J&A HVAC

WE’RE HERE For Your HVAC. For Your Plumbing. For Your Electric. FOR YOU.

hls_admin

What to do About Mold in Your Home

by

Why Is It So Important to Prevent Mold Growth in My Home?

Mold is your enemy! It grows fast, doesn’t need fancy accommodations, and absolutely wreaks havoc on anything it touches or even gets near to it.

Mold doesn’t care if you’re old, young, or somewhere in between. Mold isn’t concerned with where you were born, where you live, or who your family is.

Mold is the definition of an uninvited guest, and, as such, mold prevention is basic to steer clear of the train wreck mold leaves in its wake.

Whether it’s the slimy black spots on your shower curtain, the fuzzy white patches on your basement floor, or the slick orange film that forms on your kitchen drain, household mold is more than unsightly. In some cases, mold in your home can make you sick, especially if you have allergies or asthma.

Whether or not you’re allergic to molds, mold exposure can aggravate your eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs.

That’s why we’re going to spend some time here talking about mold, its effects, and how to combat it.

So, let’s get down to it.

What exactly is mold?

Mold, a fungus type, is a decomposer of dead organic material, including leaves, wood, and plants.

Mold is an everyday word that invokes all varieties of frightening ideas in our heads. Mold arises from naturally occurring fungal spores. Those spores are all over the place, and completely eluding them isn’t doable. They float in the air you breathe every single minute of each and every day.

It’s when these spores discover a moist, warm space that they become troublesome. Is mold in the house a health problem? You bet it is!

Mold can be a worrisome problem in most homes, leading to health issues and the possible destruction of the home in which it inhabits. You may question how a mold growth widespread enough to compromise a house’s structural foundations can avoid being noticed by the building’s occupants. The answer is rather simple: the mold does its business while attached with other materials and is just about always out of sight.

Mold will start to take shape when warmth, moisture, and rotting matter work in unison. The decaying material can be almost anything. As long as there are nutrients for the mold to feed on, it will mature and spread. Rotting food will get moldy rapidly because it’s nutrient-dense and regularly laden with sugars.

Mold will be sustained on most anything, however, and it’s not restricted to organic substances. That’s why it’s essential to rid of carpeting or drywall that has undergone water damage. Areas such as these are hotbeds for mold growth.

Mold fact: There are over 100,000 known species of mold, most of which exist outside the home. Not all types of mold can make you sick, and some are even used in medicine.

How do molds get indoors, and how do they grow?

Mold can be uncovered both indoors and outdoors. It can enter a home via open doorways, windows, vents, and HVAC systems. Mold in the air outdoors can also attach itself to clothing, shoes, and pets and then be brought indoors.

When mold spores drop where there is excessive moisture, where leakage may have taken place in roofs, pipes, walls, plant pots, or where flooding has occurred, they will grow.

Any number of building materials offer the proper nutrients that foster mold growth. Wet cellulose materials, including paper and paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, wood, and wood products, are especially favorable for various molds’ growth. Other materials, including dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation materials, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery, generally sustain mold growth.

Mold growth can actually begin within 48 hours of water damage if the water comes into contact with organic building materials and is not noticed or properly dried.

Mold fact: While mold can’t grow on non-organic surfaces such as concrete, it may grow on those surfaces’ dust or dirt layers.

How do I know if I have a mold problem?

Oft times, you can see or smell a mold problem. Mold might occur as somewhat fuzzy, faded, or oily spots that increase in size as they grow. Generally, molds generate musty odors that are the initial indicator of a potential problem. Mold will grow almost anyplace there is sufficient moisture or a water problem. The most reliable technique to discover mold is to search for traces of mold growth, water staining, or buckling or to follow your nose to the source of the odor. It’s also essential to look both behind and beneath surfaces such as carpets, wallpaper, cabinets, and walls. Certain parts of the home are particularly prone to mold growth and should be part of normal cleaning to managing mold growth. These comprise bathrooms, chiefly shower stalls, bathroom tiles, shower curtains, window moldings, the seal on the refrigerator door, and surfaces on and nearby air conditioners.

Mold fact: Mold can also “decorate” your Christmas tree, growing under garlands and lights. All vegetation, including live Christmas trees, have mold spores on them. The warmth inside the home and moisture on the tree can trigger mold growth on its branches.

Mold reactions: Who’s at risk?

Those sensitive to mold, inhaling, or even touching mold spores can lead to allergic responses, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash. Persons with severe mold allergies will possibly have more serious reactions, including shortness of breath. For those who have asthma who are allergic to mold, breathing in spores can trigger asthma attacks.

Stachybotrys chartarum, also known as “black mold,” produces toxic compounds called mycotoxins that can cause severe health problems, such as respiratory problems, asthma attacks, chronic sinus infections, fatigue, and depression. The toxic black mold has a characteristic musty odor and appears only on surfaces that have been in prolonged contact with water.

The truth is, the consequences of mold exposure can differ significantly from one person to the next, with young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and persons with long-lasting illnesses and weaker immune systems being the greater at risk. Recent studies have shown that one in every four persons has a genetic predisposition to mold illness – the so-called Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome.

Mold Fact: Mold is not necessarily bad. It plays an essential role in the ecosystem – it breaks down dead organic matter, such as dead leaves, trees, etc., and recycles it into the environment. Certain species of mold are commonly used as fermenting agents; others are engineered to make delicacy cheeses. Mold is even used in drug production – the antibiotic penicillin is a purified mold!

Did you know your homeowner’s insurance may exclude mold damage?

We know you don’t want to hear this, but the standard homeowner’s insurance policy may or may not cover mold damage, depending on the reason for the mold problem in the first place. For instance, if mold results from a covered water loss, such as the unexpected accidental release or overflow of water from the plumbing system or a household appliance, your home insurance will cover the amount of the mold remediation. That’s because the reason for the claim is the covered peril, not the mold itself.

However, Some insurance policies have exclusions, stipulating they will not cover mold removal and remediation, irrespective of the problem’s cause. Furthermore, standard insurance policies reject flood damage. They will not include water damage due to neglected home maintenance, including long-term leaky roofs, landscaping or drainage difficulties, condensation, and so forth.

