​At this time of year, there’s nothing like coming home to a warm and cozy fire. Not all homes have traditional fireplaces, so a very popular option is the factory-built fireplace.  What is a factory-built fireplace and how easy is it to install and maintain?
 
As the name might suggest a factory-built fireplace is a fireplace that is made in a facility that can then stored until its ready to be installed in a home later on. While many of these types of fireplace are used in new construction, it is not a requirement and can be used in most homes. This type of pre-manufactured fireplace is made up of a firebox that is enclosed in a steel cabinet with a steel chimney or flue attached.
 
Factory-built fireplaces are a good option as they are lightweight, not overly expensive and are safe and efficient to use. This means that they can be installed easily on any floor of the home you choose. Another advantage of this kind of fireplace is that they have very small safe-clearance requirements and can be installed close to wood framing. The level of clearance, however, will depend on the manufacturer so it's important to check that before installation.
 
Although factory-built fireplaces have an excellent safety record, it’s important to take the appropriate fire-safety precautions, just as you would a traditional fireplace. This would include a monthly inspection of the chimney during the cold season to ensure creosote has not started to accumulate.
 

​The homes windows present a real danger to small children who, as they grow, like to climb and access every place they shouldn’t.  A fall from a window could prove fatal so making sure that the windows in your home are secure and childproof is naturally of the utmost importance.  Let’s look at some simple, low-cost options that are available today for childproofing windows:
 
To stop a child from opening a window, window latches are a good choice.  Just make sure that you choose a type of latch that will not only stop a child from being able to open the window but at the same time is easy for an adult to do so.
 
If you want to prevent a child from gaining any access to a window then window guards are a good option.  Window guards normally come with bars that extend across the window, preventing a child from reaching it.  While these devices should all comply with modern safety standards, it’s a good idea to check for yourself that bars are not spaced more than 4 inches apart which should ensure that a child does not trap their head or another body part in the device.
 
What if you want to be able to have the window open? In this case, window stops are the best choice.  These allow for the window to be open to a set width.  Make sure, however, that the set width is no more than 4 inches.
 
The way you position furniture will also help in preventing a child from reaching a window, be sure that furniture items cannot be used to climb on and access a window.  Another important thing to have in mind is that window screens are not childproof, if your windows are fitted with screens, they will still need to be fitted with childproof devices. 

​Tumble dryers are an essential appliance in many homes today and, like all appliances, care must be taken to ensure they are well maintained. One of the most important parts of the dryer in terms of safety is the dryer vent, here’s why:
 
Most of us are familiar with the way a dryer works, wet clothes are gently spun inside the drum. As this happens hot air is blown through them causing the water to evaporate. The airborne water vapor from the clothes then escapes from the dryer through the dryer vent. What are some important factors to consider when it comes to the dryer’s vent?
 
It may seem like an obvious statement but it's very important to check that the vent is actually connected to the dryer. If the dryer vent becomes disconnected for any reason, it may be difficult to notice because vents normally connect behind or under the dryer. The dryer vent is usually made with a bendable plastic or metal duct. Its flexibility is good for dryers kept in tight spaces, but this also makes it easy to crush or kink which can restrict airflow. This is a problem because a dryer can overheat if not properly vented. You would also see an accumulation of lint in the dryer which is highly flammable if it becomes trapped in the machine.  All of this can lead to the dryer bursting into flames.
 
So, from this very brief consideration, it's clear to see the importance of regularly checking the dryer vent to make sure it is connected and working the way it should.

​A greenhouse is important for many keen gardeners, however, for a greenhouse to function properly it benefits from regular maintenance and care. With that in mind here are a few helpful suggestions:
 
To start with, it’s advisable to keep your greenhouse locked when not in use, especially in households with young children. Many potentially dangerous items are often kept in a greenhouse, like gardening tools and pesticides, etc. so it's important to keep them out of harm's way.
 
A greenhouse is designed so that it can retain heat and light, creating the ideal environment for plant growth. One of the keys to maintaining this environment is good ventilation, otherwise, air will become stagnant and humid which will allow fungi to grow. A lack of ventilation will also cause the greenhouse to become too hot and this will kill plants.
 
