The real danger of lead in the home

If you're in the market for a new home, there are many factors to consider before making a final selection. Besides location, price and amenities, potential buyers must also consider the safety of the home.

Although many buyers will search for outward signs of trouble, such as a degrading foundation or pests, a less thought of issue is also important: the presence of lead paint.

Lead is a naturally occurring element, one that can be found in air, water and soil, as well as inside the home. Lead is toxic and prolonged exposure can cause serious issues for children and adults. Some of these issues include cardiovascular disease and hypertension, decreased kidney function and reproductive problems.

Lead paint is often found in older homes, those built before 1978 in particular. Maryland law requires all multi-family and single-family dwellings built before 1978 to test for lead paint. In addition, federal law requires the disclosure of lead-based paint in all property that is sold or leased.

Paint that contains lead can cause serious health risks for those who live in the home. When chipping or deteriorating paint occurs, lead paint dust is the most common result, which can float to other areas of the home.

As part of Alban Inspections lead paint testing, our employees offer:

  • Lead risk assessment.
  • Lead free certification.
  • Lead dust pre-occupancy testing.
  • Visual compliance inspections.
  • Free consultation services.
  • Clearing house for information.

Lead paint is a serious issue, one that must be taken care of right away in order to ensure the health of your family and the stability of your home.

Schedule a lead paint inspection today to learn more.

3 tips for a more cost-efficient home [Video]

Better energy efficiency practices not only create a more sustainable environment, but can also decrease monthly home bills as well. In order to reduce home costs, consider the following three changes.

Take a look at the overall home structure. If your home has drafty windows, holes in piping or gaps in the foundation, heated or cool air will be lost. Fill these openings as soon as they are found.

Next, be sure your home has adequate, safe insulation which will also aid in efficiency.

Finally, unplug any appliances that are not regularly used, as they will waste a lot of energy over time.

Schedule an energy audit with Alban Inspections to learn more. 

What should you know about mold?

Mold is a common occurrence in homes across the U.S., with the ability to grow anywhere moisture can accumulate, undetected over time. Mold spores are known to grow in both indoor and outdoor environments, often entering the home through the air.

Some of the most common pathways mold spores follow include ventilation systems, open windows and doorways, as well as by direct contact with those inside the house by latching onto clothes or bags.

Mold spores grow over time, especially when not detected. Many buildings and homes are often insulated or built with products that create a sustainable mold growth environment, such as cardboard, ceiling tiles and wood products. Wallpapers, accumulated dust and drywall can also cause mold growth when wet.

In addition to the issues mold can cause to overall home structure, it can also cause serious adverse health effects. Some of the most common health effects appear in the form of allergy-like symptoms. These include eye irritation, wheezing, skin irritation and nasal problems.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, a report conducted by the Institute of Medicine found that repeated indoor exposure to mold can lead to upper respiratory infections in otherwise healthy individuals. It can also cause allergies to develop, as well as other serious illnesses.

Schedule an inspection with Alban . We will conduct an investigation into how the mold has entered the home, where it is growing and take samples of any found. By determining the home issues that are causing mold growth, more can be done to stop it, and prevent it from occurring again in the future.

After a mold inspection, whatever is found must be tested by a laboratory to identify its type and all other steps that may need to be taken.

The cost of a home inspection is often less than the serious health effects that can add up over time without one. 

4 ways to sell your home faster

Understanding when and how to best list your home for sale relies on a range of different factors including the season, selling price and features of the property. Although interest rates are low as of now and demand for property is high, some sellers just aren't sure how long the current market will last.

With the weather returning to its spring-esque temperatures and sunny skies, now could be the best time to make a move toward entering the home market. Sell your home quicker with the following four tips in mind:

  • Create a staged, but natural appearance: Staging your home to showcase its best features is important, as it helps buyers see how their time will be spent there. Staging has been proven to sell more homes than just opening a home for show with no preparation.
  • Determine exactly why you want to leave: Pinpoint what features of the home no longer work for your family, and spin the issues into positives for potential buyers. In doing so, a more personalized view of the home can be created.
  • Invest in energy efficiency: Completing an energy audit in the home can add to buyer appeal, enhancing features and saving money in the future. By pointing out efficient practices in the home, buyers are more likely to want to learn more.
  • Think about timing: According to Yahoo Finance, home sales reach their peak in late June, but listing by mid-March is best. Homes sold between March and mid-April sell 15 percent faster, and for 2 percent more than their listing price. Timing can also enhance the sale in terms of weather, especially when it comes to the outdoor appearance of the home.

Consider scheduling a consultation with Alban Inspections experts today.

Is better energy efficiency possible?

Maryland is one of the first states in the U.S. to create a full-on hands approach to better energy efficiency. In 2015, the Maryland Public Service Commission approved an energy efficiency goal to cut utility retail sales by 2 percent annually. Although this is possible, some believe even more can be done.

According to a new report released by the Regulatory Assistance Project, systematic approaches to energy efficiency can make more of a difference than what is currently occurring. In order to make this a reality, definitions would be altered and better investments made to ensure real changes are a real possibility.

The report found that 30 percent of the U.S.'s electricity system goals could be met in 10 years if planned changes were ramped up accordingly. Although it is possible, the change would require both "innovative thinking" and "unwavering commitment," two ideas that were also put forth in the final findings.

How could this actually be done?

For Maryland, the changes would be greater than they already are now. The state would have to determine areas in which increases could be made, as much as 50 percent higher in both programs and products. Other states with plans in place to hit 1 percent or 1.5 percent targets would instead have to double, and in some cases, even triple efforts.

