Many people don’t know how easy it is to make their homes run on less energy, and at InterNACHI®, we want to change that.   Why make your home more energy-efficient? Drastic reductions in heating, cooling, and electricity costs can be accomplished through very simple changes, most of which homeowners can do themselves. Of course, for homeowners who want to take advantage of the most up-to-date knowledge and systems in home energy efficiency, InterNACHI® energy auditors can perform in-depth testing to find the best energy solutions for your home.  Why make your home more energy-effi ..read more

Remodeling can dramatically increase the quality of life for building occupants, but if you are considering a remodel strictly as an investment, think twice about it.   Remodeling is rarely a sound monetary investment. According to a report published by Remodeling Magazine, most remodeling projects add only 60% to 80% of their cost to the home, and no projects, on average, yield any positive return. Home upgrades are thus more accurately described as consumer spending than as true investments, which ordinarily have a decent chance of seeing some kind of profit ..read more

Understanding landscape shading: Its purpose, benefits, and recommendations for homeowners to consider   What is landscape shading? One of the easiest ways to reduce solar heat gain and subsequent energy costs is as simple as planting a tree. The strategic placement of trees, known as landscape shading or tree shading, is a technique used to provide shade from the warm summer sun. Unobstructed solar heat can significantly increase indoor air temperature, which will frustrate efforts to keep the house cool. However, appropriate tree placement can reduce indoor temperatures by up to 9° F ..read more

What you need to know about dryer vent safety to protect your family and home Clothes dryers evaporate the water from wet clothing by blowing hot air past them while they tumble inside a spinning drum. Heat is provided by an electrical heating element or gas burner. Some heavy garment loads can contain more than a gallon of water which, during the drying process, will become airborne water vapor and leave the dryer and home through an exhaust duct (more commonly known as a dryer vent).   3 Practical Dryer Vent Requirements Every Homeowner Should Know A vent that exhausts moist air to the ..read more

Carpet at Risk! How to Identify, Prevent, and Remove Carpet Mold   The Dangers of Mold Molds produce allergens, which are substances that can cause allergic reactions, as well as irritants and, in some cases, potentially toxic substances known as mycotoxins. Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people ..read more

Tips to child proof your home: 12 ways to protect your children About 2.5 million children are injured or killed by hazards in the home each year. The sad news is that many of these incidents could be prevented by using simple child-safety devices on the market today. Any safety device you buy should be sturdy enough to prevent injury to your child, yet easy for you to use. It’s important to follow installation instructions carefully.   In addition, if you have older children in the house, be sure they re-secure safety devices. Remember, too, that no device is completely childproof; det ..read more

The following chart details the predicted life expectancy of appliances, products, materials, systems and components in your home. (For homes located in Florida and the surrounding coastal region, please refer to InterNACHI’s Florida Estimated Life Expectancy Chart for Homes.)   Consumers, inspectors, and professionals advising their clients should note that these life expectancies have been determined through research and testing based on regular recommended maintenance and conditions of normal wear and tear, and not extreme weather or other conditions, neglect, over-use or abuse ..read more

Your Holiday Events Calendar and Guide for 2020! This year might look a little different, but there are still plenty of holiday event options for you and your family to enjoy! For the residents of Spring, The Woodlands, Conroe/Lake Conroe, Montgomery, Magnolia, Tomball, Humble, Kingwood and Willis, here’s your ultimate holiday calendar of events and family fun guide for the holiday season. (Click on the buttons below to go straight to a particular section…) CONCERTS, MUSIC & PERFORMANCES (LIVE/VIRTUAL) CRAFTS & BAKING FESTIVALS & FAMILY FUN HOLIDAY MARKETS & SHOPPING LIGH ..read more

In this article, we’ll go over guidelines to better understand what can and cannot be safely burned in a residential fireplace or wood stove. What to burn in your fireplace or wood stove (and what you should avoid…) Fireplaces and wood stoves are designed to burn only one type of fuel. Used as all-purpose incinerators, these devices can pose the following hazards: Harmful vapors can vent into the living space. Even the most efficient fireplaces will vent directly into the living space while they’re opened and closed for cleaning and refueling, exposing everyone in the house to potentially da ..read more

In this article, we will examine mold basics, why mold grows in homes, health problems caused by mold, how to get rid of mold in your home, and how to prevent mold from growing. Mold, Moisture, and Your Home Mold…it’s a simple word that can bring about complex emotions! For homeowners, mold growth can cause incredible anxiety and stress. So why does mold scare so many people and what should you do if you discover mold in your house or spot mold in a home while you’re house-hunting? Mold basics:  The key to mold control is moisture control. If mold is a problem in your home, you should c ..read more