De Humidifier Recall

Dehumidifiers Recall due to Risk of Fire (May 2014):

If you have a dehumidifier then check this list and link to ensure your aren't at risk

http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2014/Gree-Reannounces-Dehumidifier-Recall/ 


This recall involves 20, 25, 30, 40, 45, 50, 65 and 70-pint dehumidifiers with brand names Danby, De’Longhi, Fedders, Fellini, Frigidaire, GE, Gree, Kenmore, Norpole, Premiere, Seabreeze, SoleusAir and SuperClima. 

Do you have a NEST CO/Smoke Detector?

Recall of Nest Smoke/CO combo alarms due to arm wave silence.

Nest Labs is recalling their Smoke/CO Alarms due to a failure to sound an alert. \

                                            

These alarms can be controlled by a computer/ smartphone using a wireless network. The problem is the “Nest Wave” function. It seems that you can accidently silence the detector by waving your arms. This is similar to the “clap on- clap off” feature on these device.

Homeowners who have these devices already connected should confirm the update to disable this function has been installed at the "Nest Sense" area of their account. You should also ensure the button for "Nest Wave" is set to off and grayed out.

About 440 thousand of these have been sold by Best Buy, Home Depot and other retailers nationwide, and online at nest.com, amazon.com, bestbuy.com and homedepot.com from November 15, 2013 to April 3, 2014 for about $130.

Links on the Recall-

http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2014/Nest-Labs-Recalls-to-Repair-Nest-Protect-Smoke-CO-Alarms/

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/nest-recalling-440k-smoke-alarms-for-safety-risk/

Before You Hire THE Home Inspector.............

Homeownership is without a doubt one of the biggest investments you will make in your life.  Buying a home can be an exciting time, but it is also one of the more stressful times you will encounter. Whether you are buying your first home, upgrading as your family grows, or downsizing, a well performed home inspection will provide you with the unbiased, professional opinion you need to feel confident in making an informed decision.

The many choices available to you when choosing an inspection company (http://www.goldbook.ca/cambridge-on/home-inspection-service/at-home-and-play-inspection-9614/ ) can be daunting.  With a little research and knowing the right questions (http://www.athomeandplayinspections.com/home_inspection/inspection_faqs.html ) to ask, you will feel assured that the company you choose is working for you, with your best interests in mind. 

·         Professional Association/Education and training – Home inspectors belonging to a provincial or industry association, hold an accreditation that demonstrates specific training standards and experience. .

·         Written report – You should be provided with a comprehensive report (electronic or hard copy) at the end of the inspection.

·         Experience - Your home inspector should have strong experience with the type and age of home to be inspected.  Always ask for (and investigate) references (http://www.athomeandplayinspections.com/home_inspection/contact_us_client_references.html) from previous clients.

·         Length of inspection - The minimum time an inspection should take is 2 1/2 hours. Depending on home size and age, and weather conditions it may take longer.

·         Insurance – Ask if the home inspection company carries insurance, and if so make sure you understand what is and is not covered.

And remember, a reputable home inspector (http://www.athomeandplayinspections.com/home_inspection/home.html) should never offer services to repair any issues they find while making their investigations.

At Home & Play Inspections (http://www.athomeandplayinspections.com) serving Cambridge and the surrounding area, have the experts you need to make an informed decision.  For more information about services (http://www.athomeandplayinspections.com/home_inspection/services.html  ) offered,  visit the At Home & Play Inspections website (http://www.athomeandplayinspections.com) ,email athomeandplay@gmail.com or call today at 519 239 9220

Radon and Radon Testing

Did you know that according to Health Canada 8.4 % of Ontario Homes, 11 % in Guelph, 10.4 % in Brantford and 4 % in Waterloo Homes have elevated levels of radon. These gases are tasteless, odourless and invisible. Over a very shortime they decompose and if breathed in contribute to 10% of lung cancers diagnosed. This influenced them in 2007 to reduce acceptable levels by 75% based upon a cross Canada sampling of various ages, types and styles of homes and recommend that ALL Canadians should have their homes and workplaces checked to determine the levels were at or below acceptable levels of 200 Bq/m3.

