Homewerx Home Inspection Blog

Electric tankless water heater

This is an electric tankless water heater.  It looks a little different than the gas tankless water heater picture I posted earlier.

Tankless water heaters can save money

This is a tankless gas water heater in a 2 year old house. With this type of water heater, water is heated on demand rather than storing hot water in a tank. This type of water heater typically costs less to operate and lasts longer than a traditional storage water heater.  Some Arizona builders are now installing tankless water heaters in the new homes they build.

Don't Just Have a Home Inspection, Get a HomeXray!!

What is a HomeXray^SM?
A HomeXray^SM is a scan of your home using a special infrared thermal imaging camera.  This infrared (IR) camera detects very small temperature variations in your home’s components, even in hidden areas such as behind the walls, above the ceiling and beneath the floors.  These very minor temperature differences often reveal ‘invisible’ problems which cannot be seen with the naked eye, and would not be found with just a traditional home inspection.  Some people refer to this technology as "seeing through walls" or "X-ray Vision".  While neither of these analogies are technically correct, in many cases a HomeXray^SM can help the Inspector "see" problems that would otherwise not be visible.

Why do I need a HomeXray^SM?
A HomeXray^SM takes your home inspection to the next level!  While a good home inspector can detect a wide variety of problems without "seeing inside the walls", a standard home inspection has limitations because it's a visual inspection.  A HomeXray^SM is an inexpensive, non-invasive and non-destructive method of finding hidden problems that would otherwise go undetected.  Often times, a HomeXray^SM can find a problem in its early stages before there are visible symptoms, making it easier and less expensive to repair.  Much like a medical x-ray can help a doctor to diagnose a problem inside your body without doing exploratory surgery, a HomeXray^SM is a quick and painless way to find certain types of problems that can be hidden within your home’s walls, floors and ceilings.  But even a HomeXray^SM has limitations, and it takes much more than a special IR camera to "see through walls".  Just like it takes a trained Radiologist to properly interpret your medical x-ray, it takes a trained Thermographer to properly interpret your HomeXray^SM.  Rest assured that when you order a HomeXray^SM from Homewerx, your Inspector is also a trained, experienced and Certified Thermographer.

The U.S. Dept. of Energy recommends having an infrared scan done before purchasing a home because even new houses can have defects in their thermal envelopes.

This HomeXray^SM of a ceiling reveals an area with no insulation.         
 

What types of problems can a HomeXray^SM reveal?
A HomeXray^SM can find several different types of hidden problems, including:

• Plumbing leaks, moisture intrusion and water damage
• Missing insulation and energy loss
• Heating, cooling and ventilation problems (HVAC), including ductwork leaks
• Roof leaks, structural issues and foundation cracks
• Faulty wiring, breakers and fuses 
• Pests such as termites, rats and mice

Is a HomeXray^SM part of a Home Inspection?
A HomeXray^SM is not included with your home inspection - it's an additional service.  You can order a HomeXray^SM by itself, or with a home inspection.  You may also choose to have a HomeXray^SM of your entire house, or we can do a HomeXray^SM of one specific area where you suspect a problem.  It's up to you!  Of course, you can save money when you order both a home inspection and a HomeXray^SM at the same time!

Do I get a report with my HomeXray^SM?
Yes!  The Inspector also prepares a comprehensive, typewritten report which explains the results of your HomeXray^SM and includes several color photos.  The report is EASY-TO-READ and understand and contains maintenance advice plus other helpful homeowner information.  Reports are usually emailed the next day, but can also be delivered by fax or regular mail.

How much does a HomeXray^SM cost?
The price of a HomeXray^SM depends on several factors:  the size of your home, whether you want a HomeXray^SM of the entire house or just a certain area, and whether you order your HomeXray^SM with a home inspection or by itself.  But for a limited time, when you order a home inspection from Homewerx, you can get a HomeXray^SM for an additional fee of:

ONLY $149.00* (for homes up to 3000 square feet)
This is an introductory offer only and won't last long... so HURRY!

   

Order your HomeXray^SM today!
 

(480) 503-2611
TOLL FREE:  1-888-THE-WERX

Because an ounce of inspection is worth a pound of repair!

