Fire Prevention Week: Tips to Prevent Home Fires

Waking up to the unsettling sound of your smoke detector going off can be a terrifying experience. In 2011 the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reported that residential fires killed an estimated 2,550 civilians in the United States, and another 14,360 were injured in some way due to a residential fire. To help spread awareness during Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 6-Oct. 12), here are some tips to help keep you safe in your home.

Grimefires

As this year's theme for National Fire Prevention Week is "Prevent Kitchen Fires," it is important to clean any buildup of dirt and clutter occurring in your kitchen to avoid grimefires. 

Cooking

In 2010 cooking was the result of 44% of reported home fires, 16% of home fire deaths, 40% of home fire injuries, and 15% of the direct property damage in 2010 according to the NFPA. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby in order to battle any open flames that may occur in your kitchen. The extinguisher should be rated for both grease and electrical fires.  

- To use a fire extinguisher remember the acronym P.A.S.S:

• P - Pull the pin.
• A - Aim the nozzle at the fire's base.
• S - Squeeze the nozzle to spray.
• S - Sweep back and forth while spraying the fire's base.

Inferior Goods

Avoid buying counterfeit or substandard good. They can contain faulty parts that overheat or break causing fire or serious shock.

Extension Cords

Use only UL listed and fused multi-tap extension cords. Also, if your cord is faulty, cracked, or deteriorating, replace it. These can shoot sparks onto flammable surfaces and quickly result in a fire. 

You should also never overload a circuit. Use a power strip instead.

Heaters

Heating systems, primarily space heaters and wooden stoves, can easily ignite nearby household items. Keep all space heaters at least three fee from household items. Turn heaters off before leaving a room or going to sleep. Nevver leave pets or children unsupervised with a space heater or wooden stove. In addition to the risk of starting a fire, heaters and stoves pose a danger of burns, as well.

Candles

On average 42 home candle fires are reported daily. More than half of these fires result because of a furniture item being too close to the candle. One-fifth of reported candle fires are due to the candle being left unattended, and over one-third of home candle fires result in the bedroom. Half of candle fires result during 12am and 6am, most likely due to the person falling asleep and forgetting about it. Out of the 12% of home candle fires started as a result of someone going to sleep, 36% of those resulted in deaths.

• Do not use open-flame candles when you are expecting several people at your home - holidays, for example. Instead, opt for LED tea lights to avoid a disaster from occurring. 
• Also, during the holiday months , if you must burn a candle, keep it far away from decorations - Christmas trees especially.
• When packing your emergency home kit, it is advisable to pack flashlights and extra batteries instead of candles. 
• Keep candles in sturdy-metal, glass or ceramic holders and placed somewhere where they can not be easily knocked over.
• Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn.

Smoke Detector

Test your smoke detector on a regular basis - at least every six months when you are supposed to change the batteries. If you have multiple floors in your home, a detector should be located on each floor. The best possible solution is to have a smoke detector in each bedroom if it is do able. 

Resources: Allstate, U.S. Fire Administration

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• Electrical Safety Tips

How to Safely Use an Electric Generator

Cutler Hammer EGN

Every year there are deaths from the improper use of electrical generators. The primary hazards that occur from using a generator are carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock, and fires. It is important to know about correctly purchasing and using a generator in order to be safe when the time comes to use it.

How to Purchase a Generator

When you decide to purchase an electrical generator, you should purchase one that is rated for the amount of power you plan to plug into it. This includes lights, appliances, and other equipment. Wattage determines the amount of power that is used by lighting, and most appliances and other equipment will have a label that tells their power requirements. 

You should purchase a generator that can produce more power than that of the lighting and appliances combined. If your generator is not able to produce more power, you should stagger which appliances and lights are in use at one time. Electricians, like those at Gehringer Mechanical, can determine the amount of power you will need if you are unsure.

Where to Place a Generator

Never place a portable generator in an indoor area. Carbon monoxide from an electric generator's engine exhaust can rapidly build up within a home or enclosed area. Opening doors, windows, and using fans will not prevent this build up. Indoor areas include a garage, carport, basement, or any partially enclosed area. 

