HVAC

Carbon Monoxide Risks

Carbon Monoxide Risks

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To reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, have your heating equipment “tuned up” each year, preferably before the heating season begins. Your local gas orelectricty company has highly trained professionals who can provide this service. The service technician should also check your chimney and vent pipes for blockage. It is also a good idea to make sure your home is adequately ventilated, particularly if you have added insulation to your home, had major renovations done or have enclosed your heating system to increase living space. 

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Carbon Monoxide Risks

Cold Sell

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If your house is for sale in summer, run the air conditioner. If it’s 90 degrees inside, buyers will pay more attention to the temperature than to the attractive features of the house.

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Carbon Monoxide Risks

Caulking Payoff

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Most experts agree that caulking and weather stripping any gaps will pay for itself within one year in energy savings. Caulking and weather stripping will also alleviate drafts and help your home feel warmer when it’s cold outside.

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Carbon Monoxide Risks

Anchor Your Fuel Tank

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A fuel tank can tip over or float in a flood, causing fuel to spill or catch fire. Cleaning up a house that has been inundated with flood waters containing fuel oil can be extremely difficult and costly.

Fuel tanks should be securely anchored to the floor. Make sure vents and fill line openings are above projected flood levels.

Propane tanks are the property of the propane company. You will need written permission to anchor them. Ask whether the company can do it first.

Make sure all work conforms to state and local building codes.

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Carbon Monoxide Risks

Deciduous Efficiency

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Trees that lose their leaves in the fall (i.e., deciduous) are the most effective at reducing heating and cooling energy costs. When selectively placed around a house, they provide excellent protection from the summer sun but permit winter sunlight to reach and warm your house. The height, growth rate, branch spread, and shape are all factors to consider in choosing a tree.

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Carbon Monoxide Risks

Fall Chimney Check

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Back to school time means the home heating season is beginning to kick in. Have your chimneys and vents checked before you fire up the furnace or fireplace to make the most of those cool fall evenings.

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Carbon Monoxide Risks

Ridge Vents

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The use of ridge vent has increased greatly during the past ten years and when used with a soffit vent or vented drip edge, it is a very effective means of venting rafter bays, especially in cathedral ceiling areas. An air space in the rafter bay must be provided for full airflow. There are various styrofoam vent channels that, installed in the rafter bay, keep the insulation from fully filling the bay, to allow for air space. This can help keep condensation from forming on exposed roof nail ends and dripping onto the ceiling materials below during winter months.

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