Tag Archive for: Home Inspections

Is A Freon Leak In Your Home Dangerous

Homeowners have many items that need maintenance or replacing. Over the years, it is best to maintain a consistent home maintenance checklist. This can save you time and money over long periods of time. No homeowner wants to put their family’s health in danger. So, ensuring that any appliance dealing with a form of gas or chemical is working properly should be a priority. Always remember that your AC unit has many functioning parts. Your goal as a homeowner should be to have the unit inspected yearly. This allows you to maintain a level of comfort when it comes to the dangers of your AC unit. Is a freon leak in your home dangerous? If exposed to a freon leak over a long period of time, you will experience many health symptoms.

Let’s take a look below at what this all means in terms of your health and safety.

What Is Freon

The word “freon” comes from the Dupont company and was trademarked by the Chemours Company. Freon 22 is the most common type of freon used in homes. It is referred to by professionals as R-22 refrigerant. Keep in mind that freon is for cooling appliances and is a propellant in aerosol cans. In addition, freon is a chlorofluorocarbon that has been linked to the depletion of the ozone layer. After 2005 this refrigerant was phased out from all appliances. A new version of an environmentally refrigerant was created called R-410A. Also, it became law that all appliances made after 2010 must not contain freon. The most obvious place where freon is used would be your HVAC system. The air conditioning unit in most modern homes before 2010 uses freon to cool the air.

What Are The Health Risks

Believe it or not, there are a few health risks that go along with freon. If you have a freon leak, you could be exposed to a serious chemical. Not only can you be exposed to a refrigerant in your AC unit, but also, your car uses a freon refrigerant as well. The various symptoms that you will endure should you become exposed to freon are as follows:

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Coughing and irritation to the throat
  • Eye irritation

Should you become exposed to freon for a longer period of time, then your symptoms will surely become more severe. It is highly recommended that you seek medical assistance if the following symptoms occur:

  • Vomiting
  • Heartbeat speeds up
  • Blackout or loss of consciousness
  • Having difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Outdoor AC unit freon boost.
Outdoor AC unit freon boost.

How Would I Detect A Leak

Detecting a leak in your AC unit could take you some time. There is a sweet kind of odor that is associated with a refrigerant leak. Although it does take a lot to smell, exposure over a long period can cause health issues as mentioned above. Also, the good thing is, that exposure to a refrigerant leak would take extreme damage to the AC unit and is not deadly.

How Much Does It Cost

The national average for freon refill is $125 to $150 per pound. In most cases, the homeowner is going to pay anywhere from $200 to $400 per refill. In addition, if you have a larger AC unit that requires more refrigerant, you could be expected to pay up to and possibly more than $600 per refill.

Other Recommended Maintenance

Now that you have an understanding of a freon leak in your AC unit, it is also a good idea to understand more about your AC unit. Major damage is required for any refrigerant or freon leak to occur. Most homeowners will never experience this occurring over the time they own their homes. However, keep in mind that things happen to your AC unit and you should be prepared for those equipment failures. AC pressures adjust as the unit is being used. Be mindful of what head pressure in your AC unit should look like. This will help you to understand when to call a professional AC service technician.

Next, consider how old your AC unit is. Having the AC unit serviced more often than you would like is an indication that a replacement is necessary. Always track how often you service your AC unit and keep a record of any parts that are replaced.

Lastly, check for leaks. There are a few possible reasons why your AC unit leaks water. While you are looking into a freon leak, consider checking into the water that might be leaking around your AC unit. Typically, if one area of the AC unit is malfunctioning, other parts are also breaking down. Always consider reading up on where and why your AC unit might be leaking water. This will keep you from getting too worried about bigger repair bills.

AC unit service repair technician helps take care of the AC unit and look for freon leaks.
AC unit service repair technician.

When Do I Call A Professional

Calling on a professional for all of your HVAC needs is vital to keeping your system up and running. The more you maintain your HVAC unit the longer it will last for you. If you don’t know who to call, reach out to your local home inspection team. Not only can they refer a reputable HVAC service technician, but they can also inspect your home for any other recommended HVAC repairs.

Conclusion

Regular maintenance of your AC unit is key to preventing any type of leaking in your unit. Whether it is water or freon leaking, you will want to call a professional HVAC service technician right away. The longer that you wait to inspect and repair any damage to your unit, the more exposure to health issues you have. Call on your local home inspection team to get an inspection of your HVAC system and decide on potential repair project needs. Also, remember that it is highly recommended that your HVAC unit is serviced in the Springtime. Reach out to Home Inspection Geeks will take a look at your HVAC unit during a home inspection in the Chicago area.

Can Hear Water Running But Can’t Find Leak

Imagine that you are sitting around the house and trying to relax from a long day. As you lie on the couch and attempt to fall off into a nap, you hear some water running. Immediately, you begin to think, this couldn’t possibly be true. There is no way that you have a water leak anywhere in your home. As a homeowner, you made a concerted effort to check all of the plumbing in your home. In addition, you have never experienced this before. At this point, you do what all homeowners would do. You call your home inspection company to come search for a leak. Can hear water running but can’t find a leak? The water running could come from a toilet issue, water heater leak, or even a worn gasket.

Let’s take a look below at the best way to determine what that water running noise is from.

A slow leak from your faucet can be a signal water is running.
A slow leak from your faucet.

How Do I Find A Leak

There are a few reasons why you can’t find a leak. Maybe the leak isn’t there as you were looking for. At the end of the day, you still need to find out why you hear water running and where the leak is happening. Always remember that leaks are not the easiest to find. You are likely going to call on your local master plumber. Most homeowners will test every faucet, and check on their water heater. If they still do not find out why it sounds like running water when every faucet is off, then they will likely call a professional.

Where Should I Look

There are a variety of areas to look at when trying to troubleshoot a possible water leak. Let’s take a look at those possibilities.

  • Water Meter – your water meter has a red dial that moves as the water flows. If your water running is a leak then your city water system will show a red dial moving.
  • Interior of the home – check your plumbing fixtures to make sure that no water is dripping. Check on your faucets and downspouts to make sure that water isn’t backed up and dripping. Also, check your toilets to make sure that water isn’t dripping through your toilet bowl and toilet drains. A bad seal could cause running water.
  • Water heater – make sure to check that your water heater isn’t leaking into your homes foundation.
  • Homes exterior – double-check the exterior of your yard to make sure your sprinkler system isn’t leaking and causing a drip sound.
  • Roof or Chimney – if you have a flat roof, heavy rains could cause water to collect and eventually create a slop drip. The dripping from your flat roof could cause a noise that most homeowners are not used to.

