Precautions for Electrical Safety in the Home- Tips and Advice

You might be surprised at how many electrical issues and  dangers exist in and around  your home for you and your family. Needless accidents can happen just because no one has ever explained the precautionary measures that should be commonplace.  Most often, there are warning signs that can prevent issues from happening. Following is an article from Guest Contributor and  Founder Nick Gromicko of NACHI.org (Founder, International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, Inc)

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Electricity is an essential part of our lives. However, it has the potential to cause great harm. Electrical systems will function almost indefinitely, if properly installed and not overloaded or physically abused. Electrical fires in our homes claim the lives of 485 Americans each year and injure 2,305 more. Some of these fires are caused by electrical system failures and appliance defects, but many more are caused by the misuse and poor maintenance of electrical appliances, incorrectly installed wiring, and overloaded circuits and extension cords.  Some safety tips to remember:

    Never use anything but the proper fuse to protect a circuit.
    Find and correct overloaded circuits.
    Never place extension cords under rugs.
    Outlets near water should be GFCI-type outlets.
    Don't allow trees near power lines to be climbed.
    Keep ladders, kites, equipment and anything else away from overhead power lines.  

Electrical Panels
 
Electricity enters the home through a control panel and a main switch where one can shut off all the power in an emergency. These panels are usually located in the basement. Control panels use either fuses or circuit breakers. Install the correct fuses for the panel. Never use a higher-numbered fuse or a metallic item, such as a penny. If fuses are used and there is a stoppage in power, look for the broken metal strip in the top of a blown fuse. Replace the fuse with a new one marked with the correct amperage. Reset circuit breakers from "off" to "on." Be sure to investigate why the fuse or circuit blew. Possible causes include frayed wires, overloaded outlets, or defective appliances. Never overload a circuit with high-wattage appliances. Check the wattage on appliance labels. If there is frayed insulation or a broken wire, a dangerous short circuit may result and cause a fire. If power stoppages continue or if a frayed or broken wire is found, contact an electrician.
 
Outlets and Extension Cords

Make sure all electrical receptacles or outlets are three-hole, grounded outlets. If there is water in the area, there should be a GFCI or ground-fault circuit interrupter outlet. All outdoor outlets should be GFCIs. There should be ample electrical capacity to run equipment without tripping circuit breakers or blowing fuses. Minimize extension cord use. Never place them under rugs. Use extension cords sparingly and check them periodically. Use the proper electrical cord for the job, and put safety plugs in unused outlets.

Electrical Appliances

Appliances need to be treated with respect and care. They need room to breathe. Avoid enclosing them in a cabinet without proper openings, and do not store papers around them. Level appliances so they do not tip. Washers and dryers should be checked often. Their movement can put undue stress on electrical connections. If any appliance or device gives off a tingling shock, turn it off, unplug it, and have a qualified person correct the problem. Shocks can be fatal. Never insert metal objects into appliances without unplugging them. Check appliances periodically to spot worn or cracked insulation, loose terminals, corroded wires, defective parts and any other components that might not work correctly. Replace these appliances or have them repaired by a person qualified to do so.
 
Electrical Heating Equipment

Portable electrical heating equipment may be used in the home as a supplement to the home heating system. Caution must be taken when using these heating supplements. Keep them away from combustibles, and make sure they cannot be tipped over. Keep electrical heating equipment in good working condition. Do not use them in bathrooms because of the risk of contact with water and electrocution. Many people use electric blankets in their homes. They will work well if they are kept in good condition. Look for cracks and breaks in the wiring, plugs and connectors. Look for charred spots on both sides. Many things can cause electric blankets to overheat. They include other bedding placed on top of them, pets sleeping on top of them, and putting things on top of the blanket when it is in use. Folding the blankets can also bend the coils and cause overheating.
 
