Sarasota Inspector Shares: Pets and allergies don’t have to go hand in paw

Sarasota Inspector Shares:

Pets and allergies don’t have to go hand in paw

(ARA) – Pet owners are often torn between their love of Fido and Fluffy and the discomfort of stuffy noses and watery eyes. In fact, 15 percent of Americans are allergic to animals, and a whopping 11 million are allergic to cats alone, according to WebMD. Although those who suffer from severe allergies may not be able to own pets, mild allergy sufferers can take advantage of these tips and products at home to enjoy sneeze-free time with their furry friends.

“Pets and allergens don’t have to go together. Mild allergies shouldn’t have to stop pet lovers from enjoying their animals,” says Jackie Cooper, senior director of marketing and communications for Eureka.  ”Following some simple tips and investing in pet-specific products can leave you breathing easier in no time.”

Not on the bed: Avoid allowing your dog or cat to sleep with you at night. Pet dander and fur can get absorbed into bedding, heightening allergy symptoms while you sleep. Instead, offer your pet a cozy bed of its own outside your bedroom. This can be as simple as placing a couple towels or an old throw pillow on the floor. Also, consider using allergen-resistant covers on mattresses and pillows.

Accessorize: Consider your allergies when buying toys, litter and other products for your pet. For example, cat owners should opt for natural litter instead of a brand that adds chemicals or scents, while those who are allergic to dogs should avoid toys that may retain saliva.

Sweep it up: Many pet owners would agree that pet hair is the number one problem that comes with owning an animal, and it’s even worse for allergy sufferers. For relief, turn to a vacuum that not only offers superior cleaning, but also specializes in picking up pet hair. For example, the Eureka Pet Pal vacuum offers a Hair Raiser for Pets tool that can be used independently from the vacuum by rubbing the soft rubber tool on surfaces to grab embedded hair and gently lift it away from fabric. In addition to Hair Raiser for Pets, the vacuum also offers a PET Power Paw tool, which features small plastic teeth and a rubber strip to gently grab and clean pet hair from hard-to-reach areas, such as stairs.

Take it outside: Groom your pet at least once a week or more often if you have a long-haired breed or a breed prone to shedding. When grooming, make sure to take your pet outside to avoid excess hair and dander floating around the home. And, of course, wash your hands thoroughly after handling your pet.

Travel smart: When making road trips with your pet in tow, use washable seat covers that can be rinsed off at rest stops. And when en route, keep your pet the furthest safe distance from allergic passengers.

With these tips, pet owners can take some simple steps to stop sneezing and start enjoying quality time with their furry friends. For more information about Eureka products for dealing with pets and allergens, call (800) 282-2886 or visit www.eureka.com.

Sarasota Home Inspector EXPOSES Light in Closet

Sarasota Home Inspector Exposes Light in Closet. Lights located in small closets can be a potential fire hazard!

Home Inspection Sarasota Reveals Zinsco-Sylvania Electric Panel

Home Inspection Sarasota REVEALS Zinsco and Zinsco-Sylvania circuit breakers of the design described here do not offer the level of over-current and fire protection provided by most other electrical panels and circuit breakers. This means homes with this equipment may be at greater risk of fire or other electrical hazard.

Where Zinsco electrical panels and Zinsco circuit breakers are in use, arcing, contact-point burn, and even circuit breaker case blow-out have been observed in the field.

If you are unsure of the type of panel you may have it is recommended contacting a licensed competent electrician to inspect it for type and probability of failure.

You can always contact your Home Inspection Sarasota Inspector at 941.587.0717 or email us.

Nutter Butter Banana Pudding MMMM….

Nutter Butter Banana Pudding

Nutter Butter Banana Pudding Recipe

Ingredients

*1 Package Nutter Butter Cookies
*6 to 8 Bananas, Sliced
*2 cups milk
*1 (5-ounce) box instant French vanilla pudding
*1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
*1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
*1 (12-ounce) container frozen whipped topping thawed

Directions

1. Line the bottom of a 13 by 9 by 2-inch dish with 1 bag of cookies and layer bananas on top.

2. In a bowl, combine the milk and pudding mix and blend well using a handheld electric mixer.

3. Using another bowl, combine the cream cheese and condensed milk together and mix until smooth.

4. Fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture.

5. Add the cream cheese mixture to the pudding mixture and stir until well blended. Pour the mixture over the cookies and bananas and cover with the remaining cookies.

Refrigerate until serving.

Another great recipe brought to you by Above All Home Inspecting!

Loose Junction Box Found by Home Inspections Sarasota

We see this over and over.  A simple fix or simply just do it right the first time. Loose wires and junction box not secured in place.

Three Tips To Make your Utility Meter Run Backward….

Three tips to make your utility meter run backward


(ARA) – What would you do with an extra $2,200 per year? That is the annual energy bill for a typical American home, according to the U.S. Dept. of Energy (DOE). Dramatically reducing that cost, or even selling power back to the utility company, could mean having enough money for a vacation, a down payment on a car or a boost to your child’s college savings.