Other Recommended Maintenance

Now that you have read up on hearing water running but can’t find a leak. Consider, using a home inspection team that can locate a water leak inside a wall. Typically, the home inspection company can use thermography to detect leaks in the walls. Keep in mind that hearing running water does not always mean there is a leak, but it is a possibility.

Next, when thinking about water, making sure the water heater is working correctly is important. No one likes to take cold showers and you want to make sure you have warm water for washing dishes and clothes. If you find that the water heater may not be working, it may be the thermostat. To find out, you can test the water heater thermostat.

Lastly, you may start to notice calcium build-up on some of your faucets. This can be fixed by adding a water softener or by non-toxic methods such as white vinegar or a paper towel. Keeping these clean will also help the water to flow efficiently and allow you to get the most amount of water you can in the home.

Plumbing should be checked to make sure there is no leak.
Check all of your plumbing to make sure there is no leak.

When Do I Call A Professional

Trouble-shooting for any plumbing concerns might get tricky. If you hear water running and have checked all of the usual suspects, it might be time to call a professional. Not only can you break your toilet by mistake, but you could also damage pipes and connections on your water heater. Calling a professionally licensed master plumber is your best bet. Also, consider calling your local home inspection team. They can conduct some thermal imaging through your walls to detect any leaks in your pipes. Once they have completed their inspection, they can refer you to a reputable professional master plumber.

Conclusion

Avoiding any additional damage as you investigate why you hear water running when there are no leaks is key. Make sure that you hire a professionally licensed master plumber. Always remember that the master plumber can replace various damaged parts that could be allowing for the running water to be heard. Reach out to your local home inspection team to determine if you have basic plumbing repair needs, or if the problem lies deeper in the walls. As a homeowner, there are always worn parts in your plumbing that need repairs. The toilets are usually your first culprit. Call on your local home inspection team to conduct a full plumbing inspection. Home Inspection Geeks can take a look at your plumbing needs when we come out for a home inspection in the Cook, Lake, and DuPage Counties, IL.

Do Gutters With Gutter Guards Need To Be Cleaned

Spring cleaning can be a very challenging situation. Consider the long list of items that need to be handled once the weather turns nice again. Cleaning your roof and the materials attached to your roof are definite tasks on the list. This is not only the shingles on the roof but also the soffit areas of the roof overhang and the gutters. If you have gutters on your home, then it is likely that over time you have invested in a product called gutter guards. Keep in mind that this product is meant to keep your gutters clear of any debris over the year. Do gutters with gutter guards need to be cleaned? Gutter guards should be cleaned and the gutters rinsed out.

Let’s take a look below at the advantages and disadvantages of the gutter guard system.

What Are Gutter Guards

Gutter guards are typically a type of metal mesh-style material that gets attached to the gutters. The object of the gutter guards is to keep the larger debris from entering your gutter system. This is a good idea. Leaves, twigs, pine needles, and other large items are kept out of the gutter. The expectation is that you can blow the debris off or let the wind do it for you, however, this isn’t always the case. In fact, it is recommended that no matter what type of gutter guard you have installed, you clean them twice a year. Gutters can still collect fine particles and dirt which can cause a backup of rainwater. If the rainwater backs up in the gutters you can have bigger issues, like flooding, house damage, or even mosquito outbreaks.

Gutter guards keep debris out.

Advantages Of Gutter Guards

The advantages of installing gutter guards are quite obvious to the homeowner. Let’s take a look below:

  • Maintenance – installing gutter guards reduces the amount of maintenance need and are keeping your gutters free from clogging. You won’t eliminate your maintenance needs 100%, but you will substantially reduce those needs.
  • Property damage – gutter guards reduce the risk of damage to your home because they allow water to flow more easily through the gutter system. Water does not pool up by being backed up due to a clog.
  • Safety – gutter guards are easier to clean and safer. You only need a long brush to sweep off the tops of the gutter guards. In fact, only twice a year would you need to use a ladder to pressure wash the gutter guards and gutters.
  • Home value – believe it or not, your home value can increase. If the gutter guards are installed properly by a professional installer, you can add gutter guards to a list of bonus items for any potential buyers.

Disadvantages Of Gutter Guards

The disadvantages of a gutter guard system is also quite obvious to the homeowner. Let’s take a look below:

  • Maintenance – although the big stuff is easily removed from your gutter guard system, debris and dirt can still get into the gutter and clog it up. Keep in mind that the gutters still require cleaning during the year.
  • Aesthetics – if the gutters are not in color coordination of the home, they can often be an eye-sore. Not every homeowner enjoys the look of gutters and downspouts taking over the sides and corners of their home. However, if gutter guards are installed correctly and the color matches the gutter system and home, then you’re going to increase the curb appeal.
  • Cleaning challenge – by installing gutter guards you now take away instant access to the gutters. Even though you are happy to have the gutters capped off. Keeping the big stuff out of the gutters is good, but allowing the small stuff in is bad. Over time, you will need to clean the gutters or hire a professional gutter cleaning service.
  • Warranty – keep in mind that installing gutter guards could actually void your roof warranty. If you have chosen the wrong type of gutter guard, your roof installation will be void of warranty.

What Are The Tools Needed

Every project requires some kind of tool, equipment, or materials. Cleaning gutter guards is no different. Here is a recommended list of tools and equipment needed to make your job easier.

  • Bucket – needed to hold the leaves and debris you got out of the gutters and off the gutter guard.
  • Ladder or extension ladder – this allow you to get up onto the roof safely
  • Garden gloves – worn to protect your hands from any insect bites or sharp objects that might be mixed in the debris.
  • Goggles – worn to protect your eyes.
  • Rope – allows you to drop the bucket down to the ground so that your partner can empty the bucket and you can pull it back up. Saves you from going up and down the ladder.
  • Drop cloth – in some cases you can brush or push debris off the gutter guards and onto a drop cloth. This protects your lawn from a huge mess.
  • Garden hose with a pistol-grip nozzle – allows you to have a strong stream of water shooting out for higher pressure against the gutter and gutter guards.
  • Garden spade – narrow garden shovel to pick the debris up and out of the gutters to place into your bucket.
Cleaning gutters while on a ladder

What Are My Maintenance Needs

The step-by-step process for taking care of your gutters is as follows. Keep in mind that everyone’s approach can be different.