In the winter months, it is usually necessary to provide extra heat in a greenhouse by way of an electric heater. To minimize the risk of fire it is very important to only use a heater that is intended for greenhouses. You also want to keep this in mind when using other electrical items by only using those that are suitable for outdoor use. Keep them unplugged when you are not using them.
 
It is not uncommon for the greenhouse to develop a leak from time to time. If you notice a leak, fix it immediately to prevent too much moisture from accumulating and to stop mold or other pathogens from growing. Doing this will also keep insects away.
 
It's clear to see the need for regular greenhouse maintenance so that it is a safe environment for plants to flourish.

​As October is now upon us and fall is here, it is time to start preparing for those cold winter months.  While it’s not the most pleasant thought, now is the best time to plan our home winterization.  So, how do we do this?  Here are a few suggestions:
 
Now is a good time to test your heating system, before its really needed.  One way you can do this is by turning up the thermostat.  How does it respond?  If it is very slow to respond, it may need some attention.  Another good idea is to change the air filter and, if you use propane or oil, have the tank filled and ready.  If you have a fireplace, it would be good to have it inspected and make sure it is in good working order, ready for use.
 
Have gutters and downspouts cleaned out so that you prevent any debris left in them from freezing, which can weigh down guttering and damage it.  This is also a good time to put a coat of sealer on decking and cover over outdoor furniture.   Drain sprinkler systems of all water and air so that they do not crack during cold temperatures.
 
One area which can create a lot of damage to a home during winter is the homes plumbing system.  Pipes lead to all areas of the home, including areas that are not occupied or heated such as the attic and crawlspace.  Use fiberglass insulation or foam to cover the pipes in these areas.  It's also a good idea to maintain the homes temperature at a high enough level so that pipes in these unheated areas don’t freeze either.
 
So, while the thought of freezing temperatures is not always pleasant to many of us, preparing your home now will ensure a warm and problem free winter at home. 

​If you are thinking about investing in an old home to renovate, its very important to do your research regarding what type of building materials were used years ago, as well as any hazards that are associated with them, so that you can prepare yourself for what you may encounter.  Asbestos is one such material that was used in construction up until the 1970’s. While you may know that it is a health hazard, you may not know why or what materials it is found in. 
 
Asbestos is a mineral fiber.  It was added to construction materials because of its ability to insulate and to provide fire resistance and also to give added strength.  Its clear to see why people thought it was a good idea to use, before too much was known of the dangers.  So, what are the dangers connected to asbestos?
 
The mineral fibers found in asbestos are extremely small and, when inhaled, tend to stay in the lungs for a long time.  Many of those that have been exposed to asbestos for prolonged periods of time have suffered from some very serious health problems such as Asbestosis which is a scarring of the lungs and a form of lung cancer known as Mesothelioma. 
 
How might a person become exposed to asbestos when fixing up an older home?  If asbestos is found in an old home the general handling of it, scraping and sanding or disturbing it in some other way can cause the small fibers to be released into the air, increasing your chance of breathing them in and having them stay in your lungs.  As we can see from our discussion, this is not something you want to be exposed to so what should you do if you are worried asbestos is in the home?  Have asbestos testing performed before you start to do any work on it.  This way if asbestos is found, you can make sure you hire someone who is qualified to safely remove it and dispose of it for you.  

​Years ago, lead was used in a variety of building materials but the realization that it is harmful to health has only become more apparent in modern times.  This is more of a danger for small children and babies, even those still in the womb could be at risk if the mother is being exposed to lead.  So, if you are looking to purchase a property that is older than 40 years, where might you encounter lead materials?
 
One place it is commonly found is in paint.  Years ago, lead was used in paint so its very possible you will encounter it in an older home.  This will start to become a health concern if it has started to deteriorate as it will chip or turn to dust, which will then spread and settle throughout the home.  Children are more likely to be exposed to lead paint dust or chips as they play and run around, making them vulnerable to the effects of lead.  If lead paint was used on the exterior of the home you may find that soil in the surrounding area contains lead as well.  Lead was also used in pipes year ago which may have an affect on drinking water.
 
