Top home energy efficiency tips for spring

Thinking about testing the housing market? Planning a property tune-up? Well, improving your home's energy efficiency might be a good idea. Plus, the weather is perfect for such a project – the temperatures are cool and the kids are still at school.

But before you break out the tool box and take off work, develop an efficiency-focused home improvement plan that includes these steps:

Run a systems check
First, focus on existing fixtures and look for possible improvements. With summer a few months away, your air conditioning unit should a central concern. Start by replacing your unit's filters and cleaning its evaporator coils, U.S. News and World Report recommended. Additionally, check its refrigerant levels – you might need to add more freon. If you're uncomfortable doing these tasks, you can always call an AC technician. Just make sure to maintain your cooling system. Such maintenance can reduce your AC energy consumption levels by as much as 15 percent.

Next, move on to your water heater. Most homeowners use this appliance year round, so your unit may need some tender, loving care. Experts recommend draining 25 percent of the tank to flush out detritus. Also, knock down the temperature setting to make your hot water usage more efficient.

Regular AC maintenance will save you serious money and improve your home's energy efficiency.Regular AC maintenance will save you serious money and improve your home's energy efficiency.

Hit the lights
Exterior and interior lighting fixtures with traditional incandescent bulbs consume a lot of energy and burn out quickly. The Department of Energy suggests replacing such bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps or light-emitting diodes, which use 25-30 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs and last eight to 25 times longer.

If you're prepared to do some minor electrical work, installing dimmer switches for indoor lighting is also another good energy-saving option, Good House Keeping reported. These switches take under an hour to install and double bulb lifetimes. Plus, they only cost around $10 a piece. 

Motion sensors quickly cut energy use for outdoor lights. Additionally, if you've got a rarely-used guest room or two, these can come in handy indoors as well.

Add some accessories
Once you've improved your existing situation, consider adding some accessories to maximize your home's energy efficiency. If you want to make a quick, substantial impact, acquire some Energy Star-certified appliances. These add-ons are designed to conserve energy and, since their rise in 1992, have saved users more than $350 billion in utility costs and prevented an estimated 2.5 billion tons of greenhouse gas from entering the atmosphere.

Looking for more cost-effective solutions? Install low-flow faucets and toilets or purchase energy-saving home decor like heating blankets. Additionally, put programmable thermostats in high-traffic areas. These automated tools will enable you to maintain a balanced indoor temperature and save you big money on cooling and heating costs. For every degree you lower your thermostat over an eight-hour period, you save 1 percent on your utility bill.   

Step away from the stove
As you can imagine, most kitchen appliances – especially ovens, ranges and refrigerators – aren't very energy efficient. So, consider scaling back your current appliances. For instance, getting rid of a second refrigerator or freezer will save you as much as $700 in energy costs. Also, address your cookware. Replacing your old saucepan with a newer model that heats more evenly will reduce your prep-related energy consumption.

Of course, you could take a rest from the kitchen altogether. Grill outside instead or test out new recipes that require little gas- or electric-powered prep. Salads and gazpacho are no-fuss, flavor-rich options, Bon Appetit reported.

After you've planned and executed your spring energy-saving strategy, call in a home inspector to perform an energy audit. You might have room for further improvement.

4 common home inspection headaches

Inspections are an essential part of the home purchasing process. Though stressful, these property checkups benefit homebuyers in the long run, and either dispel consumer doubt or reveal long-lingering structural issues that require immediate attention.

Homes that fail to pass muster during the inspection phase often present common problems. Luckily, savvy buyers can overcome most of these obstacles with the help of a reputable contractor and, of course, some cash.

Electrical issues
Homebuyers looking to purchase older property might run into electrical problems, reported The Street. If you plan to buy a home built before the 1960s, you will probably need to rewire the entire structure. Most of these houses feature antiquated knob-and-tube electrical systems that are fire prone and easily overloaded. According to Angie's List, replacing such systems costs between $8,000 and $15,000, depending on square footage. But before you call up an electrician, make sure to consult local building codes. 

"If you're buying a historic home, there may be regulations on the structural changes you're allowed to make to the building," Mike Lyon, executive vice president of operations at Quicken Loans, told The Street.