  1. Place your ladder in a safe location where you have a sturdy base. Always count on someone to assist you at the home so the ladder stays safe. Make sure to secure the ladder.
  2. Prepare your safety by putting on your goggles, gloves, and old clothing. This protects you from dirt, pests/insects, and any other surprises that you might find while up cleaning the gutters and gutter guards.
  3. Take your bucket and climb the ladder. You can place the bucket on the roof and use it to drop your debris in as you clean.
  4. Once the debris is placed in your bucket, you can switch over to your garden hose. Use your garden hose to pressure clean the tops of the gutter guards. High water pressure can rinse through the gutters themselves after you have safely removed the gutter guards. Even though some gutter guards are permanently attached, you can remove the inserts and gain access to the gutter.
  5. If you have removed the gutter covers to clean the insides of the gutter track, go ahead and re-attach them once you have pressure cleaned with the garden hose.
  6. Make sure that the downspouts are free and clear and collect all debris. You wouldn’t want to go through all of this work only to clog up your downspouts.

How Much Does It Cost

Believe it or not, you will need to clean your gutter guards and gutters even if they are protected. Keep in mind that anything exposed to the elements outside should expect a cleaning. The national average for gutter cleaning, which can include gutter guards is $150 to $300. In most cases, the professional gutter cleaning company will charge per linear foot. That cost can range from $.50 to $1.50.

Other Recommended Maintenance

Now that you know about cleaning your gutters even with gutter guards, you can decide if they are a waste of money or a great investment. This information can further enhance your decision to purchase gutter guards. Do some more research to make sure that the pros and cons line up with your needs at the home.

Next, understanding what is involved with your gutter system is important. Just knowing when and how to clean your gutters might not be the only need. There are a few working parts that are involved with your gutter system. Understand what they are and how they work so that you don’t end up with greater repair needs. For example, knowing how far your downspouts should extend away from your home is key. You will want to keep the water flowing as far away from the home as possible. This protects your foundation and landscaping.

Roof vent on a house.

Lastly, getting to know your entire home and what the parts and pieces do is important. While you are on the roof cleaning your gutters or even leaning on a ladder up against the gutter system, you will want to know what everything does. Your roof will have many vents and pipes coming out of it. Wouldn’t you like to know what they all do? While you are cleaning your gutters, you can get up on the roof and clean the roof vents to make sure that they are free of debris. Keeping them free from clogging is important.

When Do I Call A Professional

This is a great time to reach out to a gutter cleaning service. Having to concern yourself with climbing a ladder just to clean your gutter guards or even remove debris from your gutters can be a challenge. Getting your gutter guards and gutters cleaned out twice a year is a great idea. Having the tools in hand to get this project done is not always an option. Reach out to your local home inspection team before getting your gutter guards and gutters cleaned.

The home inspection can tell you if water from the gutters has caused any damage to the home. You wouldn’t want to waste time and money getting the gutter guards and gutters cleaned if you have bigger issues. Additionally, your home inspection team can recommend a reputable gutter cleaning service if that is the only project needed.

Conclusion

Getting to know your gutters and what they need is important for your home’s maintenance schedule. Much like remembering the schedule of your ac filter replacements, you need to make gutter cleaning seriously. If you have opted to install gutter guards on your gutter system, make sure that they are being cleaned. Reach out to your local home inspection team to make sure that the gutter guards haven’t caused any damage to your roof. In many cases, items that are out of sight are out of mind. If you cannot see the gutters, then homeowners will often forget that cleaning is needed. Your local home inspection team can refer a reputable gutter cleaning service and ensure there is no further roof damage. Call on Home Inspection Geeks for a roof inspection and gutter check when we come out for a home inspection Cook, Lake, and DuPage Counties, IL

How To Get Rid Of Mold Spores In The Air

Most homeowners neglect the area of air quality. This is not an area typically thought about. If you begin to notice mold growing in your bathrooms or kitchen, you might have a mold problem. Keep your ac air filter changed regularly. A dirty ac air filter can become a source of mold in your home. How to get rid of mold spores in the air? Install HEPA air purifiers in various rooms of your home. This increases air quality.

Let’s take a look below at what mold spores are and how we can reduce their impacts in our homes.

What Are Mold Spores

Mold spores are not fungi that you would typically see. In fact, they travel as tiny particles throughout the air that we breathe in. Unless a situation of high moisture arises, you would typically not know if any mold spores were near you. Mold spores need very precise conditions to grow and reproduce. Keeping your home free from high moisture and darkness is key. Keep in mind that every home and building in the world has mold spores. You can attempt to reduce the numbers in the air that you are breathing in, however, you cannot get rid of them!

Getting Them Out Of The Air

The goal is to make sure that you are breathing in the cleanest air possible. Unfortunately, it is impossible to get rid of all mold spores in the air so you need to replace the air filter in your ac unit regularly. In addition, use an air purifier that contains a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. These air filters are known to remove up to 99.7% of all mold spores from your air.

Purchasing a small HEPA air purifier will allow you to clean the air in a standard bedroom. If you feel the need to clean a larger area in your home, then you will want a larger HEPA purifier. Most large HEPA air purifiers can clean the air of a room that is 400 sq. ft. The larger the home the more HEPA air purifiers are needed.

Water leak in bathroom can lead to mold spores.

How Do I Prevent Them

There are a variety of ways that you can prevent mold spores from floating around in the air of your home. Dehumidifiers can keep the humidity in your home substantially reduced. It is also a good idea to increase the ventilation of your home where the moisture is high.

  • Repair any water leaks that lead to mold in your bathroom or home.
  • Clean your humidifier and replace the filter to prevent mold growth.
  • Keep a nose open for musty smells.
  • Immediately remove any mold that might appear. Use a scrub brush and liquid detergent to scrub off the mold that appears on your walls.

If you notice mold in an area larger than 10 square feet, you should call on a professional mold remediation company to remove the mold safely.

