Allergy Proofing Your Home

Each spring, tiny pollen particles are released from trees, weeds, and grasses, causing seasonal allergies, commonly referred to as hay fever. While Pollen is one of the leading causes of seasonal allergies, irritants inside the home may be to blame as well? Individuals with pollen allergies can develop sensitivities to other allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores. The first step in treating allergies is to avoid what you are allergic to. The following are effective ways of reducing exposure to allergens inside your home.

Minimize Exposure to Dust Mites:

Allergy to dust mites is one of the most common causes of allergies in the home. They are microscopic bugs that feed off human skin, therefore found in great abundance where we live. Dust mites live in mattresses, pillows, beddings and carpets. Some measures to minimize the problem of dust mites include:

1. Encase your mattress and pillows with specially-made dust mite mattress covers. Air permeable are more comfortable for the mattress. Less expensive plastic or vinyl covers can be used for the box spring. Covers should be washed or wiped down weekly.
2. Wash all bedding sheets and pillow cases in hot water weekly.
3. Avoid feather pillows and down comforters. Purchase washable pillows, comforters and blankets and wash them in hot water once a month.
4. Keep your bedroom free of clutter: books, upholstered furniture, fabric curtains, stuffed toys and boxes are dust collectors.
5. Stuffed toys should be washed in hot water or kept overnight in a freezer to reduce dust mite levels. Avoid giving kids with allergies stuffed toys, as these can collect dust.
6. Hard surfaces and window blinds should be cleaned every week with a damp cloth.
7. Vacuum rugs and carpets at least once a week. It is best to use a central vacuum that vents to a garage or outside. Vacuum cleaners with a HEPA filter may prove some benefit.
8. Clean carpets, rugs and upholstery regularly. This will help to reduce the circulation of dust and dust mites in your home.
9. If you can remove carpets, rugs, and heavy curtains from your bedroom. Consider installing hardwood, cork, linoleum and tile on floors. Hard surface floors should be cleaned with a damp mop regularly.
10. People with allergies should also avoid airborne irritants, including tobacco smoke, aerosols, paint, perfumes, cleaning products or other strong odors or fumes.
11. Consider installing a Central Air Cleaner or Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV). Go to www.lifebreath.com for more information on these systems.
12. Dust mites do not live in air ducts. It is not necessary to routinely clean them.
13. Check and clean or replace your furnace filters with a good quality filter on a monthly basis. Check the M.E.R.V. rating (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) This Furnace Air Filter comparison provides an overall review of the efficiency of commonly used furnace air filters.
14. Installing an intake filter on the air supply reduces the entry of dust-laden air before it enters the ductwork and furnace by filtering and removing dust from the air stream. Be sure to clean these filters regularly. For more information check out the Kevek Vent GuardTM for a cold air return grille filter or The Ultimate Vent, which replaces the fresh air intake vent on the outside of your home.

Control Humidity

• Keep the humidity in your house below 50%; dust mites don’t like to live in a place with low humidity. Ideal humidity is 30% – 40%. Humidity is measured by a hygrometer which can be obtained from hardware stores.
• Install exhaust fans in your bathroom and kitchen that exhaust directly to the outside.
• Let your bathroom fan run for one hour or longer after you shower or bathe.
• Let your kitchen fan run for 20 minutes after cooking.
• Seal up air leaks with weatherstripping and caulking to improve winter humidity conditions and reduce your heating bill.

Controlling Dust when Remodeling

• Preparations should be done during a home remodeling project to reduce allergens caused by dust particles spreading throughout the rest of the home.
• Inform the contractor about any allergies.
• Seal off the area to be remodeled with plastic sheets; leave plastic sheeting up until cleanup from the job is complete.
• Open windows in the room being remodeled and set up a fan to exhaust air towards the outside.
• Close vents in the room being remodeled so that dust won’t travel though the air ducts.
• Change your furnace filter often since it will pick up more particles than usual.
• Vacuum and sweep daily to prevent dust from spreading.

Note: Have heating ducts professionally cleaned after renovations as well as new home construction, as there is no way to prevent 100% saw dust and other building materials from finding there way into vents etc..

