Healthy Home Maintenance Checklist

1. Healthy Home Maintenance Checklist the Contractors and Inspectors Should Perform Today’s homeowners are looking for not just a home but one that’s healthy. A home is considered healthy when it is clean and environmentally friendly – and that those who live in it are able to breathe with no exposure to mold and radon and free from pests. Equally important are structural soundness and safety. A healthy home costs less to heat and cool and is in no danger of a flooding. A healthy home is also more comfortable and durable. Also, the home tends to have a higher resale value. Home performance professionals can help general contractors and home inspectors understand that by incorporating home performance practices into their work, they can create healthier communities and happier customers. Happier customers mean more referrals and more business. What can inspectors and contractors do to help improve home performance? Windows and Doors When contractors install windows and doors, they should check to make sure that they are properly insulated and air sealed. Reducing drafts and keeping the temperature uniform throughout the house can add to the home’s comfort and can reduce allergies. Contractors and inspectors should check the following to ensure energy efficiency, comfort and health within the home. •Door openings appear to be straight with adequate trim and sealing. •Joints around door frame are caulked •For walls, check that there is an adequate amount of insulation of proper R- value in structure walls and between the basement and first floor to ensure greater heating and cooling efficiency. •Check for any air seeping from attic or basement areas that can cause discomfort from drafts or hot or cold spots in living areas.

2. Roof and Attic The roof and attic of the home should be carefully inspected that it’s in good repair and there is proper ventilation to the house. •Make sure there are no missing shingles, leaks, sagging or decay leading to mold that can affect the health of the home. •Check that exterior vents under eaves are clean for proper air flow. •Install insulation with a moisture barrier and insulation with adequate R- value installed closest to heated areas in the home. Homes that are properly insulated and sealed are more efficient and can further cut energy costs. Plumbing Check to make sure that plumbing is properly installed and there is no evidence of moisture or mold due to leaks. Even small water damage can cause the buildup of mold, cause structural damage and result in a need of water damage restoration service. Having a water heater that is properly vented and of adequate size for the number of occupants is also important. •Check that the water heater is properly vented and of adequate size for the number of occupants. Proper venting can also ensure that carbon monoxide does not build up in the home. •The water heater’s temperature should ideally set at 118 - 125 degrees Fahrenheit. Tankless, on-demand water heaters can add additional comfort and energy savings for homeowners by only heating water when it’s needed. Heating and Cooling Systems HVAC systems require closer examination. Furnaces and cooling systems that are not performing well can cause a multitude of problems for homeowners from higher energy bills to discomfort to potentially dangerous situations where carbon monoxide builds up. By performing an energy audit and a combustion safety test any safety and health problems can be found and corrected. •Check to see that the HVAC system heats and cools adequately throughout the areas served with proper air flow. •Check ductwork to ensure that it’s clean and no leaks. •New filters are installed on a regular basis.

3. Conclusion In today’s market, homeowners want their homes to be as comfortable, healthy, durable and efficient as possible. Home inspectors and contractors who go the extra mile by employing the concepts of home performance into account can add extra value for their customers. By simply considering the ”big picture” of how the home has its own set of interrelated components and how each relates to the other can put contractors and inspectors well ahead of the competition. By optimizing a home’s performance, there is a reduction in a homeowner’s overall costs, not only in terms of energy usage but future home repairs. The end result is healthier housing and a better quality of life for the occupants. References: http://www.awebtoknow.com/flood-safety-prepare-respond-recover/ http://extension.missouri.edu/p/GH5936 https://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=home_sealing.hm_improvement_insulati on_table http://serviceproslocal.com/ https://energy.gov/energysaver/minimizing-energy-losses-ducts