Energy Efficiency

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Here Come The Ice Dams

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Now that we have finally had our first appreciable snowfall in the Rochester MN area we have to be on the lookout for Ice Dams. Ice dams are the result of snow melting on the roof due to poor insulation.

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Rochester MN Home Inspector Recommends Cleaning and Maintaining Your Wood Burning Fireplace

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There are many reasons to keep your homes fireplace and chimney clean and in tip top operating condition. A dirty chimney will reduce the effectiveness of a fireplace as a heat source. Severe neglect and lack of maintenance may result in a chimney fire. Chimney fires can lead to home fires.

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Rochester MN Home Inspector Shares How To Keep Your Home Comfortable Year Round

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Homeowners are always looking for ways to update their homes. Upgrades to the kitchen and bath, or a fresh coat of paint can add value and look nice. Sometimes the most effective Do It Yourself projects aren’t visible at all.

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Small Water Savings Tips That Have A Big Impact

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Water and Sewer bills can be as high as $500 for the average household. According to the EPA, you can save up to $170 per year and conserve resources by making just a few small changes in your water usage. From replacing old and inefficient appliances to making small changes in your home, you have the potential to realize savings.

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Home Inspector From Rochester MN Shares Ways To Save On Your Energy Bills

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Each year, your average household can spend up to $2200 on energy costs. Our economy today is certainly challenging, and homeowners are looking for ways to stretch their monthly utility and household expenses.

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Rochester MN Home Inspector Discussion On Adding Storm Doors To Your Home

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What does your home have that can improve its first impression and it’s energy efficiency? It’s on the front of your home and sits directly in front of your main entrance. I’m talking about your storm doors. Storm doors play an important role in your homes curb appeal and energy efficiency. They can beautify and prevent drafts.

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Home Inspector Asks, Is Your Air Conditioner Ready For Summer?

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Just like any of the other systems in our homes, our air conditioners need periodic maintenance to keep them running smoothly. We want the air conditioner to work when we need it right?

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Rochester MN Home Inspector Discloses How to Cut Costs Efficiently, and Green up Your Home

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It can be a challenge to keep your home cool and comfortable while keeping your energy bills in control, especially with the arrival of warmer weather. There are a few steps you can take now that will make your home more environmentally friendly while saving money and natural resources.

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Blocked Furnace Venting Found During Home Inspection

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The recent heavy snowfall and drifting brings one more thing that Rochester and Southeastern MN homeowners need to keep an eye on. Home owners with High Efficiency, direct vent furnaces and water heaters need to check to see that the venting has not been drifted over with snow or blocked.

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Yearly Inspection and Cleaning Dirty Refrigerator Coils

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Recently I came across a refrigerator/freezer unit that was heavily frosted up in the freezer unit. I took a look underneath the unit and the coils were completely loaded up with lint and dust bunnies. When the coils under a unit are all loaded and dirty up they can not operate efficiently, resulting in higher energy bills.

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Rochester MN Home Inspections Help On Energy Saving Doors

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At first glance, an old leaky garage door may not seem like something that would contribute to your rising home utility bills, but just might be worth thinking about. A new, insulated garage door can reduce energy loss through the garage door by up to 71%.

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Rochester MN Home Inspectors Unearth Dirty Furnace Filter

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As a home inspector, I take the time to discuss the furnace filter with the new home owner during the walkthrough at their home inspection. It is crucial that you change your furnace filter regularly to help keep the air clean in your home.

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Home Inspectors Recommend Regular HVAC Cleaning

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It’s getting cold and you are starting to close up the house for the season. Contaminants that are in your furnace, home, and duct work will circulate through out your home all winter long. Your HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning) system can collect molds, fungi, dust, bacteria’s, pollens, and other allergens, that can cause irritation to some or all who live in your home. Believe it or not, the air in your home can be 2-5 times more polluted that the outdoor air according to the EPA.

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Rochester MN Home Inspections Recommendation On Attic Insulation

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When it gets cold outside we usually grab a blanket to help stay warm. Wrap your home in a blanket by adding insulation to areas like the attic, basement walls, and crawlspaces. Additional insulation can help to reduce your yearly energy costs and make your home more comfortable.

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Rochester MN Home Inspectors Recommend Maintaining Your Furnace

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There's not a furnace out there that can, or will continue to operate efficiently without periodic maintenance. It's important to keep your home's heating system clean, lubricated, and properly adjusted. Replacing the filter regularly will extended life of your heating system and will help the furnace to heat efficiently. In addition, you will save energy and expense.

Schedule your Residential or Environmental inspection today!

You deserve the facts to make an informed, educated decision regarding your new home, provided in a clear, concise, and professional manner.