Even if covered, there may be restrictions on that coverage. If you would like to boost your coverage, you can purchase a mold rider as an add-on to your existing policy.

Now, we have two questions that need to be answered:

  1. How can I help prevent mold from growing and spreading in my home?
  2. How do I rid of any such mold once it’s present?

First, how can I prevent mold from growing in my home?

It’s downright impossible to get rid of all the mold and mold spores in your home, but since mold spores are unable to grow without moisture, reducing said moisture in your home is the soundest path to preventing mold growth.

Following are some tips for reducing moisture throughout the home with specific pointers for those areas most susceptible to dampness and mold growth:

    • Make sure you have good air circulation. Keep windows open, run bathroom fans, and keep air ducts clean and in good order. Use exhaust fans that vent outside your home from the kitchen and bathroom. Make sure your clothes dryer vents to the outside. All this can assist in lowering the danger of mold growth.
    • Consider not using carpet in rooms or areas that may have a lot of moisture, such as bathrooms or basements.
    • Keep humidity levels as low as you can – between 30 and 50 percent — all day long. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep these levels low. Bear in mind that humidity levels change over the course of a day, so you’ll need to check the levels more than once daily.
    • Keep your property in good repair to help avoid excess moisture. This can help expose mold growth in its initial stages and nip it in the bud before entering your home and producing mold. This would involve leaks in roofs and foundations, plumbing, and HVAC systems.
    • Inspect your property at regular intervals, particularly following major storms, torrential rains, and snow meltdowns. This can help you spot mold growth in its early phases and block it from spreading any further.
    • Add mold inhibitors to paints before application to lessen the possibility of mold growth.
    • Remove previously affected items to help stop mold spores from tainting other materials.

Bottom line: If you keep your home as moisture-free and properly vented as possible, you have every opportunity to prevent mold growth and mold-related problems.

Second, how do I get rid of the mold in my home once it’s there?

Unfortunately, mold is tough to get rid of.

Mold is frequently located in areas that pose a problem to reach and remediate. It spreads quite speedily and affects building materials and furniture pieces, fabrics, books, and other personal items. The spores mature with the porous materials, so the only way to eradicate mold is to replace the affected items.

What’s more, most DIY mold removal techniques deliver only a short-term solution to the problem. Household cleaners aren’t tough enough to remove the fungi, and paints cover up the problem. Many people use bleach to get rid of mold in their homes. The truth is that bleach kills live mold but not mold spores. What’s more, removing mold with bleach and water can make mold regrow even faster.

The one surefire way to get rid of mold permanently is to use professional mold remediation services. The qualified mold removal specialists will detect all the mold (visible, hidden, dormant) in your property, will employ cutting-edge equipment and robust cleaning agents to rid of the spores, repair any associated damage, disinfect the infested spaces, and sanitize the air. Your home will be completely mold-free, fresh, and safe.

J&A South Park does not remove mold, but we do partner with Cleanup Services, a company certified to perform disaster services, including mold removal.

J&A Gives Back During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

by

J&A SOUTH PARK GAVE BACK THIS OCTOBER FOR BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH!

This year, J&A South Park LLC took on the fight against breast cancer. Our team created a donation page with the Susan G. Komen Foundation so that we could raise funds to stop this disease that affects 1 in 8 women during their lifetime. As the world’s largest and most impactful breast cancer organization, Susan G. Komen supports more breast cancer research than any other nonprofit outside the U.S. government, while providing real-time help to those facing the disease.

J&A wanted to join Susan G. Komen in their efforts to end breast cancer forever and asked the people in our community for help to make that vision a reality. Donations help Susan G. Komen provide education, screening and treatment programs for women and men in our community, and support cutting-edge research so that one day we can live in a world without breast cancer.

J&A decided to match all donations that were made to the J&A Susan G. Komen web page.

To raise awareness, J&A shared the information on social media and via email, created flyers for customers, wore bright pink t-shirts and masks, and even got decals for company trucks with the “J&A CARES” breast cancer awareness-inspired word mark logo.

Check out some photos from the J&A team in October!

Thank you to everyone who donated. J&A appreciates your generosity and joining our team in the fight against breast cancer!

For all of your HVAC, Plumbing, or Electric needs, contact us at J&A South Park.

Follow us on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN.

Why a Whole-House Plumbing Inspection Is So Important

by

Why a Whole-House Plumbing Inspection Is So Important

Benefits of a Whole-House Plumbing Inspection

A homeowner’s work is never quite finished. However, with an already crowded schedule, plus family and work, it’s simple to see why some household maintenance projects are put by the wayside. Although it may not appear as such, when you consider a listing of all the functioning parts that allow your house to carry on its “duties” without difficulty, your to-do list will fill up rapidly.

We admit, keeping atop your home maintenance checklist can be intimidating at times, but there are specific items that cannot be ignored, and plumbing is certainly one of them.

It turns out plumbing is one of your home’s more indispensable features that should never be overlooked. Things like clogged drains may appear unimportant at the time, but, in actuality, they can snowball into much bigger predicaments if they remain on that to-do list.

It’s important to schedule routine plumbing inspections and put to use any preventive measures to keep your home’s plumbing system functioning efficiently and correctly.
Let’s take a look at why plumbing inspections are so critical and what you should anticipate when having your plumbing inspected.

Why plumbing inspections are so important

A professional plumbing inspection has several major advantages when comparing it to your struggling to perform an inspection yourself. You can depend not only on a plumber’s experience and know-how if they happen to discover something amiss, but you can also count on their being attentive to those items you almost certainly don’t want to deal with.

For most homeowners, those items they cheerfully pass on to the professional plumber involve matters such as checking under the house or annoyances like toilet flappers and slow-draining sinks. Or, for those who might not object to the smaller jobs but aren’t at ease undertaking larger problems, professional inspectors will make sure that things such as checking and flushing your water heater on a regular basis or assuring your exterior pipes are well insulated. Top to bottom, a quality inspection can avoid any number of such headaches.

Also, keep in mind that a plumbing inspection covers more than simply ensuring your pipes have no leaks or are not undergoing corrosion. Inspections also take in the major appliances you use routinely that can experience substantial stress throughout the year.

