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DF PhotoDavid Fialk, REALTOR
 Choice Realty Co.
732-283-3400 Office Direct
Welcome to "RealtyMatters"
June 2015
In This June, 2015 Issue
 

Striped awning on a house

How to Keep Your House Cool Without AC

Want summer comfort but hate the AC? Follow these tips, and you'll keep your house cool without frosty air conditioning. Read 

Which Way Should Your Ceiling Fan Turn in Summer? The Cool Way!

Make sure your ceiling fans rotate in the correct direction to cool you in summer. Read 

How I Learned to Stop Wasting Energy and Love My Utility

If you haven't nosed around on your utility's website recently, you're likely missing a break on your bills. Read 

Fixing a home air conditioner on a hot day

Think Your AC Won't Make it Through the Summer? We've Got the Fixes

Is your AC making ominous noises? Maybe it sounds fine but isn't cooling. Here's a list of common air conditioning warning signs and their likely causes and fixes. Read 

Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.

� Copyright 2015 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS�


Get the Moisture Out

Proper venting and regular maintenance makes for a more efficient and safer clothes drying experience. Hundreds of home fires and injuries occur each year as a result of excessive heat buildup in clothes dryers caused by blockage of the airflow through the dryer and/or the attached venting system. Most of these fires could easily be prevented with simple and regular maintenance. 

 

Lint screens and compartments in the dryer should be checked and cleaned after each load. Lint should also be regularly removed from accessible points in the dryer vent hose connection and exterior vent cover periodically. Even with the regular cleaning of a dryer lint trap, it is possible for a significant amount of lint to accumulate at one or more points in the duct.

 

Vent system blockage also causes the dryer motor to work harder and possibly overheat. This excessive heat can result in the ignition of trapped lint or other combustible materials in or close to the duct or can prevent proper drying of the clothes - often the first sign of a problem with a dryer venting system.

 

The entire venting system should be periodically checked for damage, leakage, or blockage from lint, bird nests, rodents, etc. Any substantial blockage, whether from lint build-up or other restrictions in the vent hose or ductwork, such as crimped sections, undersized fittings, etc., will obstruct the airflow through the dryer as well as the venting system.

 

Lightweight, flexible plastic or aluminum vent materials are especially susceptible to blockage, damage, or burn though and are not considered acceptable for exhaust ducts. While more difficult to work with, solid, metal ductwork is the best option for dryer venting systems.  Joints should be fitted and taped, but screws that protrude into the duct should not be used to hold sections together, as even one screw can be enough to catch some lint, allowing for a build-up that can eventually obstruct air flow.

 

At least annually, the vent duct should be disconnected and cleaned out along its entire length, including the exterior damper and cover and portions of the system within the dryer itself (with electric power off). The base of vertical sections will likely contain the most accumulated material.

 

Check your dryer manufacturer's installation and maintenance instructions for details on proper exhaust venting and the regular maintenance recommended.

 

Note: These tips are only general guidelines. Since each situation is different, contact a professional if you have questions about a specific issue. More home safety and maintenance information is available online at www.housemaster.com.

Box beam ceiling in basement

Ideas and Tips for Finishing a Basement Ceiling

Finishing your basement ceiling instantly turns your basement into a living area. Here are some smart ways to finish it off. Read 

Basement moisture can ruin floors, encourage mold and more.

8 Solutions to Common Wet-Basement Problems

Solving wet-basement problems is one of the most important things you can do to protect the value of your home and health of your family. Read 

Basement Insulation Lowers Costs

Basement Insulation Lowers Energy Costs

Add insulation to your basement to help lower heating and cooling costs by as much as $170 per year. Read 

Basement Flooring Options Finishing Basement Floors

Smart Options: Basement Flooring

Keeping your basement dry and free of condensation is key to installing the basement flooring of your choice. Read 

Evaluate Your Finished Basement Plan Basement Finishing

Evaluate Your House for Basement Finishing

Some unfinished basements are better basement finishing candidates than others. Here's how to evaluate your space for a basement finishing. Read 

Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.

� Copyright 2015 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS�


" Your Real Estate Resource"

David Fialk, REALTOR
Choice Realty Co.
1144 Green St.
732-283-2100  732-283-3400 Office Direct
[email protected]     www.DavidFialk.com
www.JustRealEstateTalk.com