Navien Recalls Tankless Water Heaters Due to Risk of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled 

consumer product.

Name of Product: Navien Instantaneous or Tankless Water Heaters

Units: About 13,000

Importer: Navien America Inc., of Irvine, Calif.

Manufacturer: Kyung Dong Navien Co. Ltd., South Korea

Hazard: An unstable connection can cause the water heater’s vent collar to separate or detach if pressure is applied. A detached vent collar poses a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning to the consumer.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported

Description: Navien tankless hot water heaters are white with “T-Creator” and “NAVIEN” on the front. Recalled model numbers are CR-180(A), CR-210(A), CR-240(A), CC-180(A), CC-210(A) and CC-240(A) manufactured in 2008. A label on the side of the water heater lists the model number along with the manufacturing year in YYYY format.

Sold by: Wholesale distributors to in-home installers nationwide from February 2008 through March 2009 for between $1,500 and $2,100.

Manufactured in: South Korea

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using and check the model and manufacture year information on their Navien water heater. Consumers with recalled water heaters should immediately contact Navien to schedule a free repair. Navien will replace all Nylon 66 vent collar with PVC collars. Consumers who continue use of the water heaters while awaiting repair, should have a working carbon monoxide alarm installed outside of sleeping areas in the home.

Customer contact: For additional information, contact Navien at (800) 244-8202 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.navienamerica.com

Note: Regardless of the type of water heater that is used, every home should have a CO alarm outside all sleeping areas and consumers should ensure that their CO alarms have working batteries.

Do you need to hire a GC?

Have a large remodeling project in your future? Below is a helpful guide….

1) Get Recommendations

Start by asking your friends and family and then check in with the National Association of the Remodeling Industry for a list of members in your area. Another way to find good Contractors is by talking with a building inspector, who'll know which contractors routinely meet code requirements.

2) Do Phone Interviews

Once you've gotten some names, put in a call to each of your prospects. This may cull some of them out right away. Contractors are notorious for not returning phone calls. If you don’t get a return call from someone in a customary time, mark them off your list – you will save yourself grief in the long run. To the Contractors you do speak to, ask the following questions: 

• Do they take on projects of your size?


• Are they willing to provide financial references, from suppliers or banks?


• Can they give you a list of previous clients?


• How many other projects would they have going at the same time?


• How long have they worked with their subcontractors?

The answers to these questions will reveal the company's availability, reliability, how much attention they'll be able to give your project and how smoothly the work will go.

3) Meet Face to Face

Based on the phone interviews, pick three or four contractors to meet for estimates and further discussion. A contractor should be able to answer your questions satisfactorily and in a manner that puts you at ease. Check in with your state's consumer protection agency and your local Better Business Bureau to make sure contractors don't have a history of disputes with clients or subcontractors.

4) Investigate the Facts

Your list should now be narrowed down – put your research to use and all up former clients to find how their project went and ask to see the finished product. Don’t rely on results alone. Ask to visit a current job site and see for yourself how the contractor works. Is the job site neat and safe? Are workers courteous and careful with the homeowner's property?

5) Make Plans, Get Bids

You have your short list of contractors whose track records seem clean and whose work ethic looks responsible. Now it's time to stop looking back at past work and start looking forward to your project. A conscientious contractor will should provide a complete set of blueprints and also a sense of what homeowners want out of a project and what they plan to spend. To compare bids, ask everyone to break down the cost of materials, labor, profit margins and other expenses. Generally materials account for 40 percent of the total cost; the rest covers overhead and the typical profit margin, which is 15 to 20 percent.

6) Set a Payment Schedule

Payment schedules can also speak to a contractor's financial status and work ethic. If they want half the bid up front, they may have financial problems or be worried that you won't pay the rest after you've seen the work. For large projects, a schedule usually starts with 10 percent at contract signing, three payments of 25 percent evenly spaced over the duration of the project and a check for the final 15 percent when you feel every item on the punch list has been completed.

7) Don't Let Price Be Your Guide

Buyer beware! You get what you pay for! We have all heard these warnings – Heed them!  Beware of your low-ball bid.  The single most important factor in choosing a contractor is how well you and the contractor communicate. All things being equal, it's better to spend more and get someone you're comfortable with.