How Much Does It Cost

Mold removal can usually cost you $1,380 to $3,500. Also, removing mold spores from your air can cost you the price of a HEPA air purifier. Those can range from the smallest unit around $45 to a large unit to clean 1,250 sq. ft. costing you $600. When mold remediation is needed in your home, be prepared to spend a minimum of $475 and upwards of $6,400. Lastly, we can do an air quality test for $345 but cheaper if you also have a home inspection.

Other Recommended Maintenance

Now that you understand more about mold spores, read up on how to stop mold growth in your home. The more you understand mold growth the easier it is to prevent it.

One of the most common molds is black mold. Oftentimes you will see black mold in your attic space. This is caused by a leaking roof or skylight, or even ventilation issues in your attic. If you notice mold on your attic plywood, there are ways to remove it so read up on this process and call on a mold remediation company to assist.

Lastly, finding out if mold is in your home is vital to your family’s health and safety. Having an air quality inspection can occur in addition to your full home inspection.

Mold remediation by a professional.

When Do I Call On A Professional

Taking the precautionary steps to ensure that mold is not prevalent in your home is key. If you or your family begins to experience health issues, you should immediately call on a mold remediation company. Your local mold remediation company can inspect your home to determine how far the mold has spread. If the mold is covering a large area of the home, you may need to move your family out of the home while the mold is removed. Keeping your family safe and healthy is key. Also, consider reaching out to your local home inspection team. They can inspect the home for all mold scenarios as well as recommend a reputable local mold remediation company.

Conclusion

To keep mold spores out of the air in your home, keep your home as dry as possible. High moisture and damp areas are breeding grounds for mold. Also, mold is typically more prevalent in your bathroom or basements. Do your best to ensure that all exhaust fans in your bathroom are working to suck out all moisture from your bathroom. Also, check the basement for water.

If your basement drain is clogged or runoff from your landscaping allows water into your basement, mold can thrive. These conditions are clear invitations to mold spores settling out of the air and onto the basement walls. If you notice mold in any area of your home, call on your local home inspection team to conduct a full home inspection. This allows you to know all of the moldy areas of the home. Call on Home Inspection Geeks can take a look at your mold needs when we come out for a home inspection Cook, Lake, and DuPage Counties, IL

How Does Radon Enter A Home

The last thing homeowners ever think about regarding their home is testing. Most homeowners attribute the word “test” to their educational backgrounds. Homeowners rarely think a home needs to be tested. Believe it or not, your home requires a variety of tests throughout the buying, selling, and owning processes. Keeping up to date on the good and bad of your home is a great way to protect your investment. Testing your home for radon, carbon monoxide, structural stability, and wind sustainability are just a few ways we learn more about our home. How does radon enter a home? Radon travels up through the soil and enters the home via cracks in your foundation and concrete walls.

Let’s take a look below at what’s involved with Radon and Radon testing.

What Is Radon

Radon is a radioactive gas that is a product of decaying uranium. Radon is found in nearly all soils on earth. The gas rises above the soil and makes its way into the air. As it approaches the air, it escapes into your home via cracks and crevices in your foundation and other locations of the home. Once it arrives at the home, it becomes trapped and builds up. Radon from soil gas is the biggest problem. Also, radon gas can come from well water.

Radon gas and where it comes from.
Radon gas and where it comes from.

Where Does Radon Come From

Believe it or not, Radon gas is a naturally occurring phenomenon that we have zero control over. All we can do is understand its existence and hope to cope properly to avoid health issues or death. Let’s take a look below at the areas in which Radon comes from.

  • The existence of radon comes as it is a bi-product of natural decaying uranium and radium. As uranium decays it becomes radium which releases radon gas into the soil, water, and rock formations. So, it is a natural occurrence of radioactive materials naturally breaking down.
  • Much like carbon monoxide, radon is odorless, tasteless, and colorless. It comes to us from rocks and soil. The radon gas dissipates through our soil and out into the atmosphere. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), one out of fifteen homes contains elevated levels of radon in the U.S. This creates an increase in lung cancer susceptibility of nonsmokers.
  • Radon enters all types of homes. It does not matter how new or old the home is. Radon into the home through cracks and crawl spaces can happen daily. If you have met or exceeded 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/l) of gas in the air of your home, you should take action. According to the Surgeon General, Centers for Disease Control, and the EPA, these gas levels are very detrimental to your health and should have your home tested and equipped for gas removal.
  • Radon is also known to enter a home through unsealed sump pump areas and cracks or openings in plumbing and water supplies. Non-visible and visible cracks in your slab foundation and basement are great areas for radon to enter the home.
  • More specifically, radon gas will enter through cracks in the foundation, construction joints, cracks in the basement walls, holes in your sump pump area, plumbing penetrations that aren’t sealed, suspended floors, and drafty homes.
  • Since air pressure in a home is lower than its surrounding areas, as the gas leaves the home via exhaust fans, radon gas is sucked into the home and the home traps the radon. Hot air rises, and so, during the colder months, the hot air escapes and new air moves into the home. The gases are drawn in from the surrounding areas to replace the air that has left the home. Pressure variations are what create this vacuum-type action.
  • As long as the home is a contact with the ground, radon gas can and will enter the home. The level of the home and building materials used are key factors for radon problems arising. Make sure to test every two years and install a radon mitigation system to alleviate any issues.

How To Inspect For Radon

Believe it or not, you have three options for radon testing. You could have short-term testing, long-term testing, or continuous radon testing conducted at your home. Typically, this is not a do-it-yourself recommended project due to the health and safety implications. Hiring a professional service is highly recommended for all tests regarding radon gas.

Short-Term Radon Testing

Many of these tests are activated charcoal-based or electric ions. They are typically conducted if additional information is needed from the home. In addition, they measure radon gas levels over a 2 to 7 day period. Test measurements are then mailed to a lab for review. You can find these in hardware stores and online retailers. Learn more about short-term radon testing in Chicago here.

Long-Term Radon Tests

Just like a short-term test, you can purchase a long-term radon test at your radon agency or online retailer. Long-term tests conduct a 90-day to a one-year inspection and are typically more reliable due to the capturing of the drop in air pressure, gusty winds, snow levels, and the moisture in the soil. All of these factors trap radon gas. So, measuring their presence is important.