For instance, your water heater is a part of regular plumbing upkeep. Water heaters need to undergo regular inspections and fine-tune to make certain they function cost-effectively and properly. Let’s face it, you’ll need a water heater replacement much earlier than you’ll require new pipes, and plumbing professionals will be able to recognize when it’s time to retire your existing unit.

One more incentive for thinking about an annual plumbing inspection is that the after-effects of breakdowns in the water or sewer line can be immense. These are problems you’ll absolutely want to avoid if at all possible since they can cause major damage to your home, and the repair work is often extensive as well as costly and time-consuming.

As a prime example, regular inspections will usually catch any small problems with either the water or sewer lines on your property so you can fix them before they become larger problems.

Home water lines are why a Whole-House Plumbing Inspection Is So Important

Here are some of the benefits that can come from having a plumbing inspection performed.

A home plumbing inspection could save you money

The money you “save” by avoiding routine plumbing inspections will wind up aimed at expensive repairs, replacements, and your monthly utility bill. Each leaky faucet, each pound of added water pressure, and every bang, clank, or the rattle of your pipes can add a few extra dollars to your water bill.

It also adds to the unnecessary risk of creating severe, near-irreparable plumbing difficulties that wouldn’t have been as widespread or as expensive if they had been fixed two or three months earlier.

The truth is, it can cost thousands of dollars to repair a broken sewage pipe. The repair alone will probably cost $1,000 to $2,000. Furthermore, you’ll have to pay out several thousand dollars to have the property cleaned. A cracked sewage pipe can leak into your lawn for weeks before you even spot the problem. All of a sudden, you’ll notice your lawn has become a swamp composed of sewage. Moreover, you’ll have a smelly yard that makes you feel embarrassed and nauseated at the same time.
Cleaning a sewage-filled yard demands quite a bit of preparation and safety materials, and the tab for a proper clean-up will add up rather quickly.

If you have a routine plumbing inspection, your plumber will detect that the sewage pipe exhibits signs of deterioration. Rather than allowing the pipe to break and trigger a gigantic mess, you can have the plumber correct the problem under controlled conditions.

Remember the old saying that the longer you leave a wound to fester, the higher the risk of infection? This is so true for plumbing as well. If you don’t tackle issues ASAP, you may very well wind up having to amputate, while a simple bandage applied a month or two sooner would have been sufficient.

A home plumbing inspection helps save time

This is connected to the first point: cost. If it gets to the point where your pipes or appliances need replacing, you’re not just wasting money; you’re wasting time. Let’s say a pipe in your basement burst, leading to minor flooding. The pipe is well past repair at that point. To stop the flooding, you’ll need to purchase a new pipe (or pipes) and get it installed.

Believe it. This isn’t as easy as buying a replacement table or chair. You’ll have to recognize the kind of plumbing you’re buying (so that the new pipe fits with the old) and hire a licensed plumber in your area, set up an appointment and turn off the main water supply in the course of installation.

Long story short – it’s a frustrating process that might have been sidestepped if the cracks had been dealt with earlier.

Always keep in mind, your inspection will involve much more than looking at drainage pipes for would-be clogs. Professional plumbers will also check your entire home to make certain all your plumbing works properly. By having someone carry out an inspection, your day won’t get disrupted by plumbing problems.

Improve air quality

This may seem a rather odd thing to bring in a discussion about plumbing, but what most homeowners are unaware of is that a home’s plumbing system has a direct bearing on its indoor air quality. Such issues as cracked pipes, water pressure concerns, valve glitches – all these can be the forerunner to water leaks which, when left to fester, will produce quite an appealing breeding ground for mold, mildew, and bacteria.

As you can imagine, not any of these issues bring about wholesome (or clean) air quality. Poorly maintained, leaky pipes can lead to mold growth which may well end up damaging the health of your household members.

Planned plumbing inspections can grab hold of would-be plumbing problems before they produce water leaks and the predictable mold, mildew, and germs.

Maintaining property value

Taking proper care of your home, in general, can boost the property value when the time to sell arrives. Would-be new homeowners will be delighted to pay for a property in sound shape, without having to be concerned with the dishwasher backing up or the tub overflowing because the property has been well looked after. You’d most likely experience little or no difficulty securing the market price for it because a well-maintained house and plumbing system is completely worth the money. Any experienced realtor would agree.

Checking pipes under the sink is why a Whole-House Plumbing Inspection Is So Important

Okay, how often should I get a whole house plumbing inspection?

Most professional plumbers agree that a home’s plumbing system should be checked at least once every two years.

There are instances, however, when an inspection should occur more frequently. Here are a few examples:

  • When residing in an older home. Older homes constructed prior to the 1960s may have plumbing systems that contain steel pipes. Back in the days, steel was employed because of its strength. Little were builders aware that those steel pipes might actually begin to deteriorate over time. This can lead to pipe leaks and bursts and even lead in the water supply.
  • Properties with older trees. Large trees that have been growing for a number of years have a far-reaching root system underground that’s not always easy to observe or track. Growing roots can be quite formidable and push completely through underground plumbing pipes. Should a root bring about a small leak, it may take years for you to notice, although a professional plumber would know precisely what to look for.
  • Moving into a new home. If you just recently bought a home, it’s undoubtedly a terrific idea to have a detailed plumbing inspection by someone other than a traditional home inspector. It’s those little things that can be easily unnoticed by someone other than a professional plumber and cause problems down the road.

What will the plumber check?

Here are some of the items to anticipate during your home plumbing inspection:

    • Check the water filtration systems
    • Examine all fixtures, supply lines, drains
    • In-depth investigation of all above-ground exposed plumbing, including shut-off valves and traps under kitchen, bathroom and laundry room sinks
    • Inspect all sinks, showers/bath, toilets
    • Inspection of bathroom, kitchen and laundry room draining and venting systems
    • Inspection of the conventional storage water tank or tankless water heater
    • Shut-off valve inspection
    • Sump pump and discharge inspection, if applicable

Camera inspection option

Bringing in a professional plumber to handle a camera inspection is perhaps the most proactive thing you can do with your home’s plumbing.

Cameras are capable of reaching into almost every nook and cranny in your home and actually getting behind its walls to identify potentially unsafe circumstances for you and your home.

