Homes Plus
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NOVEMBER 2013 Winter continued from Page 1 "Downspouts should be cleared, as well. Sometimes this will necessitate disassembly of the downspouts." Wayne Abendschein, a comfort specialist with 1st Choice Heating & Cooling, Inc. said it's important for homeowners to have their furnace tuned up by a heating professional before the first cold snap hits and everyone begins calling for service. "Turn the breaker off for your air conditioner," he said. "Cut your energy costs by investing in tune-ups, attic insulation, attic door insulation, basement sill plate insulation, check windows and doors to make sure they are sealed properly. It's never too late to start these things or to have your tune-ups done on HVAC equipment." Alan Ruesch of Gross Heating in Brookfield agrees: "Annual maintenance on furnaces are just as important to your home as regular oil changes are for your cars performance," Ruesch said. "Professionals need to examine your heating system annually to check the heat exchangers to make sure there are no holes or cracks due to rust or corrosion. These fractures could result in carbon monoxide poisoning. It is also important to make sure the humidifier works as part of the regular inspection." HOMES PLUS Another inspection should be in the chimney. "Inspection of the chimney is important because flammable creosote unburned in the fireplace builds up over time and this can result in a home fire," said Howard Rowell of Royal Chimney Service in Wauwatosa. "A certified chimney sweep looks for cracks or any damage, just like an annual dental exam. If caught early, a small repair is often possible before it develops into a larger, more expensive project." Within the home, Rowell said "gas fireplaces need regular maintenance, because if they are not drafting properly, carbon monoxide can build up." Kerzner said exterior home inspection should focus on the perimeters around windows and doors. Missing caulk, broken glass and rotted or damaged wood will allow heated air to escape from the home and increase home energy use, he said. "To put it into perspective, a 1/16-inch gap around a 3-by-5 window will add up to a hole about the size of a brick times 12 windows or so will add up to a hole the size of 12 bricks, that's a lot of bananas," he said. "Imagine trying to heat a home with that size hole in the wall." Kerzner said a simple and cost-effective fix is to simply caulk these gaps and minor repairs to damaged wood which can save a lot on energy bills and make the home more comfortable by eliminat- 3 ing cold spots. "Seal up around all the cracks," he said. "Air infiltration is the biggest culprit when it comes to high heating bills." Others areas that are often overlooked include checking your garage doors for loose or worn parts and lubricating the opener, checking your roof for safey and suribility, making sure your sump pump is working properly, and check your batteries. "Garage door openers, smoke detectors, flashlights, keyless entries, are all examples," he said. "You know they'll fail at the worst time if you don't." Kerzner said procrastination can be your worst enemy when it comes to the process of preparing your home for winter. "Most people are reactive rather than proactive," he said. "Don't shortchange this simple list. It can save you thousands of dollars." Kerzner said if homeowners have questions, concerns or need help, they should call the Milwaukee NARI/Home Improvement Council for a list of qualified contractors. "NARI offers a number of free, public seminars throughout the year that offer advice on all aspects of home improvement," he said. 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