5 Steps to a safer backyard

With all the pool parties, pup-tent sleepovers and barbecues held in the summer months, the backyard gets a lot of use. Even so, only half of U.S. homeowners with backyards have actively taken steps to prevent injuries in their outdoor areas, according to the Home Safety Council.

Help protect your family and guests with these safety measures:

1. Scan play equipment for danger. Look for sharp objects, rusty nails and weakening joints and support pieces. Cover the surface below the equipment with wood chips, mulch or pea gravel, so children have a soft place to land. And examine the area for potential strangulation hazards. According to the Home Safety Council, a child’s head can be trapped in openings 3.5 to 9 inches wide.


2. Establish a grill zone. Keep the grill well away from the play area, and designate the space a “no-play zone” for both kids and pets. Place the grill at least 3 feet away from your home, deck and other flammable objects.


3. Childproof the pool. On average, 200 young children drown in pools and spas each year between Memorial Day and Labor Day, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Install a childproof fence and self-closing gate around the pool—it may even be a law in your area. Install gate locks and a pool alarm, and always keep a careful watch while kids are in the pool.


4. Verify that your deck is attached to your home using anchors and bolts, not nails, which can slip out over time. If you have an older deck, consider having a professional inspector examine it to make sure it is safe.


5. Keep gasoline, pesticides and harmful outdoor chemicals stored out of the reach of children. Leave them in the original containers so they’re easily identified, and promptly put them away in a locked cabinet or bin after use.

Foreclosure Inspection

So, you want to buy a house cheap, and you look to the foreclosure market. Considering the over-abundance of these properties and just how little many of them are going for, it’s tempting to jump on the bandwagon and buy up. And it may pay off as a long-term investment. But, like any other major purchase, you should know as much as you can about a property before you buy it, which is why home inspections, performed by certified InterNACHI inspectors, are necessary.

Unfortunately, many real estate agents, who don’t like bargaining with banks, are advising clients that home inspections are of no value as a bargaining tool, since banks don’t negotiate on “as is” properties. As an added disincentive, banks selling properties “as is” have no legal responsibility for any lurking defects. While the agent's advice to forgo an inspection as a means to negotiate on the price may be logical, it is startlingly counter-intuitive, and possibly even negligent. Would you buy a car without knowing whether it has a transmission? The same premise holds true for a house, regardless of whether you intend to live in it, or fix it and flip it. The Realtor may be trying to salvage a deal that could possibly be scrapped if an inspector uncovers damage that the bank is unwilling to pay for, and you, as the buyer, have to realize that the agent's advice is not in your best interest. In this case, they’re putting you at risk in order to ensure they get their commission.

Any Realtor advising against an inspection on a foreclosure (or neglecting to recommend that one be performed) is ignoring the likelihood that, long before the previous owners stopped making mortgage payments, they deferred required maintenance tasks. Moisture intrusion leading to leaks and mold are just a few of the major problems commonly found by inspectors in foreclosed properties. Tales abound of bizarre discoveries in abandoned properties, from wild boars to colossal bees nests. Former owners may loot their own properties, taking with them anything they can pry up or unscrew, and leave behind trash and junk that you have to pay for to have removed.

There are also stories of foreclosed properties that have been intentionally vandalized by their former owners in acts of retaliation against their banks. In one infamous case in early 2010, an Ohioan bulldozed his $250,000 home after the IRS placed liens on his carpet store, and then threatened to take his house. The damage done by the owner was apparent, but there are probably less extreme situations where the damage isn’t as obvious, making a home inspection of utmost priority.

You should always get a home inspection before buying a property, especially when you’re buying a bank-owned foreclosure. In such cases, it may be impossible to find out how well the home was cared for, or whether major damage was done right before the past owners left the property. Ask the bank how much time you have after your initial offer to have an inspection performed, and schedule one immediately. If it goes well, you’ll enter into the deal with peace of mind and a better idea of what repairs you’ll have to deal with. That alone is worth the price of an inspection. If the inspection reveals a costly disaster, you can back out of the deal and save tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Breathe better air

Research shows that air quality is often worse indoors than outside. Moisture, pets, smoke, appliances and furnishings can all pollute indoor air, creating minor irritations and possible health risks. One or more of these pollutants may be harming your health:

• Gases. Formaldehyde from building products can irritate your eyes, nose, throat or skin and allergies. Radon can seep through soil into foundations.
• Mold. Inhaling or touching mold can cause respiratory irritation, allergic reactions or asthma, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
  
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Certain types of household cleaners, floor polish and paint produce VOCs that irritate lungs and can cause cancer. Fumes from an idling car inside an attached garage can infiltrate your home. The chemicals in mothballs and—ironically—some air fresheners carry health risks too.
  
