It's summer time and the hot humid weather has our air conditioners running frequently. Is your air conditioner in peak condition?

Check it over for some key points:

• Ensure that there is easy air flow around the unit
  (there should be 18 inches of clearance on all sides)
• Cut back any vegetation that has started to grow nearby
• Check that the unit is sitting level
• Check for damaged fins
• Check for rust that may have developed over the winter
• Check for leaves and other debris that may have accumulated inside the unit
• Listen to it operate. Are there any unusual noises?
• Ensure that the seal around the refrigerant lines is weather-tight where the lines pass through the exterior cladding
• Change the filter in your furnace every three months

If you have any doubts about the functioning of your air conditioner have it checked right away. A qualified HVAC technician will be able to evaluate the unit's efficiency and operation, saving you energy and repair costs.

Do you have a deck on your home? Summer is a great time for house parties and BBQs. These events are good fun, but can put a heavy load on your deck.

Take time to check that the guard rail around your deck and hand rails on the stairs are secure and ready for the task of keeping your partygoers safe. It's too late after someone gets hurt. Unless your construction skills are top notch, hire a qualified contractor to make the repairs that your deck needs. An experienced deck builder can maximize the safety of your deck and keep your guests talking about your great food and hospitality.

School is out and the kids are busy. Their numerous comings and goings may put them at increased risk for injury by a faulty garage door opener. Check the optical blockage sensors and the auto- reverse mechanism on your garage door operator.

Your installation manual will detail the correct testing and adjustment procedure for your garage door opener. These procedures are quick and simple to perform. Take a few a minutes this weekend to make sure your opener is set correctly.

Every month, electrical safety equipment in your home should be tested. This regular testing is specified by the manufacturers and is key to ensuring that the protection is working when it is needed.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) are used to protect against electrical shock around sources of water. Receptacles located outdoors and near sinks are all required to have GFCI protection. Test the operation of your GFCI's every month by pushing the "TEST" button, then the "RESET" button to restore power. Some circuits are protected by GFCI breakers and the same two buttons will be found in your electrical panel.

Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI) are used to protect against fires being started by arcs between electrical conductors. For homes built since May 1, 2002, all bedroom receptacles are required to be protected by AFCI breakers. These breakers can be identified in your electrical panel by looking for the blue "TEST" button. Test the operation of your AFCI's every month by pushing the "TEST" button, then flipping the breaker to the "OFF" position and back to the "ON" position in order to restore power to your bedrooms.

Smoke alarms save lives. It has been proven over and over again that smoke alarms are highly effective, provided that they are working. Test your smoke alarms every month and, for battery- powered units, change the battery every six months. If you have a monitored security system, be sure to call your alarm company before testing the alarms.

Hamcrest Inspections offers pre-purchase inspections for people considering the purchase of a new home in Ottawa and the surrounding area. Please visit our web site for answers to common questions and to review a sample report or our inspection agreement.

For buyers and owners of brand new homes, Hamcrest Inspections offers pre-delivery inspections, 30-day inspections and year-end inspections. A home inspection can significantly increase the accuracy of report submitted to your builder and to Tarion (was Ontario New Home Warranty Program).

Hamcrest Inspections also offers home maintenance inspections for home owners that need assistance to prioritize the maintenance needs of their home.

email: sales@hamcrest-inspections.com

phone: 613-230-8500

web: www.hamcrest-inspections.com