Save Water, save energy, save money

A.T.Martin Home Inspections LLC

Showerheads can waste water
For maximum water efficiency, select a shower head with a flow rate of less than 2.5 gpm. There are two basic types of low-flow showerheads: aerating and laminar-flow. Aerating showerheads mix air with water, forming a misty spray. Laminar-flow showerheads form individual streams of water. If the home is in a humid climate, the homeowner might want to use a laminar-flow showerhead because it won't create as much steam and moisture as an aerating one does.
Before 1992, some showerheads had flow rates of 5.5 gpm. Therefore, if the home has fixtures that pre-date 1992, the owner might want to replace them if they’re not sure of their flow rates.
Here's a quick test to determine whether a shower head should be replaced:
   1. Place a bucket—marked in gallon increments—under your showerhead.
   2. Turn on the shower at the normal water pressure.
   3. Time how many seconds it takes to fill the bucket to the 1-gallon (3.8 liter) mark.
If it takes less than 20 seconds to reach the 1-gallon mark, the homeowner could benefit from a low-flow showerhead.

Anthony Martin
www.amartinspect.com
770-906-7294
Schedule now
Serving Atlanta surrounding counties, and ALL north Georgia

Water Heaters-How They Work

Water Heating

A.T.Martin Home Inspections LLC
Serving Atlanta and ALL North Georgia
Schedule your home inspection now
770-906-7294

Water heating can account for 14% to 25% of the energy consumed in a home. A homeowner can reduce their monthly water heating bills by selecting the appropriate water heater for their home or pool and by using some energy-efficient water heating strategies.
Conventional Storage Water Heaters
Conventional storage water heaters remain the most popular type of water heating system for the home.
How They Work
A single-family storage water heater offers a ready reservoir—from 20 to 80 gallons—of hot water. It operates by releasing hot water from the top of the tank when you turn on the hot water tap. To replace that hot water, cold water enters the bottom of the tank, ensuring that the tank is always full.
On top of the tank are two thin pipes:  one pipe is the hot-water outlet, and the other is the cold-water inlet. A large pipe in the middle is called a vent pipe. A pressure/temperature-relief valve is also on top of the tank and is connected to an open pipe that runs down the side of the tank. Another valve near the bottom of the outside of the tank is the thermostat and gas valve. The graphic below shows the parts inside the tank, which include a large tube called a flue tube/heat exchanger. Inside this tube is a jagged insert called a flue baffle. Beside the flue tube/heat exchanger is a thin tube called the anode rod. At the bottom of the tank is a gas burner, and beneath the burner are combustion air openings.

Heat Pumps How They Work

A.T.Martin Home Inspections LLC
770-906-7294
www.amartinspect.com

How They Work
A heat pump's refrigeration system consists of a compressor and two coils made of copper tubing (one indoors and one outside), which are surrounded by aluminum fins to aid heat transfer. In the heating mode, liquid refrigerant in the outside coils extracts heat from the air and evaporates into a gas. The indoor coils release heat from the refrigerant as it condenses back into a liquid. A reversing valve near the compressor can change the direction of the refrigerant flow for cooling, as well as for defrosting the outdoor coils in winter.
When outdoor temperatures fall below 40° F, a less efficient panel of electric resistance coils, similar to those in your toaster, kicks in to provide indoor heating. This is why air-source heat pumps aren't always very efficient for heating in areas with cold winters. Some units now have gas-fired backup furnaces instead of electric resistance coils, allowing them to operate more efficiently
The efficiency and performance of today's air-source heat pumps is one-and-a-half to two times greater than those available 30 years ago. This improvement in efficiency has resulted from technical advances and options such as these:

• thermostatic expansion valves for more precise control of the refrigerant flow to the indoor coil;
• variable-speed blowers, which are more efficient and can compensate for some of the adverse effects of restricted ducts, dirty filters and dirty coils;
• improved coil design;
• improved electric motor and two-speed compressor designs; and 
• copper tubing, grooved inside to increase surface area.

Most central heat pumps are split-systems—that is, they each have one coil indoors and one outdoors. Supply and return ducts connect to a central fan, which is located indoors.
Some heat pumps are packaged systems. These usually have both coils and the fan located outdoors. Heated or cooled air is delivered to the interior from ductwork that protrudes through a wall or roof.

