Energy Code and Green Homes: Blower Door Tests

Washington is just one of many states that have adopted the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) that raises the standard for construction design in residential and commercial structures.  This blower door testing ensures that homes are efficiently sealed.

“The new national energy code includes mandatory blower-door testing for building air leakage (less than <3.0 ACH at 50 pascals), which will measure how well contractors have sealed up penetrations between the outdoors and indoor conditioned space. This testing will be required for all projects permitted after the new code goes into effect. Some states have made modifications to the adopted code, such as Illinois which has changed the ACH rate to 5.0 ACH @ 50.  View our archived July 12 webinar to learn more about IL Energy Code changes.”

AMS Inspection performs blower door tests throughout King, Snohomish, Chelan and Douglas Counties.  We’ve worked with developers such as Quadrant Homes and Seattle-Pacific Homes.

Source:  2012 IECC Energy Code vs Green Home Certifications, Jason La Fleur, LEED AP on July 9, 2012

AMS Inspection Services is a home inspection company based out of Leavenworth, WA, with inspectors in Seattle, Wenatchee and throughout Chelan and Douglas counties.  AMS Inspection performs blower door tests for new construction projects.

WA Home Inspectors Can’t Repair Homes They Inspect

We received a call from a Realtor recently asking if we do repairs on a home we inspect.  Absolutely not!  Even though there are home inspectors doing this, it is not allowed in Washington State.  The WAC 308-408C-020 (Code of Ethics) for Washington State Licensed Home Inspectors states “the home inspector must:

(8) Not for one year after completion of the inspection repair, replace, or upgrade for compensation components or systems on any building inspected – this section applies to the inspector’s firm and other employees or principals of that firm or affiliated firms.”

This Ethic is set in place to protect the home buyer/seller.  Otherwise, a home inspector could call out problems within the home just to create more work for themselves and additional pad their pocket.  You can view all the Ethics at the Washington State Legislature Website.

AMS Inspection Services is a home inspection company based out of Leavenworth, WA, with inspectors in Seattle, Wenatchee and throughout Chelan and Douglas counties.  AMS Inspection performs blower door tests for on new construction projects. 

King County housing market hits 5-year high

KING-5 News reports that Seattle is experiencing a stronger real estate performing the best in 5 years.  Small home inventory, increase in home values and excited buyers are contributing to the favorable performance.

Check out the full article and news report video at KING-5 News.

AMS Inspection Services is a home inspection company based out of Leavenworth, WA, with inspectors in Seattle, Wenatchee and throughout Chelan and Douglas counties.  AMS Inspection performs blower door tests for on new construction projects. 

Asbestos Dangers of a Home Remodel

AMS Inspection Services is a home inspection company based out of Leavenworth, WA, with inspectors in Seattle, Wenatchee and throughout Chelan and Douglas counties.  AMS Inspection performs blower door tests for contractors in new construction projects.  The following blog is a guest submission.

Home remodeling can be an inexpensive way for hands-on homeowners to personalize their space, but in many buildings it can also be a way for homeowners to be exposed to asbestos.

Most homes built before the 1980s were constructed with asbestos-containing construction products. Wallboard, paint, pipes, carpeting and tape were just a few of the most common materials that were made with asbestos. Other asbestos-containing materials that were popular before asbestos regulations were enforced include:

• Popcorn ceiling finishes
• Shingles
• Bricks/grout
• Tile

Believe it or not, many of these products remain in homes today. Although these products do not pose any health risks while left intact, home renovations can easily disturb the asbestos and release it into the air. If this occurs, all of the home’s occupants are at risk of inhaling the fibers. This, in turn, puts them at risk to develop an asbestos-related disease.

Even with the high prevalence of asbestos in older homes, homeowners can safely remodel their property if they take several basic precautions.

How to Avoid Asbestos Exposure during Home Renovations

Before you begin any home renovations, you should hire a licensed asbestos professional to come out to your home and perform a thorough asbestos inspection. The abatement contractor can identify areas in your home that might contain asbestos, and then take small samples for laboratory evaluation.

The inspection will help you recognize which products you should not handle on your own and which are safe to freely renovate.

If asbestos-contaning products are found in your home, do not attempt to remove them on your own. A professional company should be hired to ensure that all fibers are safely removed from the area. Seeing as, you do not want to take the chance of developing an asbestos related cancer.

A construction contractor with a license in handling asbestos can also perform renovations on asbestos-containing products. These contractors will be able to remove or remediate the asbestos before remodeling the area.

(For example, they can cover asbestos cement with asbestos-free floor tiles, simultaneously addressing the asbestos problem and providing the homeowner with a remodeled floor).   Before hiring one of these contractors, however, homeowners should verify their asbestos licensure with the state.

