Safety and Integrity News

Clothes Dryers

You may not give a second thought to dryer vent ducts. Never use foil or plastic ducts. They tend to kink and sag, creating pockets where lint can accumulate. Rigid metal ducts are best, but flexible metal ducts can be used where needed for turns. Keep flexible ducts to less than 8 feet in length when connecting the dryer to the exhaust duct. Do not splice the duct material. Never use sheet-metal screws or other fastening that extends into the duct.

Save Water and Add Comfort

Each year, thousands of gallons of wasted water go down the drain in Atlanta homes, and with them, thousands of dollars for homeowners. Daily, A significant amount of this water waste occurs when homeowners wait for their water to reach a warm temperature before they shower or wash their hands.

Why do homeowners have to wait for hot water? Most hot water systems, water passes from the hot water tank to each faucet in the home. Needless to say, the last faucet in the system takes the longest to deliver hot water.

There is a simple and effective, inexpensive way to eliminate the wait for hot water . By installing circulation systems in your home.

A hot water circulation pump sends cool water in the pipes back to the hot water tank through return line. A pump circulates this water through the hot water tank as needed to keep it hot. This continuous loop of water through the water heater ensures that hot water is always available to the furthest faucet.

To learn more about hot water circulation pumps, consult use local plumber.

Mold

Molds are microscopic fungi existing naturally in the environment. Mold colonies thrive in the presence of moisture, food source and moderate temperature. When conditions are right, mold can grow within as little as 24-hours. They produce and release millions of spores that welcome airborne. These spores will grow into a new colony if they land in a favorable growing environment.

There are more than 1000 species of mold in this country . Not all molds or fungi are bad. Mushrooms and yeast used to make bread and beer are fungi. Individuals who have allergic sensitivity, weak immune systems, or other health related problems, mold can effect existing conditions. There are toxic molds, such as aspergillis, stachybotrys and penicilium which release microtoxins which can result in more sever symptoms.

According to those who have studied the mold issue, there is little conclusive evidence that mold toxin can cause serious harm to humans. Very few cases of toxic mold inside homes has been shown to cause serious health issues.

Moisture is the key for mold growth, and once removed, causes the mold growth to cease. Controlling moisture and humidity is key to reducing mold colonization. Plumbing leaks, refrigerator drip pans, leaking windows, poorly venting the bathroom are favorable conditions provided there is a nutrient source. Mold can grow on building materials, wallpaper, drywall, grout, carpet, leather and insulation.