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February 2013 - Hammer Home News
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Happy February Folks!
This month I thought I would share something from the home inspection company, Pillars to Post. I found this great article regarding the importance of knowing about carbon monoxide in your home.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas produced by the combustion of fuels such as natural gas, oil, and propane in devices including furnaces, water heaters, and stoves. These items are normally designed to vent the CO to the outside, but harmful interior levels of CO can result from incomplete combustion of fuel, improper installation, or blockages, leaks or cracks in the venting systems. Very high levels of CO can lead to incapacitation or death, with victims sometimes never having been aware they were being poisoned.
I thought it would be good to share with you some action you can take as a homeowner against potential carbon monoxide poisoning, from the Pillars to Post website, see the following steps:
Have all fuel-burning appliances professionally inspected annually, preferably before the start of the cold-weather season when heaters and furnaces are first used.
These appliances include gas stoves and ovens, furnaces and heaters, water heaters, generators, and clothes dryers.
All such devices should be properly installed and safely vented to the outside.
If repairs are necessary, be sure they are performed by a qualified technician.
Always use the proper fuel specified for the device.
Have flues and chimneys for fuel-burning fireplaces or wood stoves inspected regularly for cracks, leaks, and blockages that may allow a buildup of CO to occur.
Never use gas stoves or ovens as a home heating source, even temporarily.
Do not idle a vehicle in a garage, even with the garage door open. When starting the car, open the garage door, start the engine, and drive out as soon as possible to prevent dangerous CO emissions from accumulating
For additional protection, purchase a CO detector (either battery operated or plug-in) and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper location and installation. Installation of working CO detectors in residential properties is now required by law in many areas.
Learn what to do if the CO alarm activates: If anyone in the home experiences symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, or confusion, everyone should leave immediately and seek medical attention. If the alarm sounds but no symptoms are felt, open doors and windows immediately and shut off all fuel-burning devices that may be potential sources of CO.
Have a great February folks, we are just a few weeks away from Spring Market!
Enjoy the snow,
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Healthy Home Renovation Tax Credit
The Healthy Homes Renovation Tax Credit is a permanent, refundable personal income tax credit for seniors and family members who live with them. If you qualify, you can claim up to $10,000 worth of eligible home improvements on your tax return. The amount of money you get back for these expenses is calculated as 15 per cent of the eligible expenses you claim. For example, if you spend and then claim $10,000 worth of eligible expenses, you could get $1,500 back.
Do I qualify?
To qualify for the credit, you need to be:
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65 years old or older by the end of the year for which you are claiming the credit; or
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living with a family member who is a senior
Read More...
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This Month's Trivia Question:
What are the Winterlude Mascots and what is the traditional Winterlude food item?
The first five individuals to respond correctly will win a $10.00 gift card to Starbucks. Email your answers to rachel@rachelhammer.com
Last Month's Trivia Question:
What was considered the world's tallest building one hundred years ago?
The Answer was: Woolworth Building, constructed in 1912 or The Metropolitan Life Insurance, constructed from 1909-1913 (both in New York City). The Eiffle Tower is considered a tower/structure, not a building and was built in 1887.
...Congratulations to: Marilyne, Steven, Lori, Mark and Joelle to be the first five to answer last month and win a $10.00 gift card to Starbucks.
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