Most of us schedule an annual personal physical with our family doctor. When you consider the amount of time your family spends at home, it makes total sense to give your home an annual physical as well. HouseMaster has prepared a list of some basic healthy house issues to assist you in performing your home’s physical. Set aside some time to review the following:
▪ Humidifiers/Dehumidifiers.
Humidifiers add moisture to house air and are typically needed when a warm air heating system is operational. Dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air and are typically used in basements or crawlspace areas.
◦ Both of these moisture control devices should be checked regularly during usage periods.
◦ Check to make sure there is no leakage or overflowing of water onto the heating system and all drain lines properly dispose of the water.
◦ Some dehumidifiers have to be manually emptied. If this is inconvenient, replace with a unit with an automatic shut-off or drain.
◦ They should be thoroughly cleaned before or after seasonal use, and as needed otherwise. Remove any slime buildup with a water/bleach solution or use the cleaning agents recommended by the manufacturer.
▪ Alarms/Detectors.
Check all safety and security alarms regularly; replace older alarms (after five years or as otherwise recommended by the manufacturer):
◦ Smoke/Fire Alarms. These are your family’s first line of defense/warning in the event of a fire/smoke emergency. Change the batteries in all of your smoke/fire alarms at least annually. Set a regular date when all are changed each year.
◦ CO Monitors. Carbon Monoxide is odorless and colorless. A CO detector is the only way to identify elevated levels of CO in your home before physical injury occurs. If you don’t have CO monitors protecting your home from this toxic gas, you should act immediately and install them in strategic locations near the sleeping areas and other points recommended by the manufacturer or local officials. Check that presently installed units are operational.
◦ Radon Testing. Check with your local municipal building department and inquire if radon gas is a community health threat. If it is, you should test your home for the presence of this invisible, odorless gas.
◦ Security Systems. All too often homeowners disengage their security alarm to avoid nuisance calls. This puts them at a security risk. If this is the case in your home, check with an alarm company to see if other options are better suited for your family.
▪ EMERGENCY PREPARATION.
Prepare these essential items for routine activities or emergencies:
◦ First Aid Kit
◦ Family Contact List
◦ House Equipment Maintenance Information
◦ Babysitter Information
◦ Emergency Evacuation Kit
◦ Medial and Financial Records
Remember, these tips are only general guidelines. Since each situation is different, contact a professional if you have questions about a specific issue. More home safety and maintenance information is available online at http://www.sandiegohomeinspectionblog.com/
Call Joe DeMars of San Diego HouseMaster for your next Home Inspection
(619) 660-7866