Switching to Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs Saves Energy

One way to reduce your energy bill is to install more efficient light bulbs and by by 2012 the federal government will expect all homeowners to replace standard incandescent light bulbs with energy efficient light bulbs to reduce greenhouse emissions and save energy.

Some facts about fluorescent light bulbs

Here are some facts about compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), the energy-efficient light bulbs set to replace traditional incandescent light bulbs by 2012:

- CFLs last about eight times as long as incandescent bulbs, about 10,000 hours. They only need to be replaced every five to six years.
- Replacing a 100-watt incandescent bulb with a 25-watt CFL will save approximately $30 in electricity over the life of each bulb.
- Save homeowners up to $60 annually in electricity costs.
- CFLs use about 66% less energy than standard incandescent bulbs to produce the same amount of light.
- Use a different technology so the bulb doesn’t get hot when in use.
- Give off light that looks much like the common incandescent bulbs, not like the “cool white” fluorescent lighting we associate with hospitals and schools.
- Although CFLs are initially more expensive, they are money-savers in the long run because they use less electricity and last longer.
- By consuming less electricity CFLs reduce air and water pollution.
- Contain slight traces of mercury. Major manufactuers and retailers are arranging for recycling drop-offs as the bulbs gain popularity.

Questions & Answers:
Can I place fluorescent products in with my regular household trash?
The Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD), along with other municipalities, will take a small number of your fluorescent lamps (less than 15 lamps approximately) with your regular household garbage collection. However, they recommend that you clearly mark or label them to help protect workers when handling glass.

What should I do to protect myself if a fluorescent lamp breaks?
As long as you handle fluorescent lamps with care, they are not hazardous to you. If a fluorescent lamp happens to break, DO NOT vacuum or sweep up the remains, as this will only spread the mercury into the air. Instead you should use a wet rag, while wearing gloves, to pick up the pieces. The rag and the pieces should be placed into a plastic bag and disposed of with your other household trash.

Recycling Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs

How are compact fluorescent bulbs recycled?
The Lamp Recycler, the company that recycles the bulbs, utilizes a small vacuum chamber that is constantly rinsed with water. The lamps are fed into the machine and once in the vacuum chamber, the end of the lamp is broken open. The vacuum draws out the mercury and phosphorus, and cold water is used to keep mercury in its most transportable state, a liquid.

The glass is then crushed and the aluminum end caps separated and these items are sent for recycling. The end caps are then sent to local smelters, and the glass is used to manufacture light-reflecting paint for highways. The mercury and phosphorus are placed in sealed drums and sent for separation, recycling and neutralization.

How much mercury is in a compact fluorescent bulb?
As with all fluorescent bulbs, CFLs contain a small amount of mercury, usually around five milligrams or less. It is an essential part of what allows the CFL to be such an efficient light source. Just like paint, batteries, thermostats and other household items, CFLs should be disposed of safely. Mercury vapour will only be released when the lamp is broken while operating. Most lamp manufacturers offer a “low mercury” or environmentally friendly lamp. The green socket or end cap identifies these lamps.

Because compact fluorescent bulbs contain mercury, is it better for the environment to use incandescent bulbs?
No. Although fluorescent lights contain small amounts of mercury, they are far more energy-efficient than incandescent lights. Using energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs is better for the environment because they reduce greenhouse gas emissions from gas-fired generating stations, and reduce the need to build new generation facilities. Because they last about eight times longer, fewer bulbs go into landfills and less packaging is required.

Where can I recycle used CFLs?
In the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island, there are now a number of retailers who will accept used CFLs at no charge for recycling. Visit BC Hydro’s website under recycling CFLs.

Outside Lower Mainland
Check with your municipal waste management program for information on preferred disposal practices in your area.
If you are located in BC outside the Lower Mainland and would like to recycle your CFLs, please contact the Recycling Council of BC at 1-800-667-4321 throughout B.C.