Continuous Radon Tests

Lastly, you have what’s called continuous radon tests that are electric and can plug into a standard outlet. They conduct testing every second that they are plugged in and functioning properly. Air is sampled and measured continuously so that the homeowner is alerted right away, of any potential issues.

Radon Mitigation
Radon Mitigation

How Much Does It Cost

Fortunately for the homeowner, radon testing is fairly inexpensive. Of course, ensuring your family’s health and safety should never have a price tag. The national average cost for a radon test is $150 to $350. However, if you get a full home inspection, you could get a radon mitigation test for a lower price. The average cost for a full home inspection is $520 to $650.

Every home inspection team is different, so double-check with your local team to see who offers the combination of tests, so you can save time and money. Keep in mind that if you live in an area with high radon exposure, the installation and equipment costs for installing a radon mitigation system are $750 to $5,000 depending on the size of your home.

Other Recommended Maintenance

Now that you are understanding how radon gas can enter a home. Make sure that you read up on who is responsible for conducting a radon mitigation test. If you are selling or buying a home, a radon mitigation test is highly recommended. But knowing who foots the bill, is key here! You don’t want to go out spending more money if the seller is responsible for having the test completed as part of a home inspection.

Once you know who is responsible for hiring a radon mitigation team, go ahead and begin to move forward. Understanding how often a radon mitigation test should be conducted is also very important. Let’s be clear, that just because you have purchased the home, does not mean the recommended maintenance is completely done. It just means you bought yourself time as the inspections on the home should all be up-to-date.

Finally, while you are on the topic of radon testing, it is a great idea to test other areas of your home. One area related to home safety that we often ignore is our fire alarm system. This is a great time to conduct testing on your smoke detectors and possibly change the batteries to your smoke detectors. Many brands of smoke detectors are also capable of conducting carbon monoxide detection. So, keeping your family safe from another odorless gas that can enter the home is a great idea here.

Radon gas can enter the cracks in your home.
Radon gas can enter the cracks in your home.

When Do I Call A Professional

Knowing how radon can enter a home is your first step to success. Hiring a radon mitigation team to conduct a test of your home is the next step. As a homeowner, you are not going to be the one to conduct this test. It isn’t a do-it-yourself kind of project. It needs to be conducted safely and accurately. This test is recommended to be completed every two years. Contact your local home inspection team. They will be able to conduct your radon mitigation inspection or refer you to the proper professional. Your health and safety are key here, so make sure that the tests are conducted in a timely manner.

Conclusion

Regardless of where you live, conducting a radon mitigation test every two years is highly recommended. Regardless of if you are selling your home or not, keeping tabs on possible exposure that could impact your health is most important. Anytime you are dealing with an odorless and tasteless gas, you should want to get regular tests conducted. Before you purchase a home or even after a renovation has been completed, hire your local home inspection team to get a full home inspection. This can include a radon mitigation inspection.

Once the inspection comes back, you will get peace of mind that all is well. You might also get a recommendation to install a radon mitigation system if it registers high in your area of living. At the very least, you will know what the radon gas levels are in your local area. Call on  Home Inspection Geeks to get a radon mitigation test while we conduct a full home inspection in the Chicago area.

What Is Head Pressure in HVAC

Regular maintenance is needed on our HVAC units if we want them to make it through the winter and summer seasons. When in all of your time as a homeowner have you worried about the phrase “head pressure?” In fact, when have you ever heard the phrase “head pressure?” It is almost guaranteed that most homeowners do not know what the term means. What is head pressure in HVAC? It is generated by your gas compressor that is located in your air conditioning system.

Luckily, there is a pressure instrument that can detect whether or not your head pressure exceeds the normal range and is too high. Head pressure is okay as long as it isn’t outside the normal range. If a high head pressure is detected, you will need to call your local professionally licensed air conditioning service team.

What Determines High Head Pressure

A 410A system who have 400-418 PSIG on the high side, while the lower side is 120-130 PSI. If it is more than this, it is considered high. This will also depend on the weather and other conditions.

Dirty condenser coils can cause HVAC head pressure.

How Does This Happen

It is always a good idea to keep the head pressure lower because it can damage the system. This is especially true when It is combined with low suction. In addition, this shows there is an issue with the refrigerant system in the HVAC.

Most of the time, when an AC unit breaks down, it is from lack of maintenance or a dirty unit. Let’s explore some of the ways your HVAC head pressure can increase in the AC unit.

  • Dirty Condenser Coils – a simple maintenance plan to keep your coils clean and free of debris will save you from high head pressure.
  • Bad Fan Motor – is the most common reason for high head pressure. When your outside fan blades wear down they create a higher pressure. Also, if the condenser fan doesn’t work or has slowed, there could be effects.
  • Refrigerant Issues – a leaking refrigerant unit can cause high head pressure.
  • Non-Condensing Gas – this occurs when homeowners try to do it yourself and connect the lines to the wrong places. If the lines are not connected correctly, then the head pressure will increase and you will immediately need a professional repair team.

Head Pressure and Condensing Temperature Range

The speed of the condenser’s fans is adjusted by changing the speed of the fans. Also, the condensing temperature range can determine it.

For example, the head pressure can increase if the ambient temperature is too high. This can be determined by using a temperature metering device. Also, if the amperage of the motor is too high, the two of these together can cause the system to work overtime. This is common on hot summer days when the temperature and humidity are above 95 degrees.

What Does This Look Like or Sound Like

  1. The evaporator flash gas increases
  2. Suction pressure increases
  3. On the suction side, there is fluttering pressure
  4. High head pressure can also cause noises
  5. Condenser piping can have leakage
  6. The cooling may stop working
  7. An increase in utility bills and energy waste.

How Much Does It Cost

The average repair cost for an AC unit can vary based on materials that are needed to replace and labor charges. You are likely looking at a minimum of $150 for a service call and assessment of your equipment. Your price range is roughly $150 to $600 if you have to replace parts on the AC unit. Depending on the damage to your AC unit, you might be looking at a $450 to $1,000 repair job.

Other Recommended Maintenance

While you are having your HVAC unit serviced for high head pressure, you might want to have them check for a bad blower as well. There are so many working parts to the AC unit, that it is important to maintain them all. Learn about what a bad blower can actually do to your AC unit and why you have hot or cold air blowing.