Even newer homes can pose electrical problems. Inspectors often uncover instances of reverse polarity – when hot wires are connected to neutral terminals and vice versa – in modern structures, reported The Washington Post. Most local electricians will resolve this issue for a few hundred dollars.

Homebuyers everywhere run into common problems.Homebuyers everywhere run into common problems.

Mold infestation 
In recent years, mold has become a key concern for homebuyers, especially those with children. Spores from toxic fungus like black mold can cause respiratory issues, reported the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. So, if your prospective new home shows signs of extensive mold damage, experts suggest backing out of the sale entirely.

"Black mold can take a lot of very expensive remediation efforts. There's the cost of getting the mold out, but then there's also the cost of all the effort to make sure it doesn't come back," Lyon told The Street. "If I were a buyer, I would tell the seller, 'I am not buying this house'."

If you insist on purchasing a home with such damage, be prepared to invest time and money. According to HGTV, mold remediation costs anywhere from $500 to $5000 to remove spores from attics, basements and crawl spaces. 

Roof leaks
According to the National Association of Home Builders, average fiber cement shingles retain their structural integrity for only around 25 years. As a result, many middle-aged homes on the market have roof leaks or are susceptible to such damage. 

Roof replacement can be a pricey proposition, costing between $15,000 and $150,000, depending on square footage. If you're dealing with a leaky roof and have the money to make repairs, consider switching to metal or slate. Both options are more expensive than cement – metal goes for around $1,500 per 100 feet while slate is slightly cheaper at $800 – but last considerably longer and require less maintenance.

Additionally, before diving into roof repair mode, make sure to get the proper local permits. Local governments determine fees based on the square footage you plan to tackle. For instance, a 1,350-foot roof repair permit can cost anywhere from $150 to $400, depending on your location. 

Foundation faults
Some homes display foundation problems and, unfortunately, most of them are deal-breakers. 

"You do not want to see the words 'foundation problems' anywhere in the home inspection or appraisal," Lyon told The Street. "If the home inspector puts a golf ball down on one side of the house and it rolls to the other side, then you need to walk away."

However, if you're absolutely in love with your prospective home, some problems are solvable. Contractors can plug cracks one-quarter of an inch or wider for $1,500 to $3,000, reported House Logic. You can even level uneven foundations by adding wooden braces.

If you've got your eye on a prospective property, make sure to hire a reputable home inspection company to review the home. Alban Home Inspections provides services to homebuyers in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington D.C.      

Check out these home spring cleaning tips

Winter's frigid grip is finally loosening, which means many homeowners will soon shut off the heat, cast open the windows and clean out the nooks and crannies left neglected during the colder months. In fact, spring cleaning is an annual ritual for most in the U.S. Approximately 72 percent of Americans engage in the activity every year, according to the American Cleaning Institute.

If you too plan to conduct a post-winter clean sweep, make sure to keep a few salient strategies in mind.

Formulate a plan
You simply cannot kick off an intense spring cleaning session without a solid scrubbing scheme. Planning can cut your cleaning time in half and produce better results, reported Popular Mechanics. Professional speed cleaners approach each situation with a plan. They usually working room-by-room and finish each space where they started so as to maintain uniform cleaning quality. Using a similarly methodical approach, you can tackle your entire house in a matter of hours and produce a whole-home shine that will last for months.

Get the proper tools
Most households store their cleaning supplies in infrequently accessed cabinets and pantries. These spaces inevitably gather dust and grime and render some cleaning tools useless. If you fall into this category, invest in some new, quality equipment before taking on winter crud. Professionals sport carpenter belts stuffed with specialized cleaners and brushes that can fit into the tinniest spaces. You don't have to go this far. Purchasing a new broom, a feather duster and maybe a solid bucket should be enough. If you want to try out something besides a store-bought cleaner, use a lemon. The acid contained within these citrus fruits can dissolve outdoor rust stains and cut through carpet spots. According to Apartment Therapy, you can also add Kool-Aid to your cleaning tool kit. The lemon and orange varieties of the drink make toilet rings disappear and, unlike Coke, another beverage often employed by cleaning innovators, it doesn't leave behind sugary deposits and is eco-friendly.