What should I do if I have a large quantity of fluorescent waste products?
If you require disposal of large quantities of fluorescent waste you should contact an appropriate recycling facility. Nu-Life Industries is the only fluorescent waste products recycler in Western Canada. They are located 45 minutes east of Vancouver and accept materials through mail or hand delivery. They can be contacted as follows:

Nu-Life Industries
1-3347-262nd Street, Aldergrove, B.C.
Telephone: (604) 857-5588
Toll free: 1-800-247-6724

Information courtesy of BC Hydro.

Mr. Slim air conditioners, perfect units for condo living

Dear Shell,

Q. I have a southern exposure condo that gets very hot in the summer. When I approached my strata council about installing an air conditioner they said that they don’t allow window units because of security and noise issues. I am looking for a permanent solution since we are retired and home during the day. Any feedback that I can pass on to my council would be helpful since there are other units in our building faced with the same dilemma.

Irene and Joe
Richmond

With condo living becoming more and more common for retirees I have come across this question quite often from both residents and strata councils. I would highly suggest you have your council check into the Mitsubishi Mr Slim air conditioning unit. This is a ductless air conditioning system that is designed for homes and condos without using ductwork or windows. The indoor unit mounts on your wall and the outdoor unit which houses the compressor are connected by a small refrigerator line. Your council will be happy to know that unlike like window units, this air conditioning unit is very quiet and will not be a concern for neighbors. For more information go to www.mrslim.ca or contact Mitsubishi directly @ 1-800-361-2251.
Shell Busey

Energy efficient tankless hot water heaters

Q. My home is 12-years-old and still has the original furnace and water heater. The mid-efficiency furnace is working great but I know the water heater will probably not last much longer. In an attempt to prolong its life, I have kept up with flushing it twice a year. I don’t want to wait for it to go, and then be forced to replace it at the last minute. I am interested in your opinion on Tank-less water heaters. They seem to cost a more but I am curious about the energy savings in regards to how long it would take for the tank-less system to pay for itself. I am concerned about switching because the plumber that I have been using for years has advised me against going tankless and does not install them.

Terry
Langley

 

A. If your plan is to stay in your home and your vent stack is adequate for the hot water heater, go for the instantaneous tankless water heating system. They’re 30% more efficient than the conventional tank-type heaters because they’re not continually heating water that sits in a storage tank. The tankless water heating system, although more expensive initially, can last 20 years or more with regular maintenance; twice as long as the standard tank heater. Most plumbers can install these units but some will not because they are not familiar with them. With higher energy costs and the growing customer demand, more plumbers are installing tankless water heaters than ever. You may want to consider a second opinion from another plumber. Keep in mind while this technology is just gaining popularity here in North America, many other countries such as Europe and Asia, all use tankless water heaters. I would suggest that you contact Astravan Distributors directly @ 604-929-5488 for further information on the Bosch tankless hot water heaters. There are also federal grants available under the ecoENERGY Retrofit program for replacing your domestic hot water heater with a qualified instantaneous gas water heater which you may want check into as well.

 

Shell Busey

Liquid vinyl & Elastomeric coating for stucco exteriors are best

Q: Hello Shell, I am living in a multi unit stucco building in the lower mainland and we are getting quotes to have our building painted. The stucco was painted about six years ago but tiny hairline cracks have come back. We are wondering if you are familiar with a company that that uses a liquid vinyl coating instead of paint. The other company that we are considering uses an Elastomeric Coating. The concern of a few residents is if these coatings are breathable, and the potential for moisture problems in the building envelope. We would like to get a few more quotes and have the project complete before the end of the summer.

Tony
Vancouver

A: To begin, I would like to point out that you are considering two products that I highly recommend, since I prefer to coat stucco rather than paint it. Coatings such as Cloverdale Paint’s Towerthon Elastomeric and CHIC liquid vinyl will last longer than painting and bridge the small hairline cracks. The common question is “will it breathe once applied to the stucco exterior?” Both the products in question are highly breathable which helps prevent moisture from becoming trapped inside the wall. It’s best to hire a professional painter that is experienced in applying these coatings since the consistency of the product is much thicker than paint and proper preparation is crucial. To find a qualified painter that services your area, contact the HouseSmart Referral Network at 604-542-2236. Painters do book up quickly in the summer so I would suggest you make a decision as soon as possible.