Now is a great time to also determine how old your HVAC system is. Just like any other piece of equipment in or around your home, it’s a great idea to learn about the longevity of your system. Whether you’re buying a home or maintaining your current system, you should keep tabs on how old the HVAC system is. Proper maintenance will allow you to keep your system longer.

Lastly, keep in mind that your AC unit can leak from high pressures as well. How the AC unit could leak is important to know. Keeping your HVAC system maintained properly can save you time and money. Once a leak occurs, there are a few ways to fix it. Calling on a professional is also an important part.

HVAC repairman can help with head pressure of the unit.

When Do I Call A Professional

It is important to call on a professional at any moment that your HVAC needs assistance. A struggling HVAC unit can cause a major adjustment to your electric bills and leave you in a very hot and sticky situation. If you aren’t sure who to call in your local community, then reach out to your local home inspection team. They can inspect your HVAC system as well as the rest of the home. You might find other areas to repair and not just the AC unit. In addition, they can refer you to a reputable HVAC repair and service company.

Conclusion

Taking care of your HVAC unit on a yearly basis is key to avoiding major problems. No one likes to spend money on inspections, but they could be vital to you spending a lot less on repairs. There are many working components to your HVAC unit. If one piece fails or something happens to the unit, like a freeze-up or clogged drain line, repairs can be costly.

Calling on your local home inspection team can help you with assessing your HVAC unit on a yearly basis, but also offer up some other potential project needs. Getting your HVAC and home inspection done in the Spring is a great idea. You are winding down from the cooler months and gearing up for the hotter months. Reach out to Home Inspection Geeks will take a look at your HVAC unit during a home inspection in the Chicago area.

How To Change Light Bulb In High Ceiling

Unfortunately, the majority of materials in your home do not last forever. Light bulbs are no different. For some, they are lucky homeowners as their builder went with the longer-lasting LED bulbs. For others, light fixtures are outdated and need some specific light bulbs in order to work properly. You might also have an architectural design that looks amazing and keeps the main room open and refreshing. Then, only to discover, it is nearly impossible to change a light bulb. How to change a light bulb in high ceiling? If you do not have the equipment, your best bet is to call your local licensed electrician.

Let’s take a look below at the equipment that might be needed.

Lights on a tall ceiling are difficult to change.

Where Might This Happen

Typically, the issue arises in ceiling fixtures that are at least 10 feet tall or taller. Chandelier bulbs and recessed lighting are most often in need of changing. You often see this issue in foyers, stairwells, and open family living spaces.

What Are My Options

Fortunately for homeowners, there are a variety of ways to accomplish the task of changing a light bulb in a high ceiling. Unfortunately, most homeowners don’t have the time or patience to change these bulbs. You can also check your local hardware store for the equipment necessary to get the job done. Let’s take a look at the list of options below.

  • Bulb Grabber-typically used when ladders or scaffolds aren’t available. Most homeowners prefer this option so that they can change bulbs on their own.
  • Tall Ladder-you can rent a ladder that is 16 feet tall. As long as you have someone on the other end holding the ladder and you aren’t afraid of heights, you will be ok with going up the ladder to reach the bulbs needing change.
  • Pole Hooks or Ladder Hooks-these are used to attach to a platform. This is so you can hang your tools needed on the ladder or platform as you work to unscrew and replace the light bulbs.
  • Scaffold or Platform-these are used by professional contractors offering their services to get up to your light fixtures. It is not a normal piece or equipment for a homeowner to keep in their home. This is because they often take up a lot of space.
  • Call a professional-electricians and contractors typically have what you need to change a light bulb that is high in the ceiling. Although the price could be large, it might be worth the one time fee as you install long lasting LED bulbs.

The types of bulbs you have, how tall the ceilings are, are the vaulted ceilings, are the bulbs in a ceiling fan, and if you have a step ladder are all guiding factors as to if you can replace the light bulbs yourself.

How Much Does It Cost

The national average to upgrade your lighting to recessed lighting in a high ceiling is roughly $360 per light. In most cases, there is a required number of recessed lights for each setup. On average 4-6 light canisters are required for each recessed lighting system. Your cost then ranges from $800 to $2,200 in total. The average handyman or electrician will charge $50 to $75 to replace the lightbulbs in your recessed lighting canisters.

Other Recommended Maintenance

While you are learning about how to change lightbulbs in a high ceiling, check whether a fire can be started by an LED light bulb or LED light strips. You never know what the heat source might do to your recessed light fixtures. It does appear to be fairly safe though. Choosing a longer-lasting LED bulb is a great replacement idea.

Reset a smart bulb

It is also a good idea to look into using smart bulbs. Typically, they work great with your in-home illumination. You can have peace of mind knowing that the smart bulbs last long. Also, you likely will not need to change the bulbs in a high ceiling too often. You will also want to know how to reset a smart bulb in case it acts upon you, after installation.

Lastly, since you are on the topic of electrical work and light bulbs, it might be a great idea to inspect all of your appliances and electrical breaker box. Working in the family room to change a light bulb or two could also prompt you to discover how your electric fireplace works. With the power being shut off while you change the light bulbs, this would be a great time to read up on how the electric fireplace works. Understanding the items that you have purchased and how they work with other appliances on the same breaker is a great idea for health and safety.

When Do I Call A Professional

The majority of the time, homeowners will want to call a local professionally licensed electrician. This Is so he/she can take a look at their needs for upgrades. Sometimes if in a new home, it may be to simply change their light bulbs. New homes are likely set up with the bare minimum from the builder. So, the light bulbs might go a lot faster than anticipated.

Before changing your light bulbs, double-check to see if the fixtures can handle the wattage and the style of bulb that you are wanting to use. Also, consider reaching out to your local home inspection team for your home inspection. They can find any issues of concern regarding your electrical setup and can recommend some important projects. You can also get a referral to a reputable licensed electrical contractor from your local home inspection team.

Conclusion

Using your local home inspection team prior to upgrading or changing your light bulbs in your current light fixtures is a great idea. The home inspection team can determine what needs you might have. They can also tell you whether or not it is as simple as replacing a bulb. Most homeowners do not have the time, patience, or equipment to change a light bulb that has gone out in their high ceiling light fixtures. Not only can your home inspection team determine what you might need, but they can also recommend a professionally licensed electrician. Home Inspection Geeks can take a look at your electrical needs when we come out for a home inspection in the Cook, Lake, and DuPage Counties, IL.

