Winter can be tough on a roofing system.  Ice dams are formed when heat from the inside of a home escapes into the attic and warms the roof decking during the winter.  This heat, combined with heat from the sun can melt snow on the roof.  When it reaches the cold eaves and gutters it refreezes.  This continual thaw and re-freeze process creates ice dams.

If ice dams are not properly addressed they can lead to significant damage to the interior of your home.  The best solution is to install heat cables inthe gutter and downspouts or on areas of the roof.  This allievates the problem by melting the ice and not allowing them to form in the first place.

If you’d like more information on haveing heat cables install for ice dam prevention, please call Phil Knell is our maintenance department at 847.866.6868.

With temperatures outside dipping below the zero mark, it may be time to audit the energy efficiency of your home. One of the best ways to do this is to get a Professional Energy Audit.

In preparation for an Energy Audit, you should compile a history of past utility bills and a list of any known problems you’re having with the home such as drafty spots or window condensation. The auditor will also examine your home inside and out and ask you questions pertaining to your use habits.

Most audits should include a blower door test and a thermographic scan. The blower door test consists of a fan positioned outward at the main entry door. When all doors and windows in the home are closed and the fan begins to suck air from inside to outside, the technician can measure the amount of air leakage within the home. A thermographic scan uses infrared cameras to measure surface temperatures. Cooler spots register as black, warmer spots register as white on the camera’s sensors. By using this camera, the technician will be able to pinpoint the leakage areas. The technician should also audit your home’s heating system and provide you with an actual percentage of efficiency of the system as compared to what the system claims to achieve.

After the audit, the technician will make recommendations ranging from additional insulation in trouble spots to possible equipment replacement. Many of these improvements may qualify for federal tax credits for Consumer Energy Efficiency. The tax credit will cover 30% of the cost up to $1,500 on existing homes as your principal residence. Tax credits are set to expire December 31, 2010. For a list of what qualifies, see www.energystar.gov for more information.

To find a professional energy auditor, ask your state or local government energy office for recommendations. Your local electric or gas utility company may also have additional resources. Be sure to ask for references.

Reviewing your home’s energy efficiency is a simple way to save money and live green. By keeping your home’s operating systems functioning at their best, you will be doing your part to reduce needless energy consumption. Plus the money you save on utility bills will be money in your pocket and may help when it comes time to sell your home. Call us and we’ll help you arrange an energy audit of your home 847.866.6868.

Controlling your home’s humidity in the cold, dry winter months is the most important factor in preventing cracks in your hardwood floor, molding and millwork. Making sure your humidifier and humidity controls are working properly is the best way to maintain a beautiful, trouble-free appearance.

Our maintenance department would be happy to assist you in any of your home maintenance tasks.  For more information on our maintenance service, please call Phil at 847.866.6868.

With winter right around the corner, have your furnace or boiler serviced before you’re stuck with a cold home and frozen pipes. A clean, well-adjusted heating system will provide better efficiency and prolong the life of your system. It’s recommended to have the system checked annually. Here are a few tips to keep your heating system in top working order:

1. Test your system before the end of October. Make sure the system turns on and warm air flows out of vents within a few minutes.
2. Replace your air filter.
3. Check all heat registers for debris.
4. MOST IMPORTANTLY, be sure to test your carbon monoxide detector. If the CO detector is hardwired, be sure it’s on a battery backup to ensure protection in the event of a power outage. You should have one detector per floor and at least one in the hallway outside any bedroom.

When having your furnace serviced, make sure the contractor checks for the following items:

1. Have the combustion chamber checked for holes or corrosion and cleaned for soot buildup.
2. Check the exhaust fuel pipe for holes that could leak carbon monoxide into the home and have the damper checked for proper draw. If the pipe is corroded, it should be replaced.
3. Make sure blower motor is clean and in good working order.
4. Make sure the heat exchanger is inspected thoroughly for defects or cracks.
5. If you have a boiler unit, make sure the pilot and burners are clean, pumps are oiled, the combustion chamber is clean and burning efficiently.

The key to an efficient, long-lived heating system is annual maintenance. Be sure to get it checked before you’re left out in the cold.

Autumn is here!  Here are a few tasks to remember before the cold sets in:

• Inspect your roof surface, flashing, eaves and soffits for any signs of
• leakage or “critter traffic”
• Gutters and downspouts should be cleaned and cleared of all debris
• Snow melt cables should be inspected for proper function before the season changes

Our maintenance department would be happy to assist you in any of your home maintenance tasks.  For more information on our maintenance service, please call Phil at 847.866.6868.