Also, do not place the generator near windows. When the power is out, you will probably open windows and doors to let fresh air in. The carbon monoxide can circulate through the home this way. 

In order to avoid electrocution, the generator should be placed somewhere where it will not get wet. The best place would be somewhere that is open with a canopy covering to protect it from moisture. Never touch a generator with wet hands.

Refueling and Storing Fuel

Always turn the generator off and let it cool down before adding more fuel. Any fuel that spills on hot engine parts could ignite. 

Only store fuel in an approved gas can. The fuel that should be used in the generator should be recommended on the label or in the instructions. Place stored fuel outside of the living area - a locked shed or other protected area is ideal. Do not place it by any fuel burning appliances such as a gas water heater. This could also lead to a fire if any fuel is spilled or if the container is not sealed properly.

Make sure to check with local law officials or fire departments about the amount of fuel allowed in storage. Some states have laws regarding the maximum amount that is allowed. 

How to Use Generator

Appliances should be plugged directly into the generator or into a heavy-duty outside extension cord that plugs into the generator. This type of cord should be rated in watts or amps that are equal to the sum of the connected appliance load. Make sure to check the cord for cuts and tears. Also, check that all three prongs are present - especially the grounding pin. 

Never plug the generator into a wall outlet. This practice, known as backfeeding, is very dangerous and presents utility workers and neighbors that use the same transformer with a chance of electrocution. This can also bypass some of the built-in household protection devices. 

Resources:  American Red Cross

Is Your Home Set Up to Be Energy Efficient?

Does your energy bill seem to not get any lower no matter what the weather is like outside? You are not alone. The average household spends $2,200 on their energy bill annually and more than half of this goes to heating and cooling. If you are having any of the following problems within your home, you should give Gehringer Mechanical a call to discuss energy efficient installations that could help reduce your energy bill and help cut down on greenhouse gases simultaneously.

Rooms Are Too Hot or Too Cold

Even if you have a great HVAC system, your home is never going to be at a comfortable temperature if it is not properly sealed. Until your home is properly sealed or has insulation installed your system will continuously have to work harder to make your home sit at the right temperature. The duct work in your home may be leaking or have poor insulation if the rooms in your home feel humid, or dust seems to collect quickly.

Frequent Equipment Repairs and Old Age

The age and condition of your heating and cooling equipment can lead to an increase in your utility bill as it becomes less efficient. Also, equipment that is more than ten years old is less likely to have modern energy saving technology such as what is found with Energy Star products.

Thermostat Never Changes

Leaving your thermostat at one constant temperature is not a bad way to save on energy, but during those times when you are not home or do not need you system running as frequently, you could save even more. Installing a programmable thermostat could help you here. These systems can be set to turn on when you are at work for the day or turn up automatically when you will be sleeping. 

Electrical Safety Tips

Home electrical hazards relate to an average of 47,820 home fires annually. It is important for individuals to maintain any and all electrical devices and outlets within their home. This means repairing, replacing, or just getting rid of problems that can eventually lead to a fire.

1. Don't Keep Resetting a Breaker.

When a breaker trips, it is trying to tell you that there is an electrical problem that needs your attention. Sometimes that problem is an overload of electricity to the circuit, and sometimes the breaker could be faulty. However, many times the breaker is a warning sign to a larger electrical problem that could lead to a fire if not found and repaired.

2. Replace Fixtures That Cause Flickering Lights.

If a light is flickering, it can cause your breaker to trip. If this is the result, you have faulty or spliced wires or the fixture is old and worn out. In either case, you need to have them replaced. 

3. Investigate Overly Warm Outlet Faceplates. 

If you touch an outlet faceplate and it is really warm when touched, it should be inspected for spliced wires, melted connections, and burned insulation. You should also check the wattage of the outlet to see if it is too large compared to the supplied wiring. It may need to be moved to another circuit. 

