If not properly maintained, a fireplace can be a serious hazard! Before you start your fireplace this season, please take the time to inspect it and address any maintenance issues. To help you, here’s tips from HouseLogic and other sources:

1. The leading cause of fires from wood-burning appliances and fireplaces is creosote. This is unburned fuel that has accumulated in the chimney. For this reason, always have your chimney cleaned, preferably by a qualified licensed, bonded and insured chimney sweep who is CSIA certified before starting to use a wood-burning fireplace, stove, or insert.

2. Your chimney should also be inspected for a proper chimney cap. The metal cap keeps animals, rain, and snow out of the chimney, while acting as a spark arrester that prevents hot embers from landing on your roof. Consider a stainless steel cap as it doesn’t rust, lasts much longer than metal, and enhances the beauty of your chimney! Inspect the following:

• Make sure the bricks and mortar of the chimney aren’t crumbling or missing.
• The chimney should rise at least 2 feet above where it exits the roof.
• The chimney crown should be beveled, which helps air flow.
• The flue liner should be visible above the chimney crown.
• The chimney should be straight, not leaning to one side or the other.
• The roof flashing should be tight against the chimney.

3. Inspect the fireplace surround, including hearth and firebox to make sure there are no cracked bricks or missing mortar. Replace any broken or deteriorated brick lining in a wood-burning unit. If the brick lining is deteriorated to the point that the steel body is exposed, this is a serious issue. Do not use your fireplace until such condition is repaired.

4. Have gas-burning fireplaces serviced annually, using a qualified technician. The airways of both the pilot and the main burners should be regularly cleaned to ensure that they are operating correctly. A general inspection of the entire system is recommended.

5. Have any gasket material in the fireplace unit inspected and replaced as required, such as the gasket sealing the door, the door glass, and the ash dump.

6. Clean the blower if the unit is equipped with one. Blowers do not have filtering systems to prevent buildup of dust and hair. As dust accumulates on the blower blades, the balance of the blower will change, causing premature wearing of the bearings. Dust also insulates the motor, preventing it from being cooled, and can eventually cause the motor to seize up.

7. Fireplace glass must be cleaned annually to keep it looking clear.

Performing fireplace maintenance each year helps you avoid hazards, and extends the operational life of your fireplace. It is well worth the investment in time and money!

Are you thinking of a new home for the holidays? Let us help you! As your Exclusive Buyer’s Broker, we serve your best interests at all times! Unlike real estate agents and brokerages who represent sellers, as an Exclusive Buyer’s Broker, we only represent you, the buyer, getting you the best price and terms with no conflict of interest at all times.

Understanding this distinction could literally save you thousands of dollars not only on the purchase price and terms, but also on seller concessions and home inspection issues, whether you are a first-time homebuyer or an experienced homeowner!

Contact us with your home buying questions! Remember, we are with you every step of the way…all the way home!

Andrew Show
Broker, CEBA, CEBA-M, CNE, CSP, ABR-M, e-PRO, GREEN
Buyer’s Resource Realty Services
Serving Metro Columbus, Ohio with Exclusive Buyer’s Agents
7100 North High Street, Suite 204, Worthington, Ohio 43085
614-888-4110 | 888-888-4110 Toll Free | 614-839-4110 Fax

The post Fireplace Safety Tips for Your Columbus Home appeared first on Columbus Ohio Real Estate | Buyer's Resource Realty Services.

Once your air conditional begins to lose efficiency, the costs of operation increase. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to improve your air conditioner’s efficiency and performance! Here are tips to keep you cool:

1. Run a ceiling fan with your air conditioner. A ceiling fan will help circulate cool air, and allow you to run your air conditioner sparingly. You can set your thermostat by 4 to 8 degrees warmer if you operate your fan and air conditioner in tandem.

2. Install window drapes that prevent solar heat. Sunlight can increase a room temperature by 10 to 20 degrees!

3. Central air conditioners have filters that must be changed monthly.

4. Use a programmable thermostat to keep energy use to a minimum while you are away from home.

5. Turn your home thermostat fan switch from “auto” to “on” so that it runs 24/7! Why?

A). Your air will be filtered more often, thereby helping your lungs as well as reducing dusting and vacuuming.
B). There will be more even room temperatures on the first floor, and between the second floor and basement. This increases comfort, and there will be fewer hot and cold spots in your home.
C). The wear and tear on your blower and its bearing are actually reduced since the “start cycle” on any motor is where most “wear and tear” happens.
D). Energy usage for your HVAC actually is reduced slightly because the “start cycle” of every electric motor is where the peak amperage demand is. Once a blower motor is running it takes relatively little amperage to keep it spinning!

6. If you have a central air conditioning, keep the condensing unit outside clear for airflow. Do not let shrubs, trees or plantings encroach the unit; prune them back as needed. Periodically hose out any leaves.

7. Keep the drain system of your air conditioning unit clear of debris and clogs. Drainage problems will prevent proper cooling.

8. If your air conditioner isn’t producing cool air as it should, but nothing else seems amiss, the liquid refrigerant could be low or leaking. Call a professional repairman for this one.

For more information, visit energy.gov for air conditioner tips and troubleshooting pointers!

We hope this information helps you keep cool! And if you’re warming up to the idea of buying a Central Ohio home, we’ll be happy to help you!

As your Exclusive Buyer’s Broker, we serve your best interests at all times! Unlike real estate agents and brokerages who represent sellers, as an Exclusive Buyer’s Broker, we only represent you, the buyer, getting you the best price and terms with no conflict of interest at all times.

Understanding this distinction could literally save you thousands of dollars not only on the purchase price and terms, but also on seller concessions and home inspection issues, whether you are a first-time homebuyer or an experienced homeowner!

Contact us with your home buying questions! Remember, we are with you every step of the way…all the way home!

Andrew Show
Broker, CEBA, CEBA-M, CNE, CSP, ABR-M, e-PRO, GREEN
Buyer’s Resource Realty Services
Serving Metro Columbus, Ohio with Exclusive Buyer’s Agents
7100 North High Street, Suite 204, Worthington, Ohio 43085
614-888-4110 | 888-888-4110 Toll Free | 614-839-4110 Fax

The post Keep Your Columbus Home Cool with these Air Conditioner Tips! appeared first on Columbus Ohio Real Estate | Buyer's Resource Realty Services.