*IMPORTANT NOTE:  $149 HomeXray^SM offer is good only on homes that are 3000 square feet or smaller, and requires the purchase of a Home Inspection at regular price.  The HomeXray^SM must be performed at the same time as the Home Inspection or additional trip charges may apply.  No other discounts or offers may be used in conjunction with this offer.  This price is offered for a limited time only and may end without notice.

Homeowners Need Inspections Too!

Even when you are not buying or selling a home, you can still benefit from a home inspection in a variety of ways:

• Warranty Inspections - for new homes, before the 1 or 2 year warranty expires
• Annual Home Maintenance Inspections - to find problems early, minimizing repair costs
• Home Energy Tune-uPs - for homeowners who want to save energy
• Termite Inspections - should be performed regularly in Arizona
• Roof Inspections - annually or if you suspect a problem
• Pool & Spa Inspections - annually or if you suspect a problem
• Sewer Inspections - using a video camera, usually to diagnose a problem
• Air Duct Inspections - using a video camera, usually to diagnose a problem
• Radon Testing - when buying or if you suspect a problem
• Lead-based Paint Testing - usually for homes built prior to 1978
• Mold Testing & Indoor Air Quality - when buying or if you suspect a problem
• Water Quality Testing - when buying or if you suspect a problem
• Special Inspections - if you just have a specific problem or concern
• Expert Witness Services - for legal issues with builders, contractors, insurance companies, warranty companies and other parties

We also inspect rental properties:

• Landlord and Investor Inspections - performed regularly while tenants are living in your property
• Renter Inspections - to help renters document existing damage and defects before moving into a rental property

We even do Commercial Inspections!

• Offices
• Retail space
• Apartment complexes
• Other commercial properties

So remember, home inspections are not just for buyers!  The longer you have owned your home or plan to own your home, the more important it is to have regular inspections in order to properly maintain your home and avoid costly repairs.

Call for an inspection today!

(480) 503-2611
TOLL FREE:  1-888-THE-WERX

Or Schedule Online!

Air Conditioner & Heat Pump Warning Signs

As we get into the 100+ degree temperatures, the efficiency of your home's cooling system becomes of the utmost importance.  Your air conditioner or heat pump is usually the most expensive appliance in your home, not only in terms of initial cost, but also when it comes to maintenance cost and energy use.

To maintain comfort in your home and to keep your cooling unit working at peak efficiency, you should:

• have your air conditioner or heat pump serviced annually by a qualified professional
• change your air filters at least once per month (yes - every month!)
• keep at least 90% of all your home's air vents open to avoid creating a pressure imbalance
• clean any debris or obstructions near the outdoor components of your cooling system to improve cooling efficiency

In many cases, it makes alot of sense financially to replace an older cooling system even if it still works just fine.  This is because newer cooling units are much more energy efficient than older ones.  Therefore, the money you save in electric bills will pay for the cost of the new unit in a fairly short time.  It obviously depends on how long you plan to keep your home.  If your air conditioner or heat pump is more than 10 years old and you plan to keep your home for several years, you should definitely consider a newer, more efficient cooling system.

One or more of the warning signs below could indicate that your cooling system may soon be due for repair or replacement:

• Your cooling system makes excessive noise
• Your air conditioner or heat pump turns on and off frequently
• You notice some rooms are colder than desired, or hotter than desired
• Your electricity usage increases
• You notice excessive dust in your home
• Your cooling system requires frequent repair
• Your cooling system is more than 10 years old

Hope this information helps you and your family stay cool this summer.  Remember, if you have any type of problem in your home, Homewerx Home Inspections can help!  We do homeowner maintenance inspections and special inspections, in addition to many other services.

Call today for more information
or to schedule your inspection!

Valleywide (480) 503-2611
Toll free: 1-888-THE-WERX

Saving Hot Water Can Save You Money

According to SRP, up to 20% of their average customer’s annual energy usage goes towards producing hot water for every day tasks such as laundry, bathing, cooking and dishwashing.  Employing a few simple tips can help you save money while also saving water and energy.