4. Repair or Replace Extension Cords Wrapped in Tape or with Loose Ends.

These cords have definitely had some wear and tear on them. If they cannot be repaired by cutting off damaged ends and replacing male and female ends, they should be replaced.

5. Tighten Any Wobbly Switches or Outlets

These devices have not been properly mounted to the wall. Cut the power and remove the faceplate. Tighten the screws and re-install the device.

6. Balance Wobbling Ceiling Fans

If your fan is wobbling and you are not really sure if it will fall any day now, it could be off balance or installed to the wrong type of box. Cut the power to the fan and look for loose or missing hardware. Balance the fan if possible, but if it needs a different box, re-install using a retrofit/ old-work box  for fan installation.

7. Replace A Refrigerator That Is Prone to Shocking You.

Old refrigerators that have tiny leakage currents due to worn out installation on its internal wiring are well-known. This can be extremely dangerous - especially if it is sitting on concrete or somewhere that water leaks. Replace this refrigerator with a new energy-conserving model. 

8. Have Additional Circuits or Outlets Installed.

If you find that your home is being overran by extension cords, it could be a very wise decision to have an electrician install new circuits or outlets. If you have placed extension cords above doorways or under carpets, this especially, is a big no no and a good reason to consider having another outlet installed. 

Resources: Popular Mechanics, National Fire Protection Agency

Plumbing Tips to Prevent Clogged Drains

A clogged drain can become very inconvenient not mention costly if you call a plumber regularly or if structure damage becomes a later cause. No one really ever thinks about a clogged drain until they are dealing with one, and by that point a lot of damage may have already occurred within your home. With good pipe and plumbing maintenance, you can prevent clogged drains from causing water damage to your home's structure. 

Tip 1

Use hot water when cleaning any dishes with hard deposits, and remove as much food and buildup beforehand to keep it from going down the sink. Never pour coffee grinds, grease, or excess food into the kitchen sink.

Tip 2

Once or twice a week to prevent buildup in your pipes, add a quarter-cup of baking soda followed by a half-cup of vinegar in your drain. Let this sit for ten minutes and then flush it with boiling hot water.

Tip 3

Regularly check your bathtub stoppers for hair and biofilm buildup, and check if the stopper should be replaced due to wear and tear.

Tip 4

Once a week fill your bathtub at least halfway full. Remove the stopper and let the water drain out to flush the line.

Tip 5

Do not put anything extra in the toilet besides toilet paper. 

Tip 6

Avoid using chemical-based cleaners on a regular basis as they can corrode your pipes after a period of time. Instead opt for a natural or enzyme/ bacteria based cleaner that will create bacteria in your pipes to remove the bad bacteria causing any clogs.

Tip 7

Have regular plumbing maintenance inspections including having your lines snaked to catch anything that might lead to buildup done at least every six months to at most every year. A plumber should also regularly inspect a septic tank or sewer line connected to your home to remove any roots or other hazards that can end up growing through the line causing a complete replacement. Septic tanks should also be pumped every three to five years.

Resources: The Home Fixers

HVAC Cost and Energy Saving Tips

On an average span of ten years, the typical homeowner will spend more than $10,000 on heating and cooling. There are ways to reduce these utility costs and make sure that the HVAC system that is purchased is more energy efficient. Here are a few tips to get point you in the right direction.

Maintenance

1. Installing Energy Star HVAC equipment can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 30 percent.
2. Have an inspection of your HVAC system at least twice a year – before the weather starts to get cold and before it starts to get warm. Improper installation and maintenance are the top two causes of premature system failure.
3. As soon as the air filter starts to turn grey, they should be changed (on average every 3 months). This will keep your HVAC system running longer and have the best performance. Air filters at M.E.R.V. 4 or lower do not really keep the air in your home clean.
4. Clean your air ducts to remove any dust that may be blocking efficient air flow.