These cameras can also spot mold growth and rusty pipes in spaces you’d by no means would be able to look – unless you took out a wall and walked through those spaces in your home, which we categorically don’t endorse.

Having a professional plumber conduct these camera inspections is a small price to pay in order to dodge bigger problems in the future.

plumbing pipe with valve for installation radiator is why a Whole-House Plumbing Inspection Is So Important

What to do in between inspections

Homeowners can be pre-emptive by carrying out regular leak checks to any visibly accessible plumbing. Also, pay close attention to utility bills and take note of any strange noises. If you spot any leaks, call a professional plumber as soon as possible.

Water can be the single most destructive force on the house and must be tackled without delay.

If signs of moisture are present, contact the plumbing team at J&A South Park for a professional leak detection. Water leaks not only trigger water damage but accelerate mold growth and can eventually cause structural damage to the walls if not dealt with.

Otherwise, prevention is the best medicine. As an example, follow your plumber’s guidance in insulating exterior pipes, so you aren’t hit with a frozen pipe in the winter. Understand that fixtures, washers, and sealers all have a limited life expectancy. If your home hasn’t had any upgrades in your lifetime, begin planning now about what you might do in case something does break down. As the Scouts would say, Be Prepared.

So, are you convinced?

Simply contact the plumbing professionals at J&A South Park to schedule your plumbing inspection. It will give you the peace of mind knowing that your plumbing system is in order and ready to perform as intended.

Is It Time for a Home Electrical Inspection?

by

Is It Time for a Home Electrical Inspection? J&A South Park provides Electrical Safety Inspections and Electrical Home Inspections.

When Should You Schedule an Electrical Inspection?

No one waffles about contacting an electrician when a switch turns out to be faulty, or they undergo an unforeseen blackout because of damaged wiring. Likewise, most of us are used to obeying health safety regulations in our day-to-day work.

Remarkably, most homeowners don’t express these same concerns for health and safety when it occurs in their own homes. It’s usually with some foot-dragging that they secure an electrical home safety inspection.

This is amazing, especially with the evidence at the hand of house fires caused by an electrical problem. It ought to be a genuine concern to not only make sure our home is safe for ourselves and our families but also to safeguard our most valuable financial investment, our home.

In order to dispel any qualms about a home electrical inspection, let’s take a look at what happens, and, more significantly, why you need an electrical safety check.

Why an electrical inspection?

Per the Electrical Foundation International (ESFI), 51,000 home electrical fires happen every year across the United States, bringing about almost 500 deaths and 1,400 injuries. While it’s impossible to preclude a fire from happening wholly, there are actions you can take to reduce the likelihood, one of them being having a licensed electrician complete a safety inspection.

How do home inspections work?

A home electrical inspection is a detailed appraisal of your home’s entire electrical system performed by a professional. A proper electrical inspection abides by a process specified by the National Electrical Code (NEC). The NEC is an array of electrical safety standards that the National Fire Protection Association continually re-evaluates and revises with feedback from electrical professionals across the country. When electricians conclude that something is “up to code,” the NEC is what they’re talking about.

The NEC sets up the minimum safety requirements for all home electrical fixtures, systems, and devices. If something is “up to code,” that indicates it meets the minimum safety standard. Throughout an inspection, electricians verify all electrical devices’ safety in your home, abiding by a checklist. This will consist of your wires, outlets, circuits, fixtures, appliances, service panels, and more. At the conclusion of the inspection, you’ll have an all-inclusive grasp of your home’s electrical safety.

An electrical safety inspection will:

  • Ensure your electrical system is working correctly.
  • Identify any existing problems before they become a hazardous threat, like an electrical fire or power shortage.
  • Proved recommended solutions to keep your home safe.
  • Help you meet the requirements for your insurance risk assessment inspection.
  • Assess the system before you commit to purchasing a home.
  • Reduce your energy consumption and costs.

Is It Time for a Home Electrical Inspection on your home's electrical panel? J&A South Park provides Electrical Safety Inspections and Electrical Home Inspections.

So, what specific occasions should trigger a home electrical inspection?

Before buying a house

You wouldn’t buy a house with faulty or hazardous electrical wiring, would you? Of course not. The safest way to make sure that a home you’re looking to buy is free of a potentially unsafe electrical system is to have an inspection performed before you make the actual purchase. Scheduling a home electrical safety inspection before signing a mortgage will help you avoid potential safety hazards. Plus, it will give you a plan for optimizing your new home’s efficiency over the years you’ll own it.

Moreover, having a home inspector who has the know-how and experience to call out system conditions that may cause future problems is crucial. A home inspection is about current issues and identifying situations that could become costly issues down the road.

One more thing—as with any system of the home that’s inspected, poor condition of the electrical system might help you negotiate a better price on a property. Once you’re aware of the defects, you can attempt to balance the cost of the repairs with the purchase price. Or you can ask that the seller makes the repairs so the home is safe the moment you move in.

You reside in an older house

Routine electrical inspections of older homes can assist in making sure your home’s electrical system is still performing correctly. Older homes, such as those built before 1950, may have old-fashioned lighting technology, such as knob-and-tube lighting. An electrical inspection will aid in your knowing whether or not that’s the case and whether it’s functioning as it should be.

For those whose homes were constructed in the 1960s and 1970s, aluminum wiring was commonly used, but it’s no longer recommended. That’s because aluminum oxidizes rather quickly, which can trigger corrosion, leading to hazardous conditions. While aluminum wiring is safe for a brief period of time, it has a short life expectancy, and once corrosion sets in, it can put your home at risk of an electrical fire.

It’s quite possible that your entire home will need new wiring, but most of the time, you’ll need a partial re-wiring. During an electrical safety inspection, the professionals at J&A South Park will be able to let you know whether the aluminum wiring in your home is safe for use.

After major renovations

Renovations to your home have the capability to alter the configuration of your home’s electrical components. That’s why it’s a great idea to have an electrical inspection carried out following such renovations. It’s also recommended if you’re adding a new home appliance such as a dishwasher, dryer, refrigerator, or entertainment center to the mix or replacing an existing one.

