This week Excel Inspections is offering a free sprinkler system inspection to all buyers who mention this at the time of scheduling.
Single Meter Recall
NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 15, 2009 Release # 10-012 Firm’s Recall Hotline: (888) 537-0881 CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908 Single Meter Sockets Recalled by Milbank Manufacturing Due to Fire and Electrocution Hazards WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. Name of Product: Single Meter Sockets Units: About 1,400 Manufacturer: Milbank Manufacturing Co., of Kansas City, Mo. Hazard: A short may occur while in use due to an incorrect bridge installed in the product, to which the meter clips are attached. If the manufacturing defect exists, all metal parts of the meter could create a shock or burns can occur if the cover is off and the meter socket is energized. Incidents/Injuries: Three incidents have been reported of the unit shorting out. No injuries were reported. Description: The single meter 200 amp/4 terminal sockets are used for underground utility meter installations. The meter socket is 20 3/4 inches high by 9 inches wide and 4 1/2 inches deep with 1 meter position. It is used by the approving utility to mount their electric meter to measure how much electricity a residence uses. It can be used for an underground residential application. The recalled model number 9090 appears on the right or left side of the installed meter socket. If not installed, model numbers U9090-O or R9090-O will appear on the label on the outside of the box. Sold at: Electrical supply distributors in N.Y., Pa., Vt. and Mass. and at local hardware stores in N.Y. from May 2009 through August 2009 for about $70. Manufactured in: United States Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled product immediately and contact the electrical supply contractor who installed the sockets. Contractors will contact Milbank Manufacturing for a replacement or reimbursement. Milbank will contact all distributors and stores where the recalled product was sold. Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Milbank Manufacturing’s Sales Engineer toll-free at (888) 537-0881 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the company’s Web site at www.milbankmfg.com To see this recall on CPSC’s web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10012.html
Discounts and Specials for the Month
Please mention all discounts while scheduling!
We offer $10.00 off the inspection cost to all active military and law enforcement personnel. Thanks for your services!
We have a $5.00 discount to senior citizens over the age of 65.
Any repeat customers will receive $10.00 off of their next inspection.
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My son has allergies, should I be worried about mold in my home?
What can be done to control moisture in my home and prevent mold from growing?
The following excerpt was taken from the American Lung Association and the U.S. consumer Product Safety Commisions publication Biological Pollutants In Your Home:
Fix leaks and seepage immediately. * If water is entering your house from the outside, your options range from simple landscaping to extensive excavation and waterproofing. Make sure that the ground slopes away from the house. * Water in the basement can result from the lack of gutters or a water flow toward the house. * Water leaks in pipes or around tubs and sinks can provide a place for biological pollutants to grow. * Put a plastic cover over dirt in crawlspaces to prevent moisture from coming in from the ground. Be sure crawlspaces are well ventilated. * Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to remove moisture to the outside (not into the attic). Vent your clothes dryer to the outside. * Turn off appliances such as humidifiers or kerosene heaters if you notice moisture on windows and other surfaces. * Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners, especially in hot, humid climates, to reduce moisture in the air. Be sure that the appliances themselves are not sources of biological pollutants. * Raise the temperature of cold surfaces where moisture condenses. Use insulation or storm windows. Keep in mind that a storm window installed on the inside is more effective than one installed on the outside. * Open doors between rooms, especially doors to closets which may be colder than the rooms. This increases circulation which carries heat to the cold surfaces. Further increase circulation by using fans and by moving furniture away wall and corners. * Be sure that your house has a source of fresh air and can expel excessive moisture from the home. * Pay special attention to carpet on concrete floors. Carpet can absorb moisture and become a breeding ground for biological pollutants. Use area rugs–check them frequently and wash them often. In certain climates, if carpet is to be installed over a concrete floor, it may be necessary to use a vapor barrier (plastic sheeting) over the concrete and cover that with sub-flooring (insulation covered with plywood) to prevent a moisture problem. Moisture problems and their solutions differ from one climate to another. The Northeast is cold and wet while the Southwest is hot and dry. The South is hot and wet, and the Western Mountain states are cold and dry. All of these regions can have moisture problems. For example, evaporative coolers used in the Southwest can encourage the growth of biological pollutants. In other hot regions, the use of air conditioners which cool the air too quickly may prevent the air conditioners from running long enough to remove excess moisture from the air. The types of construction and weatherization for the different climates can lead to different problems and solutions.
What causes moisture on my windows?