Why Does My Toilet Whistle

The unexpected whistling of your toilet can come about at the most inopportune time. Imagine flushing your toilet in the middle of the night and it happens to begin whistling at you. Clearly the result of some damaged parts. Unfortunately, the stores are closed and now you have a nuisance on your hands. Why does my toilet whistle? It whistles due to a worn down rubber gasket or damaged fill valve. Both items need to be replaced.

Let’s take a look below at the best approach to replace these parts.

Toilet valve may need replacing.

What Do I Need

Stopping by your local hardware store is a great idea at this point. You can purchase the parts that you need to stop your toilet from whistling. Pick up a fill valve replacement and the rubber gaskets that go with it. Let’s review the necessary steps for making this replacement happen.

Follow these steps to replace the valve:

  1. Shut off the water valves under the toilet tank and empty the remaining water from the tank.
  2. Unscrew the plastic nut from the old valve from the bottom of the tank.
  3. Make sure the new fill valve is adjusted to fill to the adequate water level and attach it to the toilet tank.

How Much Does It Cost

The cost to repair a whistling toilet can be rather inexpensive. If you know your way around a toilet bowl you can make the fix rather quickly. The cost of the materials is all you will come up with and that can range from $20 to $45 for the parts. All parts can be found at your local hardware store. If you are going to hire a professional plumbing contractor to make your fix, you are looking at paying $75 to $200 for parts and labor.

Other Recommended Maintenance

While you are taking care of the whistling sound from your toilet, also check around the base to make sure it isn’t leaking. Next, move to the t-bolts and make sure they are in place, and then check the wax ring.  Lastly, you may need to replace the toilet or caulk.

Next, take a look at the sink in the bathroom. If there is calcium buildup, you will need to take care of this. Calcium buildup can be caused by hard water so getting a water softener will be helpful. Also, you can use white vinegar to take the calcium off the faucet.

Lastly, if you find that your bathroom smells like sewage, there is an issue but you can fix it. It may be the toilet, sink, jacuzzi tub, or shower drain. Taking a closer look at these areas will help you find the cause and get rid of the nasty smell.

Toilet leaking water is a plumbing issue and needs to be tended to.

When Do I Call A Professional

Dealing with plumbing concerns is never a fun project. You can accidentally make a bigger mess with water leaks and spills that don’t otherwise need to happen. Accidentally breaking the porcelain of your toilet tank is possible if you don’t really understand the leverage of replacing your fill valve and gaskets. Calling a professionally licensed plumbing contractor allows you to save time and money on your plumbing projects. They will get the job done quickly and correctly. Consider calling on your local home inspection team to get a thorough home inspection, which can include your plumbing.

Conclusion

In order to avoid further damage to your toilet and bathroom, it is a great idea to contact a professionally licensed plumbing contractor. Your plumbing contractor can replace the fill valve and rubber gasket quickly and save you time and money. If for some reason you have other plumbing needs, they can complete these projects all at once. Contacting your local home inspection team to determine if you have other plumbing concerns is a great idea at this point. Consider the worn parts in your toilet as a way to remind you that everything breaks down eventually. Home Inspection Geeks can take a look at your plumbing needs when we come out for a home inspection in the Cook, Lake, and DuPage Counties, IL.

How Long Does It Take To Replace A Roof

Having to replace a roof is never a fun task. Not only can it be costly, but it can be time-consuming and stressful. Do you just replace the shingles or do you go for something more trendy? This is just one of many decisions a homeowner must face when replacing their roof. Curb appeal is important in the neighborhood, in case you look to sell your home one day. How long does it take to replace a roof? Roof replacement depends on the type of roof and the damage to your current roof.

Let’s take a look below at some of the details involved with how long it takes to replace a roof.

How Long Does It Take

The time it takes to replace a roof varies based on the size, shape, damage of the roof, and the roofing crew. In some cases, you might need an entire roof reconstruction and this could take a couple of days. The roofing contractor that you hire will be able to give you the best timeline for the completion of roof replacement. Keep in mind that most licensed roofing contractors have multiple projects going on at the same time.

So, it is highly likely that you will see a team for demolition day, and then they might not return for a day or two. The standard timeframe is a single day to remove the old materials such as shingles and sheathing. Then you might need another day to install the new materials. This timeframe varies based on the damage to the roof and size of the roof.

Pitch of the roof can affect how long it takes to install.

Factors That Affect The Timeframe

The existing roof and the square feet of that roof are huge factors that can affect how long it takes for a roof replacement project.

  • Weather-colder months and the rainy season might delay the roofing replacement
  • Roof Shape and Size-the bigger the roof, the more material needed, the longer it will take.
  • Materials Used-type of roof materials selected, such as synthetic slate, shingle roof, metal roof, etc.
  • Accessibility-how easily the roofing contractor can scaffold and support his/her crew on the roof.
  • Historical Significance of the Roof-historically significant buildings have specific laws and code for reconstruction. Following to a specific detail can take time.
  • Damage to the Current Roof-shingle replacement or replacing the boards underneath can determine the length of the job.
  • Steepness or Pitch of the Roof-steeper the roof the more difficult it is to rip off the old and install the new. Safety first will require the roofing contractor to take their time and ensure that all is safe when working on a steep roof.
Asphalt shingle roof

What Is Different In Each Roof

The actual timeframe of a roof replacement can vary based on complexity, time of year, and size of the roof. Roofs can be categorized as easy to difficult, in terms of replacement and installation. Let’s take a look below at the differences.

  • Asphalt Shingles (easy)-can be completed in 1-2 days.
  • Metal (moderate)-can be completed in 2-5 days.
  • Membrane (moderate/difficult)-can be completed in 2-14 days.
  • Wood Shakes (moderate)-can be completed in 2-5 days.
  • Concrete Tile (difficult)-can be completed in 5-14 days.

So, when wondering how long it might take to replace your roof, consider the type of roof that you currently have and if you are going to use the same materials for your new roof. Do you have a flat roof or pitched roof? You might decide to change the roof look and switch from shingles to a metal or tile roof. Keep in mind that this changes the timeframe of completion by the roofing contractor.