Start at the top
Even the most committed neat freaks neglect their ceiling fans and allow residue to collect in hidden, ceiling-facing dust deposits. However, during spring cleaning, most leave no surface untouched and gladly cleanse dusty ceiling fan blades. This task is often saved until the last minute. Side tables, couches and other easy-to-reach surfaces always seem to come first. Unfortunately, the majority of fan-cleaning finales leave recently wiped coffee tables covered in dust. The moral of the story: clean from ceiling to floor. Use a vacuum cleaner to suck up stubborn cobwebs. As for the infamous ceiling fan blades, Real Simple suggested using a homemade cleaning solution made from water and distilled white vinegar. Also, as you clean up top, be sure to look for mold. If you encounter some, call a home inspection company and schedule professional mold testing.

Top spring home-selling tips you need to know

As flower bulbs burst through the soil searching for sun, homebuyers and sellers prepare for the real estate rush that occurs every year during the spring months. According to Realtor.com, individuals looking to sell their homes over the next few months should be excited. Experts say it's shaping up to be a seller's market, as home prices continue to rise and inventory remains relatively low.

However, before entering the fray, sellers should consider a few essential spring-selling guidelines.

  • Get organized and clean up clutter: The home-selling process can move fast – one minute you're contacting a real estate agent and the next, you're leading strangers through your bedroom. So, start things off by deep cleaning your home. Potential buyers don't want to pull up to an unkempt yard or traipse through a cluttered home. Call a cleaning service and put on a fresh coat of paint.

    "When you walk into a nice hotel room, everything is nice and sparkly clean. You want the same thing for your house," Sheryl Grider Whitehurst, managing broker at Traders Realty in Peoria, Illinois, told U.S. News & World Report.

    Additionally, take a look at your landscaping. A few simple outdoor adjustments can improve curb appeal and net you more cash.
  • List now: Once you've prepared your home for sale, list, list, list. It's best to do that between April and June when buyers are plenty, reported Realtor.com. Also, don't write up some run-of-the-mill property rundown. Create a listing that both touches on the essentials and tells a personal story – buyers aren't simply looking to purchase a structure, they're in search of a home. However, keep your anecdote short and stick it near the bottom.

    According to Zillow, most buyers receive 10 or more listings per day via mobile real estate applications or agents. So, put the essential particulars at the top in a bulleted list. Include the
    location, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, square footage, lot size and the closest school district. Lastly, don't go over 250 words and include photographs.
  • Offer incentives: Last year, 37 percent of sellers offered incentives, reported Realtor.com. Millennials and other young buyers fear expensive closing costs so many sellers offer to pay these fees in hopes that they will receive full asking price and score a quick sale. This is certainly a wise strategy for those looking sell their homes this spring. Last year, millennials accounted for one-third of the total home sales. Experts say these young buyers will continue to dominate the market throughout 2016. 

Before testing the spring housing market, make sure to hire a home inspection company to look over your property and make sure there are no hidden issues. An energy audit might also be a good idea. Learn more about both of these services at our website. 

Get the most out of your spring home inspection

According to Zillow, springtime is the right time to schedule home inspections. During this advantageous moment, you can survey winter damage and implement exterior and interior changes without the risk of heatstroke. However, to get real value out of these in-depth home surveys, you must follow a couple key guidelines.   

Pick the right people
Not all home inspection companies are created equal. So, when looking into hiring a home inspector, make like most wise consumers and ask for references. Though most states regulate home inspection licenses, the standards they use are widely considered ineffective, reported This Old House. Ask neighbors and friends for recommendations and search trade databases to get a feel for the skill levels of the inspectors in your area. The American Society of Home Inspectors has one such database and offers resources for homeowners. You should also contact your local branch of the Better Business Bureau. Also, ask local real estate agents. They normally give rock-solid recommendations. 

"Real estate agents want to be careful who they refer, " Cara Ameer, an associate broker at Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, said in an interview with U.S. New & World Report. "They want to protect themselves from liability as well, and want to make sure that the people they refer will be objective and do a thorough job."

Additionally, make sure the inspector you hire is licensed in your state. This is an especially important guideline for homebuyers looking to inspect a home they intend to purchase. Often, sellers will deny repair requests or price reductions based on information from a home inspector who's not licensed locally.

Lastly, employ a home inspection company that carries insurance to cover property damage sustained through inspector error. Some companies only hold themselves liable for the cost of inspection, which is a problem for homeowners make drastic changes based on faulty insights. 