8) Put it in Writing

Draw up a contract that details every step of the project: payment schedule; proof of liability insurance and worker's compensation payments; a start date and projected completion date; specific materials and products to be used; and a requirement that the contractor obtain lien releases (which protect you if he doesn't pay his bills) from all subcontractors and suppliers. Insisting on a clear contract isn't about mistrust, it's about insuring a successful renovation.

Preventing Dryer Fires

The National Fire Protection Association reports approximately 14,100 fires per year that are caused by improperly venting a dryer or careless maintenance procedures.

Tips for dryer safety:

• Prevent fires with proper dryer duct installation. The dryer duct should vent directly outdoors - never to a room inside the house. Venting a gas dryer inside is especially dangerous because the air discharge can contain a combination of combustible gases.

• Avoid using plastic duct work because it could ignite or melt. Instead, install a hard metal duct from the dryer to the outside of the house.

• Keep the duct free of lint to help reduce the chance of fire spreading outside the dryer and into the vent. Never attempt to dismantle a dryer to clean the line between the dryer drum and the heat element. Contact a professional to do that type of work.

• Use dryer vents constructed of non-flexible metal that contain as few bends as possible.

• Clean the lint trap after every use.

• Call a professional if your dryer is not working properly.

• Install a smoke detector near your laundry room.

It's Time to Clean Your Chimney!

Soot build-up in home inspected in
Franklin, TN last month

 How often should I have my chimney cleaning?

This a tougher question than it sounds. The simple answer is: The National Fire Protection Association Standard 211 says, "Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, and repairs shall be done if necessary. "This is the national safety standard and is the correct way to approach the problem. It takes into account the fact that even if you don't use your chimney much, animals may build nests in the flue or there may be other types of deterioration that could make the chimney unsafe to use.

Insect nests can be the source of a fire

The Chimney Safety Institute if America recommends that open masonry fireplaces should be cleaned at 1/4" of sooty buildup, and sooner if there is any glaze present in the system. Factory-built fireplaces should be cleaned when any appreciable buildup to cause a chimney fire capable of damaging the chimney or spreading to the home.

Radon in your home - News 5 Investigation and more...

We have couple of phone calls this morning after people viewed the News Channel 5 investigative report about homes with radon on last nights (2/3/2011) newscast.

We have had several inquiries to the testing that can be done for radon. We have provided that information for you here.

Below is the embedded report from News Channel 5.






WAYS TO TEST FOR RADON: The two most popular methods for radon testing are Continuous Radon Monitor's (CRM's) and charcoal test kits. If you are testing the home you currently live in, you can  save money by using a Do-It-Yourself charcoal test kit, available at many local hardware and home improvement stores. They are easy to use and very accurate when the instructions are followed.

If you are buying a home or building a new home, insist on using a CRM for your testing. 2Patriots Property Inspection can provide this testing at the time of your home inspection. Our test equipment provides the fastest and most accurate results available, approved by The USEPA with results in as little as 48 hours. Our Continuous Radon Monitors (CRM's) are the preferred method as they can detect tampering and provide an immediate reading of radon levels, (versus a charcoal kit - which recommends 7 days at the home and then must be mailed off for results.)  Be sure to allow enough time for a radon test as part of your "Offer To Buy" so that it may be performed as part of the home inspection process. The EPA recommends that every home in America be tested for radon, but one of the best times to find out if a home has a problem is before you buy it! Call us for scheduling information and price.

Certain conditions have been established by the EPA that must be followed for charcoal and CRM's including:
Closed house conditions -

• The house must have all windows and doors kept closed (except for normal entry and exit) during the entire testing period, and for at least 12 hours prior to starting the test. 
• The thermostat for the furnace or A/C should be set to a normal temperature. Everything remains the same except that occupants are not allowed to leave any doors or windows open. 
• The testing device is to be placed on the lowest livable area of the home (typically the basement unless uninhabitable) away from drafts or vents. It should be approximately 20 to 36 inches above the floor and away from outside walls, windows or doors.

