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Home Inspector - International Property Inspection
RECENT BLOG POSTS
Energy Use For AppliancesHousehold appliances, including lighting, account for roughly 23 percent of energy consumption in the average Virginia home. Because these appliances are primarily powered by electricity, which is more expensive per unit of energy than other fuels, they comprise a larger ...
04/15/2007
   In arid parts of the county water is becoming more important as aquifers containing fossil water- ancient water which is not replenished by runoff- is used up. In these parts of the country, which includes most of the West, it's important to conserve water.Ever wondered how much hot water your...
04/15/2007
By Kenton ShepardMost of us agree that keeping the attic cool is a good thing. Keeping the attic cool helps keep the roof-covering material cool which extends its lifespan. During the summer, ventilating the attic helps lower the cost of keeping the home cool. During the winter it helps prevent i...
04/12/2007
High Performance Homes E-Star's statewide home energy rating program facilitates the design and construction of energy-efficient homes and High Performance Homes.DefinitionA High Performance Home relies on systems-engineered design, quality-controlled construction, and performance testing to ensu...
04/12/2007
Aluminum wiring that is installed correctly and has been correctly maintained is acceptable, however wiring is often neglected and neglected aluminum wiring is a potential fire hazard.Aluminum Wiring HazardsBetween 1965 and 1973 aluminum wiring was sometimes substituted for copper wiring in resid...
04/12/2007
HEATING EQUIPMENTProgrammable ThermostatsUsing a programmable thermostat, heating and air-conditioning schedules can be adjusted according to a pre-set schedule. As a result, the equipment doesn't operate as much when it's not needed. Programmable thermostats can store and repeat multiple daily s...
04/12/2007
 By Kenton ShepardBuilding biology is the study of how buildings impact life. It involves disciplines from a number of areas such as building science, which studies how building react to changes in moisture and temperature levels, Indoor Air Quality, sound building design and construction princip...
04/11/2007
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By Kenton ShepardROOF CONSIDERATIONSRoof Drainage SystemsGutters and downspouts which drain roof runoff away from the home are an important part of protecting the foundation.  Moisture is the primary cause of foundation problems because it affects the ability of the sol to bear the weight of the ...
04/11/2007
By Kenton Shepard Although it's hard to make accurate, general statements about electronic air filters since they're not all the same, here are a few concerns... Probably the main concern is ozone. Although it occurs naturally in the upper atmosphere where it protects living organisms by preventi...
04/11/2007
This article is about wood discoloration. Although it uses logs as an example, the information extends to all wood products and it's very instructive about the nature of mold. Sorry to provide just the link, but for those interested in wood decay and other mold fungi problems, this article is wor...
04/10/2007
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Kenton Shepard

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My blogs are restricted to home inspection, real estate and green building-related topics. I write most of them myself, posting work by others only when I find it unique or especially interesting or helpful. Please feel free to contact me personally with questions about the subjects of my blogs.