Gord's Blog

 

Getting Your Ducts In a Row:

With the kind permission of Alan Carson, President, Carson Dunlop Home Inspections

The Truth Behind Duct Cleaning

 

With spring now in full swing, your “To Do” list might be getting a little long and you may be wondering if every maintenance item is necessary – is there anything you can skip?

 

Telemarketers may be intent on selling it, but do you really have to worry about your air ducts? We reached out to our Homeowners Association partner, AtlasCare, to research the reality of air duct maintenance and how to ensure they receive the care they need.

 

In a typical six-room home, up to 40 pounds of dust are created annually. When not properly maintained, the air ducts in your home can harbor all kinds of allergens including cobwebs, dust, mold, fungus, and chemical pollutants.

 

Air ducts are the lungs of your home. Their purpose is to circulate fresh, clean air for you to breathe. There are all kinds of circumstances and contributors adding to or creating dirty air ducts. These can include:

  • Animals in your home shed hair, fur and dander.
  • Construction in your neighborhood. Dirt and dust travel – if your windows are open you are inviting them inside.
  • Indoor renovations.
  • Excess moisture in the air can lead to mold build up in some duct systems.

Dirty air ducts can also affect your energy bills. They cause your furnace and air conditioner to work overtime. This can result in increased maintenance and reduced performance for both of these systems. The strain dirty ducts put on these systems can also contribute to overly high hydro and gas bills.

 

We encourage cleaning your air ducts upon moving into a home, or if you have just completed a major renovation or remodeling project. Homes with family members who have allergies or asthma may be particularly sensitive to air quality issues, and duct cleaning on a more regular basis may be appropriate. Homes with smokers or pets that shed hair and dander may need more frequent duct work as well.

 

This simple maintenance will help to ensure the longevity of these systems and the health and cleanliness of your home. If you are not sure of what to look for in a service provider, consider the following:

  • Is the company able to show proof of NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaners Association) membership and certification?
  • Is the contractor willing to conduct a thorough inspection of the heating and cooling system prior to performing any work? 
  • Does the contractor agree to disclose any problems discovered during the inspection – NADCA’s Assessment, Cleaning and Restoration Standard requires this.
  • Is the heating or cooling system fully operational before cleaning?
  • Will/did the contractor clean the supply ductwork?
  • Will/did the contractor clean the return air ductwork?

 

At Carson Dunlop we believe that a great Home Inspection is just the beginning, which is why we created the Carson Dunlop Homeowners Association. This not-for-profit program provides our clients and real estate partners with fast, easy, and cost-effective access to group discounts, benefits, and warranties to help protect their investment.

With Pool Season Here Again….

Here’s Some Advice for Keeping Everyone Safe, Happy and Swimming this Summer

Although it may be hard to imagine, warmer weather is here again. As the temperature rises, the benefits of having a pool seem to increase as well. Coincidence? We think not.

Pools can add a great deal to your home life. They provide many inviting opportunities: late night dips, diving competitions, luxurious lounging potential, and a great way to beat the heat. However, many fear the costs and headaches associated with owning a pool. This raises the question: “What should you consider when you’re buying or owning a home with a pool?”

We reached out to pool expert and Specialty Services partner, Lenni Walton, President of Premier Pool Group for some helpful information on pool inspections and maintenance.

Enjoy our interview with Lenni below to learn more about pools and how to inspect and maintain them.

Carson Dunlop (CD): How is a pool inspection performed?

Lenni Walton (LW): “We start with a quick visual assessment of the surroundings, including gates, fences and possible hazards. We check to make sure locks comply with local rules and are functioning properly. We then take inventory of the pool equipment and accessories, model and serial numbers recording the item’s age. We also look for leaks, previous repairs, and any hazards that need to be addressed.”

CD: What common issues do you encounter?

LW: “We typically see issues related to the age and condition of the pool equipment. Too many chemicals in the water will shorten the life of the pool and its equipment. We see all kinds of leaks as well – did you know the most common shape for a leak in a pool liner is a crescent? Finger and toe nails can be ruthless.