An electrical inspection of your home after a renovation is especially valuable if you’re looking to sell your newly remolded house.

If you detect any of these signs around your home, it might also be a good idea to get an electrical safety inspection:

  • If you’ve smelled something burning that you were not able to identify or locate.
  • If there are signs that additional electrical work was performed in your home by a prior owner.
  • If you observe anything electrical that appears shoddy or troubling, including missing covers, exposed wiring or electrical equipment dangling off a wall.
  • If a major storm has produced water damage to your electrical system.
  • If your electricity bill has been uncommonly high.
  • If you just require peace of mind that your electrical system is safe and secure.

Do I need a certified electrician to inspect my electrical system?

Absolutely, an experienced certified electrician is the only one who can properly appraise your electrical system. The technicians at J&A South Park have years of experience spotting and fixing electrical safety hazards, and we care for your home like our own.

Is It Time for a Home Electrical Inspection on your home's lighting? J&A South Park provides Electrical Safety Inspections and Electrical Home Inspections.

What is typically inspected and tested during a home safety inspection?

An electrical home safety inspection typically covers:

  • Verification of proper light bulb wattage
  • Switch and wall outlet operation and condition
  • Shock or electrocution hazards
  • Verification that arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) are operating properly
  • A check of all safety and security lighting
  • Confirmation of grounding systems
  • Validation of appropriate surge protection
  • Verification of the proper placement of smoke detectors
  • Testing of smoke detectors
  • Testing of carbon monoxide detectors
  • Inspection of the electrical panel for appropriate labels, amps and operation
  • An examination of outdoor electrical systems
  • A detailed, prioritized report on all areas of attention concerning the electrical system of your home. The report will include an evaluation of the overall condition of your electrical installation and whether it is safe or in need of corrective work. It will summarize the test results and any point out inadequacies that were present when the testing was done along with a list of items that need attention.

What are the benefits of an electrical safety inspection?

Safety

It’s known that an electrical system can be extremely dangerous, even deadly, so it’s imperative to make sure that the electrical system in your home is safe and up to code. Inspecting the condition of the electrical system should be every electrician’s top priority. Incorrect, faulty, or DIY wiring can be a huge safety and fire hazard, along with exposed wires and overloaded circuits.

Saves money

It’s true. Having an electrical safety inspection can, in fact lead to a smaller electric bill each month. In the course of an electrical inspection, an electrician can inform you if your current electrical system’s inefficiency is costing you money. This is particularly true when it occurs in an older home, especially those with antiquated knob-and-tube wiring. Not only does updating your electrical wiring slash your monthly spending on electricity, but it also helps to lessen your carbon footprint.

If you’re adding a new appliance to your home, this inspection will help you determine whether or not your electrical system is up to the new demand.

A safety inspection will also satisfy your homeowner’s insurance company verification requirements so that you qualify for insurance and get fair or reduced insurance rates.

The inspection could also involve recommendations for replacing light bulbs with green energy alternatives and suggestions about other power-saving options you might undertake.

Housing/Electrical codes

Electrical inspections are important because they help ensure your home is not in violation of any local or federal electrical codes. J&A South Park electricians are well-versed in the subject matter and know whether or not your home’s current setup is in violation of such codes.

How long does an electrical safety inspection take?

Such inspections normally take two to four hours. The time will hinge on circumstances such as the size of the property, the number and size of outbuildings, and any indoor electrical lighting and equipment on the property.

Is It Time for a Home Electrical Inspection on your smoke detectors? J&A South Park provides Electrical Safety Inspections and Electrical Home Inspections.

How often should you get an electrical safety inspection?

You should schedule an electrical safety inspection for your home every three to five years, although certain residences can go every ten years. The frequency will be contingent on factors such as the age of the house and the number of appliances on its circuits.

DIY electrical inspections or repairs are dangerous.

Only a properly trained, experienced, and a certified electrical inspector can provide reliable property inspection. Electrical safety is no place to cut corners or rely upon an amateur.

What if my home fails the electrical safety inspection?

J&A South Park’s certified electricians will outline any failures in a detailed report along with actions needed to repair them. We’ll offer insight on the safest way to meet code regulations and work with you to ensure all electrical systems are functioning with safety in mind. Quotes for repair work can be given on-site.

Finding the right electrical contractor

Electrical inspections are essential for your home’s safety. Worn, bare wires and chaotic wiring produce all types of unsafe circumstances ranging from electrocutions to destructive fires. Keep in mind that badly maintained wiring and electrical components can bring about life-threatening predicaments.

When deciding upon an electrician to carry out an inspection or any electrical work in your home, you need to make sure that the contractors hold the appropriate licenses.

Ask for references of comparable jobs they have completed in your area and learn whether their customers had any issues with the company.

Hiring a dependable, licensed, and certified electrician is crucial to maintaining a safe home. Scheduling routine inspections makes certain all wires and appliances are in good working order, which reduces the risk of accidents.

The professionals at J&A South Park meet all these prerequisites and are equipped to perform an electrical safety inspection on your home. They are committed to ensuring your home and family’s safety and preventing electrical mishaps.

Give us a call to set up a time that’s convenient to you!

The Dirtiest Places in Your Home

by

Where Are the Dirtiest Places in Your Home?, J&A South Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

You may be surprised.

When you think about dirty places in your house, your mind inevitably jumps to the bathroom. But, amazingly, there are many places much more germ-ridden in your home. There are places that we don’t even think about cleaning, so as a result becomes a breeding ground for germs and bacteria.

The public health and safety organization, the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), managed a lengthy survey that exposed the messy truth about the actual cleanliness of your home, and some of the dirtiest spots might just astonish you.

Let’s take a look at your home and shed some light on hidden dirt and bacteria and how to get rid of them.

Dirty Places: The Kitchen Sink

If you dropped a piece of fruit in your kitchen sink while rinsing it, would you think twice about popping it into your mouth? What if you dropped it into the toilet?

Although the mere thought of salvaging something from your toilet bowl may be enough to make you ill, your toilet just might be cleaner than your kitchen sink, says Eileen Abruzzo, director of infection control at Long Island College Hospital of Brooklyn.