• Combustion. Tobacco contains 50 substances that cause cancer, respiratory infections and heart disease. Using a wood-burning fireplace in an airtight home also spells respiratory trouble. Carbon monoxide can leak from a faulty furnace, water heater or stove vents.

To improve the air quality in your home and protect your health:

• Eliminate sources. Stop smoking (or take it outdoors). Check for radon and defend yourself against carbon monoxide. If you have a fireplace or a wood-burning stove, be sure to operate it safely and maintain it properly.
  
• Improve ventilation. Vent humid bathroom and kitchen air directly outdoors. Add a heat exchanger to increase ventilation without wasting heating and cooling dollars.
  
• Dry out. Promptly repair plumbing leaks and any resulting water damage. Check that rain and melting snow flow away from your house, and seal openings where mold-loving moisture can infiltrate siding. High humidity increases the likelihood of mold. Keep the indoor humidity level between 30 and 50 percent. Use a moisture or humidity gauge to check it.
  
• Clean the air. Replace your furnace filter regularly. Portable air cleaning devices may help reduce the levels of indoor air pollutants, but they may not decrease the adverse health effects, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Safeguard your home

According to a survey, burglars enter homes through the following locations:

• 81% enter through the first floor;
• 34% of burglars enter through the front door;
• 23% enter through a first-floor window;
• 22% enter through the back door;
• 9% enter through the garage;
• 4% enter through the basement;
• 4% enter through an unlocked entrance;
• 2% enter through a storage area; and
• 2% enter through anywhere on the second floor

The 2% that enter on the second floor sure are determined and only 4% enter through an unlocked entrance. Either people do a good job of locking their homes or someone is not too bright.

Consider the following safety measures:

Exterior Doors

• Doors should be made of steel or solid-core wood construction. Hollow-core wood doors are more easily broken than heavy, solid-core doors.
• Doors should be free of signs of rot, cracks and warping.
• Doors should be protected by quality deadbolt locks. Chain locks are not adequate substitutes for deadbolt locks, although chain locks may be used as additional protection.
• If a mail slot is present, it should be equipped with a cage or box. Mail slots that are not equipped with cages or boxes have been used by burglars to enter homes. If no box or cage is present, burglars can insert a contraption made of wire and cord into the mail slot and use it to open the lock from the inside.
• If a door is equipped with glass panes, they should be installed far from the lock. Otherwise, burglars can smash the glass and reach through the door to unlock the door.
• Spare keys should not be hidden in obvious locations. Burglars are very good at finding keys you believe are cleverly hidden. The best place for a spare key is in the house of a trusted neighbor. If keys must be hidden near the door, don’t place them in obvious locations, such as under a doormat, rock or planter.
• Install a peephole in doors so you can see who is on the doorstep before you open the door.
• Consider installing bump-resistant locks. “Bumping” is a technique developed recently that can open almost any standard lock with less effort than is required by lock-picking. This technique uses "bump keys," which are normal keys with slight modifications. Lock companies such as Schlage, Primus and Medeco manufacture a number of locks that offer some bump-resistance.

Pet Doors:

• Pet doors can be used by burglars to enter homes. Some burglars have reached through pet doors in order to unlock the door. Don’t install a pet door, but if one is necessary, it should be as small as possible and installed far from the lock.
• Electronic pet doors are available that open only when the pet, equipped with a signaling device in their collar, approaches the door. These doors are designed to keep stray animals out of the home, and may provide protection against burglars, as well.

Sliding Glass Doors:

• They should be equipped with locks on their tops and bottoms.
• They should not be able to be lifted from their frames.
• A cut-off broom handle, or a similar device, can be laid into the door track to prevent it from being opened.

Illumination:

• Lights should be installed on the exterior of all four sides of the house. Burglars prefer darkness so they cannot be seen by neighbors or passersby.
• When you are not home, a few lights should be left on.
• It is helpful to install exterior lights that are activated by motion sensors. Burglars that are suddenly illuminated may flee.

Windows:

• All windows should be composed of strong glass, such as laminated glass, and be in good operating order.
• Consider installing bars, grilles, grates or heavy-duty wire screening. Be aware that barred windows must be equipped with a quick-release mechanism so occupants can quickly escape during a fire.
• Windows should not be hidden by landscaping or structures. If landscaping or structures cannot be moved, lighting can be installed around the windows.

Landscape and Yard:

• Shrubs and trees should not obscure the view of entrances. Shielded entrances can provide cover for burglars while they attempt to enter the residence.
• Fences are helpful burglar deterrents, although they should not be difficult to see through.

While the House is Vacant:

• A loud radio can be used to make burglars think someone is home. Timers can be used to activate radios and lights to make the home appear occupied.
• A car should always be parked in the driveway. A neighbor’s car can be parked there so that it appears as if someone is home.
• The lawn should be cut regularly. Uncut grass is a clue that no one is home.