Excess humidity inside your home for a prolonged period of time can damage walls, especially when outdoor air temperatures are very cold. Your humidistat is set too high if excessive moisture collects on windows and other cold surfaces. Other sources of excess moisture besides overuse of a humidifier may be long showers, running hot water for long periods of time, boiling or steaming foods, certain plants, and drying clothes indoors. A tight, energy efficient house holds more moisture so you may need to run a kitchen or bath ventilating fan at times or open a window briefly. Storm windows and caulking around windows keep the interior glass warmer and reduce condensation of moisture there. Humidifiers are not recommended for use in buildings without proper vapor barriers because of potential damage from moisture buildup. Consult a building contractor or an inspector to determine the adequacy of the vapor barrier in your house. Use a humidity indicator to measure and monitor the relative humidity in your house.
Anne Field, Extension Specialist, Emeritus, with reference from the Association for Home Appliance Manufacturers (www.aham.org/).
Goodman Vent Pipe Recall
NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 25, 2009 Release #09-323 Firm’s Recall Hotline: (800) 394-8084 CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908 CPSC, Goodman Manufacturing Co. Announce Changes to 1998 Recall Program to Replace Dangerous Home Heating Vent Pipes WASHINGTON, D.C. – The CPSC and Goodman Manufacturing Company, of Houston, TX, are urging consumers who have not yet responded to the previously-announced 1998 recall to do so immediately. After October 1, 2009, the remedy consumers receive will change to be identical to modifications recently announced for a related recall. The recall included about 10,000 Plexvent and Ultravent HTPV pipe systems attached to certain Goodman mid-efficiency furnaces manufactured from October 1988 to July 1994 (models GUP, GDP, GUPS, GDPS, GUPI, GDPI, GUPX, GDPX, GMP and GMPV for the following brands manufactured by Goodman: Janitrol, GMC, Hamilton Electric, Franklin, Liberty and Sears/Kenmore). The HTPV pipe used for these vents could be susceptible to corrosion, cracking and joint separation, which could result in the release of carbon monoxide (CO) into living areas, posing a danger to consumers. Goodman did not manufacture the HTPV pipe. The following table describes the different remedies available to consumers with qualifying furnaces that use the two leading brands of HTPV pipe – Plexvent and Ultravent. Plexvent owners Ultravent owners Valid claims initiated on or before October 1, 2009, with remediation completed and required documentation submitted by January 1, 2010. Will receive * a new, professionally-installed venting system free of charge or * a new, high-efficiency Goodman furnace and suitable vent for the manufacturer’s price (of just the furnace), with no charge for labor, associated materials or dealer markup. Valid claims initiated after October 1, 2009 A rebate up to $400 toward either an HTPV replacement system, or a new, high-efficiency furnace from Goodman that does not require HTPV. A rebate up to $250 toward either an HTPV replacement system, or a new, high-efficiency furnace from Goodman that does not require HTPV. Consumers who register after October 1, 2009 and who choose to repair their systems will be responsible for up-front payment of parts, labor and permits, and will be responsible for arranging to have the work performed. Consumers should determine whether they have a recalled HTPV pipe system by checking the vent pipes attached to their natural gas furnace. Vent pipes subject to this recall can be identified as follows: * the vent pipes are plastic; * the vent pipes are colored gray or black; * “Plexvent,” “Plexvent II” or “Ultravent” is stamped on the vent pipe or printed on stickers placed on pieces used to connect the vent pipes; and * the vent pipes are located on furnaces and the pipes go through the sidewalls of structures. Other plastic vent pipes, such as white PVC, are not included in the recall. Owners of Goodman furnaces that are vented with HTPV pipe should immediately call Goodman at (800) 394-8084 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday. CPSC reminds all consumers to have fuel-burning appliances professionally inspected each year to check for cracks or separations in the vents that could allow CO to leak into the home. In addition, CPSC recommends that every home should have at least one CO alarm.