By recognizing the real savings that homeowners can achieve, simply by knowing more about energy efficiency, more change can be made overall.

If you're interested in learning more about energy efficiency, schedule an energy audit in your home today. Our inspectors are trained to handle a wide array of energy issues and enhance outcomes.

Visit our website to learn more.

The importance of testing well water [Video]

Do you have a well in your backyard? If the answer is yes, when was the last time it was inspected? 

The National Ground Water Association recommends well owners test their water annually. But for what? Some wells can become contaminated with bacteria, nitrates and other local contaminants over time. 

What are some sure signs a check should be conducted as soon as possible?

If there is any change in taste, odor or appearance of the water, have the well tested right away. A test should also be performed if the water is contaminated by outside flood waters or if the cap is removed.

Other signs include family members suffering from recurring gastrointestinal illnesses, as well as a history of well water contamination.

Schedule a water test with Alban Inspections today to learn more.

How to choose your next energy efficient change [Video]

Homeowners are aware of the many energy efficient changes that can be made in the home, but how should they choose between all the options out there? Keep the following three tips in mind to maximize the benefits of the changes you make.

 For starters, go with a visible change. Invest in a home energy monitor, easy controlled thermostat or even something as simple as electric power strips. As these changes are clear to see, your family will be more likely to remember to use them.

 Consider switching to an Energy Star appliance for maximum efficiency and lower monthly bills. Created with the environment and your wallet in mind, these are a great step toward change. 

Finally, make changes that increase comfort, such as installing an AC or a better furnace.

What are the benefits of a home energy audit?

Investing in a home inspection is an essential part of property ownership. By having an experienced inspector take a look at your home, serious issues can be discovered that may have been unsuitable for your current living situation.

If you believe there is no real change that can be made in your home, because of its age or size, don't count yourself short!

What are some of the benefits of a home energy audit?

  • Finding hidden issues: If the walls of your home could talk, they may have more to say than anyone in your family realized. Dangerous issues can be uncovered during energy audits, such as finding mold behind a wall. By not maintaining proper ventilation, mold and mildew can build up, which if left untreated, can lead to serious health issues.
  • Improved home comfort: If your house feels too hot or too cold, seems to hold smells for long periods of time or lets in unwanted critters, an energy audit can make a difference. An audit targets problem areas such as drafty windows or faulty HVAC systems, which can lead to better air circulation and temperature control. Issues with weatherstripping or holes in insulation can also cause pests to enter, which can lead to other serious issues.
  • Increasing home marketability: A recent study published in the Appraisal Journal found that for every $1 decrease in energy costs, the market value of a home increases by $20.

Another obvious benefit, which may be the most important, is an energy audit's effect on the environment. By creating more sustainable means by which homes can operate, efficiency is enhanced and the amount of greenhouse gases is decreased.

Visit our website to learn more, or schedule an energy audit with Alban Inspections today.

Energy efficiency continues to rise

What is the current state of energy efficiency in the United States? According to a recent study conducted by Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) and the Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE), energy efficiency continues to grow, with cleaner energy and natural gas being consumed, as coal burning and carbon dioxide emissions fall.

Some of the main findings of the study include:

  • Investments in energy efficiency causes have spurred the growth of American productivity, creating jobs as well as more hospitable living locations. American energy productivity increased 13 percent from 2007 to 2015.
  • 2015 was a record year for natural gas production, consumption, power generation and overall volume.
  • Renewable energy is a prominent part of U.S. power, making up 20 percent of its total output. With more than 222 GW of installed capacity available across the country, an increase of 57 percent has been made since 2008.

"Last year was certainly one for the history books: US power sector CO2 emissions fell to their lowest annual level since the mid-1990s. And the net impact on consumers is negligible to positive as prices for electricity and fuel remained low by historic standards and customer choices expanded. Perhaps most importantly, many of the key changes seen in 2015 are likely permanent shifts, rather than temporary adjustments due to one-time events," said Senior Analyst at BNEF Colleen Regan.

Since 2007, the U.S. has put close to $445 billion toward renewable energy sources and energy smart technologies. By doing so, overall efficiency has increased and continues to do so. Making energy efficient changes can begin small as well. By making changes, such as installing Energy Star appliances, an easily controlled thermostat or new HVAC system, real savings can be maintained now and in the future.

To learn more, schedule an energy audit today.

Why should Americans care about energy efficiency?

Most Americans believe solar and wind energy sources are best in terms of savings and environmental impact. While this can be true for some, there are other, smaller energy efficient initiatives that can also make a difference. 

Since 1990, U.S. Department of Energy changes have cut energy use through a range of appliances. These cuts include:

  • 70 percent by installing new washing machines
  • 40 percent by installing new dishwashers
  • About 50 percent with new air conditioners 
  • 10 percent by installing better furnace units

Although these cuts have been made, there has been a slight drop in the amount of Americans ready and willing to make these kinds of changes. 

"Even though understanding of energy sources remains at historical levels, in the last few years fewer consumers are taking steps to reduce energy consumption in their homes," says Carol M. Gstalder, Reputation & Public Relations Practice Leader for Harris Poll. "As energy prices drop, so do consumers' commitment to energy-saving decisions from replacing light bulbs and water heaters to installing solar."

By continuing to make energy efficient changes, families can save up to 25 percent of their monthly bill costs. The key to securing these changes is the method through which they are achieved. By taking a whole-house approach, such as looking room to room for overall changes, more savings can be incurred.

By taking small steps like installing a programmable thermostat, air drying clothes and checking windows and doors for leaks, energy efficiency can be better maintained. 

To learn more or to schedule an energy audit with Alban Inspections, visit the rest of our website.