10 Easy Ways to Save Money & Energy in Your Home

www.HomeBossInspection.com The National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code (NFPA 2013 72) has set standards to transition away from smoke alarms powered by removable 9-volt batteries and encourage the adoption of new technologies.  The most recent version of the code requires smoke alarms to be hard-wired, interconnected, and backed up with a 10-year sealed battery.  It also reinforces requirements for the placement around the home of smoke alarms, namely: in all bedrooms and sleeping quarters or on walls or ceilings just outside of bedrooms and sleeping quarters; at least one device on each floor of a home, including the basement; and wherever flammable substances are stored, such as the garage. While there’s general recognition at state and local levels that mandating smoke alarm upgrades to the current standard—which requires installation by a licensed electrician—would be onerous for owners of older homes and, therefore, unenforceable, many states throughout t...

www.HomeBossInspection.com Ever wonder about your house number? Often, the previous owner installed the number and the new owner never had to think about it, leaving them clueless as to why it was placed where it is or why a particular color or size was chosen. These numbers are more important than you probably realize, and a lot of thought goes into making sure they are visible.  House numbers should be clear enough so that police, the fire department, paramedics, etc., can quickly locate properties in an emergency. Numbers are often the only way that first-responders can identify their intended destinations. Your city might even have laws requiring your house number to be of a certain size or color. Also, think of the poor pizza delivery guy who runs late because he can’t find your house, or frustrated party guests who have to knock on neighbors’ doors before they find yours.   Consider the following recommendations: The numbers should be large, within reason. Try t...

www.HomeBossInspection.com Lightning is the "visible discharge of static electricity within a cloud, between clouds or between the earth and a cloud," as defined by Underwriters Laboratories. Lightning is unpredictable and a serious threat to buildings and their occupants virtually everywhere.   Facts about lightning: Benjamin Franklin invented the first lightning rod in 1752 –- a kite outfitted with a metal key -- while waiting impatiently for the completion of a church on top of which he would mount a lightning rod.  Lightning comes  up  from the  earth  –- as well as down from the cloud -- from high vertical features such as chimneys and trees.  A typical lightning bolt carries 50,000 amps, tens of millions of volts, and can reach  50,000 °  F . “Superbolts” may be 100 times more powerful than typical bolts, and travel much farther, too; one such superbolt went from Waco to Dallas, Texas, after having traveled abo...

www.HomeBossInspection.com Septic systems treat and disperse relatively small volumes of wastewater from individual and small numbers of homes and commercial buildings. Septic system regulation is usually a state and local responsibility. The EPA provides information to homeowners and assistance to state and local governments to improve the management of septic systems to prevent failures that could harm human health and water quality.         Information for Homeowners If your septic tank failed, or you know someone whose did, you are not alone. As a homeowner, you are responsible for maintaining your septic system. Proper septic system maintenance will help keep your system from failing and will help maintain your investment in your home. Failing septic systems can contaminate the ground water that you and your neighbors drink and can pollute nearby rivers, lakes and coastal waters.  Ten simple steps you can take to keep your septic system ...

  www.HomeBossInspection.com There is perhaps no more appropriately named plumbing fixture in the whole world than the tankless water heater. No deception, no confusion: It’s a water heater that has no hot-water storage tank. So, where does the hot water come from? Good question! Tankless water heaters, while relatively new, are growing in popularity with both plumbing contractors and homeowners. These compact units are designed to provide hot water for the entire house—not just a single faucet—and are often called instantaneous, continuous-flow, or on-demand water heaters. Before getting into the specifics of tankless water heaters, let’s first take a look at standard water heaters. Storage-Tank Water Heaters Most homes have a standard water heater, which consists of a large cylindrical storage tank. Cold water is piped into the tank and electrical elements, or a gas-fired burner located inside the tank heats the water. An electronic thermostat allows you to control t...