• Identify and repair all leaky water faucets.  A slow drip can leak hundreds of gallons of water per year.  If it’s a hot water leak, both the water and heating it will cost you money.  Be sure to turn off faucets completely and teach your kids to properly turn off faucets.
• Set the thermostat on your water heater to 120 degrees.  Lowering the temperature from 140 degrees to 120 degrees can save you up to $7 per month.  Setting your water heater thermostat to 120 degrees can also reduce the risk of scalding accidents, which are especially a concern with young children and the elderly.
• If you participate in a peak-hour type program with your electric company, you should consider installing a timer on your water heater.  Set the timer in a manner that will prevent the water heater from cycling on during the expensive, on-peak hours.
• Instead of taking baths, take short showers.  A bath can use 15-25 gallons of water, while an average 5-minute shower uses less than 10 gallons.
• Consider installing low-flow faucets or aerators in your kitchen and/or bathroom.  This can reduce consumption of hot water by up to 35%.

The above figures are based on a typical SRP customer with an electric water heater.  However, saving hot water can also save you money if you have a gas water heater!

Source:  SRP’s Contact, February 2006

Now Offering Home Energy Tune-uPs®

Homewerx Home Inspections is now offering a new service that can help homeowners keep those electric and gas bills affordable.  It's called a Home Energy Tune-uP® and it's easy and inexpensive to have done.  Our Certified Home Inspector will collect certain data throughout your home such as information about your windows, doors, insulation, heating and cooling units, etc.  The Inspector examines and measures all energy related parts of the house, and then uses the data to prepare a report describing what you can do to improve the energy efficiency of your home.  For each energy-saving recommendation, your report will estimate the cost and potential savings.

Anyone who plans to live in their home for more than a few years should consider having a Home Energy Tune-uP®.  It can easily pay for itself by reducing your utility bills, and we should all do our part to conserve energy!

A Home Energy Tune-uP® costs:

• Up to 3500 square feet - $200
• Over 3500 square feet - $250
• SAVE $50 if you also order a home inspection or other service!!

For more information or to schedule a Home Energy Tune-uP®, call Homewerx Home Inspections today. The sooner you call, the sooner you can start saving energy and money!

(480) 503-2611
Toll Free 1--888-THE-WERX

Or Schedule Online!

Fireplace Safety

When the weather begins to turn cooler, people start to crank up their fireplaces.  It is very relaxing to cozy up with a good book on a cold winter's night and watch the fire.  However, before lighting your fireplace, you should check a few things to ensure the safety of your home and family.  It is important to know what type of fireplace you have and how to operate it properly.

If you have recently purchased a home, it is important to have your fireplace and chimney inspected.  A defective or deteriorating firebox and chimney can be hazardous to the structure of your home, as well as to your family.  It is also wise to install a carbon monoxide detector in your home.  A fireplace that is not operating correctly can produce this toxic gas.  Be aware that the suggestions below are not intended to replace an inspection by a qualified inspector.

There are two main types of built in-fireplaces:  masonry and metal insert.  Masonry fireplaces are built with bricks and mortar and have a metal or clay flue liner.  They are designed to burn anything from cordwood to gas logs.  Metal insert fireplaces, on the other hand, are just that.  A metal firebox is inserted into the framing of the house and a single or double-walled flue is extended through the siding or roof of the house.  They are primarily designed to burn gas logs only.   It should be noted that fireplaces are very inefficient for heating and are primarily for entertainment.  Even with the best fireplaces, less than 17% of the heat is radiated into the house; the rest is lost up the chimney.

Things to look for in a masonry fireplace
First, look at the fireplace as a whole.  If there is not a spark screen or glass door, do not use the fireplace.  Check to see if there are any damaged or cracked bricks in the firebox or hearth.  Look at the mortar joints.  Are they in good condition or are they deteriorating?  Operate the damper and make sure it is open before lighting a fire.  And finally, look at the top of the chimney for a spark screen and make sure the opening at the top is clear.

Note: If the primary fuel burned in the fireplace is cordwood, have the chimney cleaned after every one and a half cords.  This will prevent a fire in the chimney from creosote build up.
Safety Note: Never burn 2 x 4’s or other engineered wood products in your fireplace.  These products are chemically treated and may give off toxic fumes.