How Much Does It Cost

Unfortunately, replacing a roof can cost a lot of money. The varying pricing across the country is vast. Depending on where you live, a new roof could cost $3.50 to $16 per square foot. So, the size of your homes roof, materials needed, and labor fees are all factors in determining how much you will pay. The national average for a new roof is $8,000 to $12,000. In many cases, roof damage is caused by a naturally occurring environmental factor and can be covered by your homeowners’ insurance. Make sure you do your research prior to replacing the roof.

Other Recommended Maintenance

While you are getting your roof inspected, you will want to consider other roof inspection items. Check out this roof inspection checklist. The checklist will help you look for areas of repair, such as any exposed nails, missing tiles, or flashing to name a few. Lastly, if there are damaged shingles, they should be repaired or replaced. This might save you some time and money, rather than replacing an entire roof.

When checking your roof to see if it needs to be replaced, take a look at the plumbing vents as well. Plumbing vents stick out from the roof and their purpose is to keep methane gas out of the home. It is important to keep it clog-free, as in no bird nests, debris, rodents, or humans blocking it.

Lastly, gutters are great to have on a roof but sometimes homes don’t have them. Does this mean you must get them? Not necessarily. You can have a rain dispersal system, french drains, or a rain barrel collection system.

When Do I Call A Professional

Call a professionally licensed roofing contractor if you are concerned about damage to your roof. A professionally licensed roofing contractor will assess your roof damage and recommend any needed repairs. Also, if you are missing any of the shingles and have substantial damage, a professional can help with a replacement cost estimate.

Also, reach out to your local home inspection team. They can conduct a roof inspection at the same time as your home inspection. The home inspection team can give you a checklist of damaged areas on the roof, that allows you to share with your professionally licensed roofing contractor. Having both a home inspection team and a reputable professionally licensed roofing contractor saves time and money.

Conclusion

When working on a roofing project it is always best to contact your local home inspection team. They can recommend a reputable professionally licensed roofing contractor. In addition, the home inspection team can look at other damage to the roof, so that you can begin to get an idea of the magnitude of repairs that are needed. Getting the home inspection can save you money on your roofing project and ensure that you hire the best roofing company in town. Give Home Inspection Geeks a call. Home Inspection Geeks can take a look at your roofing needs when we come out for a home inspection in Cook, Lake, and DuPage Counties, IL.

How Much Value Does An Egress Window Add

Imagine that you are in your home after a long day at the office and you cannot escape the family for some peace. What do you do? Where in your home can you escape? If you are lucky enough to live in an area where you have a basement, you immediately realize, that it might be time to convert the basement space into something more functional and user-friendly.

If you are considering turning your basement into a more livable space, you need to add an egress window. Egress windows are windows large enough to use in case of an emergency. How much value does an egress window add? It depends on the location but adding this window makes it an extra room so about an average of $20,000.

Egress windows are required if you convert the basement space into a bedroom or a finished basement so, not only does the egress window add value to your home, it ensures proper safety codes are followed.

Let’s take a look below at how this works for the homeowner.

Inside view of a basement egress window

What Are The Benefits

The benefits of adding an egress window to your basement are substantial. Not only does it allow you to market the basement space as a basement bedroom, finished office, or play space, but it also allows you to legally market these spaces. Like anything else, adding an egress window will add value to the home, however, the location of your home determines how much the value will be. The average cost of installation for an egress window could run you about $6,000. Consider, that as an investment, because marketing your home as having an extra bedroom could add an extra $20,000 on average to the value of the home.

Some added benefits to installing an egress window also include the following:

  • Makes the basement safer by adding an emergency exit option
  • Meets all legal requirements so that you can market the basement as an added bedroom
  • Provides more natural lighting and ventilation for the basement
  • The window is more secure, ensuring a safer basement
  • Creates a more comfortable space for work or online schooling
  • Can be installed almost anywhere in your basement
Egress window in the basement

Options for Egress Windows

Determining the type of egress window that you would like depends upon your current basement layout and your budget. Let’s take a look at the options for what egress windows cost:

  • Casement-these are hanging on one or more hinges and will swing out like a door. Typically, a great fit for most basements and the average cost is about $220-$500 for the window.
  • Horizontal or sliding-these open like your standard sliding glass doors. One pane slides open and thus makes this style larger by frame. It must be 4×4 square feet to meet code requirements. The average cost can be $150-$500 for the window.
  • Single-hung-these are considered the classic window style. The bottom window panel slides upwards to open. Due to the functionality, these windows are usually made to be large enough so that the bottom pane meets the opening requirements. The average cost can be $100-$500 for the window.
  • In-swing-these windows are similar to casement windows and will swing in to open and not out to open. The average cost can be $350-$700 for the window.

Cost of Egress Windows

The current national average for a complete installation of an egress window runs from $2,500 to $5,300. The price difference is based on the cost of materials and what your local contractor will charge you. In addition, typically the driving factor in the cost differentials is the size of the egress window and the style that you have chosen to install.

Other Recommended Maintenance

While you are exploring the options of adding an egress window to your basement, you can also look into whether or not to fix your basement drain from getting backed up. This would be the perfect time to test your drain functionality before converting your basement into a more user-friendly space.

Another great area of the basement to research before converting it into a great space involves waterproofing your basement. You won’t want to lay carpet and flooring in the basement without knowing that the basement is waterproofed.

Finally, the best way to ensure that you are enjoying your newly renovated basement space is by ensuring that the air quality in the basement is good. You wouldn’t want to be downstairs relaxing, sleeping, or watching tv if the air quality is off.

Basement sliding egress window

When Should I Call A Professional

Calling a professional contractor that is an expert in window installation is key. There are building codes and requirements for installing egress windows. You will want a professional contractor that has worked with your local building and state codes before. Also, this will save you a lot of time and money as you look to upgrade your basement.

Conclusion

Installing egress windows in a basement can be an arduous task and time-consuming. Before upgrading your basement and turning it into a livable space, you should call for a home inspection. Getting the home inspection saves you time and money as you invest in basement upgrades. Give Home Inspection Geeks a call. Home Inspection Geeks can take a look at your basement window needs when we come out for a home inspection in the Cook, Lake, and DuPage Counties, IL.