Specifications

37
11692 W. Alfred Ct.
Boise, Idaho 83713
Phone: [phone]
www.criterionpropertyinspection.com
Faucets
Examine all faucets for leakage. Replace faucet or valve gaskets if leaking is detected. A single dripping faucet can waste
as much as 20 gallons of water a day, and cost about $25.00 per year.
Filters
If the property has central heating, clean or replace central heating filters and air plenum in the fall when first operating the
heating system.
Have the heating unit serviced by a professional annually.
Fireplace
If not already equipped with one, consider installing a chimney cap equipped with a spark arrestor. A chimney cap will
prevent water damage to the flue lining, will keep small animals and birds from entering the chimney, and the spark
arrestor (screening of the opening) will prevent the discharge of sparks, and prevent the inadvertent ignition of potentially
flammable items such as roofing, shrubs, trees, and grasses on the outside of the structure.
Clean the chimney of soot and creosote buildup annually, or have a professional chimney cleaner.
Foundation vents
Ensure that foundation vents are free of obstruction.
In the fall, it is a good idea to close the foundation vents. Annual cycling of the vents will allow you to ascertain that vents
are not in need of maintenance, and will prevent excessive infiltration of cold air into the building crawlspace during the
winter months when outside air temperature and humidity are low. It is, however, very important to open them again as
soon as outside air temperatures begin to rise in the spring. Failure to do so can result in elevated humidity levels under
the structure, and can shorten the life of structural components in both floors and stem walls.
Frost-free Sill-cock (valves)
Remember to detach hoses from all external horizontal (wall mounted) sill cocks (water valves) in the fall, before outside
air temperatures dip below freezing. These valves drain through the threaded hose connection, and can be prevented
from draining if a hose is connected.
Gutters
Ensure that gutters are free of leaves and other debris annually. Make sure that the gutters and downspouts are still firmly
attached to the structure. Make certain that downspouts all direct water away from the building foundation.
Heating System
Bleed radiators annually. Steam and hot water systems often contained entrained air which can become trapped in the
radiator, preventing its proper operation. Releasing this trapped air through the bleed valve located at the top of the
radiator allows correct and efficient operation of the equipment.
Turn off the pilot during the cooling season. If your furnace is not equipped with an electronic ignition system, it will
continue to burn an unnecessary (but small) amount of gas. Over the entire cooling season, this can translate into an
annual savings of about $30.00-$50.00 depending upon rates.
Adjust your air registers to restrict flow to rooms which are unused or seldom used.