Hi,

Welcome to the premier issue of The HomeTeamKC Report. This monthly report provides REALTORS^® and Homeowners with helpful information about residential homes from a home inspector's perspective.

It is designed to help you become even more savvy about homes and their condition. In it you'll learn about common problems encountered in homes, and about the mechanical, electrical and structural systems that are components of a house.

Each issue will focus on one particular system or problem with simple graphics and text. Past issues will be archived on our website so that over time you will have access to a complete library of short lessons on the workings of a typical house.

We know and respect how busy you are, so we've tried to make this easy to read and use. The illustrations are packed with information and will reward careful review. If pressed for time now, try taking one illustration today, then another another day, and so on.

Thanks for your interest and call or email us anytime with any questions you may have.

Mike
www.kansascity-homeinspections.com

What you’ll find in this issue of
the HomeTeamKC Report:

·This Month’s Featured System
·Quick Access to Our Most Recent Pricing Sheet
·Monthly List
·Knowledge is Power

The Furnace

Take a close and careful look at this diagram and you will understand the dynamics of home heating.

For some additional helpful illustrations click here:
Downflow & Upflow Furnaces
Furnace Covers
Dangers of Missing Fan Cover
Supply & Return Registers
High & Low Returns
Hall Returns
Backdrafting

For a great illustration of how relighting a pilot light actually works,
click here: Relighting Pilot

For illustrations about how thermostats work, click here:
Mercury Bulb Thermostat
Snap-action Thermostat

If the blower is belt drive, here are some good maintenance tips:
Belt Drive Blower

^©The Illustrated Home                                          Return to Table of Contents

Monthly List

Home Energy Efficiency Checklist

Annually

• Check your heat and A/C systems.
• Check windows and outside doors for drafts.

• Check furnace switch, fuse and breakers.
• Check furnace blowers, oiling motor and changing belt if necessary.
• Check thermostat accuracy by taping thermometer to wall next to it. If discrepancy, have serviceman re-calibrate unit.
• Check central A/C condensing unit for obstructing leaves and debris, and hose out if necessary.
• Keep shrubs pruned back to maximize air flow.
• Check room A/C condensate drain outlet for plugging.

• Check and clean/change room A/C filters.
• Check room A/C condenser coils and intake vents for obstructions.
• Check furnace filter and change if clogged.

• Check insulation for type/thickness, beginning in attic/top floor. Upgrade if inadequate.
• During humid weather, check central A/C condensate drain to ensure it's carrying off excessive moisture.

Note: Using professionals to perform work that a homeowner is not qualified to perform themselves is always recommended.

^©Top Producer Online                                          Return to Table of Contents

Knowledge is Power

99 Ways to Cope with Stress

• Avoid tight fitting clothes
• Don't rely on your memory ... write it down
• Get up 15 minutes earlier
• Prepare for the morning the night before
• Avoid relying on chemical aids
• Set appointments ahead
• Avoid negative people
• Be prepared for rain
• Look at challenges differently
• Unclutter your life
• Smile
• Tickle a baby
• Stop saying negative things to yourself
• Visualize yourself winning
• Develop your sense of humor
• Use time wisely
• Simplify mealtimes
• Always make copies of important papers
• Anticipate your needs
• Repair anything that doesn't work properly
• Ask for help with the jobs you dislike
• Break large tasks into bite-sized portions
• Look at problems as challenges
• Pet a friendly dog/cat
• Don't know all the answers
• Have a support network of people, places, and things

For the rest - go to the link below and get your copy ... enjoy!

Help yourself to a downloadable version and share with others

List courtesy of Diane Darling, Effective Networking Inc.
"The Art of Building and Sustaining Mutually Beneficial Relationships"

                                                                       Return to Table of Contents