For many homeowners in Minnesota we rely on the assistance of fans during the warm spring or summer days or not having to turn on the AC, just in case it will be another tempermental week of Minnesota weather and the next day decides to cool off. But, before you do this season take a look at the fan you're using. Lakso, a large fan manufacturer recently released a large recall of over 4 million fans which have been in circulation since 2002 and contain an electrical fire hazard.

Lasko Recalls Box Fans Due To Fire Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Box fans

Units: About 4.8 million units

Manufacturer: Lasko Products Inc., of West Chester, Pa.

Hazard: An electrical failure in the fan's motor poses a fire hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Lasko has received seven reports of fires associated with motor failures, including two house fires and one barn fire, resulting in extensive property damage. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves Lasko box fans with model numbers 3720, 3723, and 3733 and Galaxy box fans with model number 4733 that have date "2002-03" or "2003-04" stamped on the bottom of the metal frame. "Lasko" or "Galaxy" is printed on the front of the fan. The model number is either stamped or printed on the bottom of the fans.

Sold at: Mass merchandisers nationwide from July 2002 through December 2005 for between $12 and $25.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled fans and contact Lasko to receive a free fused plug safety adapter.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Lasko toll free at (877) 445-1314 anytime or visit the firm's website at www.laskoproducts.com

As I wrote in my last post winter is the season for being cozy, sitting next to a warm fireplace and maybe sipping a cup or two of cider. But while spending long days and nights inside the comfort of our homes it's also an infamous time for feeling dry and under-the-weather. With people spending more time indoors, air circulation is compromised, and the level of contaminants increases. Fleeting freshness and moisture take a toll on our skin, throats, noses and overall health, and can be especially harmful to those suffering from allergies and asthma.

Up to 72 trillion microscopic irritants, or allergens, find their way into your home every day. They include dust, pollen, pet hair and dander, dust mites, mildew, lint, fungus, most tobacco smoke, cooking grease and bacteria. Many of these particles are undetectable by your nose and throat, and can get deep into your lungs. This year, be proactive in creating a safer indoor environment for your family and guests by following these few quick fixes.

A whole-home air filtration system, can remove up to 99.98 percent of unwanted particles and allergens from a home's filtered air, a benefit that no standard 1-inch throwaway filter or ionic-type room appliance can match. These systems are designed to work as part of your heating and cooling system, meaning they're designed to clean the filtered air in every room of your home. Air filtration systems work behind the scenes to keep you breathing easier and feeling healthier year-round.

Routine maintenance to your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is equally - if not more - critical to keeping the indoor air quality of your home safe and systems operating at peak efficiency. Changing or cleaning your filters regularly will minimize the introduction of dust and other contaminants into your home. Check your owner's manual or contact an HVAC professional to determine the appropriate filter schedule for your system. In addition, an HVAC professional can perform a routine maintenance checkup to ensure all components of your HVAC system are operating properly, and advise you on ways to improve the safety and comfort of your home.

Why so darn dry? The chill of outside air has a relatively low dew point. When we bring that outside air inside and heat it, even more moisture is sucked from the air, making your body uncomfortably dry. If overaly dry conditions occur in your home, consider looking into a humidifier.

Extra tips for a happier, healthier, warmer winter:
* Reverse the switch on your ceiling fans so they blow upward, toward the ceiling. By doing so, you will reduce cooling drafts and force naturally rising heat back down into the room.

* Add a touch of green. House plants are a small, but natural a source of oxygen.

* On pleasant or mild winter days pop open windows slightly for 15 minutes to break stale or musty air.

* Turn the heat down in your shower. Hot water may feel amazing on a cold winter morning, but it contributes to the dryness of your skin.

Now that you're ready to beat the bummer of another cold Minnesota winter, your family can enjoy spending time together. And before you know it New Year's will pass on Friday and it will be time to pull shorts and swimsuits out of winter storage.

Winter is officially here and fireplace season for many of us in Minnesota has already begun. But if your chimney and fireplace has not seen regular maintenance and cleaning for some time, then your soothing fire may become a hazardous condition. A solid fuel fireplace and chimney that has not been properly maintained can lead to several problems.

Over time, soot and creosote can build within a chimney and lessen efficency and cause fires. Furthermore, there are many factors that can affect a chimney's performance and the potential for hazards. A lack of a chimney cap or spark arrestor can allow debris from tree and overhead vegetation as well as pest entry into a flue and over time blocks within the chimney flue or firebox can become loose due years of use.