Author bio: Faith Franz is a writer for the Mesothelioma Center. She combines her interests in whole-body health and medical research to educate the mesothelioma community about the newest developments in cancer care.

Blower Door Tests for Seattle, Wenatchee & Chelan County

A new Washington State building code requires all new construction homes to pass a blower door test ensuring that the home does not exceed the maximum allowable air leakage rate.  The blower door test verifies that the new home is sealed tightly and will perform efficiently.  If a new home is not properly sealed during construction it will be costly down the road to fix the home’s air leakage problems.  Watch this video from WSU Extension Energy Experts to learn more.

Air Sealing, Chapter 4: Measuring Building Tightness from Energy Experts on Vimeo.

AMS Inspection Services is a home inspection company based out of Leavenworth, WA, with inspectors in Seattle, Wenatchee and throughout Chelan and Douglas counties.  AMS Inspection performs blower door tests for contractors in new construction projects.

Duct Blaster & Blower Door Testing for New Homes – WA State Energy Code

AMS Inspection Services provides duct blaster and blower door tests to the greater Wenatchee area for the purpose of testing HVAC and home air leakage.  The new Washington State Energy Code requires third-party testing to ensure that contractors meet the minimum requirements of the air leakage test in order to pass the energy code requirements.  Watch this video from the “Energy Experts” at WSU Extension to learn where air leaks from your home.  It may not seem so obvious.

 

Air Sealing, Chapter 3: New Homes from Energy Experts on Vimeo.

AMS Inspection nominated for “2011 Affiliate Firm of the Year”

We are so very proud to announce that AMS Inspection Services was nominated for “2011 Affiliate Firm of the Year” by North Central Washington Association of Realtors.  Our company has enjoyed doing community service with NCWAR and helping organizations like Wenatchee Valley Humane Society, Leavenworth Community Cupboard, Wenatchee Food Banks, Respite Care, YMCA, Salvation Army and many more!

The winners will be announced on Jan. 27th.  We wish all the nominees the best of luck!

Chelan County: Recycle Your Christmas Tree Dec. 31 & Jan. 7

Local Boy Scouts and Chelan County Public Works are teaming up to recycle Christmas trees for a donation of $3. On Dec. 31 and Jan. 7 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., you can take your tree to the Chelan County Shop at 210 Easy St., Wenatchee; the Dryden Transfer Station, 9073 Highway 2; Entiat Brush Yard along Highway 97A, or the Chelan Recycle Center, also on Highway 97A.

Leavenworth Christmas Lighting Starts Dec. 2, 2011

Leavenworth’s Christmas Lighting Festival is one of the most unique holiday experiences.  It happens every year for 3 consecutive weekends after Thanksgiving.  Check out the details from the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce and book your stay now!

Photo: http://365thingstodoeastside.wordpress.com

“Remember when you were little, and you were enthralled with snow globes? A trip to Leavenworth is about as close to the real thing as you’re going to get. Nestled on the Eastern cusp of the Cascades, the Bavarian Village transforms when the snow flies, turning itself into the ultimate holiday town. Hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights, carolers, cocoa, kids sledding, the horse-drawn carriage…it is enough to make put any snow globe to shame. Want to make some memories with the family? Treat yourself to a winter experience that you will never forget!”

FRIDAYS

Lights Are On! 
St. Nicholas Greets
Children With Fruit
and Song

 

SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS 

Roasting Chestnuts, Characters,
Live Entertainment All Day!
Lighting Ceremony Begins at 4:30

Thanksgiving Safety Tips

(Photo from bhg.com)

According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), Thanksgiving Day receives the most reports for home-cooking fires, which is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries.  I compiled a list of reminders to make sure your family has a safe and fun holiday.

Watch the stove.  Unattended cooking is the leading cause of kitchen fires.  Turn off appliances when no one is in the kitchen and set loud timers.

Stay alert! Medicine, sleep depravation and alcohol consumption can all make you drowsy and less able to concentrate on safety.

Remain tidy.  Keep oven mitts, potholders, utensils, food packaging, bags, towels, etc. away from your stovetop and ovens.

Keep a lid on it.  Use a lid to smother small grease fires.  Never use water.

No Falls!  Shovel and de-ice the driveway and walkways to make sure your guests don’t slip on their way into your house.  Shovel out additional areas for parking so your guests aren’t blocking roads.

Don’t overload circuits!  With crock pots, blenders and all the small appliances needed to make the feast you can easily overload the breaker.  Only plug in 2 appliances at a time into a standard duplex outlet.  Using an extension cord to multiple usage will increase the risk of overload.

Know where your fire extinguisher is located.

From our home to yours…Happy Holidays!