CRM's are left in place for at least 48 hours and provide immediate results upon retrieval. Charcoal test kits are typically just as accurate, if not tampered with, but are exposed from 3 to 7 days (dependent upon manufacturer) and then sent to the laboratory for results. Results may take  a week or two. Both methods are excellent as long as the testing conditions are followed.


We hope that this answers many of your questions about radon. Feel free to contact us with additional questions or to set up a time to place a CRM for testing.  615.790.6233.

Frigidaire and Electrolux ICON Electric Smoothtop Cooktops and Slide-In Ranges Recalled Due to Fire Hazard

(from CPSC) ** Please note: 2Patriots Property Inspection, Inc. provides this recall statement as general information only. Posting of this recall does not state or imply that any of our clients have the mentioned recall product. If you own this product - or have questions about it, please contact the manufacturer directly. Contact information is provided below.

Frigidaire and Electrolux ICON Electric Smoothtop Cooktops and Slide-In Ranges Recalled Due to Fire Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Frigidaire and Electrolux ICON Smoothtop Electric Cooktops and Frigidaire Slide-in Ranges with rotary knobs and digital displays

Units: About 122,000

Manufacturer: Electrolux Home Products Inc., of Charlotte, N.C.

Hazard: Liquids can pool under the control knob and cause the surface heating element to turn on unexpectedly, heat to temperatures other than expected and then not turn off, posing a risk of fire and burn hazards to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Electrolux has received 70 reports of incidents, including three reports of fires that resulted in property damage. Three minor burn injuries were reported.

Description: This recall involves Frigidaire and Electrolux ICON smoothtop electric cooktops and Frigidaire slide-in ranges with rotary knobs and digital displays. Model and serial numbers for the slide-in ranges can be found inside the oven door on the left side of the unit or on the underside surface on cooktop models. The following model and serial numbers are included in this recall:

Frigidaire Serial Number Range and Models
Serial Number Range: NF501XXXXX through NF952XXXXX
Model Numbers	GLEC30S9EB GLEC36S9EB GLEC30S9EQ GLEC36S9EQ GLEC30S9ES	GLEC36S9ES GLES389EB GLES389EQ GLES389ES GLES389FB	GLES389FQ GLES389FS LEEC30S9FE LEEC36S9FE LES389FE	PLEC30S9EC PLEC36S9EC PLES389EC PLES399EC

Electrolux ICON Serial Number Range and Models
Serial Number Range: NF501XXXXX through NF045XXXXX
Model Numbers	E30EC65ESS	E36EC65ESS

Sold at: Mass merchandise and independent retail stores from January 2005 through August 2010 for between $500 and $2,500.

Manufactured in: Canada

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using and unplug the recalled ranges or power off cooktops at the circuit breaker. Contact Electrolux for information on how to obtain a free repair kit.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Electrolux at (888) 281-5310 between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday or visit the firm’s website at http://www.smoothtoprangerecall.com/ (Frigidaire) or http://www.cooktoprecall.com/ (Electrolux).

Sample smoothtop slide-in range with rotary knobs and digital displays

Sample smoothtop cooktop with rotary knobs and digital displays

Slide-in serial plate—left side of oven with door open

Cooktop serial plate—underside of unit

Helpful Resources for our clients has been updated

Click here to access the most up-to-date list of resources that we can recommend to contact. 2Patriots only lists services and businesses that have been referred to us by our clients. We do not post any "ratings" - however, if we ever receive a negative comment OR if a client states that they didn't get a return phone call in a normal amount of time, the service/business will be removed from this list.

Spring Time Maintenance (Part 2)

Made it thru the first maintenance list yet? :)  Below is a list of more good maintenance checks you should make:

ATTIC

• Check your attic for proper ventilation and birds nests.
• Look for obstructions over vents, damaged soffit panels, roof flashing leaks and wet spots on insulation.
• When you're in the attic, wear long sleeves and gloves to protect yourself from insulation.