Walk along
Once you've scheduled a home inspection, be prepared to spend the day evaluating your property with your inspector. This will give you an opportunity to learn about your home and see how things work, according to Zillow. Homeowners should know, for instance, how to maintain their water heater and ventilation system. Plus, many inspectors offer valuable advice that doesn't end up in the official report. And, as you go along, create a list of non-essential improvements.   

Of course, it will also allow you too watch out for inspection-related red flags. If an inspector completes his or her survey without pointing out at least one or two areas for improvement, you've probably hired a dud. And, if your inspector insists on going it alone, reconsider. Most want homeowners to come along so their advice really sinks in.

Ready to schedule a spring inspection? Contact an Alban representative today. Also, read this post about what goes on during an Alban inspection.

Tips for post-winter home improvement

Now that winter has passed, it's time to take stock of your home, fix any weather-related damage sustained throughout the last four months and plan future improvements. However, before you start tearing apart your house, consult a few crucial spring home improvement guidelines.

Fight back against water damage
Even if your roof wasn't visibly overloaded with snow this past winter, it could still be damaged. And, when spring rains come, the smallest leak can be a huge deal. According to CBS News, interior water damage is one of the most frequently cited issues in home insurance claims. Additionally, make sure your exterior drainage system is still intact and free of blockages.

"If there are 10 things that can go wrong with a house, 15 of them have to do with water," home inspector Bill Loden told Consumer Reports.

Inspect your driveway as well. Snow melt and plows can damage it, reported Popular Mechanics. Weather causes hairline cracks which, over time, deepen and expand with exposure to chemicals and moisture. You won't have to organize an expensive asphalt intervention to resolve this issue. Just stop by your local home improvement store and pick up some hot sealer.

Spring actually poses a more serious threat to driveway continuity. Frost heave – when soil below a paved surface is saturated with frozen moisture and expands – causes driveways to move. Unfortunately, there isn't an easy fix for this. Repaving or extensive patching are your only options.

Prepare for the draft
To prevent drafts and improve energy efficiency, many homeowners reseal their windows every year just before winter arrives. According to U.S. News & World Report, most brands of window caulk crack and crumble away in cold temperatures. So, get a head start on next winter by putting a new layer of caulk on your windows. You should probably go with a silicone or acrylic sealant – both hold up well in the winter. You can also add a few extras to maximize your insulation potential. Weather stripping is a good option, reported Popular Mechanics. 

Additionally, sealing your windows will also cut down on cooling costs, as caulk and weather stripping prevent cold air from escaping your home.

Prevent plumbing problems
Winter can do a number on your plumbing. Cold air can freeze and rupture pipes and outdoor faucets. So, be sure to check your pipes for damage and get any problems fixed before the freeze returns. Once you've resolved any issues, consider further improvements. If you live in a particularly cold area, you can purchase pipe insulation or invest in a new heating system. Frozen pipes are normally the result of an ineffective home heating unit.

Of course, if you're nervous about exploring the inner  workings of your plumbing system or scouring your roof for cracks, you can always call in a home inspection company. They can point out all of your household pain points and offer in-depth advice on how to make key spring improvements.    

What occurs during an Alban home inspection?

Holding a home inspection is a great way to gain a better understanding of your home's infrastructure, identify areas that need attention and create a list of maintenance tips.

Alban Inspections adheres to the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics of the American Society of Home Inspectors. Also known as ASHI, this group is the largest, high-quality home group for change. By following these practices Alban offers:

  • An educational home inspection experience.
  • Detailed, competent home inspection practices.
  • Digital cameras to record known and found conditions.
  • Summary sheet to identify issues.

Overall, Alban strives for peace of mind for their customers, as a safe living space is essential for happiness and health.

Alban covers a wide range of home deficiencies and issues. These include:

  • Basement and foundation.
  • Gutters, chimney and home siding.
  • HVAC systems.
  • Kitchen appliances and vents.
  • Outbuildings and garage.
  • Visible insulation.
  • Windows and doors.

Alban also tests for proper temperatures in the home. If the structure is too hot or cold, issues can develop over time, such as mold or leaking vents. We encourage homeowners to accompany their inspector during the entire process. By following the inspector, homeowners can see firsthand the issues that may be affecting their home, gaining a better understanding of preventing problems in the future.

