With cooler weather just around the corner, let’s talk this month about a few things you want to be thinking about.
I bet you haven’t had your furnace tuned up in quite awhile have you? While they ARE pretty much maintenance free these days a couple things come to mind. While the unit itself may be working just fine, there’s a pretty good chance your “coil” and blower are dirty especially if you don’t keep your filter clean or you use cheap (“see thru”) filters. This makes the unit work harder, especially during the Summer.
Also, if you’ve had your roof replaced in the last few years, there’s an excellent chance your flue has come apart in the attic (same thing for your gas water heater). If that’s the case, CO is blowing into your attic instead of outside! This happens because the roofers are banging around on the roof and unintentionally hit the flue and it comes apart in the attic (and remains that way until discovered, often when you sell). I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen this!
Regarding your fireplace, check your damper and make sure it opens and closes all the way. We often find them OPEN which allows air to be sucked out of your home every time you open an exterior door. Also, peek up the flue with a flashlight and check for excess creosote (a thick, black, lumpy coating), a “flue fire” hazard. If you have a glass front on your fireplace and it doesn’t seem to draft very well, your “fresh air” vent could be closed. It can be opened via a small lever on the side of your fireplace.
Lastly, consider having your ducts and return air sealed with mastic. The average home in Austin loses 25-33% of the a/c or heat into the attic! This is an easy DIY job but do it in January when it’s COOL up there…
Written By Bob Peterson Licensed inspector and Owner of Precision Inspection. If you would like to read more of what Bob has to say please visit the Precision Inspection website.
About Ed Neuhaus
Broker and founder of Neuhaus Realty Group. I started working in real estate as soon as I could push a lawnmower and help clean up investment properties for my parents. Investing in real estate has always been a passion and now I have turned that passion into a way to help others. Buying and selling homes for others is just one way I think I can make the world better. No sales pressure, no gimmicks, just an honest work ethic gets the job done. Let me know how I can help you. Give me a call today at 512.366.3720
