filters on a regular basis.
• Check your gas- and battery-powered lawn equipment to make sure it is ready for summer use. Clean equipment and sharp cutting blades will make yardwork easier.

20 Free Ways to Save Energy

The following ideas to save energy with little or no money is a summary of an article from Consumer Reports from a few years ago.  It still has relevance, however and many of us can save a bundle if we try all or even a few of these ideas.

1. Wash clothes in cold water.  You might guess that most of the energy used by washing is when the machine goes into its spinning cycles.  In fact, 90% of it is spent in heating the water for the load.  Using cold water detergents and a cold water setting will save much and work for almost all dirty clothes.

2. Hang it up.  Clotheslines are not just nostalgic, they actually work if the weather is cooperative.  It will cost you time but not electric energy.

3. Don't over-dry laundry.  Clothes need less ironing and hold up better if you remove them from the dryer while still just a bit damp. 

4. Let the dishwasher do the work.  Don't bother prerinsing dishes.  Not doing this will save 20 gallons of heated water a day.

5. Put your PC to sleep.  Keep your computer and monitor in sleep mode rather than leaving them on around the clock.

6. Turn down the heat in the winter and the cool in the summer.  A 10 degree decrease in heat setting can save you 20% in energy costs just while you sleep at night.  For every degree you turn your AC thermostat up in the summer, you save 3%.

7. A cold hearth for a warmer house.  By closing in your natural draft fireplace with a glass door, you can save up to 70% of the drafting of heated air from your home if you use external combustion air for the fire.

8. Lower the shades and raise the windows.  Not at the same time but of course but when weather conditions warrant.

9. Put a spin on home cooling.  Operating a couple of ceiling fans uses a fraction of the electricity needed for air conditioning and the cooling effect should make it possible to raise your thermostat setting, saving 3% for every degree of upward setting.

10. Take care of your AC and it will take care of you.  Routine preventative maintenance will make your AC unit more efficient, saving you money and increasing its life.

11. Spend less for hot water.  Set the water heater for 120 degrees which will work in most conditions and save a bundle.

12. Think twice before turning on the oven.  A microwave uses only 20% of the energy of a conventional oven.

13. Use the right pan.  You use much less energy than you would think if you match the size of you pan to the size of the burner.

14. Read the label.  Using a more efficient appliance for the job saves money every time it is used.

15. Dust off the Crock-Pot.  Crock-Pot uses a lot less energy than simmering on the stove.

16. Clean the coils on your refrigerator using a tapered appliance brush.  Your fridge's motor won't have to run as long or as often.

17. Drive steadily - and a bit slower.  By driving 55 instead of 65, you can improve mileage by as much as 12.5%.

18. Roof racks are a drag.  They can reduce your fuel efficiency by from 5 to 15%.

19. Stick with regular gas if your manufacturer recommends it.  This can save you about 30 cents per gallon and will not reduce the efficiency or power of your car.

20. No loitering.  Don't let the engine run at idle any longer than necessary.  This is the most inefficient time for an engine to operate.

Christmas Light Safety Tips

When you put up Christmas lights this season - or holiday lights during any season - be sure to follow these Christmas light safety tips.

·        Choose Christmas lights that have been tested and deemed safe by a reputable testing laboratory, the best are UL or ETL. Christmas lights listed as safe by these laboratories will note that on the packaging.

·         Try to use the cooler-burning "mini" Christmas lights as opposed to the traditional larger bulbs. The older style burns much hotter.

·         Only use Christmas lights that have fuses in the plugs.

·         Inspect each set of Christmas lights - old or new - for damage. Return or throw out any set with cracked or broken sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections.

·         Replace burned out bulbs promptly with bulbs of the same wattage.

·         Never hang Christmas lights on a metal tree. The tree can become charged with electricity and shock someone. The tree can also short out the Christmas lights and cause a fire.

·         Want Christmas lights outdoors? Use outdoor Christmas lights. The packaging will note whether the lights can be used indoors, outdoors, or both.

·         All outdoor electrical decorations should be plugged into a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). You can buy portable units for outdoor use, or you can have them permanently installed by an electrician.