Hand washing exterior of home

Q: My vinyl siding, gutter and windows are in desperate need of a thorough cleaning. I listen to your show every weekend and I have heard you mention not to powerwash vinyl siding. I have a fairly large house and I am wondering how to get it clean and remove the mossy green from the gutters. It’s not a job I am looking forward to but we want to sell our home and it is in desperate need of some TLC.

Sincerely,
William
North Vancouver

A: I know it seems like a major chore cleaning your windows and siding but they are great projects to complete early in the season. All you need to get started is a garden hose, a low pressure sprayer, a long handled brush and a quality exterior cleaning product. Shell Busey’s Home Cleaning Formula, available in powder form can be used for most outside cleaning projects such as; concrete, decks and siding.

To begin, mix the cleaning formula in a low pressure garden sprayer according to the directions on the bottle. Next, wet the area with a hose, spray on the cleaning formula with the garden sprayer. Let sit approximately 3-5 minutes. Scrub with stiff brush and simply rinse off. When cleaning siding, start at the bottom and work up to the top, 2 – 3 rows at one time using a round type brush on a long pole, rinsing as you move upward. DO NOT use the cleaning formula on your windows or in direct sunlight. For windows I like using CV9 Window Cleaner available at most Windsor Plywood and Home Hardware Building Stores.

Keep in mind if you aren’t up for the job or if you are not comfortable on ladders, there are services available that will wash houses by hand and do the windows and gutters at the same time. To find a company that cleans siding without pressure washing contact our HouseSmart office at 604-542-2236.

Thank-you for listening every Saturday

Shell Busey

Solar control fabric for existing skylights

Q: Our 14-years-old rancher has two skylights in the kitchen that are approximately 2′ x 4′. Every summer this area gets so warm that it becomes very uncomfortable. I am looking for a type of solar control product that could be installed on the glass to help keep the heat out but allow some light into the house. In a few years we would like to replace the skylights with more energy efficient ones but in the meantime we would like something to get us through the next few summers.

George, Richmond

A: I agree that replacing your skylights would be a good idea since they are not the most energy efficient units or they would have a double layer of low-e coating on the glass and perhaps even argon gas between the panes which would help control the suns heat. I am happy to inform you there is a solution to offer some relief from the heat; it is a solar control mesh installed on the outside of the skylight. This product can be removed if needed for easy cleaning and re-installed by most home owners. It also allows light to enter the home but at the same time keeps the heat out. The company, Newco Products carries a number of solar control products for everything from skylights to windows and they can be reached by calling 1-800-663-4086.

I should also mention, when you buy your new skylights you may want to consider a unit that opens, especially if you don’t have air conditioning to allow the heat to escape on a hot day and create air movement in the home.

Shell Busey

Painting concrete surface & concrete landscaping edging

Q: We are in the process of fixing up our back yard for our daughter’s wedding which will be taking place this summer. I have a few quick questions that I hope you can help us with. What would be the best way to paint our concrete patio a terrra cotta color? The next question is we are looking for an edging to raise the flower beds to keep the dirt from running on to the patio and give it a more finished and clean look. I am in the South Surrey area and I quite often see a concrete edging that looks like a brick or stone curb that border garden beds. I was hoping you could let me know who I can contact to get this done and most importantly get done quickly. Last question we are looking into awnings for the patio do you have anyone that you can refer us to?

A: To begin, the concrete edging can be done by a company called Kwik Kerb and it sounds to me like that would be ideal for your timeline and what you are describing. They have several styles and colours to choose from for decorative edging and would be more than happy to come to your home and offer some suggestions.

Sincerely,

Veronica & Wil
White Rock

 

As for your concrete patio, I would suggest you stain your concrete rather than paint it. To begin, wash the surface with muriatic acid; mixing 1/3 acid to 2/3 water. (Add acid to water not water to acid. Wear safety clothing and rubber gloves.) Puddle out on the surface and spread with a broom. Allow to sit for 5 to 15 minutes. A foaming action will occur. Then scrub with a stiff bristle brush. Rinse well with a hose. Once dry you can then apply a concrete stain or you can use an alkyd based wood stain. Do not do this project in direct sunshine.