Consumer Product Recall-Range
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 27, 2009 Release # 09-333 Firm’s Recall Hotline: (800) 449-9812 Sears’ Recall Hotline: (800) 449-9810 CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908 Firm Media Contact: (614) 761-2633 Frigidaire and Kenmore Smoothtop Electric Ranges Recalled Due to Fire Hazard WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. Name of Product: Certain Frigidaire and Kenmore Elite Smoothtop Electric Ranges Units: About 200,000 Manufacturer: Frigidaire, a division of Electrolux Home Products Inc., of Augusta, Ga. Hazard: Depending on the model, the surface heating elements can: 1) turn on spontaneously without being switched on; 2) fail to turn off after being switched off; or, 3) heat to different temperatures than selected. This poses a fire and burn hazard to consumers. Incidents/Injuries: Frigidaire has received 126 reports of incidents, including four reports of minor burns and two reports of minor property damage. Description: This recall involves Frigidaire, Frigidaire Gallery, Frigidaire Professional and Kenmore Elite smoothtop electric ranges with rotary knobs and digital displays. The following model and serial numbers are included in the recall: Frigidaire (Serial Number Range VF122xxxxx – VF831xxxxx) and Models Beginning with FEFBZ90GC FEFLMC55GC FEFLZ87GC GLEF396AB GLEF396AQ GLEF396AS GLEF396CQ GLEF396CS GLEFM397DB GLEFM397DQ GLEFM397DS GLEFM97FPB GLEFM97FPW GLEFM97GPB GLEFM97GPW LEEFM389FE PLEF398AC PLEF398CC PLEF398DC PLEFM399DC PLEFMZ99EC PLEFMZ99GC PLEFZ398EC PLEFZ398GC Kenmore Elite (Serial Number Range VF122xxxxx – VF334xxxxx) and Models Beginning with 790.99012 790.99013 790.99014 790.99019 The model and serial number can be found by opening the range drawer at the base of the unit. Sold at: Sears and other national chain and independent retailers nationwide from June 2001 through August 2009 for between $1,000 and $2,500. Manufactured in: United States Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled ranges immediately and contact Frigidaire or Sears to schedule a free repair. Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Frigidaire at (800) 449-9812 between 8 a.m. and midnight ET Monday through Saturday or visit the firm’s recall Web site at www.smoothtoprangerecall.com. Consumers who purchased their products at Sears should call Sears at (800) 449-9810 between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday.
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What Is A Home Inspection?
A professional home inspection is a visual inspection of the structure and components of a home. The home inspector will look for items that are deficient or not functioning, items that are unsafe or are not within the guidelines of the “Standards of Practice” established by the Texas Real Estate Commission. If a deficiency is found with the property, the inspector will include a description of the problem in the report and may recommend further evaluation by a professional in that specific area of expertise, (such as a structural engineer, electrician, etc.) . It is important to remember that a Home Inspection is basically visual in nature and non-invasive with no intrusive drilling or digging.
Once you have chosen Excel and scheduled your inspection, there are three more steps in the process:
* The Home Inspection – Inspectors meet you at the property and the actual evaluation takes place.
* The Report & Summary – given at the end of the Inspection, where the condition of the house is summarized for you and any significant defects are brought to your attention.
* Resource After The Inspection – Our inspectors are available to you after the inspection to clarify and answer any questions you may have about the inspection and report, which is part of our inspection fee. Our inspectors can be an invaluable resource for you long after you have moved in to provide you with referrals, advice, tips on home repairs, etc. Our inspectors will not charge you for phone consultations, it is part of our EXCELLANT service. If you want a repeat property visit however, an additional fee could be involved.
A quality home inspection, performed by our licensed professionals, is designed to provide you with the information you need to make a more informed decision about your potential purchase. Excel Inspection provides you the knowledge to make your purchase with confidence.
Anyone else is just looking around. ®
What are some hazards I should be aware of in buying/owning a home?
- After move-in, there are several items of safety that should be addressed.
- Walk through and around your home, including sidewalks and driveways for any tripping hazards.
- First of all, have all exterior door locks changed and pin numbers of alarm systems if applicable.
- Fire safety is the most preventable with installing working smoke detectors that are tested monthly.
- Carbon monoxide monitors/detectors should be installed in the home.
- GFCI outlets should be installed in appropriate locations where exposed to water can prevent accidental electrocution. (Refer to your inspection report for specifics).
- All swimming pools should have fence enclosures that can be latched/locked to prevent unauthorized use. There are many safety devices designed for pools to alert presence in the water.
- Make sure all electrical wiring is in good condition, all updates and changes done by a professional licensed electrician.
- All dryer vents should be metal and not vinyl to prevent fire hazards and duct work kept free of debris.
- Stair and balcony railings should have the proper spacing of less than 4” to prevent accidents.
- Keep all walk-in attics locked.
- Install flue caps on chimneys to prevent unwanted infestations and water penetration.
- For further safety information, go to http://www.cpsc.gov/sitemap.html.