Energy Efficiency

1. Clean the compressor on the outside of the home with a hose whenever it looks dirty to protect it from natural elements.
2. When you are not home, turn your HVAC system off or place the setting where it will not click on. No matter the setting, when your system is running you are using electricity.
3. Close doors and ducts to unused rooms to make your HVAC system work more efficiently
4. Find and seal any cracks in your home including gaps between and around windows and doors. This will help to keep cold air inside during warm weather and vice versa during the winter months.

Source: Chron, Old Coast, Tavares HVAC, Article Base

Energy Efficiency Tips for Spring

Spring is here and hopefully, soon, warm weather will follow. As you begin your spring cleaning, this is a great time to find areas in your home where energy efficiency is needed. You might not realize there are multiple places that could use a little touch ups to keep your utility bill as low as possible. There are even behaviors that you can adopt to avoid being energy wasteful.

Ceiling Fans

Having ceiling fans in your home is a good idea, but an excellent idea is absolutely having one in your bedroom. Many people in the warmer months will turn their air conditioner down at night to sleep more comfortably. A better idea is to make sure the ceiling fan is on at bedtime. If it is right over your bed, the cool air will circulate down and keep you cool. Just remember to turn them off when you leave the room as they serve no purpose when no one is under them and only waste energy.

Lighting

A recently passed federal law is helping to phase out incandescent bulbs. U.S. manufacturers will no longer be able produce 100-watt bulbs. Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) and light emitting diodes (LEDs) will become the new standard light bulbs. Each light bulb you swap to a CFL will cut back on your energy by 75 percent. Not to mention that they last at least 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. You will be surprised at how much energy can be saved simply by swapping out your lighting source.

Insulation

When your home is properly insulated, it can really cut back your utility bill. The best places to start when insulating are in drafty areas. For instance, if you have an attic, it should be at the top of your list. After adding insulation to this area wait and see the difference in your next bill. You can call an expert to take care of your insulation needs or take care of it yourself. If you choose the latter, you need to answer three questions before beginning.

1. Where does your home need to be insulated?
2. What type of insulation is currently in your home?
3. What is the thickness and R-value (measurement for insulation's resistance to heat flow – the higher the value the better the resistance) of your current insulation?

Energy Star Appliances

This might be more of a costly update to your home to make it more energy efficient, but you will save so much more money in the long run. By updating an old refrigerator to manufacturer who has been given an Energy Star label, you can save up to 40 percent in energy. An Energy Star dishwasher will save on average 1,300 gallons of water in its lifetime.

Kitchen appliances are not the only appliances that can be Energy Star related. Your television and other electronics can, too. So whenever you update any of these items in your home remember to be on the outlook for these particular brands. Always turn all electronics off when they are not in use, and if they can be unplugged that is an even better idea as some pieces of technology continue to use energy when turned off.

Windows

If you have single pane windows in your home, there is a good chance air is leaking right through them. Cold air will go right out, and warm air will seep in. Energy Star double pane windows make great updates to keep the air you are producing in your home exactly where you need it to be. If you are unable to update your windows, try weather stripping or caulking to prevent leaks.

Another way to keep the temperature inside your home the way you like it is to add curtains to your windows. Keep them closed to protect against the sun's rays and to keep a room from unnecessarily warming up. If you live somewhere that gets cool at night, it is also recommended to turn off your cooling appliances and open the windows.

Air Filter

Check your air filter every month – especially in high use months. At minimum an air filter should be changed every three months, but if it looks dirty sooner than that, change it. A dirty air filter will cause your system to work harder and can drastically change the air quality in your home.

Thermostat

How you operate your thermostat in the spring and summer can really make a difference on your utility bill. A programmable thermostat is recommended for most homes – especially those that are empty for large periods of the day. When you are not home, your thermostat should be programmed to a warmer than normal level, and when you return home do not turn it down past what you usually consider normal. This could result in excessive cooling and higher bills. Also, at bedtime a good rule of thumb is to set your thermostat four to five degrees higher than normal. Use your ceiling fan or open windows if you absolutely need it to be cold. Finally, never place your thermostat in a warm area or place warm appliances near it. This could leave your air running much longer than needed.

Source: Energy.gov, Energy Star, Bounce Energy

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