You do not specify what type of awning that you are looking for. Please contact our HouseSmart office at 604-542-2236 to let us know if you are looking for an aluminum or retractable fabric awning and we will be happy to help you out.

Good luck and Congratulations on your daughter’s upcoming big day.

Shell Busey

Remove outdoor carpet off concrete & Prepare for new surface

Q: Is there a product that will remove the old glue and remnants of outdoor carpeting from the concrete on my balcony? I would assume there must be some sort of product that can be applied to get rid of the adhesive left behind after we pull up the carpet. We are planning to finish it off with Tech Stone Granite.

Trevor
Maple Ridge

A: To remove the balance of carpet tuffs use a rented heat gun (not a hair dryer) and scrape off with a metal paint scraper. To remove any residual adhesive that is left behind use my It’s Just That Easy water based paint remover available at Windsor Plywood stores. If you have trouble finding the product call the distributor Twin Maple Marketing at 1-800-663-8898 and ask where it is available in your area. You can also try to remove the remaining sticky residue with contact cement solvent. After removing the residue rinse the area well with warm water.

It’s just that easy!

Shell Busey

Grants Available for Energy Efficiency Retrofits

Retrofit Your Home and Qualify for a Grant

Thinking of ways to make your home more energy efficient? Here’s what you can do to reduce your energy consumption and receive grants through ecoENERGY Retrofit. The federal government provides grants to homeowners who complete energy efficiency retrofits. Under the ecoENERGY Retrofit program, property owners can quality for grants by improving the energy efficiency of their homes, and reducing their home’s impact on the environment.

NRCan-licensed energy advisors conduct a detailed on-site assessment of your home’s energy use from the attic down to the basement. They then provide you with a personalized written report, including a checklist of recommended retrofits to improve the energy efficiency of your home and in some cases, to reduce water consumption. The report also shows the grant amounts for each eligible upgrade that you can receive by carrying out these energy saving improvements.

The grant amount is based on carrying out energy efficiency retrofits such as increasing your attic insulation or replacing your gas furnace with a qualified ENERGY STAR® model. Only homes that have had pre- and post-retrofit evaluations from an NRCan-licensed energy advisor are eligible for grants.

What does a residential energy assessment service include?
1. a detailed energy evaluation of your home carried out by a licensed energy advisor
2. a “blower door” test to find air leaks
3. a printed report that shows where your energy dollars are being spent and what you can do to improve your home’s energy efficiency
4. an energy efficiency rating label that shows you how energy efficient your home is compared with others in your region

When should you use the residential energy assessment service?

1. Does your home have comfort problems such as drafts, cold spots and frosted windows?
   Find the source of these problems and get information about repairing them.
2. Renovating or retrofitting?
   Energy advisors use state-of-the-art evaluation practices and can advise on the best modern techniques and types of products.
3. Upgrading your heating and cooling system?
   Energy efficiency improvements can make a difference to the size of the heating and cooling system that your home needs.
4. Selling your house?
   After you’ve made energy efficiency upgrades and comfort improvements to your home, the energy efficiency rating label shows potential buyers how much you’ve improved your home’s energy efficiency and how it compares to other homes in your area.

Proof of upgrades
After you have completed your energy upgrades, a second (post-retrofit) evaluation is completed and a new energy efficiency rating label that indicates your home’s improved energy use.

Eligible Improvements / Retrofits
The maximum grant one can receive per home is $5,000. For a list of grant amounts and eligible improvements covered under ecoENERGY Retrofit go to the Natural Resources Canada Website.

In addition to these federal grants, rebates and incentives are available in various provinces across the country depending on where you live. To find out how to qualify or who to contact in your area call our HouseSmart Referral Office @ 604-542-2236 or outside the Greater Vancouver area call toll free @ 1-888-266-8806.

For more information, visit Natural Resources Canada Office of Energy Efficiency website or call 1-800-O-Canada (1-800-622-6232).