HVAC & BATTERIES

• You can change filters and clean the air purifier,but have a maintenance check of your HVAC system by a professional.
• Spring is also a good time to have your ducts professionally cleaned. It'll make your indoor air quality healthier and your furnace more efficient.
• Change batteries on smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

DRAINAGE

• Shrubs and landscaping help against soil erosion, but should be planted to form a negative grade, which means water will flow away from the house.

CONCRETE

• Seal and inspect asphalt or concrete driveways. Most of us put off sealing driveways until the fall, but the spring is an ideal time to do it, says Gibbs. The sealer you use, driveway material and climate will affect how often you need to seal your driveway.
• Power wash concrete patios; inspect decks for rotting wood and secure railings. Seal both if necessary.

POOL

• Have a professional service your pool.

WINDOWS & DOORS

• Remove interior storm windows (old homes only) and replace screens on clean windows and doors
•  You can also save on utility bills by adding blinds to windows that face south and west.
• Examine putty/caulk lines around exterior windows and doors; ensure weather stripping creates a good seal.

SUMP PUMP

• Make sure the sump pump is operating correctly; install a battery back-up pump. The backup, another pump that floats above the original pump, will kick on when the electricity goes out. If your sump pump fails, an alarm goes off, letting you know the backup is working. A few hundred dollars will save you thousands in water damage, especially if your basement is finished.

If you need help locating a professional, check out our HELPFUL RESOURCES page.



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Make sure to look your house over after this storm (by Bill Poole, Sr. Inspector)

 Hope this post finds each of you doing okay and without any issues from this weather that has dumped on Middle Tennessee this past weekend.

I wanted to take a moment and remind you to take the time to look around your home and property for damage to it and/or ways to prevent damage during the thaw. To some, this may be old hat. But, 2Patriots has inspected many homes over the last few years for people that have moved from areas of the country that aren't used to the snow & ice that we have experienced.

• Snow and ice on the roof can melt during the day only to re-freeze again at night when the temperature falls below freezing once again. When this happens, rain gutters are prone to a condition called "ice dams" where ice builds up in the gutters, preventing water from flowing. When conditions are just right, this water blockage can cause water to work its way back up the roof line, under the shingles, causing leaks in the attic, down the walls, or through the ceiling. If possible, make sure to do a visual inspection of your gutters and your shingles. If you see evidence of raised shingles, please call a roofing professional to further investigate.  You may also want to take the time to go in your attic and look for any leaks in your roof.

Snow; ice and cold temperatures are damaging to pipes as well. While many residents that live in areas with harsh winter weather insulate their pipes, ice storms can hit more temperate areas (such as the Middle Tennessee). Even homes with insulated pipes can experience burst pipes after the weather we have experienced, especially if the power has been out for extended time periods. After all, without home heating systems circulating warm air, water in the pipes could reach the freezing point. When water freezes in pipes, it expands, putting extreme pressure on pipes and pipe joints. Depending on the extent of the freeze, the water damage may not appear until everything begins to thaw out. The best way to evaluate your plumbing is to LOOK & LISTEN. Go in your crawlspace or basement to detect leaks in waterlines or joints. Look for dripping spots on the ground and listen for any running water.  If you hear running water or see leak evidence, call a plumbing professional.

In addition to freezing and melt cycles, ice is exceptionally heavy. It can cause structural damages to roofs, bridges, and other structures. After the ice storm, ice from above can fall off in chunks causing injuries to pedestrians below.

If ice/snow has covered your bathroom fan vent, go in the bathroom and turn on the fan until you can see the vent on the roof (disregard if your vent fans at the eaves.) This may take anywhere from 10 - 60 minutes depending on the outside temperature and how much snow/ice is on the vent.

I hope this information helps you out. Feel free to call me if you have any questions. Our office # is 615.790.6233.  You can also find service professionals on our website.

Have Your Heating Units Checked Now

No matter how you heat your home during the cold months, you need to have your heating unit checked out by your HVAC technician to make sure it is working properly.

If you use a kerosene heater for backup heat, make sure you have kerosene on hand and make sure the heater is in good working order with no leaks. If your kerosene heater is leaking it can cause a fire. It would be best to buy a new one if there is a leak.