Charles Gerba, a professor of public health at the University of Arizona, tells us, “There’s more fecal matter in your kitchen sink than there is in a toilet after you flush it. That’s why your dog drinks out of the toilet. He’s smarter than you think.”

(Dr. Garba is known as “Dr. Germ” for his abundant testing for germs on nearly every surface humankind might have occasion touch. His work is often commissioned by cleaning supply manufacturers to verify if their product works as advertised.)

Although most of us endure the necessary steps to sanitize our toilet bowls, few give our kitchen sink the same regard, Abruzzo tells WebMD. “They rinse their sinks with water and assume they are clean, but they’re not.”

Truth is, food crumbs from plates left to soak or rinsed from dishes on their way to the dishwasher can function as a breeding ground for illness-causing bacteria, including E. coli and salmonella. They can also climb aboard your hands or spread to foods.

Quick fix: To thoroughly clean your sink and check the spread of bacteria, Abruzzo advises washing it with a solution of bleach and water once a day and then allowing the solution to run down the drain. Keep in mind to remove the drain plug and clean it, too, she says. Then wash your hands.

Kitchen Counter Tops Kitchen are amongst the Dirtiest Places in Your Home, J&A South Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Dirty Places: Kitchen Countertops

The kitchen is one of the busiest rooms in most homes and also the dirtiest! All the elements that encourage bacteria to grow – heat, moisture, and food – are readily available.

Think about all the things you drop on your kitchen counter: raw meat, unwashed produce, grocery bags, even your handbag – the bottom of which is loaded with germs. According to research findings, countertops included coliform bacteria in 30 percent of tested homes.

Bear in mind that while we use cutting boards to cut our meats, vegetables, and fruits, it’s still possible to transfer bacteria.

While we’re here, what about that cutting board? “Recent surveys found more fecal matter on a cutting board in the average home than a toilet seat,” said Dr. Gerba, with a chuckle. “It’s actually safer to make your sandwich on a toilet seat than a cutting board.”

Quick fix: Spray countertops with a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water and wipe with a soft cloth. If you have a specific countertop made of marble, granite, or another specialty material, apply the manufacturer’s suggested cleaning agent. Gerba recommends scrubbing cutting boards with bleach, which he says kitchen cleaning products include for that purpose.

Dirty Places: Dishwashers, Washing Machines, and Refrigerator Door Seals

Any time you combine water and soap, such as in your dishwasher or washing machine, the build-up is going to take place. Soap and water mix and get jammed in the seals and produce a gunk build-up. In the fridge, seals will get dirty when food and drinks get trapped in them.

Quick fix: Use a combination of warm water, mild soap, and a cleaning cloth to clean these seals. You might also want to try an old toothbrush or soft-bristled grout brush to get into all the nooks and crannies.

Dirty Places: Sponges

Considering that you use the kitchen sponge or rag to do any wiping of the sink, surrounding countertops, and cutting boards, it should come as a little surprise that they win the prize as the germiest items in your home, according to Dr. Gerba. “I’ve collected sponges from several hundred homes and found salmonella on 15 percent of them. So yeah, I’m paranoid about them,” he said.

Want more proof? A 2017 study found 362 different species of bacteria living in used kitchen sponges. Bad news: Microwaving them didn’t help. Nor did boiling the sponge or putting it in the dishwasher. The bacteria just grew right back.

Quick fix: Replace your household sponges frequently.

Kitchen Sponges are amongst the Dirtiest Places in Your Home, J&A South Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Dirty Places: Your Bathtub and Shower

The locale where you wash yourself is not very clean itself. A recent study discovered staphylococcus bacteria in 25% of the bathtubs tested. Another study found even ghastlier results in whirlpool tubs. When Texas A&M’s Rita Moyes, Ph.D., tested 43 water samples from whirlpools, she observed that all 43 had slight to hazardous bacterial growth.

According to Moyes, the chief cause that whirlpool tubs are so dirty has to do with the lining of the pipes, not the tub. Water manages to get stuck in the pipes, leading to a breeding ground for germs and mold. When you switch on the jets, the germy water gushes into the tub where you’re bathing.

We all appreciate a lovely shower to wash away the day. However, this habit results in soap scum, water stains, hairs, and dirt, plus rust and grime over time. Moreover, every time you shower, you’re redistributing that filth and bacteria on everything that comes into contact with the grimy surface.

Quick fix: Experts endorse cleaning and sanitizing your tub and shower with bleach or bathroom cleaner after bathing, then dry with a clean towel. For whirlpool tubs, the safest method to block bacteria from gathering is to clean out the pipes.

Dirty Places: Your Toothbrush

You put it in your mouth twice a day, but do you ever think of all the germs lying in wait on it? “You rinse it off after using it and put it away damp,” says Abruzzo. “Bacteria like the moist area and grow on it.”

If the germs from your mouth weren’t enough to sully your toothbrush, the germs from your toilet undoubtedly are. Research at the University of Arizona several years back observed that flushing the toilet propels a spray of bacteria and virus-contaminated water droplets into the air. These germs, the research discovered, can float about the bathroom a minimum of two hours after each flush prior to settling on surfaces such as your toothbrush!

Want more statistics. One of the grossest studies (non-commissioned) was on how far bacteria spread when you flush with the lid up. It’s at least 6 feet. Really!

Quick fix: Abruzzo advises locating your toothbrush where it can air out and replace it frequently, particularly if you’ve been ill.

Dirty Places: Your TV Remote Control

That universal remote that powers your TV, sound system, and gaming station sure is handy, but it sure is filthy, too.

Let’s face it. Human hands in all states of cleanliness handle it. It’s dropped on the floor, stuffed between sofa cushions, coughed, and sneezed on. Yet, it’s rarely wiped clean, even after a sick day spent channel-flipping.

In fact, a University of Virginia study of cold viruses on household surfaces showed the remote control’s surface is among the germiest. Researchers found that half of the remote controls tested were positive for cold viruses.

Quick fix: Use a disinfectant wipe to clean remotes often. To get in between the buttons, try a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.

Dirty Places: Your Computer Keyboard

If you eat at your computer, sneeze on your keyboard or sit down to surf the Internet without washing your hands beforehand, your computer keyboard may well be a health threat. In a recent study by a British consumer group, scientists swabbed keyboards for germs and uncovered a swarm of potentially dangerous bacteria, consisting of E. coli and staph. Four of 33 sampled keyboards had an adequate number of germs to be deemed health risks. One had levels of germs five times higher than that observed on a toilet seat.

