Happy Holidays from APL Home Inspections. We hope your holidays will be filled with joy and laughter through the New Year.

My clients often ask what my recommendations are regarding upgrading from traditional incandescent bulbs to more efficient LED or CFL lights…Compared to traditional incandescent lights, they typically use 25%-80% less energy and can last 3-25 times longer.  Switching to energy-efficient lighting is one of the fastest ways to cut your energy bills.

Low winter temperatures can cause problems to the house water management systems, especially piping. Due to its unique property, water expands as it freezes. The expansion of water in pipes creates pressure and ice blockage which in turn creates tremendous pressure inside the pipes, eventually rupturing the piping material.

Molds are organisms that are part of the natural environment and play an important role in our ecological system by breaking down organic material. Molds are neither plants nor animals. They belong to the kingdom, Fungi.

Unusual noises coming from the furnace while in use can be caused by a variety of issues. Some issues are simple and can be taken care of easily, while others are more serious and will require the expertise of an HVAC specialist. Please note that attempting to fix any of the issues described in this article can be potentially dangerous, and you should always consult with an HVAC professional. 

Many new home buyers/owners are asking if building permits are really necessary for various home upgrades. The main purpose of building permits is the safety of the inhabitants and the immediate neighboring structures.

Gas, charcoal and electric grills can pose serious safety risks if they are not operated correctly.  Most accidents occur after the grill has been unused over a period of time or after a grill’s propane gas tank has been reattached.

Water hammer is usually recognized by a banging or thumping in water lines. Although it might seem to be a smooth flow, the water inside the pipe actually churns and tumbles as it moves through.This impact can severely jar piping, equipment or machinery housing, possibly resulting in damage not only to gaskets in junctions, but also to valve flanges or the valves themselves.

Backflow is the reversal of the direction of non-potable water flow in to a potable water system. For example, backflow can occur through a cross-connection (cross-connection is any connection between the public water supply and a source of contamination)