We also come across safety issues such as trip hazards posed by cracked and raised concrete, wall vacuums that do not have covers on them, and main drain cover plates that have loose screws or damaged surfaces.”

CD: What common mistakes do homeowners make?

LW: “Homeowners will sometimes take on repairs themselves, or try to cut costs by opening and closing the pool on their own, without the training or tools to complete the job safely and securely. Minor repairs done improperly can cause major floods, electrical problems, or gas issues. If you’re purchasing a home with a pool, talk to the sellers to ensure they have been working with a professional.”

CD: What can homeowners do to keep their pool operating smoothly?

LW: “Have a professional check your pool at least once a month. Most pool companies perform weekly maintenance which includes testing the water and cleaning the pool. They can also help with chemical delivery and opening and closing. When it comes to pool care it is wise to work with a professional.”

At Carson Dunlop we believe that knowledge is the best tool when it comes to protecting one of the biggest investments of your life – your home. Our Specialty Services program provides our clients and real estate partners with fast, easy and cost-effective access to qualified specialists, like Premier Pool Group, all with a single call. To learn more about the Carson Dunlop Specialty Services program, please click here, or call 800.268.7070 to schedule a pool inspection.

Pool Weather is Here Again!

With Pool Season Here Again, Here’s Some Advice for Keeping Everyone Safe, Happy and Swimming this Summer

Although it may be hard to imagine, warmer weather is here again. As the temperature rises, the benefits of having a pool seem to increase as well. Coincidence? We think not.

Pools can add a great deal to your home life. They provide many inviting opportunities: late night dips, diving competitions, luxurious lounging potential, and a great way to beat the heat. However, many fear the costs and headaches associated with owning a pool. This raises the question: “What should you consider when you’re buying or owning a home with a pool?”

We reached out to pool expert and Specialty Services partner, Lenni Walton, President of Premier Pool Group for some helpful information on pool inspections and maintenance.

Enjoy our interview with Lenni below to learn more about pools and how to inspect and maintain them.

Carson Dunlop (CD): How is a pool inspection performed?

Lenni Walton (LW): “We start with a quick visual assessment of the surroundings, including gates, fences and possible hazards. We check to make sure locks comply with local rules and are functioning properly. We then take inventory of the pool equipment and accessories, model and serial numbers recording the item’s age. We also look for leaks, previous repairs, and any hazards that need to be addressed.”

CD: What common issues do you encounter?

LW: “We typically see issues related to the age and condition of the pool equipment. Too many chemicals in the water will shorten the life of the pool and its equipment. We see all kinds of leaks as well – did you know the most common shape for a leak in a pool liner is a crescent? Finger and toe nails can be ruthless.

We also come across safety issues such as trip hazards posed by cracked and raised concrete, wall vacuums that do not have covers on them, and main drain cover plates that have loose screws or damaged surfaces.”

CD: What common mistakes do homeowners make?

LW: “Homeowners will sometimes take on repairs themselves, or try to cut costs by opening and closing the pool on their own, without the training or tools to complete the job safely and securely. Minor repairs done improperly can cause major floods, electrical problems, or gas issues. If you’re purchasing a home with a pool, talk to the sellers to ensure they have been working with a professional.”

CD: What can homeowners do to keep their pool operating smoothly?

LW: “Have a professional check your pool at least once a month. Most pool companies perform weekly maintenance which includes testing the water and cleaning the pool. They can also help with chemical delivery and opening and closing. When it comes to pool care it is wise to work with a professional.”

At Carson Dunlop we believe that knowledge is the best tool when it comes to protecting one of the biggest investments of your life – your home. Our Specialty Services program provides our clients and real estate partners with fast, easy and cost-effective access to qualified specialists, like Premier Pool Group, all with a single call. To learn more about the Carson Dunlop Specialty Services program, please click here, or call 800.268.7070 to schedule a pool inspection.