Quick fix: Wash your hands both prior to and after using a computer. To clean your keyboard, lightly shake out the crumbs or vacuum it. You can also wipe the keys with alcohol or bleach wipes but nothing too wet. While you’re at it, don’t forget the mouse.

Light Switches Kitchen are amongst the Dirtiest Places in Your Home, J&A South Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Dirty Places: Knobs, Handles, and Switches

Human hands are the offender here, touching and leaving behind dirt and germs on most anything, including doorknobs, light switches, faucet handles, refrigerator door handles, microwave handles, stove knobs, toilet flush handles, and the like. These small objects are simply ignored when cleaning, as most of us are more apt to concentrate on larger surfaces such as floors, countertops, and furniture. Nevertheless, as an example, in the NSF’s report, 14 percent of refrigerator door handles tested positive for staph.

Quick fix: The fastest and simplest way to go through your home and clean and sanitize all of these small items is to seize a box of disinfecting wipes, rubber gloves, and a plastic grocery bag. Wipe all these items down and throw the used wipes in the bag and dispose of them.

Dirty Places: Carpets

Environmental biologist Kelly Reynolds points out there could be as many as 200,000 bacteria per square inch in a family room carpet after he isolated salmonella, E. coli, and MRSA in carpet fibers.

Carpets insnare skin cells, food particles, pollen, and pet dander, producing a germ utopia. Walking and other movements executed on the rug carry it all closer to the surface.

Quick Fix: Weekly vacuuming with the beater brush turned on aids in removing dirt and germs from carpet fibers. To help sanitize carpets, use an antibacterial spray. A yearly professional deep steam cleaning is also suggested.

Dirty Places: Pets and Pet Toys

Perhaps no one tracks bacteria into our homes greater than our pets. Of course, your pets warrant pleasant clean food and water bowls. However, their food and water bowls placed high amid the germiest household items.

Not far back were pet toys. They will not only provide lodgings for coliform bacteria, but they will also give refuge to yeast, mold, and staph bacteria, none of which are beneficial for you or your pet’s health.

Quick fix: Pet bowls should be cleaned daily. Sanitize toys made of rubber or plastic with hot water and a dish soap every few weeks. Toys of fabric can be tossed into the washing machine.

Practical Things to Keep in Mind

Don’t stress too much on keeping every square inch of your home sanitized – it’s not realistic and, furthermore, the body’s immune system is devised to manage a reasonable quantity of everyday germs.

Chiefly focus on those spaces where bacteria prosper. Also, frequent hand washing (how many times have we heard that this past year?) and repeated cleaning of food preparation areas could significantly lessen the threat of illness.

J&A South Park technicians might not be able to assist in cleaning your house, but if you encounter problems with your HVAC, plumbing, or electrical systems, don’t hesitate to give us a call!

Prepare Your HVAC System for Cooler Weather

by

Prepare Your HVAC System for Cooler Weather

Yes, It’s Time to Prepare Your HVAC System for the Colder Weather Ahead.

Fall is in the air, and that brings with it the inescapable transition from cooling season to the heating season. Though the cooler temperatures may bring relief from the hot mugginess of summer at first, you may start wondering what you should do to prepare for the winter months? What are the procedures for switching from the air conditioner to the furnace? How should you prepare the air conditioner for winter? How do I start the furnace?

Before you turn on your heating system, however, it’s really important to get your annual heating tune-up. This is a must-do fall maintenance task that can save you a considerable amount on your energy bills and will help ensure your furnace will have no breakdowns during a cold winter. Just like your vehicle needs to be maintained to run correctly, you need to do the same when you prepare your HVAC system.

Because a furnace/HVAC unit has moving parts, it’s important that belts are not dry and cracked, ductwork is not gapped, cracked, or rusted, and components such as coils and fans are clog-free and sufficiently lubricated. This type of assessment is best left to the professional unless the homeowner has had the proper training.

Scheduling HVAC maintenance once in the fall and once in the spring will help you save huge in the long run. You can save even more with a J&A South Park HVAC maintenance plan to ensure you get your system checked out twice a year.

Turning on the furnace

To turn the furnace on, simply look for the switch on your thermostat labeled: HEAT COOL OFF, and flip the switch from COOL to HEAT. Newer digital thermostats may have an option on the digital screen rather than a switch. The temperature does not have to be set at a specific point; that is a personal preference. If you have steam heat or don’t have an A/C, your thermostat will not have a HEAT COOL OFF switch.

If you turn the thermostat from cool to heat and it’s not functioning, then it’s time to take a trip to the furnace. Look for a switch on the side of the furnace that resembles a light switch. Make sure that switch is also “on.”

If it still doesn’t go on, it might be time to call your HVAC technician.

Check the air filter

If you’ve been reading any of our previous blogs on HVAC maintenance, you no doubt have learned about how critical it is to change your air filters. We cannot overemphasize how important this is!

When dirt and dust build-up on the air filter, airflow is curbed, lowering the HVAC unit’s efficiency and ultimately leading to more serious problems. A dirty HVAC filter cannot only waste energy but even damage your furnace in the long run. More importantly, if your filter isn’t actually filtering, it can affect your family’s health and cause breathing issues, especially for those with allergies or asthma.

What types of filters are available? Most HVAC and furnace filters are one-use, constructed of Eco-friendly paper or similar media, and shaped in cells, screens, or fins intended to catch as much airborne debris as possible. You’ll find there are many types of filters that will fit various models of furnaces/HVAC units, and it’s quite important to use the correct filter for your particular unit. Using the wrong filter that doesn’t fit your unit properly can create the same types of problems as having a dirty filter.

Checking the return register of your HVAC vent will ensure it is free of dust and debris for maximum air flow.

Find and seal leaks

Heating experts tell us that up to 38 percent of your home’s heat is lost through leaks in the ductwork and around doors and windows during a typical winter.

Locating and sealing such leaks can help you stop losing warm air. This would include sealing your ductwork and caulking windows. You might also need to lower your door threshold or replace the weather stripping around the bottom.

