Home inspection reports are thought of as only being for prospective homeowners, however having a home inspector come every few years to check the stability and efficiency of a home can save homeowners money in the long run.
One of the easiest ways to help homeowners save money is through Infrared Thermal Imaging Systems. These cameras detect hot and cold spots throughout a house. They not only reveal water leaks, but they expose air leaks. Leaks around doors and windows can spike energy bills. The leaks can be through the windows or around the frame of the windows. Oftentimes replacing single pane glass windows with double pane glass reduces heat loss in the wintertime. Another inexpensive solution is to install double cell window treatments or blinds. Some have sealing mechanisms down the side to prevent heat loss in the home.
The second crucial function home inspectors perform is a full fireplace and chimney inspection. This is a safety issue, as one of the most common causes of fires in homes with wood burning fireplaces is due to creosote build up in the chimney. Smoky fires or green wood being burned can cause this. Chimneys should be swept or cleaned annually. New homeowners may not think to check the chimney before burning wood for the winter. The same is true of wood burning stoves. A qualified home inspector will check chimneys, flues, dampers and associated components. They will also look at fireboxes, hearth extensions and permanently installed accessory components.
Manufactured solid-fuel or gas-burning appliances will be examined to ensure there are no gas or fuel leaks. Natural gas burning fires tend to be more efficient than wood burning and put less pollution in the environment.
These are just a few of the services that home inspections cover relating to winterizing a home. Heating systems are checked including heating equipment and operation using normal user controls such as thermostat controls. Venting systems are looked at to make sure there are no clogs in them that could back up the venting system. Combustion and ventilating air are looked at. Energy source and connections are included, as are heating distribution systems including a representative sampling of ducting, duct insulation outlets, radiators, piping system and valves.
A basic home inspection covers the roof to the foundation. Roofing issues in the middle of winter can be disastrous for homeowners and can cause them to have to temporarily relocate until repairs can be done.
Having a home inspection performed every few years on a property or home can be the difference between a safe, warm winter and a cold, frustrating one.
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