By performing these routine maintenance measures now, you can prevent possible problems later on during the cold months. If you have to have repair work done during the colder weather, it could be more costly than having the maintenance work done now.

If you do not have a company that performs your routine maintenance checks on your HVAC units, visit our HELPFUL RESOURCES page to view the list of customer referred vendors.

How to replace a faucet aerator (reprinted from AcmeHowTo.com)

Caution: Please read our safety information at the bottom of this post before attempting any testing, maintenance or repairs.

A faucet that has weak water pressure for both hot and cold water may just need the aerator cleaned. Another symptom of a dirty aerator is an irregular spray pattern or a stray stream of water going off at an odd direction. Cleaning or replacing the aerator is very easy and you might be able to do it without any tools.

First of all, close the drain so you don't lose any parts. You don't need to turn off the water supply for this repair. The aerator is the assembly and screen water passes through as it leaves the spout. This part at the tip of the spout unscrews in a clockwise direction (righty tighty, lefty loosey). Dry both the spout and your hands before trying to remove it with your fingers. If it is too tight, then you are going to need to use adjustable pliers. Before using the pliers on the faucet, wrap several loops of masking tape or a rubber band around the aerator to reduce the risk of marring the finish.

Once you remove the aerator you will notice one or more parts contained within. Note the order and orientation of the parts as you remove them. As you take them out you will probably find grit and rust. Rinse the pieces with water and brush off the debris. For difficult to remove deposits, soak the parts in white vinegar for a few minutes and scrub with a toothbrush. If any parts are cracked or broken, replace them. If the washer has hardened, it should replaced.

With the debris cleaned out, reassemble the aerator and screw it back onto the faucet. Hand tightening should be adequate. If water leaks around the threads, give it a fraction of a turn with the pliers and then remove the masking tape.

That's it, you're done.

Safety Information


Do not attempt to adjust, test or make a repair if you do not have basic repair skills or if you do not fully understand the directions providedFurthermore, if your appliance, device, project, object of repair or its components differ from those described, you should not attempt the repair based upon the provided instructions. If the manufacturer's instructions differ from ours, always follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Always wear eye protection and protective clothing or gear, as appropriate.

Electric Shock can cause injury or death. Never assume the electricity is off. Before servicing an electrical device, disconnect it from its electrical source either by unplugging the appliance or turning off the power at the breaker or fuse box. Mark the service panel with a note so that no one will restore power while you are working. After turning off the power to the circuit, test the circuit to be certain that there is no power. Some devices can store a hazardous electrical charge even when disconnected from an electrical source, always discharge these devices before attempting service. If you are unfamiliar with a device or its components, consult with a professional before attempting service.

When working with electrical equipment wear rubber-soled shoes, avoid damp locations and hold all tools by their insulated handles. Never touch conductive surfaces such as pipes or metal bracing. Use a non-conductive fiberglass ladder when working with electricity. Avoid shorting electrical circuits.

Serious injury can result from sharp edges. When reaching into a service area, cabinet or housing there may be sharp edges. Use caution when reaching into something.

Always practice proper and reasonable safeguards as well as those suggested by the manufacturer of the devices and tools you use.


We assume no risk or responsibility in the provision of any and all information and warnings in this web site. All information is provided as-is. User assumes all risk. If you do not understand or do not accept these terms, please do not use this site or its services.

Winter Home Maintenance Tasks

Home Maintenance Tasks - Winter's Coming

- Look for cracks and holes in house siding or paint. Replace caulk if necessary.

- Good time to paint interior rooms or shampoo/replace carpets while it's still warm enough to leave windows open.

- In cold-climate areas, remove window air-conditioners, or put weatherproof covers on them.

- Check heating system including filters, pilot lights, and burners, and have the system serviced by a qualified professional.

- Drain hot water heater. Flush and refill.

- Clean and vacuum dust from vents, baseboard heaters and cold-air returns.

- Check that foundations are properly graded. Soil should slope four to six inches for a distance of three feet out from the foundation walls.

- If you haven't already, check basement for cracks or leaks. Seal if necessary.

- If you have a sump pump, test, clean and lubricate.

- Wash out garbage cans, disinfect, and then rinse thoroughly.