Back to your air ducts. ENERGY STAR estimates that leaky ducts can reduce a home’s heating system’s efficiency by up to 20 percent.

That’s why it’s essential to consider hiring an HVAC tech to pressure test and inspect the ductwork in your home to make sure that all the heated air is reaching the appropriate rooms. The technician will search for loose joints, holes, or leaks and fix these problems accordingly.

In addition, you might want to consider insulating the ducts with a material rated R-6 or higher – especially if they run through an unheated basement or a crawl space.

Before we move on from the air ducts, it’s important to make a note to keep them clear from obstructions. Move furniture, drapes, and anything else blocking your air ducts and cold-air returns. Blocked vents reduce airflow and stress your furnace.

Adjust return registers

Return registers are pairs of registers located near the ceiling and the floor of rooms throughout your home. You can identify them because they are usually bigger than a supply vent.

By deliberately opening and closing these registers, you can enhance the airflow throughout your home as the seasons change.

Remember, hot air rises, and cold air falls. In the winter, you want the cold air to be drawn through the return registers leaving the hot air behind. By opening the lower registers and closing the top ones, you keep the hot air and draw the cold air out. Since cold air is heavier, it will automatically flow down to the lower register.

By following this tip, your HVAC system won’t have to work quite as hard to keep you cozy in the winter, helping to reduce energy costs.

Installing a Smart Thermostat in Kitchen with help the efficiently of your HVAC.

This energy saver can pay for itself in less than a year

A programmable thermostat – a thermostat combined with a clock – can handle daily system temperature changes for you automatically, year’ round. Once you set a programmable thermostat, you can forget it – unless you want to change the program.

A programmable thermostat can also help break the habit of thermostat “fiddling,” which usually causes temperature swings and excessive energy bills. You know what we mean – you’re either cranking it up or turning it down. With a programmable unit, you can keep the temperature steady when you’re home and at an energy-smart setting when the home is empty.

For example, during cold weather months, the program will cycle the heating season, so your home is a comfortable 72 degrees when you get up in the morning – and then allow the temperature to drop to 66 degrees while you’re at work. Later, when you arrive home, the system will have heated your home back to 72 degrees again. After you go to bed, the thermostat can lower the temperature a few degrees to save even more energy before repeating the cycle the next day.

To humidify or not to humidify, that is the question

The proper humidity level – many experts suggest around 35 percent – is a good thing for both you and your house during the winter. Besides allowing you to lower your thermostat setting two or three degrees (because you’ll feel warmer at higher humidity levels), a humidifier will minimize shocks from static electricity and reduce dry skin and respiratory problems for your family.

In addition, a little extra humidity will help prevent hardwood floors from shrinking, doors from sticking, and furniture from drying out. Keep in mind, though, too much humidity can create a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and insects – and damage to the drywall (or plaster), the insulation, and the structure of your home.

Older, drafty homes need more help with humidity than newer homes. You may want to try placing a couple of portable humidifiers around the house, but a better choice (if you have forced-air heat) is to install a whole-house humidifier that attaches to the ductwork on your heating system.

For a home with baseboard heat, radiant heat, or radiators, look for a self-contained humidifier that hangs from the floor joists in the basement (or heated crawl space) and connects to a floor vent near the center of the house.

Use your ceiling fans and windows to your HVAC system’s advantage

While we usually talk about how ceiling fans can help cool your home, they can also be a unique way to help lower your heating costs. If you change the fan’s rotation to clockwise and set it to low, it will help bring warm air that’s risen to the ceiling back down to the living area. Some experts claim this little trick can save up to 15 percent on your heating bill.

Your windows can also help you keep your home comfortable throughout the heating season, but only if they have the right coverings. Adding curtains to a room can reduce heat loss by up to 10 percent, according to Energy.gov.

During the winter, open your drapes or blinds on the south side of your home to bring the heat in. Keep trees and shrubs away from your windows, so the rays aren’t blocked.

Running a ceiling fan, even in the cooler months, will help your HVAC heat your home.

Is it time for a change?

If you’ve lived in your home for more than a few years – and the heating system was in place when you purchased the house – it may be hard for you to determine if you’ve gotten your money’s worth out of your current equipment. But consider this: ENERGY STAR recommends replacing a furnace or boiler that’s more than 15 years old with a new, high-efficiency unit.

Here are some of the other clues that it’s time to go shopping for a new heating system:

  • Your heating bills are going up because the system is using more energy than in previous years.
  • The equipment needs to be repaired frequently – often for a different reason each time.
  • Some of the rooms in your house are too hot or too cold, no matter how you adjust the airflow through the ducts.
  • The system just doesn’t seem to be working properly, even after a service call.
  • The air in your home is exceptionally dry during the heating months.

Unfortunately, you often can’t see what causes a heating system to waste energy, beyond apparent clues such as a sagging duct that blows heated air into the basement, a noisy fan motor on a forced-air furnace, or a leaking fuel line on a boiler. Most energy-wasting problems will be hidden from view.

Preparing you A/C unit

Before we end, let’s not forget there are also some maintenance tips to prepare you’re A/C unit for hibernation.

  • Clean the outdoor unit. Wait for a warm fall day to hose down the A/C. The unit is retired for winter as clean as possible by removing dirt, dust, fallen leaves, grass clippings, and bird drippings.
  • Insulate exposed pipes. If exterior pipes between the air conditioner and your house are out in the open, install foam insulation around them to defend against freezing temperatures. You might want to wrap duct tape around the foam to hold it in place.
  • Retire the A/C unit properly. Don’t enclose the outdoor unit with a plastic or vinyl covering. These materials aren’t breathable, so condensation could form beneath the cover, triggering rust or mold. Breathable materials such as canvas keep rain or snow out and allow air drying when the weather clears.

The best HVAC System partners

All of us at J&A South Park have years of experience with heating and cooling installation and maintenance. We pride ourselves in service at a fair price, meaning you’re getting the kind of partner that will make sure your system is working in peak condition, season in, and season out.

If you’re ready to schedule routine HVAC maintenance or if you have a concern about the functionality of your HVAC system, don’t hesitate to contact us today.