Colorado Springs Vintage Homes Blog
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6 ways your house can make you sick
Can my house make me sick? Yes!
Here’s my list of 6 things in your Colorado Springs house that can make you sick
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1. Radon: It’s a colorless, odorless gas that can seep into the home from the ground. Radon has been called the second most common cause of lung cancer. In the open air, radon usually dissipates into the atmosphere and is not likely to cause harm. When radon enters buildings and is trapped in high concentrations, it causes health problems. This typically happens in basements with poor ventilation. (See related article: Radon testing is important in Colorado Springs)
2. Asbestos: It’s a fibrous material that was once popular in building materials because it provided heat insulation and fire resistance. Asbestos was banned in 1985 but it still may be found in older home’s insulation materials, floor tiles, roof coverings, ceilings and siding. It is only harmful when it is disturbed or exposed causing it to become airborne; which can typically happens during home renovations. It can be costly to remove because the process requires state licensed technicians and specially sealed environments. (EPA Pamphlet)
3. Lead: It’s a toxic metal used in home products for many years which can contribute to several health problems, especially among children and the elderly. Exposure can occur from deteriorating lead-based paint, pipes, or lead-contaminated dust or soil. It’s estimated that 75% of all private houses built before 1978 have lead present. Presently, there is no federal law that requires homeowners to check for the presence of lead-based paint but lead-based paint hazards must be disclosed however. More information available on the EPA Pamphlet. Read the rest of this entry »
When and why should I replace my furnace?
Buy or Selling a home in Colorado Springs? Check out the Furnace
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For a Free Market Analysis on Colorado Springs neighborhoods, email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com
There are many things that are important when you go to buy and sell a house; but it’s crucial you understand the major components of 
a house and the related costs to replace them. Roofs, windows, heaters; all can run into major money. Since my hubby and I are planning on buying a Colorado Springs investment property this year, we’ve been putting together a list of contractors to use for major home components. Let’s start with some of the essentials.
What is the life span of a furnace?
The typical life of a furnace is appx. 20 years; but some furnaces last 25 to 35 years. One way to make sure it lasts even longer is to periodically have it serviced and change your furnace filter as recommended by the manufacturer. Think of it the same way you think of “an oil change” for you car. Preventative maintenance can definitely extend the life of the furnace.
Why would I replace the furnace?
If your furnace or boiler is older than 20 years, it may be good investment to replace it with a high-efficiency model with the guidance of a licensed contractor. Also, with the current energy tax credit Read the rest of this entry »
New Carbon Monoxide Law effective July 1, 2009
Carbon Monoxide Bill Signed into Law
Search for Homes in Colorado Springs
Colorado homebuilders will be required to install carbon-monoxide detectors in new homes under a proposal signed into law on March 24th. House Bill HB 1091 also requires installation of the detectors in new and resold homes near bedrooms as well as rented apartments and homes. It takes effect July 1, 2009. The new la
w will cover all new residential construction and existing single-family and multi-family housing units offered for sale, transfer or rent.
The law applies to any seller of residential real property containing a fuel-fired heater or appliance, a fireplace, or an attached garage. The seller will be responsible for assuring that a carbon monoxide alarm is properly installed within 15 feet of the entrance to each room lawfully used for sleeping. No person shall have a claim for relief against a property owner or their authorized agent if a carbon monoxide alarm is installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s published instructions.
There have been several deaths in Colorado Read the rest of this entry »
Carbon Monoxide Alert
Get a Free Market Analysis on your Home, Email KTorline@msn.com or call 719-287-1049
Colorado Springs Vintage Homes is happy to feature an article by our NEWEST Guest Blogger
Mark W. Baxley with Brick and Mortar Home Inspections, Inc.
Why Should I Open a Window When Using a Wood Burning Fireplace?
It is important that your home has sufficient outside air for combustion when using a wood burning fireplace. Insufficient outside air could cause the fireplace to steal combustion air from another source inside the home; typically from the furnace and water heater vents. When this occurs, down drafts in the flues (known as back venting) permit combustion byproducts, to include carbon monoxide, to enter the home. This is unsafe and could cause harm to the home’s occupants.
There is a simple solution to prevent back venting from occurring. Simply open a nearby window approximately 1″ – 2″ when using a wood burning fireplace. This will ensure the home is provided with sufficient outside air. It is also a good idea to ensure the home is equipped with a carbon monoxide monitor.
Have a question? Contact Mark at 719-380-0171
bam-home-inspections@comcast.net
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Kathy (719-287-1049) KTorline@msn.com