Children

Electricity is important to the workings of the home, but can be dangerous, especially to children. Electrical safety needs to be taught to children early on. Safety plugs should be inserted in unused outlets when toddlers are in the home. Make sure all outlets in the home have face plates. Teach children not to put things into electrical outlets and not to chew on electrical cords. Keep electrical wiring boxes locked. Do not allow children to come in contact with power lines outside. Never allow them to climb trees near power lines, utility poles or high tension towers.
 
Electricity and Water

A body can act like a lightning rod and carry the current to the ground. People are good conductors of electricity, particularly when standing in water or on a damp floor. Never use any electrical appliance in the tub or shower. Never touch an electric cord or appliance with wet hands. Do not use electrical appliances in damp areas or while standing on damp floors. In areas where water is present, use outlets with GFCIs. Shocks can be fatal.
 
Animal Hazards

Mice and other rodents can chew on electrical wires and damage them. If rodents are suspected or known to be in the home, be aware of the damage they may cause, and take measures to get rid of them.
 
Outside Hazards

There are several electrical hazards outside the home. Be aware of overhead and underground power lines. People have been electrocuted when an object they are moving has come in contact with the overhead power lines. Keep ladders, antennae, kites and poles away from power lines leading to the house and other buildings. Do not plant trees, shrubs or bushes under power lines or near underground power lines. Never build a swimming pool or other structure under the power line leading to your house. Before digging, learn the location of underground power lines.

Do not climb power poles or transmission towers. Never let anyone shoot or throw stones at insulators. If you have an animal trapped in a tree or on the roof near electric lines, phone your utility company. Do not take a chance of electrocuting yourself. Be aware of weather conditions when installing and working with electrical appliances. Never use electrical power tools or appliances with rain overhead or water underfoot. Use only outdoor lights, fixtures and extension cords. Plug into outlets with a GFCI. Downed power lines are extremely dangerous. If you see a downed power line, call the electric company, and warn others to stay away. If a power line hits your car while you are in it, stay inside unless the car catches fire. If the car catches fire, jump clear without touching metal and the ground at the same time.
 
MORE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS :

    Routinely check your electrical appliances and wiring.
    Hire an InterNACHI inspector. InterNACHI inspectors must pass rigorous safety training and are knowledgeable in the ways to reduce the likelihood of electrocution.
    Frayed wires can cause fires. Replace all worn, old and damaged appliance cords immediately.
    Use electrical extension cords wisely and don't overload them.
    Keep electrical appliances away from wet floors and counters; pay special care to electrical appliances in the bathroom and kitchen.
    Don't allow children to play with or around electrical appliances, such as space heaters, irons and hair dryers.
    Keep clothes, curtains and other potentially combustible items at least 3 feet from all heaters.
    If an appliance has a three-prong plug, use it only in a three-slot outlet. Never force it to fit into a two-slot outlet or extension cord.
    Never overload extension cords or wall sockets. Immediately shut off, then professionally replace, light switches that are hot to the touch, as well as lights that flicker. Use safety closures to childproof electrical outlets.
    Check your electrical tools regularly for signs of wear. If the cords are frayed or cracked, replace them. Replace any tool if it causes even small electrical shocks, overheats, shorts out or gives off smoke or sparks.

In summary, household electrocution can be prevented by following the tips offered in this guide and by hiring an InterNACHI inspector.

This article has been submitted by:

Nick Gromicko, FOUNDER. http://www.nachi.org
International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) is the world's most elite, non-profit inspection association.
President, ComInspect, www.cominspect.com
Director, Master Inspector Certification Board, www.certifiedmasterinspector.org
Author, 15 books and Co-Host of  http://www.NACHI.TV

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Second Quarter Real Estate Market Statistics for Southwestern Connecticut

We have just posted  the second quarter's real estate market statistics for each of the towns that we service in Fairfield and New Haven Counties. You can find this information on each town's respective page, alongside with the First Quarter Market Statistics for 2011.

The easy to read reports are available in .pdf format for the following towns:

...In Fairfield County

Darien, Fairfield, Greenwich, Monroe, New Canaan, Newtown, Norwalk, Redding, Shelton, Stratford, Trumbull, Weston and Westport.

and New Haven County

Ansonia, Derby, Milford, Oxford and Seymour.