Things to look for in a metal insert fireplace
Metal fireplace inserts are very common in many new homes.  They are generally safe appliances to operate, however, like masonry fireplaces are for entertainment rather than home heating. First, look at the fireplace as a whole.  If there is not a spark screen or glass door or if you see any physical damage, do not use the fireplace.  Look at the top of the chimney for a spark screen and make sure that trees or bushes are clear of the opening.  If an electric igniter is installed, check that it is operational before turning on the gas.  Look at the gas burner for rust, physical damage or soot build up.  If while lighting the burner, an ignition whomp occurs (a slow ignition of the gas that makes a whomp sound) a problem may exist with the air gap setting in the burner assembly.  In some sealed units, after the burner is lit, the glass may fog up, however, the fogging should clear up in a few minutes.

Note: Follow the manufacturers’ instructions for your particular unit when lighting. 

If you have any questions or concerns, contact a professional...and ALWAYS watch children around fire!

Air Duct Inspection (using video camera)

An Air Duct Inspection is a visual inspection of the inside of your air ducts.  For this type of inspection, the inspector uses a specially designed video camera which can be extended up to 100 feet inside the air ducts.  The inspector and client can then view the inside of the air ducts on a small TV monitor.  This type of Air Duct Inspection is helpful in identifying conditions that affect both your cooling system's efficiency and your family's health.  Some conditions that can be diagnosed by an Air Duct Inspection are:

• Dirt or mold in the air ducts
• Dead animals, trash or other obstructions in the air ducts
• Cracks or other openings/penetrations in the air ducts

Cracks in the air ducts are of particular concern in homes with a sub slab return system because these types of cracks can increase the potential for high levels of radon gas.

The cost for this type of Air Duct Inspection is:

• $300 by itself, or
• $200 if you get an Air Duct Inspection in conjunction with a home inspection or other service

For an additional fee, the client may purchase a copy of the Air Duct Inspection on a VHS video tape, or on a DVD.

...Because an Ounce of Inspection is Worth a Pound of Repair!

Valleywide Service, 7 Days a Week!

Call Today
(480) 503-2611
TOLL FREE:  1-888-THE-WERX

Or Schedule Online!

Why Do I Need a Home Inspection?

There are many reasons one might need a home inspection:

• Before you buy a home
• Before you sell a home
• While you're building a new home
• Before your new home warranty expires
• When you have a specific problem that needs investigating such as your roof, sewer or plumbing system, air ducts and ventilation, pool or spa, etc.
• To improve energy efficiency and save money on utility bills
• When your builder won't seem to honor their warranty
• Periodically to catch problems early and maintain your home's value
• To look for termite activity
• For environmental testing, such as lead-based paint, water quality, radon, mold & indoor air quality

Call today!

(480) 503-2611
or 1-888-THE-WERX

or Schedule Online!

Because an ounce of inspection is worth a pound of repair!

Brand New House Has Gas Furnace Problem

Why should you get a home inspection even if your house is brand new?   I recently performed an inspection on a new home in South Phoenix.  When it was time to inspect and test the two gas furnaces, I made my way into the scudle hatch, traversed gingerly across the attic floor and positioned myself strategically in front of the two air handlers.  (Don't try this yourself - call a professional home inspector!)  Visually checking the furnaces' components, drain lines and ductwork, everything appeared to be in good order.  However, one small detail was overlooked.  The gas line was never hooked up to the bottom floor furnace, leaving the unit inoperable.

    

But this is a brand new home!  Didn’t someone test the units after installing them?  The tenants were heating their 2200 square foot, two story home with the smaller, second floor heater.  The thermostat was set to 78 degrees upstairs.  It was pleasant on the first floor but the second floor felt like July.  Needless to say that the tenants gas bill will likely decrease once both furnaces are operating properly.

      

Moral of the story;  just because it's new doesn’t mean it's perfect…call your friendly Homewerx Home Inspector today!

Construction still in progress!

We are still working on this blog so we're sorry in advance for anything that may seem confusing or features that are not yet working!  Many feature are working, however, so take a look around...you will find useful, interesting information about your home. 

Thanks for visiting and be sure to come back soon!