So if you haven't had your chimney inspected and cleaned since last season's use it's time to get cleaning or stay clean yourself and call one of your local companies.

Energy costs, burst pipes, power outages, and fires, all potential winter hazards that makes winter not sound so merry, but you can protect yourself and your home. With a little preventative maintenance and preparation you can minimize the inconveniences that ensue during this cold time of the year in Minnesota.

Indoor Floods

While home fires seem to always make headlines, water damage is actually more common and often just as severe. The most frequent cause for this problem in the winter is faulty or broken pipes. Be sure to insulate along rim joists and around pipes that are more exposed to cold temperatures. If you leave your home during the winter for vacation or are just hitting the slopes leave your thermostat to at least 50-55 degrees. Don't let high fuel prices tempt you to drop it lower, pipes that come in through foundations or exterior walls can drop far below your temperature setting.

If you are going to be away from your home long term consider having someone check on your home or have an automatic water shutoff installed. Automatic water shutoffs are attached to your home's water main and sense if a large increase in water flow is created such as from a burst pipe and will shut the system off preventing extending water exposure and limiting damage. Also, people who have an automatic shutoff installed can usually receive a discount from the insurance company, so if you install one give your agent a call.

Chimney and Furnace Fires

While fire hazards are really a year-round concern and should always be respected, fires actually occur more frequently during the winter. Chimney, boilers and furnaces are at particular risk. Approximately 25,000 residential fires begin in a fireplace or chimney every year according to the United States Consumer and Product Safety Commission.

So what is a homeowner to do? Have your furnace and any fireplace including the chimney inspected and cleaned every year. Having inspections and cleanings performed can prevent the accumulation of carbon based residues more commonly known as creosote and can identify potential problems before they occur, making sure you stay safe and warm this winter.

Ice Dams and Old Trees

While icicles and ice hanging from your eaves or an old tree may seem beautiful, usually this can indicate an underlying issue and a potential safety hazard. An ice dam is formulated when snow above melts on the roof and freezes near the edge or eave of the roof and can block proper drainage and allow water to find an entry point below or around the dam. The most common causes of ice dams are clogged gutters and insufficient insulation and ventilation allowing heat to escape from the home through the attic space and to the roof sheathing above. When the roof sheathing or material directly below your shingles begins to absorb heat it conducts this heat to the shingles and in return allows snow to be melted.

Mature trees present a different potential hazard and usually become an issue in severe winter weather and sleet like conditions. When an old tree experiences strong winds coupled with heavy coats of ice or snow it creates an environment perfect for branch failures and collapses which can affect nearby structures. So if you have concerns with an old tree on your property have a professional tree or horticultural expert take a look at your property for unstable trees and branches and create a course of action which typically involves pruning or cutting branches.

Hopefully this article has provided you with a few ideas so that your Holiday and winter season is less stressful and more merry.

There are some absolutely disgusting things that go in your clothes washer from dirty socks, to infant clothes and more but if you have ever had a wash machine with a bad odor there is no comparison. Over time, you may begin to notice that your wash machine begins to develop an order from a build up of residue. This is a signal that it may be time to clean your washer. To start off decide where the source of the smell is originating. Typically the cause is your washer but every once in awhile it may be from the water supply. So double check your water supply before beginning to make your washer out to be the culprit.

After you eliminate any other possibilities and you are sure that it is your washer it's time to begin cleaning. To start off with get a a bucket and some nice hot water and scrub that washer down. Next, create a mixture of baking soda and vinegar.

• Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to 2-3 cups of white distilled vinegar. Quick Disclaimer: always make sure you mix appropriate substances, read lables carefully before mixing.

Next, begin a wash cycle using the machines hottest setting. As the machine fills, add the baking soda and vinegar mixture. Let the wash machine complete a full cycle. Lastly, run a second cold water cycle to complete the process. You should immediately clean any loose residue and rinse any areas that require a little extra attention. The odor should now be neutralized.

The following information has been provided by General Electric and the United States Consumer Product and Safety Commission.

The United States Consumer and Product Safety Commission and General Electric announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer products.