Statistics for Single Family Homes, Condominiums, Multi-Families and Rentals include:

• Active listings as of July 1 on a townwide basis, and also by bedroom count. Average pricing, and market time.

• Number of sold listings on a townwide basis, and also by bedroom count. Average listing price and sales price , list price to sales price ratio and market time.

As always, if you have any questions, please contact us, and when you are ready to buy or sell, we are here and available to get you the very best price for your home!

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New Connecticut 2011-2012 Mill Rates and property taxes take effect July 1, 2011

Do you want to know what your new property taxes are going to be? Your taxes change each year on July, 1st. 

SEE UPDATED TAX RATES  FOR 2012-2013 HERE

All Connecticut towns prepare a budget for the year and set a new mill rate for property owners to pay for that budget. If you look at the record of your property as it exists in Town Hall, you will see that your property is appraised at one value, and assessed at another value. Your new property taxes are determined by multiplying the mill rate by the assessment.

Do you love your town? So do we. Just click on the Facebook    to give your favorite town(s) a "Like", and click on the town name for the town's history, biography, stats and demographics.

We have obtained the 2011-2012 mill rates for the following towns that we service: 

... in Fairfield County

   Darien ......................12. 2 mills
   Easton ......................22.95 mills
   Fairfield........22.47 mills
   Greenwich *No Sewers..............10.111 mills
        Greenwich  *With Sewers..............10.641 mills
  Monroe..............28.79 mills

  New Canaan............13.853 mills  (with sewers 14.476 mills)
  Newtown ..........24.37 mills
       Newtown (additional tax for Borough residents).......00.61 mills
  Norwalk Districts 1,2,3,8,9 *With Garbage.............20.742 mills
       Norwalk Districts 1,2,3,8,9 *No Garbage..........20.251 mills

       Norwalk Districts 4,5 *With Garbage......20.795 mills

       Norwalk Districts 4, 5 *No Garbage...20.304 mills                                                   

       Norwalk Districts 6,7 *Services only.......19.022 mills

  Redding...............22.79 mills
  Shelton.........18.57 mills 

  Southport ........22.47 mills
  Stratford.........34.15 mills
  Trumbull........  25.00 mills
  Weston.........23.94 mills
  Westport.........17.43 mills

and New Haven County

  Ansonia.............26.25 mills
  Derby.........27.90 mills
  Milford........29.35 mills 
  Oxford..............23.21 mills
  Seymour...........27.62 mills

And a note From Judy: If you have a question about buying or selling Real Estate in Fairfield County, and are in need of an Realtor to represent you, I invite you to contact me, and if you have an idea for a topic that you would like to see on The CT Realty Blog, please include it in the "Post a Comment" section link below this post. We appreciate the feedback and look forward to providing you with the best real estate content, advice and service in Fairfield County, Connecticut.

Financing Update and Today's Mortgage Rates in Connecticut- July 1, 2011

Rate sheet "influential" mortgages are experiencing modest price losses after Greek lawmakers agreed to implement aggressive austerity measures Thursday morning. Based on the market's reaction to this news, this was a widely expected outcome. This stabilization is somewhat comforting but not enough to stop a corrective rally before the long weekend. This paints a less positive picture for bonds over the next few days. After failing on multiple occasions to extend the two-month bond rally, traders are feeling technically exhausted. The path of least resistance is up for interest rates, at least in the short-term. That puts pricing in a defensive posture for the next 10 to 20 days. The market predictors are not ready to change the outlook for lower rates by the end of the summer. Remember, this happened last year, which supports the long standing view that "history is repeating itself" in the bond market.  In times like these, the value of analyzing Mortgage  Backed Securities charts greatly decreases and underlying benchmarks become much more important. Thursday morning the bond market came into the day as close to "on the edge" of the recent range as it could be. Long story short, the breakout has now been confirmed after looking indecisive leading up to 9:45 AM Chicago PMI data. After that, the snowball began. Volume ramped up, and yields moved sharply. The market reached its next major technical level for 10 year yields, and in terms of "history repeating itself" is an analogous level to how things happened in 2008. If history continues repeating, more volatility is in store--BIG swings.