·         Use extension cords properly. Outdoor cords can be used inside or outside. Do not overload extension cords - they can get hot enough to burn.

·         Stay away from powerlines or feeder lines (these go from the pole to the house).

·         Secure outside Christmas lights with insulated holders (never use tacks or nails) or run strings of lights through hooks.

·         When you leave or go to bed at night, turn off your Christmas lights.

·         Never pull on a string of Christmas lights, it stresses the cords and can lead to fraying. Store Christmas lights loosely wrapped for the same reason.

Winter Energy Savings

As we move into the winter heating season, energy usage will shift from high electrical to high natural gas consumption for most of us in North Mississippi.  Having an energy efficient home and business is always a prudent thing to do, no matter what the season but the ways of improving consumption can be impacted in different ways depending on the season.  Existing customers of JOC can have their homes or businesses energy audited for free to find out ways to lower their usage.  All of us, however who are on North East Mississippi Electric Power Association and TVA electric power have the ability to to have an In-home Energy Evaluation performed with ways of getting cash incentives for implementing their audit ideas.  I highly recommend consideration of this program as not only can you save money, you can proactively reduce your energy consumption and that is good for everyone.  For more information and details visit Energy Right at www.energyright.com or call 866-441-1430.

Whether you choose Just One Call to assist you or use your local energy provider, energy savings is always the right thing to do.

Fireplace Maintenance and Safety Tips

Attached is an article from "Realty Reality," a web site for people living in the NJ & PA area but has applications here in Mississippi as well. I hope you find the attached of value as we go into the fall and winter season.

With cooler seasons approaching, more of us will want to enjoy our fireplaces. But before you warm to the glow, make sure that you know how to make your fireplace safe. Here are guidelines and resources for fireplace safety, maintance, inspection and cleaning...

Wood Burning Fireplaces
Creosote is a natural by-product of burning wood and sticks to the walls of chimneys/flues. It is tar-like substance made up of almost pure carbon and is combustible, so it is important to not to allow a build-up in your chimney/flue. To inspect and clean it yourself, here are some basic guidelines:
Open the damper of the fireplace and, using a strong spotlight, look up way inside to determine the condition of the interior as well as the level of creosote in the chimney. This is fairly easy if you know what to look for. As far as condition is concerned, look for spaces and cracks in the surface. For creosote, look for a grayish/black buildup. If this is grayer in color and not shiny, it can be easily removed with the proper sized chimney brush. On the other hand, if it is black and shiny, it will be more difficult to remove and may require a special spray-on powder that helps turn the tough black glaze to a more brittle state. It can then be removed with a chimney brush.

Use a toothbrush and Worcestershire sauce to keep brass shiny. You can scrub the brass knobs, or even the door or metal areas around the fireplace.

The flue/chimney should be cleaned with either a metal or plastic brush. Orange clay flue tiles need to be cleaned with a wire brush, while round metal flues should be cleaned with a plastic brush to avoid scraping the metal surface. Before cleaning any chimney, make sure the opening into the house is sealed up to avoid expelling dust, ash, and soot into the living area. If you use a vacuum to suck up the soot, make sure it comes equipped with a HEPA filter to trap the dust. Please test how this works with a small amount before completing the job.(Source: Fireplace Essentials)Gas Fireplace Inspection Check Points:- safety test for carbon monoxide (CO)
- check for leaks in the log set and burner pan
- check gas line pressure
- clean burners and controls
- clean and adjust pilot assembly/spark ignition
- check vent and diverter
- check power vent and fan kit if applicable
- clean glass window with approved cleaner
- clean-up/vacuum around base of unit

Basic Periodic Maintenance for Fireplaces
Annually: Have your wood-burning fireplace chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional to ensure that it’s obstruction free and clear of creosote, (Have your gas fireplace inspected by a trained professional. Be sure the fan, pilots, and burners are checked, and that the ignition and combustion are working properly.)
Monthly: Clean gas logs with a soft-bristle brush. Make sure the logs are cool before you start.
Weekly: During heavy periods of use, clean the wood-burning firebox. Never empty the box completely if you plan to use it again in a few days (an inch of ash in the bottom works as an insulator, helping wood heat faster and retain heat longer). Note: Before removing the ash from the firebox, open the damper, which will draw any flying ash up and not out into the room.
Other: Cap the chimney to deter animals from entering, keep away debris from blocking opening, help prevent water damage and prevent large burning embers from escaping and stating fires in surrounding area. (Source: HomeMag)