If you live in a modern home, does that mean lead will not be a problem? Not necessarily.  If the homes occupants enjoy older furniture there is also a chance that it contains lead or lead based paint.  This is another area where children could be exposed so, before purchasing antique items, check to see if there is the possibility that lead was used on it.

​Did you know that the homes indoor air quality can often be worse than air quality outdoors?  That’s scary to think considering we spend so much of our time inside.  One way to improve your homes air quality is by changing your HVAC filter regularly.  As a general rule, depending on use, every 3 months is good to replace the filter, however, there are some circumstances when it is a good idea to replace it even more frequently than that.  Let’s look at a few of them:
 
Firstly, if you have noticed the filter is damp, wet or damaged in some other way, then it should be replaced immediately.  Harmful mold spores or other toxins could be released into the air creating an unsafe environment. 
 
Another example of the need to change the filter more often than 3 months is in homes with large households and pets.  This is because the larger the household the more dirt, dust and pet dander tends to accumulate.  Also, homes where family members suffer with allergies or that smoke indoors benefit from frequent changing of the filter.
 
The homes location and surroundings will also have an impact on how often a HVAC filter should be changed.  If there is construction going on around you or if you live in area of agriculture, it would be a good idea to replace filters as much as once a month.  If there have been wildfires in the area, this can also affect indoor air.
 
So, as we can see, your homes HVAC filter does a lot to improve indoor air quality so, think about your household and surroundings to determine how frequently it should be changed.

​Home cooling costs can become an expensive necessity when outside temperatures are high, leaving many homeowners to look for ways of saving on their energy bills.  One, unexpected, way this can be done is with landscape design.  How is that? You may ask.  By planting trees and shrubs in specific locations so that they will provide shade to parts of the home that see a lot of heat from the sun during the summer months.  This method, known as landscape shading, could reduce indoor temperatures by as much as 9 degrees. 
 
In order for landscape shading to work well a lot of planning needs to go into the landscapes design.  Trees need to be planted in just the right location so that they shade the home at the time it is needed most.  You will also need to consider the type of trees to plant.  Remember, the denser the tree, the more shade your home will get.  If you want shade in the summer but would like the suns heat to warm the home during cooler months it is best to choose deciduous trees which will lose their leaves in winter, allowing for the sun to reach the home.
 
There are a few points to think about with landscape shading, however.  Trees will take some time to reach their full height so its unlikely you will see immediate energy saving results.  If you are looking for more rapid results then vines are a good choice.  Try growing them to wrap around a fence or trellis in the area you require shade.  You can also plant shrubs which are ideal for shading pathways or driveways. 
 
To summarize, landscape shading is an environmentally friendly way of helping to cool your home during the hot months.

​There is nothing more irritating than a stubborn odor.  If you have recently moved to a new home whose previous occupant was a smoker, perhaps you’re having a difficult time getting rid of the nicotine.  So, let’s look at some of the ways to eliminate such an obnoxious smell:
 
Nicotine leaves an unpleasant oily residue.  This residue will gather on anything, even light bulbs.  When the light bulbs become warm they will start to diffuse the nicotine odor into the air.  A simple suggestion is to either clean the light bulbs thoroughly or replace them all.  Next, go through the home and replace or clean all HVAC filters. 
 
If you want to remove the odor from hard surfaces it’s a good idea to use cleaners which contain ammonia.  However, this type of acidic cleaner should not be used on surfaces such a wood.
 
Trying to remove tobacco odor from a carpet is extremely difficult.  It would be best to remove any carpeting and replace it.  Be sure to clean the floor underneath very well though, before putting a new carpet down.
 
If the home came with window blinds that you would like to keep, take them down and soak them in a bathtub, then give them a good scrub and let them hang dry.  Any curtains that you want to keep would benefit from being cleaned professionally.
 
Although painting walls is a good way to get rid of stubborn tobacco smell, this is not always foolproof as the odor could still come through. 
 
You can also try burning ‘smoker candles’ which are designed to neutralize tobacco odors.
 
Following these simple suggestions will go a long way to removing those lingering tobacco odors and help you breathe a little easier in your new home.