If you are wondering how this can be done, a trend emerging in new home construction, “net-zero energy,” is helping homeowners keep energy dollars in their pockets. Builders construct such homes with highly energy-efficient materials, and with the means to generate their own power. The goal is to reduce the yearly total energy bill to zero, and perhaps make the meter run backwards at times.

Lowering heating and cooling costs is critical to achieving net-zero energy, since these typically account for nearly half of a home’s energy use. Keeping warm air in during the winter and cool air in during the summer is key, along with adding on-site power systems. Steps can include new construction methods for greatly improved insulation, using energy-efficient windows, and installing solar panels or other renewable ways to heat water or create electricity.

1. Build with SIPs

Most homebuyers are familiar with “stick framing” – construction using numerous individual sticks (boards) with the insulation added between them. Yet an increasingly popular building method for high energy efficiency involves a different approach.

Known as structural insulated panels – or SIPs – the body of the house is made of large-size prefabricated wall, ceiling and floor sections with built-in insulation. SIPs work like a giant insulated cooler. They are made of wood panels sandwiching a rigid insulating foam core. The result is fewer gaps in the home and more continuous insulation. Homes built with SIPs are 15 times less leaky and have 47 percent greater insulating capacity than conventional construction, according to DOE.

“SIPs can be used to build any style of home, and are generally stronger than stick framing,” says James Hodgson of Premier Building Systems, North America’s largest SIPs manufacturer. “They can cut heating and cooling costs up to 50 percent, and can even help save money by speeding construction and allowing for smaller furnaces and air conditioners.” SIPs also contribute to healthy indoor air by sealing out pollutants, and create up to two-thirds less waste during construction. (For more information on SIPs, visit www.pbssips.com or call (800) 275-7086 to speak with Premier Building Systems).

2. Install energy-efficient windows

In addition to well-insulated walls, ceilings and floors, another key consideration for net-zero energy homes is efficient windows. Such windows may have double or triple panes with gas fillings and special coatings to help resist heat gain or loss. Specially constructed frames help seal against air leaks.

How the windows are installed in the wall is also important, since much of the heat loss can occur around the window rather than through it. Proper mounting and sealing of the window in the wall can help protect against air leaks.

“Installing windows for high energy efficiency can be tricky,” says Jim Crowley, owner of Crowley Builders in Grass Valley, Calif. “If the window opening isn’t right, it’s like putting a round peg in a square hole; there are going to be gaps.”

Crowley addresses this by using SIPs for the walls. “In addition to providing insulation, SIPs have pre-cut window openings that are straight, square and properly sized. Combine this with proper sealing of the window and it’s the best way we’ve found to get a tight fit.”

3. Generate your own power

More new homes are using environmentally responsible, renewable energy sources on-site to further reduce reliance on utility companies. These systems can include geothermal heat pumps that obtain warmth from the ground, solar panels for electricity or heating water, and windmills that convert wind to energy. When combined with home construction methods like SIPs and energy-efficient windows, such systems can help the home achieve net-zero energy use. In some cases, homeowners have even reduced their consumption enough and generated sufficient power to make the meter run backwards – in essence selling electricity back to the power company.

“Achieving energy self-sufficiency in homes and other buildings seemed pretty radical not too long ago,” says Hodgson. “But building methods have advanced greatly in recent years, saving energy without homeowners having to sacrifice comfort or style. Why build with methods that have been around for a hundred years, when newer, proven methods are available that will outperform what can be done with conventional framing?” Home inspection Sarasota – energy efficiency tips – maintenance tips.

Trusses & Rafters – Sarasota Home Inspector REVEALS!

Truss and rafters should not be altered. This one shown appears to be broken. Evidence in attic shows this was deliberate by homeowner. Not recommended. That would explain the ridge being weakened and showing a slight belly.

Sarasota home inspector.

HVAC Problems in Attic – Home Inspection Sarasota fl

Home Inspection Sarasota fl talks about issues with HVAC (heater) located in attic. It is common for issues to go unknown with units located in attic. Out of sight, out of mind.

If your unit is located in the attic we recommend inspecting twice a year.

Dangerous Receptacle found by Venice Home Inspector

Dangerous Receptacle found by Venice Home Inspector. This was live and in use!

This receptacle was found in an attic. There are many issues wrong with receptacle however, the most important thing here is it is unsafe! If a homeowner is not qualified to perform repairs and/or install electrical equipment it is recommended to contact a licensed specialist. Home inspections Sarasota.

Unsafe Range Vent found by Home Inspections Sarasota

Unsafe Range Vent found by Home Inspections Sarasota

Range vent in attic. Potentially an unsafe situation. Vent needs to be reconnected and vented to the exterior.

« Previous Page — Next Page »