Fidelity Home Management

FHM HOUSEHOLD TIPS

- Radon Testing -

Radon is a cancer-causing natural radioactive gas that you can’t see, smell or taste. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. It enters your home through cracks in floors & walls & becomes trapped inside.

You can find out if you have radon in your home with a test sold at your local hardware store. The testing is easy and inexpensive, usually less than $25. You should test your home for radon every 2 years or every time you remodel.

Test MUST meet EPA requirements. Take a short-term test first Most tests take 2 days - seal the detector and mail it to the lab listed on the instructions Do the test in the lowest level of the home (finished basement) suitable for living If your result is 4 pCi/L or higher take a follow-up test with a second short term test or a long term test Fix your home if your long-term test result is 4 pCi/L or more. Second short-term test: The higher your short-term results, the more certain you can be that you should fix your home. Consider fixing your home if the average of your first and second test is 4 pCi/L or higher

- Carbon Monoxide Detectors -

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless, invisible gas. In the home, some of the following appliances when not working properly can release this poisonous gas, including ranges,
ovens, clothes dryers, furnaces, fireplaces, grills, space heaters, vehicles, and water
heaters.
Every home should have a carbon monoxide detector they can be purchased at any home hardware/appliance store averaging in price between $40.00 & $50.00 .

When buying a CO Detector look for the following:

Choose a carbon monoxide detector that has been tested and approved. A carbon monoxide detector that monitors low levels of CO, look for one that has a memory Plug-in carbon monoxide detector may be best, but they also have battery operated ones

After Buying a CO Detector:

DO NOT plug a CO detector into an outlet that is controlled by a switch Test your CO detector once a week by pushing the device's button Replace your CO detector every 5 years, unless the manufacturer recommends sooner. If the alarm sounds, evacuate your home and call 911 for assistance. Leave it to the professionals to determine the source of the CO.

- Keeping Basements Dry -

A wet basement is a common problem in poured concrete, stone or blocked type basements. A wet basement that goes untreated can lead to mold and mildew, which can lead to many health concerns, especially in young children. Here are some tips to keep your basement dry.

Make sure that your gutter system was/is installed correctly. Make sure you gutter system has the correct number of downspouts of the correct size and extended 4 to 10 feet from the house and AWAY from your foundation. Check that gutters are flowing freely & that there aren't any clogs. Clean gutters regularly Seal cracks and holes in the concrete block walls. Paint the basement walls with specialized waterproofing paint. Never pile up snow against the house. Check for water leaks where pipes enter the basement. Install a sump pump.

- Tips to Keeping Heating Bill Down & Your Home Warm -

Every year heating costs go up, FHM has some tips to lower your heating costs.