Usage Tips:
- Avoid burning a fire longer than five hours and be sure the door is open for proper venting.
- Always keey the screen closed to keep hot embers from jumping onto the carpet.
- Consider placing a non-flammable rug directly in front of the fireplace just in case any sparks do escape. (The rug will prevent sparks from igniting a carpet or wooden floor in case some of these sparks escape from the fire. Also make sure that the rug is kept clear of flamable items.)
- Never leave your fire unattended, especially when small children are present.(Source: FirePlaces)

Additional Online Resources:

The Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association (HPBA) has tips on fireplace safety. Click here to view their Fireplace Safety Tips. Fact Sheet on Fireplace Safety (PDF)HGTV - Fireplace Maintenance - chimneysweep explains ways to care for and maintain a fireplace.About.com - Woodburning Fireplace Maintenance
About.com - Gas Burning Fireplaces / Before You Buy A Gas-Log Fireplace (What You Should Know)


Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) has safety and maintenance tips as well as directory of chimney sweeps. Here is an example tip:
Ever wonder what wood is the best to burn as firewood? Oak is an American favorite, as well as other hard-woods. You can burn other softer wood also, as long as it is split and dried long enough. It's much more important to burn dry wood than to worry about what kind of wood it is.

Video: Fireplace Maintenance - episode segment from Michael Holigan's "Your New House" TV show, also transcript and additional online information.

Gas Log Maintenance, Service & Repair FAQ

Gas log maintenance is relatively simple, which is one of the best things about owning a set. There's none of the hauling and sweeping associated with real wood, and no sparks to worry about. Here are a few rules of thumb for keeping your gas log set well-maintained:

Have a Professional Inspect Your Gas Logs Once a Year

A certified professional installer should come out once a year to check your gas lines, valves, connections, and safety pilot assembly, especially if you use your gas logs often. The Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Association (HPBA) also recommends that you have your chimney inspected and cleaned once a year to make sure that soot buildup is not preventing your gas log set from being properly vented.

Cleaning Your Gas Logs

Gas logs don't need much cleaning, but if you want to make them look like new, first make sure they are turned off and are not hot to the touch. Then brush your gas logs with a soft-bristled brush or a duster to remove any dust or dirt. Do not remove your gas logs from the fireplace to clean them - leave them in their installed position. Never use water or any other solvents to clean gas logs.

Gas Log Service & Repair

Most service and repairs, such as to a broken valve, leaky gas line, or a burner that is producing soot or carbon monoxide should be done by a certified professional. However, if you simply need new embers or other decorative elements, those you can order and place yourself.

Easy Solutions for Saving Energy and Money This Fall

The attached comments are reprints from Center Point Energy's monthly newsletter that is well worth repeating.  Though not new ideas, they are tried and proven ways of saving money during the heating season.

• Lower thermostat setting.  Lower the thermostat setting to 68 degrees during the day, and to 58 degrees at night or when away.  For every one degree reduction in the thermostat setting, one can save 3-5 percent on heating bills.
• Install a programmable thermostat.  A programmable thermostat can automatically lower the heating temperature at night or while one is away from home.
• Seal leaks and windows.  Seal leaks around doors and windows with weatherstripping or caulk.  stretch plastic tightly over inside or outside of windows to reduce cold air infiltration.
• Heating system tune-up.  Furnaces should be checked annually by a qualified technician to ensure safe and efficient operation.  
• Change furnace filter.  Change furnace filter according to manufacturer specifications.
• Lower water heater temperature.  Reduce water heating costs by simply lowering the thermostat setting on the water heater.  Turn the water heater temperature to the lowest setting comfortable.  for most people, 120 degrees Fahrenheit is sufficient and safe.