Name of Product: GE Profile^TM and GE Monogram® Dishwashers

Units: About 174,000

Manufacturer: GE Appliances & Lighting, of Louisville, Ky.

Hazard: Water condensation can drip onto the electronic control board, causing a short circuit and resulting in an overheated connector. This poses a fire hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: GE has received five reports of fires, four of which caused minor damage to the kitchen countertops where the dishwashers were installed and one caused minor damage to adjacent cabinets and smoke damage to the home. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves the GE Profile dishwashers manufactured between July 2003 and December 2005 and GE Monogram dishwashers manufactured between January 2004 and December 2006. They were sold in white, black, bisque, stainless steel and with custom panels. The recalled model and serial numbers listed below are located on the inside on the front left side of the dishwasher tubs.

Sold at: Retail stores nationwide, appliance dealers and authorized builder distributors from July 2003 through December 2006 for between $750 and $1,400.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled dishwashers, disconnect the electric supply by shutting off the fuse or circuit breaker controlling it and inform all users of the dishwasher about the risk of fire. Contact GE for a free in-home repair or to receive a GE rebate of $200 for the purchase of a new GE Profile dishwasher and a GE rebate of $400 for purchase of a new GE Monogram dishwasher.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact GE toll-free at (877) 275-6840 or visit http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml11/11022.html

In Minnesota and the midwest it's that time of the year again, the time when everyone is outside for a different reason, time to start prepping our homes for winter weather and freezing temperatures. So to help out a little I figured a winter prep checklist wouldn't hurt. Obviously, as you will see this checklist doesn't constitute everything one might do but hopefully this might steer some in the right direction.

Heating System

Test Run: Turn the thermostat to heat mode and try it out. If it isn't operating properly have a HVAC technician service it.

Replace your filter if its old

Fuel: If you have a propane or oil furnace, make sure to have your fuel storage tank topped off and ready to go.

Heating Vents: Clear obstacles to heating vents so air can freely flow.

Check for Carbon Monoxide Leaks: This silent killer can easily be detected with either an inexpensive test badge, battery operated alarm, or have a professional perform a combustion analyzation test. Either way make sure your family is protected.

Air Conditioning System

Clean Your Air-Conditioning Condensing Unit of Debris: Make sure the unit is cleared and free of debris and if need be place a cover over the unit temporarily while the leaves are still falling.

If you use window air conditioners, remove them and store for winter.

Chimney and Fireplace

Check that your chimney hasn't developed any cracks over its recent use (summer/spring)

Check flue damper operation

Check chimney draft

Make sure your chimney is free and clear of debris, nests or any material that could be blocking it.

Have your chimney professional cleaned. If your chimney hasn't been cleaned for some time have it professionally cleaned.

Exterior Faucets

Disconnect garden hoses and shut-off water supply to exterior hose bibs or faucets and release all water from the lines but opening the exterior hose bib valves temporarily.

This past week Siemens Company issued a recall in conjunction with the United States Consumer and Product Safety Commission for approximately 2.2 million electrical breaker units due to a potential fire hazard. Because we inspect breakers everyday and the units in the recall are for the months of June through August 2010, we felt it was very important to provide this information. Please call with any questions. More information can be found at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10354.html

Siemens Recalls Circuit Breakers Due to Fire Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Siemens and Murray Circuit Breakers, Load Centers and Meter Combos

Units: About 2.2 million

Importer: Siemens Industry Inc., of Alpharetta, Ga.

Hazard: The recalled circuit breakers have a spring clip that can break during normal use, leading to a loss of force to maintain a proper electrical connection in the panelboard. This can lead to excessive temperature, arcing or thermal damage at the connection point, and damage to the panelboard's electrical insulation and can result in a fire, property damage, or personal injury.

Incidents/Injuries: Siemens has received one report of a circuit breaker spring clip that broke during installation. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves Siemens and Murray 15 through 50 AMP single and double pole circuit breakers, load centers (circuit breakers that come with an electrical panel), and meter combos (contain a load center and a meter socket). "Siemens" or "Murray," date codes 0610 or 0710 and the catalog number are printed on a label on the side of the circuit breakers. Date codes between June 2010 through August 2010 are stamped on the inside of the metal box of the load centers and meter combos. The catalog number for the load centers and meter combos is printed on a label inside the metal box door and on the packaging.

