The yellow flexible pipe pipe on the gas line to the furnace is a problem. Flexible connectors are not permitted to go through any wall of any kind. The metal wall of the furnace cabinet becomes the excluding factor. Equally bad is that the edges of the hole in the cabinet are sharp and could […]Read More about Gas line “appliance connectors”
Steam or Water Heat, Confused? Explained
So what type of heating system is in the photo? It’s easy to figure out if you know what to look for. With hot water heat there is a boiler that heats the water up to a temperature somewhere between 160 and 180 degrees. A circulation pump that moves the water through distribution pipes and […]Read More about Steam or Water Heat, Confused? Explained
Wells and Well Water Systems Explained
Many properties particularly in rural areas rely on a well for their water, which is not a problem in itself. A newer well will have a submersible pump that is down in the well shaft, older wells will often have a “jet pump” which will be located at the pressure tank (in the house or […]Read More about Wells and Well Water Systems Explained
Cute Table Right? Pressure Treated is Toxic!
Don’t eat off of it! This DIY project has all the right look of a farmhouse table. Unfortunately the top is made of treated fence pickets which contain harmful chemicals that you don’t want on your skin, let alone on food and utensils. We see a lot of beautiful furniture and updates that are made […]Read More about Cute Table Right? Pressure Treated is Toxic!
Is it a Furnace or Air Conditioner Filter?
Everyone uses the phrase “furnace filters” which got me thinking as I worked my way through an inspection. The filters remove dust from the air going through the furnace which has nothing that really needs to be protected. Yes, the fan motor will last longer if it is not dusty, but the filter is not […]Read More about Is it a Furnace or Air Conditioner Filter?
Your AC Condenser Does Not Like “Economy”
Air conditioners (condensers) positioned out of the way in a small space are not unlike unfortunate fliers in economy. They are in a space smaller than required and asked to behave as though everything is OK. When there are two condensers side by side they want 28” of space (yes, like leg room) between them, […]Read More about Your AC Condenser Does Not Like “Economy”
“ Windows Require Safety Glass If…….”
The beautiful big new picture windows installed in this remodeled house “passed” the five point test to determine that they must be made with safety glass. Safety glass is required when window meets all 5 requirements:1) they were less than 18″ from floor2) the top of glass was more than 36″ above floor3) the size […]Read More about “ Windows Require Safety Glass If…….”
Fuse Box From “Times Less Safe & Long Gone”
These old fuse boxes in a beautifully built asbestos lined oak cabinet were a big step up from the single exposed wall mounted fuse. These boxes were the forerunner to the breaker panels of today. The asbestos lining was used to contain any sparks or fire in the fuse box. Those were the days before […]Read More about Fuse Box From “Times Less Safe & Long Gone”
Vinyl Plank Flooring Better than Sheet Vinyl
Thinking of new flooring, forget laminated flooring. They are noisy to walk on, are easily damaged by moisture or water in bathrooms or kitchens. Water on shoes coming in from outdoors nearly always damages the entryway flooring . Vinyl has improved dramatically with the introduction of heaver weight, thicker plank vinyl. It is easy to […]Read More about Vinyl Plank Flooring Better than Sheet Vinyl
