B.C. Home Inspections

Lake County CA Home Inspector

Safety tips

Fireplaces and Furnaces: Hidden Dangers Before You Light Up

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When cold weather hits, nothing feels better than a warm fire or a toasty heater humming in the background. But behind that cozy comfort can lurk real hazards — the kind that can go unnoticed until it’s too late. A quick seasonal check can keep your home safe and your air breathable.

1. Chimneys Need More Than Just a Sweep

Over time, soot and creosote build up inside your chimney. That sticky residue is flammable, and all it takes is one spark to ignite it. Annual cleanings and inspections help prevent chimney fires and reveal cracks, blockages, or damaged flue liners that could send smoke — or worse, carbon monoxide — back into your home.

2. Don’t Ignore the Furnace

Your furnace might seem like a reliable workhorse, but without proper maintenance, it can develop cracks or leaks that release carbon monoxide. Filters clog, vents corrode, and systems overheat — all silently. A professional inspection checks for these issues before they turn into emergencies.

3. The Invisible Threat: Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) is odorless, colorless, and deadly. It can build up from malfunctioning fireplaces, furnaces, or even attached garages. Every home should have working CO detectors near bedrooms and living spaces. Test them monthly and replace batteries twice a year.

(Yes, we know it’s one more thing to remember — but your lungs will thank you.)

4. Ventilation Matters

Proper airflow keeps your heating system efficient and safe. Blocked or closed vents cause uneven heating and put extra strain on your furnace. If you notice hot and cold spots in your home, it could be a sign something’s off in your ductwork or ventilation system.

5. Schedule a Safety Inspection Before Winter

An inspection from B.C. Home Inspections can identify cracks in your furnace, leaks in your venting, or chimney hazards long before you strike a match. We check heating systems, ventilation, insulation, and other components that keep your home safe and warm.

Bottom line: A cozy home shouldn’t come with hidden dangers. Take a little time to prepare before lighting that first fire or turning up the thermostat. Your safety — and peace of mind — are worth it.

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Cold Weather, Warm Homes: How to Keep Moisture Out and Heat In

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When the temperature drops, your home starts working overtime. Between the rain, the cold mornings, and those foggy windows, it’s easy to forget that moisture doesn’t just appear — it sneaks in through tiny gaps, weak insulation, or poor ventilation. That’s where a little maintenance and a good inspection can save you from big headaches later.

1. Check Your Windows and Doors

If you feel a draft or notice condensation inside your windows, your seals might be failing. That means warm air is escaping and cold air is creeping in. Over time, this can lead to higher energy bills and even hidden moisture damage. Caulking and weather stripping are simple fixes that go a long way.

2. Keep an Eye on Your Attic and Insulation

Attics are like the lungs of your home — if they’re not breathing right, everything else suffers. Poor ventilation or missing insulation can cause condensation to build up, leading to mildew or even structural issues. During our inspections, we often find areas where heat is escaping straight through the attic. A thermal check can quickly show those weak spots.

3. Watch for Moisture in Crawlspaces

Winter moisture loves crawlspaces. When water sneaks under the house, it can cause wood rot, fungus growth, or damage insulation. A proper vapor barrier and good drainage keep the underside of your home dry and healthy. It’s not glamorous work, but it matters.

4. Don’t Forget Your Heating System

Before you flip that thermostat on, make sure your furnace and filters are ready. A quick inspection of your venting and carbon monoxide detectors can prevent serious safety issues. Heating systems that haven’t been serviced in years are one of the most common problems we see during cold months.

5. Schedule a Seasonal Inspection

A seasonal inspection helps catch small issues before they turn into expensive repairs. At B.C. Home Inspections, we look for signs of water intrusion, insulation gaps, and ventilation problems — all the things that quietly ruin homes while you’re just trying to stay warm.

Bottom line: winter is tough on houses. But with a few smart checks (and maybe a little help from your favorite inspection team), your home can stay cozy, dry, and efficient all season long.

 

 

 

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Protect Your Home with Professional Fungal & Mold Testing

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When it comes to your home, what you can’t see can still affect your health.

At BC Home Inspections, we now offer fungal and mold testing to help homeowners understand what might be lingering in their air. Sometimes, a home can look perfectly clean—no visible signs of mold—but hidden moisture behind walls or near water heaters can allow fungal spores to grow unnoticed.

Because we aren’t a remediation company, our role is to identify potential concerns—not to diagnose or confirm visible mold. Instead, we collect air or surface samples that are analyzed by a certified lab to determine whether fungal spores are present and at what levels.

Testing can be especially important if:

  • You’ve experienced water damage or high humidity.
  • Someone in your home suffers from allergies, asthma, or frequent headaches.
  • You notice musty odors or unexplained discoloration near plumbing or HVAC systems.

Our goal is simple: to give you accurate information about your home’s air quality so you can take the right next steps with confidence.

We’re proud to provide professional, reliable testing that helps families protect their health and homes.

Call us today to schedule your Mold Inspection

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