Home Heating Prices Increase Significantly

Home heating costs are expected to be significantly higher this winter due to recent hurricanes in the Gulf Coast, as well as other factors.  The prices of natural gas, heating oil and propane are all expected to rise, with natural gas increasing approximately 41% over last winter's prices.  Heating oil is expected to be about 27% more expensive this winter, and propane is expected to cost in excess of 20% more than last winter.  In dollars and cents, this means the average U.S. family can expect heating bills to cost over $300 more this winter than last.  Once we get through the cold weather, those of us that live in Arizona will be rewarded with yet more high utility bills this summer!

But help is on the way!  Homewerx Home Inspections is now offering a new service that can help homeowners keep those electric and gas bills affordable.  It's called a Home Energy Tune-uP and it's easy and inexpensive to have done.  Our Certified Home Inspector will collect certain data throughout your home such as information about your windows, doors, insulation, heating and cooling units, etc.  The Inspector examines and measures all energy related parts of the house, and then uses the data to prepare a report describing what you can do to improve the energy efficiency of your home.  For each energy-saving recommendation, your report will estimate the cost and potential savings.

Anyone who plans to live in their home for more than a few years should consider having a Home Energy Tune-uP.  It can easily pay for itself by reducing your utility bills, and we should all do our part to conserve energy!

For more information or to schedule a Home Energy Tune-uP, call Homewerx Home Inspections today.  The sooner you call, the sooner you can start saving energy and money!

(480) 503-2611 or 1-888-THE-WERX

Ask the Home Inspector

If you have a question relating to home inspections, you may ask it by using the 'Comments' below.  Keep in mind that anything you post in the 'Comments' will become a permanent part of this blog.  If you have a more personal question that you do not want published, you may email me your question instead.

Your question will be answered within 48 hours.  If you email your question, the answer will be emailed to you.  If you post your question in the Comments, the answer will be posted in the Comments.  Please understand that I cannot always answer your question definitively without actually seeing and inspecting the condition you are asking about, but I will do my best!

You are always welcome to call my office with any questions or concerns.  My contact information is below.  Have a great day, and remember...an ounce of inspection is worth a pound of repair!

Scott Hubbard Certified Home Inspector, ASHI Member Homewerx Home Inspections Office: (480) 503-2611 Toll Free: 1-888-THE-WERX Email me

Homewerx At a Glance - Home Inspections, Termite Reports**, Environmental Testing & More!

WE CAN NOW TAKE CARE OF BOTH YOUR HOME INSPECTION & TERMITE REPORT!**

• Inspections 7 Days a Week, Valleywide
• State Certified, ASHI® Standards
• Fully Insured Including E&O, General Liability & Workmans Comp
• Reports Can Be E-mailed
• Lockbox Access
• Online Scheduling
• 5-Day Scheduling Guarantee*
• Low Price Guarantee* 
• Promise of Quality*
• All Inspectors are ASHI® Members or Candidates
• VISA & MasterCard Gladly Accepted
• Comprehensive, Easy-to-Read Reports with Color Photos
• Walk Through with Inspector and Ask Questions
• Get Your Termite Report** & Home Inspection with one appointment, and just one payment!
• Courteous, Knowledgeable Staff
• Highest Ethical Standards
• Latest Technology
• Full Service Inspection Company
• Family-owned and operated since 1999

We offer the following services VALLEYWIDE, 7 days a week:

• Pre-Purchase Inspection
• Pre-Sale Inspection
• Arizona Disclosure Reports
• Neighborhood Environmental Reports
• Construction Inspection
• Warranty Inspection
• Home Maintenance Inspection
• Special Inspection
• Home Energy Tune-uP®
• Commercial Inspection
• Termite Inspection
• Roof Inspection
• Pool & Spa Inspection
• Sewer Inspection
• Air Duct Inspection
• Radon Testing
• Mold Testing & Indoor Air Quality
• Water Testing
• Lead-Based Paint Testing
• Expert Witness Service

(480) 503-2611
or 1-888-THE-WERX

You can even SCHEDULE YOUR INSPECTION ONLINE!

Because an ounce of inspection is worth a pound of repair!

          

* 5-day Scheduling Guarantee means 5 business days.  All offers, promotions and guarantees available in Phoenix-metro area only, and other restrictions apply.  Call for complete details.

** Termite Inspections are scheduled by Homewerx, Inc. at the same time as your home inspection, but Termite Inspections are performed by Canyon State Termite & Pest Control LLC.  Only one appointment and one payment required!