If the homeowner chooses to not follow along during the inspection, that's okay too. At the end of each home walkthrough, an in-depth report on the space will be compiled with any known issues and suggestions outlined.

If no serious issues are found, a home inspection is still a good investment, as warning signs that haven't manifested into actual issues can be taken care of in a more timely manner.

Contact an Alban expert today to learn more.

What should you know about mold?

Mold is a common occurrence in homes across the U.S., with the ability to grow anywhere moisture can accumulate, undetected over time. Mold spores are known to grow in both indoor and outdoor environments, often entering the home through the air.

Some of the most common pathways mold spores follow include ventilation systems, open windows and doorways, as well as by direct contact with those inside the house by latching onto clothes or bags.

Mold spores grow over time, especially when not detected. Many buildings and homes are often insulated or built with products that create a sustainable mold growth environment, such as cardboard, ceiling tiles and wood products. Wallpapers, accumulated dust and drywall can also cause mold growth when wet.

In addition to the issues mold can cause to overall home structure, it can also cause serious adverse health effects. Some of the most common health effects appear in the form of allergy-like symptoms. These include eye irritation, wheezing, skin irritation and nasal problems.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, a report conducted by the Institute of Medicine found that repeated indoor exposure to mold can lead to upper respiratory infections in otherwise healthy individuals. It can also cause allergies to develop, as well as other serious illnesses.

Schedule an inspection with Alban . We will conduct an investigation into how the mold has entered the home, where it is growing and take samples of any found. By determining the home issues that are causing mold growth, more can be done to stop it, and prevent it from occurring again in the future.

After a mold inspection, whatever is found must be tested by a laboratory to identify its type and all other steps that may need to be taken.

The cost of a home inspection is often less than the serious health effects that can add up over time without one. 

Heat your home safely this season

How do you heat your home? When was the last time you checked your heating system? Have you ever had it inspected by a professional? If you're unsure of the answer to any of these questions, or worse, your answers seem dated, you may have an issue on your hands.

Heating equipment is the leading cause of home fire deaths, with more than half reported during December, January and February. Heating in the winter is necessary to keeping your family warm and safe from the outside elements.

Keep the following tips in mind for a safe, warm winter season.

  • If the home uses a fossil fuel furnace that is more than 10 years old, it needs to be inspected right away and serviced by a qualified heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) contractor. 
  • Electric furnaces should be checked while on the emergency heat cycle in order to ensure everything is in proper working order. 
  • Furnace filters should be changed on a regular basis, depending on the type of filter being used and the amount of dust that may collect on it. Generally, this is done once every three to four months.

For optimal safety during the cold months:

  1. Be sure your chimney, water heater and other heating equipment are inspected regularly.
  2. Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to keep sparks from flying out and lighting any objects on fire.
  3. Never heat your home using the oven, as this can cause an explosion if left unattended or on for too long.

For a full home inspection or an inspection of your heating system and overall energy efficiency, schedule a consultation with Alban Inspections. Visit our website to learn more.

3 tips for choosing the best home inspector

A home inspection is one of the most important aspects of the purchasing process. The quality of the final inspection is important, but the inspector you choose has a big impact on the process. Your home inspector should be certified, understanding and easy to get a hold of if questions arise. 

If you're looking for an experienced, friendly home inspector, ask him or her the following three questions:

  • How much practical experience do you have, as compared to any training you have received? 
  • What is your exact background in the home inspection industry? 
  • What will be inspected during my personal home walkthrough?

Homebuyers should also keep the following three tips in mind for a better, more informed experience.

First, as the homebuyer, you should be welcomed to participate in the home inspection process. This is a great time to learn about the home and discuss any possible repairs. Second, determine how long you will have to wait for the results of the inspection. As the home buying process can be filled with stiff competition and timetables, it is best to receive the results as soon as possible. Finally, be sure that the results will be explained to you in full detail. Having the results and understanding them are two completely different things, especially for first-time buyers. 

Alban Home Inspection Service adheres to the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). We're committed to providing the best evaluation and explanation of your potential new home. Our inspections cover many areas of the home, such as the ventilation, electrical system, plumbing and foundation.

Learn more on our website or schedule an inspection today.