Sold at: The Home Depot, Lowes, other hardware and building supply stores and numerous electrical distributors nationwide from June 2010 through August 2010 for between $2.50 to $235.

Manufactured in: Mexico

Remedy: Consumers should immediately contact Siemens for a free inspection by an electrician and a free replacement product.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Siemens at (800) 756-6996 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's website at www.usa.siemens.com

As many residents are aware, Greater Mankato and many Southern Minnesota homes were affected by  storms late in the month of June. With high speed winds and heavy hail larger than golf balls in some communities, its not supring that a number of roofs have been replaced. With a high demand for roofing, siding and various exterior finish replacements, the area was flooded with numerous advertisements and contractors that aren't so "local" looking to get in on a chunk of the repair and replacement pie.

Now that a couple of months have past since most roofing and finish repairs have been completed we have had the opportunity to review some of the work done on local homes. While most homes were repaired in an appropriate manner with good workmanship and installation methods, some were less than appropriate and were just flat out installed poorly. With cold weather, winter and snow on its way it is important to ensure that your home is safe and...well, will be dry through the winter and into the coming years.

Below is a roof that was reviewed in just the last week that wasn't so stellar. If you feel comfortable getting out the ladder (always use safe ladder and roof practices, if you don't feel comfortable, leave it to someone that does) and taking a stroll on top of your roof, we would encourage you to do so, and make sure you don't see any of the alarming defects below or anything out of the ordinary. Roofs are meant to shield your home from weather and even the slightest mistake or opening in a roof covering or flashing member can mean heartache and problems down the road.

Some of the defects above are a little more obvious while others may be a little more difficult to notice to the untrained eye. (Above top left: Shingles are hanging well over the edge of the roof causing potential future wind uplift and ultimately damage typically in the form of tearing) (Above top right: The plumbing stack boot (metal) is not nailed down to the roof and can easily be lifted by wind) (Below left & right: Shingle rows are not straight throughtout most of the roof and rows are installed incorrectly)

While most roofs are not of this nature, it is very important to ensure you are going to be or have worked with a professional and competent contractor. If you don't think something is right, ask. Have a question about your roof? Give us a call or contact us by email today!

There is nothing worse then having a horrible refrigerator odor...and trust me I know. Being a home inspector means you're in a number of houses over a given year and have the chance to take a look at many kitchen appliances and not all of them smell like roses! Many things can cause your refrigerator to have a bad smell such as leftovers, cut onions or garlic, mold, bacteria and mildew growth. If you don't work to eliminate the refrigerator odor quickly, it can change the taste of all the food you have in it, and it can become a very unhealthy situation. Ultimately, getting the smell under control is your main goal.

Avoiding Odors

• Always keep baking soda in your refrigerator. Baking soda can absorb almost all smells and it is very easy to maintain, as you will only need to replace it every 3 months.
• Make sure you have no expired food in your refrigerator. Food that is outdated can make you sick and also cause a foul smell that will ruin even your healthy food and can cause mold, bacteria and mildew.
• Sanitize your refrigerator. Keeping it clean and sanitized will keep a lot of the smells away. Using bleach, and/or Lysol is the best way to sanitize.

Sometimes even after cleaning out the refrigerator you can still have a bad smell that just won't go away. One thing you will want to do after sanitizing the refrigerator is to then wash it again with water and baking soda. Make sure you're cleaning out the drip tray under the refrigerator, because it can cause a lot of the bad smell. There are a few other things that you can do for those stronger smells, with just some basic things you may have around the home to help out.

Removing Tough Odors

• Take a pan and put a layer of baking soda in the bottom of it which opens the baking soda up. This should help it absorb odors better. 
• Turning the refrigerator off and leaving the door open with the baking soda in it will also help air it out. You will need to have a way to store your food elsewhere while doing this.
• Buy activated charcoal and lay it in a pan while running the refrigerator on low for a few days. This can also help eliminate the smell. Again, you will need somewhere else to store your food while doing this.
• Try cat Litter in a pan and run the refrigerator on low for a few days to absorb the smell.
• Take vanilla and put in a small dish and run the refrigerator for a few days.
• Take fresh coffee grounds and leave them in the refrigerator for a few days.

If none of these common products removes the smell, the next step would be to get a commercial product to get the odors out. For the most part, one of these household items should take care of it and you should have a nice smelling refrigerator to store all of  your fresh foods again.