Serving The Greater Atlanta Area, and ALL North Georgia
Schedule your inspection now

Heat Pumps are energy efficient

Heat Pump Systems

For climates with moderate heating and cooling needs, heat pumps offer an energy-efficient alternative to furnaces and air conditioners. Like a refrigerator, heat pumps use electricity to move heat from a cool space into a warm space, making the cool space cooler and the warm space warmer. During the heating season, heat pumps move heat from the cool outdoors into a warm house; during the cooling season, heat pumps move heat from a cool house into the warm outdoors. Because they move heat rather than generate heat, heat pumps can provide up to four times the amount of energy they consume.
The most common type of heat pump is the air-source heat pump, which transfers heat between the house and the outside air. If the house is heated with electricity, a heat pump can reduce the amount of electricity you use for heating by as much as 30% to 40%. High-efficiency heat pumps also dehumidify better than standard central air conditioners, resulting in less energy usage and more cooling comfort in summer months. However, the efficiency of most air-source heat pumps as a heat source drops dramatically at low temperatures, generally making them unsuitable for cold climates, although there are systems that can overcome that problem.

Schedule your inspection now
A.T.Martin Home Inspection LLC
Serving The Greater Atlanta Area, and ALL North Georgia
770-906-7294
www.amartinspect.com

Energy Tip

Heating and Cooling Systems

Heating and cooling account for about 56% of the energy use in a typical U.S. home, making it the largest energy expense for most homes. A wide variety of technologies is available for heating and cooling a home, and they achieve a wide range of efficiencies in converting their energy sources into useful heat or cool air for a home.
In addition, many heating and cooling systems have certain supporting equipment in common, such as thermostats and ducts, which provide opportunities for saving energy.
When a homeowner is looking for ways to save energy in a home, they should think about not only improving the existing heating and cooling system, but also consider the energy efficiency of the supporting equipment, and the possibility of either adding supplementary sources of heating or cooling or simply replacing their system altogether.
Selecting and Replacing Heating and Cooling Systems
When replacing or upgrading an existing heating and cooling system, it's important for the homeowner to first consider the limitations imposed by the current system and available energy sources. When selecting a heating and cooling system for a new house, options are generally much wider, although the builder or developer may place limitations on the choices.
Cooling Systems
Depending on where your client lives, cooling the home can be as simple as opening a window or as complex as using a central air-conditioning unit. A wide variety of cooling technologies is available.
Heating Systems
Although most U.S. homes use either a furnace or a boiler, other approaches range from wood stoves to active solar heating systems.
Heat Pump Systems
Heat pump systems provide both heating and cooling and offer the benefit of delivering more useful energy than they consume.
Supporting Equipment for Heating and Cooling Systems
Thermostats and ducts provide opportunities for saving energy. Dehumidifying heat pipes allow central air conditioners and heat pumps to deliver drier air. Electric and gas meters allow your client to track their energy use closely.

A.T.Martin Home Inspections LLC
Keeping Your Dream Home From Becoming Your Worst Nightmare!
770-906-7294
Your Atlanta and ALL North Georgia Home Inspector
Schedule Now Just Click

Enegry Loss Tip

An exterior door can contribute significantly to air leakage in a home—as well as some heat transfer—if it's old, not properly installed, and/or not properly air-sealed. This can result in energy losses.
New exterior doors often fit and insulate better than older types. If there are older doors in the home, replacing them might be a good investment for the homeowner, resulting in lower heating and cooling costs. If  you are building a new home, you might consider buying the most energy-efficient doors possible.
When selecting doors for energy efficiency, it's important to first consider their energy-performance ratings in relation to the local climate and home's design. This will help narrow the selection.