30 year fixed - 4.625% - .250% points for rate
20 year fixed - 4.375% - 0 points for rate
15 year fixed - 3.750% 0 points for rate
10 year fixed - 3.375% 0 points for rate
5/1 ARM - 3.00% - 0 points for rate
7/1 ARM - 3.50% - 0 -points for rate
10/1 ARM - 4.125 % 0 points for rate
Jumbo - over 729,000
30 year fixed - 4.99% +.50 points  for rate
30 year fixed - 5.125% - 0 points for rate
15 year fixed - 4.625 % - 0 points for rate
5/1 ARM - 3.750% - 0 points for rate
7/1 ARM - 4.250% - 0 points for rate
10/1 ARM - 4.625% 0 points for rate

Jennifer Buchanan,  Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist at MetLife Loans is a seasoned veteran of the Mortgage, Banking and Broker Industry and specializes in mortgage loans throughout Fairfield County, Connecticut.
   Her attention to detail is unsurpassed, and her understanding of the marketplace makes it easy to find the right loan to fit her clients specific needs .  Jennifer's local processing and closing team are also known for their exemplary service.
   Understanding that the vast majority of mortgage brokers never discuss the long or short term  financial needs or goals with their clients, she set herself apart from the rest by obtaining the coveted CMPS  designation. (Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist)
    She is a member of the National Association of Responsible Loan Officers, and her commitment to ethics, understanding of the marketplace, and business acumen have earned her the respect of her peers and clients alike.

Jennifer Buchanan
Metlife Loans
203-341-6949

What's the best type of heating system to look for in your next home?

There are many variations of heating systems, and various energy sources to go along with those choices. Determining what is best for you is a matter of preference, and an initial understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of each type.  When we find the home of your dreams, ask the building inspector the very important questions, and  you may also choose to hire a plumber, electrican  or HVAC specialist to evaluate the home's system  and get some expert advice.

Forced Air - Description: Central forced-air heating systems are by far the most popular method of heating homes in the USA. When the thermostat tells the system that room temperatures are below the desired temperature, an "air handler" kicks on, drawing room air from a “cold-air return” through ductwork into the furnace’s heat exchanger, where the burners or electric heating elements turn on to heat the air as it moves through the air handler. The blower then forces the warmed air through a network of ductwork back to the rooms. The cycle continues until the desired temperature is reached and the thermostat turns the system off. Fuel Sources  Boilers may be fueled by natural gas, propane, oil or electricity.

BENEFITS: -Faster warm-up because it is blowing warm air into the house. You can install add-ons such as  a humidifier, an ionizing air cleaner, and it's very easy to add air conditioning . You can easily shut and open vents to heat necessary areas only. No pipework showing.

DRAWBACKS: Can be noisy. Not the best choice for an occupant who has allergies. Heat distribution can be uneven, and heat in rooms can vary greatly. When the desired temperature is reached, the furnace  turns off and no residual heat remains except what is in the air. Vents need to be cleaned often to maintain optimal efficiency. Air can become quite dry.

Baseboard  Heating - (also called hydronic)  Description: -Hot water is heated by a boiler and piped to "fin-tube" baseboard units mounted along walls. The fins increase the surface area of heat dissipation making the unit more efficient. Air is distributed by convection as air rises and is heated by the baseboard unit. Fuel Sources  Boilers may be fueled by natural gas, propane, oil or electricity.

BENEFITS: Stable heating.  When  the desired temperature is reached, the boiler turns off and baseboards are still warm and throw heat  Energy efficient. Quiet  Close temperature control. The system does not blow dirt, dust, bacteria, viruses and pet dander around the house all winter long. Does not circulate odors through the home.