 

There are many types of sampling that can be done but Health Canada recommends at least a 91 day test before deciding to remediate and consider an extraction/ ventilation system. A short 4 day test can provide information to allow the decision to follow along with the longer more invasive test or not and this is likely more appropriate as relates to the real estate transaction.

 

If you would like more information don't hesitate to contact me and I can give you some more insight or information.

Garage Door Opener Recall

Genie Recalls Garage door openers for fire hazard

 

It has been reported that the control board of the recalled Garage Door openers could experience overheating presenting a potential fire hazard

    

The recall involves Genie PowerMax 1200 &1500 models, as well as Genie Pro Line models TriloG 1200 & 1500, screw drive garage door openers

                 

The serial numbers are printed on a label located on the side opposite to the light.,Serial numbers for the recalled units start with the following five numbers:

Genie PowerMax serial #’s- 11214, 11347, 11214, 11215, 11348, 11313,11235, 12006, 11332, 11256, 12009, 11336, 11298, 12018, 11347, 11311, 12019, 11348, 11312, 12026, 11349, 11313, 12027, 11326, 12034, 11327, 12036, 11336, 12037, 11332, 12038, 12058.

Genie Pro Serial# 11214 11313 11332 11336 11347 11348 11349

These garage door openers were sold at many of the retailers between- August 2011 through October 2012

Recall link-http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2014/Genie-Recalls-Garage-Door-Openers/#remedy

Hot Water Boiler Recall

A recall has been issued involving U.S. Boiler ESC, PVG and SCG model cast iron hot water boilers that use natural gas or liquid petroleum. U.S. Boiler Company has identified that under certain circumstances, the air pressure switch can fail to shut down the burners when there is a blockage in the vent system, causing the boiler to emit excessive amounts of carbon monoxide into the vent systems. Neither Health Canada nor U.S. Boiler Company has received any reports of incidents or injuries in Canada. Approximately 310 of the recalled products were sold in Canada sold from April 2006 to February 2013 and approximately 26 000 were sold in the U.S.

The boilers are light blue in colour with black trim, about 102 centimetres (40 inches) tall, about 66 centimetres (26 inches) deep and range from 30.5 to 79 centimetres (12 to 31 inches) wide. The model name and U.S. Boiler logo are on the front cover of the boiler. The front cover of the boiler is vented.  The model number, serial number and manufacturing date are located on a silver label on the top panel of ESC models and on the inside of PVG and SCG models on the right side panel. The manufacturing date appears in the upper right corner of the silver label in the MM/YYYY format.

Did you know there are 3 types of WETT Inspection?

Although there are 3 types of WETT inspection that are progressive, Level 1 leads to 2 and 2 leads to 3. Most Insurance companies and hence most Real Estate transactions require Level 1

 

What is a WETT inspection? It’s a visual inspection of a wood burning appliance.  WETT is Wood Energy Technology Transfer.  There are three levels of inspections available in addition to maintenance done to chimneys, such as sweeping.

Level one is a visual inspection of readily accessible components of a wood burning system. The purpose is to determine if the system meets current standards and regulations. No components are required to be  disassembled and mounting of the roof is not mandatory during a level one inspection. Level two is an inspection that includes the dismantling of smoke pipes in addition to the visual inspection. Trim may also be removed from fireplace inserts. The chimney would likely be swept and often, a camera inspection of the chimney can be done, as a part of this service. Level three would include all the details of a level two, but would also involve cutting holes in walls to inspect hidden components. This type of inspection is very rarely done and would likely be ordered by the Fire Marshall in response to suspicions of serious code issues At Home and Play Inspections provides Level 1 inspections to assist you in the Real Estate Transaction or for knowledge of your home. Call for a fair price on your needed inspection requirements and gain "Confidence In Your Future"