A.T.Martin Home Inspections,
Your Atlanta and ALL North Georgia Home Inspector
770-906-7294
Keeping Your Dream Home From Becoming Your Worst Nightmare
Click to Schedule Now

Energy tip of the day

 If the ducts of the HVAC system run through unconditioned spaces in the house, such as a crawlspace or an attic, then the ductwork should be insulated. 
The ductwork should not leak air. Leaking joints should be repaired with mechanical fasteners and then sealed with water-soluable mastic and embedded fiber mesh.  Gray-cloth duct tape should never be used for this purpose.  It degrades, cracks and loses its integrity and bond with age.  If the joint is going to be opened up in the future for maintenance or other reasons, then aluminum foil tape might be installed.
A.T.Martin Home Inspection 

Insulation tips

 Check the your attic, if the insulation is compressed, or the ceiling joist are not covered with insulation you may be wasting money.
Compressed Insulation
Insulation that is compressed will not provide its full rated R-value. The overall R-value of a wall or ceiling will be somewhat different from the R-value of the insulation itself because some heat flows around the insulation through the studs and joists. If denser, heavier insulation is installed on top of lighter insulation in an attic floor area, the overall value may be different.  If R-19 batt insulation that is sized for 6¼ inches is stuffed inside a 5½-inch wall cavity, the effectiveness is decreased.
It’s important that the insulation is properly installed to achieve the maximum R-value.
If the insulation is installed in a wall with electrical wires or plumbing pipes, the fiberglass batt insulation may be compressed.
The amount of insulation (or R-value) that is recommended by building standards will depend on the local climate and the particular location of the insulation in the house.
Thermal Bridging
Insulation in between studs in a wall does not restrict the heat flow through those studs. This heat flow is called “thermal bridging.” The overall R-value of that wall may be different from the R-value of the insulation itself. 
It is recommended that the insulation installed in an attic covers the tops of the attic floor joists.  And it is also recommended that insulation sheathing be installed on stud walls. Wood studs can transfer energy through the wall assembly. Metal studs can transfer energy much better than wood studs can. As a result, the metal wall’s overall R-value can be as low as half of the insulation’s R-value.

A.T.Martin Home Inspections wishing you a warmer winter, and a cooler summer.

Your Greater Atlanta and ALL North Georgia Home Inspector

Atlanta Home Inspector Anthony Martin is Your Greater Atlanta and ALL North Georgia Home Inspector. (THE BEST INSPECTIONS/ THE BEST PRICES), (CERTIFIED and INSURED)! Here at A.T. Martin Home Inspections I want to keep your 'DREAM home' from becoming you’re 'worst NIGHTMARE'! I will provide you with the best possible home inspection at the best price.

CALL NOW 770-906-7294

Check out testimonials at http://www.amartinspect.com  and hear what others are saying about A.T. Martin Home Inspections.

You can also schedule your home inspection online 24/7! Make sure that you schedule your home inspection with, the Atlanta and all north Ga. home inspector, Anthony Martin owner/inspector of A.T.Martin Home Inspections. I serve the Greater Atlanta area, Alpharetta, Blue Ridge, Canton, Cartersville, Cumming, Dalton, Dallas, Dawsonville, Douglassville, Ellijay, Jasper, Kennesaw, Marietta, Norcross, Rome, Roswell, Woodstock, Anywhere in North Georgia.   

Call me today at 770-906-7294 for the best home inspection, at THE BEST PRICE. I won't let you buy a money pit.

Value Added Features
I walk most roof!
Ask about my 100% Guarantee
24/7 convenient online scheduling

 
Termite inspection with letter available

Pool and Spa inspections available

Visit me here:

My Website: http://www.amartinspect.com

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/AtlantaHomeInspection

Twitter: http://twitter.com/amartinspect

Another satisfied client of A.T.Martin Home Inspections

Another satisfied client of A.T.Martin Home Inspections. SIMPLE PROCESS AND EASY TO READ REPORT!

Mr. Martin was a pleasure to communicate and work with during the hours that he inspected the home that I am in the process of purchasing. The home I am purchasing is an older home, mainly constructed in the 1800's. Mr. Martin was very much aware of the intricacies involved with the inspection of an older home, and was also able to project personal knowledge that assisted with my understanding of what I am purchasing.

The inspection, with the report that followed, was completed in a very timely manner. The report itself was professionally prepared, easy to interpret, and successful in informing the sellers of the repairs that needed to be completed prior to my purchase. All involved with this inspection was very affordable. I would highly recommend the services of A.T. Martin for a home inspection.

M. Hiatt