DRAWBACKS: Baseboards are best when they remain unobstructed, but can provide challenges in furniture placement and drape design. Slow temperature increase.
Air conditioning requires a separate ductwork distribution and cooling system. A leak in a hot water system usually means water damage

Radiators - Description: A gas or oil-fired burner is responsible for heating water and turning it into steam. This steam is then passed through a series of pipes, eventually escaping through a radiator or convector. At this point, rooms are warmed by the heat given off by the steam. Once the steam cools off and condenses itself, the water returns to the boiler to be heated all over again. Fuel Sources  Boilers may be fueled by natural gas, or oil.

BENEFITS: stable heating  not a dry heat.. easy to replace, if and when needed.  quietwhen desired temperature is reached, boiler turns off and radiators are still warm and throw heat   does not blow dirt, dust, bacteria, viruses and pet dander around the house all winter long.do not circulate odors through the home

DRAWBACKS: Consiered old-style. Costly to add central air. Larger, bulkier and take up more space. Radiator covers stop full potential and not cost effecient. Can be a messy job to clean out a radiator.
Awkward to decorate around. A leak in a hot water system usually means water damage

Hydro Air - Description: The hydro-air heating system combines the benefits of forced hot air system with the advantages of circulating hot water home heating systems which function with moist air and thus result in significantly less drying for skin and hair. With a boiler as its heat source, the hydro-air system can produce domestic hot water. Like a forced hot air system, both warm and cool air can be delivered to each room via air ductwork. The hydro-air systems are among the most versatile and luxurious indoor comfort system available today. Fuel Sources  May be fueled by natural gas, propane, electricity or oil.

BENEFITS: Uniform, comfortable heating through circulating warm air
Air conditioning  Great ventilation and fresh air recovery  Humidification  Abundant domestic hot water supply. Extremely flexible installations for large homes.

DRAWBACKS: Very costly to install. You would need a plumber to install pipes, and an  HVAC contractor to install ductwork. The heat distribution can be uneven, and heat in rooms can vary somewhat. Not the best choice for an occupant who has allergies . When the desired temperature is reached, the system  turns off and no residual heat remains except what is in the air .

Electric Furnaces- Description: Electric furnaces consist primarily of a resistor unit, which works like the burner of an electric stove, converting electrical energy to thermal energy. The heat warms air in the furnace, and travels through the ductwork of the house.

BENEFITS:  Extremely safe. Electric furnaces are known to last longer than conventional gas, propane, or oil fired heating systems, and require less maintenance. No noise. Electric furnaces are typically smaller, so their installation is less involved.  Maintenance of an electric furnace is typically straight-forward, and largely consists of ensuring that the furnace filters are cleaned or replaced per the manufacturer's instructions.

DRAWBACKS: electric furnaces cost more to run. (with the exception of electric heat-pump systems) Dry heat. It is also important to consider that if bad weather knocks out the electricity, electric furnaces are not going to work at a time when you need heat the most.

Radiant Heat - Description: Radiant heating systems involve supplying heat directly to the floor or to panels in the wall or ceiling of a house. The systems depend largely on radiant heat transfer: the delivery of heat directly from the hot surface to the people and objects in the room via the radiation of heat, which is also called infrared radiation. Radiant heating is the effect you feel when you can feel the warmth of a hot stovetop element from across the room. When radiant heating is located in the floor, it is often called radiant floor heatin

BENEFITS:  Stable heating. Warm floors. Radiant heating does not blow dirt, dust, bacteria, viruses and pet dander around the house all winter long.  Cost efficient- Studies conducted by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) indicate that with radiant heating systems people can be comfortable at temperatures 6°F to 8°F lower than with hot air systems. Radiant heat does  not circulate odors through the home  energy efficient

DRAWBACKS: Costly to add central air. In-floor piping can be difficult to access for repairs or maintenance initially. Heating the home can take longer as it takes time to warm radiant material.

I have some basic knowledge of all these systems, but the best person to talk to is your building inspector, or heating specialist.

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