Other Tips:

• Dogs are excellent burglar deterrents. If you don't own a dog, place "Beware of Dog" signs around the yard for nearly the same effect.
• If no security system is installed, you can post security alarm stickers around the yard anyway.

Make Your Appliances Last

Nearly 10,000 residential appliance fires break out each year, causing more than $200 million in property damage, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. With any appliance, if you notice frayed wires, overheating, unusual smells, tripped circuit breakers, sparks or sputters, immediately turn off the appliance and call a service contractor. Contact the manufacturer, as well.

Problems with clothes washers, dishwashers and refrigerators with icemakers and/or water dispensers can lead to water damage. Check for signs of leaks around these appliances and don't ignore small leaks that can lead to bigger problems.

Here are some simple maintenance steps that will help keep your big appliances running safely and efficiently:

Electric ranges: Clean cooking surfaces to prevent grease buildup. Keep flammable materials, such as towels and potholders, away from the cooktop and oven elements.

Gas ranges: Remove the cooktop grills, burners, and drip pans and wash them in soapy water to improve performance and reduce the risk of fire.

Refrigerators: Vacuum dust from the coils behind and underneath your refrigerator to allow proper airflow. If the unit has an icemaker, check the water-supply tube for leaks.

Dishwashers: Use a soft brush to clean the gaskets around the door and frame to prevent food debris from weakening the seal and causing a leak.

Washers: Replace dry, cracked or brittle hoses before they leak. Clean the tub by running the washer empty for a full cycle at a high temperature setting, using two cups of vinegar or lemon juice instead of detergent.

Dryers: A dirty lint filter can cause the dryer to overheat and start a fire. Clean the filter after every load and periodically clean out any lint trapped behind the dryer. Have the interior and venting system occasionally cleaned by a service

January is National Radon Month

Choose the best test, you can test for radon two ways:
DIY tests. Buy radon test kits at home centers or through National Radon Program Services. Testing takes two days to a year in a closed-up house before you return the test to a laboratory for the results. Radon levels vary daily, so longer tests mean greater accuracy. Retest after making repairs.

Professional tests. A trained radon professional's electric monitor shows how radon levels fluctuate during the test period. Home buyers may trust professional tests more because they are performed independently of home sellers.

Fix the problemIn general, treat radon reduction like any home improvement and obtain multiple bids before hiring a contractor. Fixing most radon problems costs $800 to $2,500, according to the National Radon Safety Board, one of two organizations maintaining lists of radon contractors. The National Environmental Health Association offers a list of questions to ask your radon contractor. The EPA has links to your state's radon control agency.

Advantages of Solar Energy

In the wake of the greatest environmental disaster, here are some facts about solar energy.

Solar energy offers considerable advantages over conventional energy systems by nullifying flaws in those systems long considered to be unchangeable. Solar power for home energy production has its flaws, but they're dwarfed by the advantages listed below:

1. Raw materials are renewable and unlimited. The amount of available solar energy is staggering, roughly 10,000 times that currently required by humans, and it's constantly replaced. A mere 0.02% of incoming sunlight, if captured correctly, would be sufficient to replace every other fuel source currently used by humans.
   
2. Solar power is low-emission. Solar panels produce no pollution, although they impose environmental costs through manufacture and construction. These environmental tolls are negligible, however, when compared with the damage inflicted by conventional energy sources: the burning of fossil fuels releases roughly 21.3 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere annually.
   
3. Solar power is suitable for remote areas that are not connected to energy grids. It may come as a surprise to city-dwellers but, according to Home Power Magazine, as of 2006, 180,000 houses in the United States were off-grid, and that figure is likely considerably higher today. California, Colorado, Maine, Oregon, Vermont and Washington have long been refuges for such energy rebels, though people live off the grid in every state.
   
4. Solar power provides green jobs. Production of solar panels for domestic use is becoming a growing source of employment in research, manufacture, sales and installation.
   
5. In the long run, solar power is economical. Solar panels and installation are high initial expenses, but this cost is soon offset by savings on energy bills. Eventually, they may even produce a profit on their use.
   
6. Solar power can mean government tax credits. U.S. federal subsidies credit up to 30% of system costs, and each state offers its own incentives. California, blessed with abundant sunshine, and plagued by high electric rates and an over-taxed grid, was the first state to offer generous renewable-energy incentives for homes and businesses.
   
7. Solar power is reliable. Many homeowners favor solar energy because it is virtually immune to potential failings of utility companies, mainly in the form of political or economic turmoil, terrorism, natural disasters, or blackouts due to overuse.
   
8. Solar power conserves foreign expenditure. In many countries, a large percentage of earnings is used to pay for imported oil for power generation. The United States alone spends $13 million per hour on oil, much of which comes from Persian Gulf nations. As oil supplies dwindle and prices rise in this politically unstable region, these problems continue to catalyze the expansion of solar power and other alternative-energy systems.