Author: Ron Gladden

This author has written 441 articles
HVAC

High-Efficiency Furnace Venting: PVC, Condensate, and Safety

Combustion-system guideHigh-Efficiency Furnace Venting: PVC, Condensate, and SafetyHigh-efficiency furnaces use manufacturer-specified vent and intake systems that manage cool exhaust, combustion air, and acidic condensate.Schedule an inspectionCall 305-908-7050Unlike older metal-flue furnaces, condensing equipment commonly uses plastic piping and a condensate drain. Pipe material, slope, support, termination,…

2 Comments
December 17, 2022
High Efficiency Furnace Venting System
Electrical

Gas Piping Bonding: What Florida Homeowners Should Know

Florida Home Safety Guide Gas Piping Bonding: What Florida Homeowners Should Know Metal gas piping may require electrical bonding, but the correct method depends on the piping material, listed system, manufacturer instructions, adopted code, and the home’s grounding and bonding system. Updated August 2026 • South Florida…

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December 17, 2022
Bonding Gas Piping
Electrical

50-Amp Wire Size: Breakers, Conductors, Distance, and Safety

Electrical planning guide50-Amp Wire Size: Breakers, Conductors, Distance, and SafetyThere is no single wire size that is correct for every 50-amp circuit. Conductor material, insulation rating, temperature limits, terminals, load type, installation method, and distance all matter.Schedule an inspectionCall 305-908-7050A 50-amp circuit may serve a…

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December 16, 2022
50 AMP Wire Size
Buying Guides

Bidet Converter Guide: Plumbing, Electrical, and Hygiene Considerations

Bathroom fixture guideBidet Converter Guide: Plumbing, Electrical, and Hygiene ConsiderationsA bidet attachment can add washing functions to an existing toilet, but compatibility, backflow protection, secure connections, power, clearances, and maintenance matter.Schedule an inspectionCall 305-908-7050Attachments range from simple cold-water sprayers to heated electronic seats. Choose by…

1 Comment
December 15, 2022
Bidet Converters For Your Home
HVAC

Prevent Dryer Vent Fires: Installation, Cleaning, and Warning Signs

Laundry fire-safety guidePrevent Dryer Vent Fires: Installation, Cleaning, and Warning SignsSafe dryer performance depends on a clean lint screen, smooth metal duct, short supported route, clear exterior termination, and prompt response to overheating.Schedule an inspectionCall 305-908-7050Lint is combustible, and restricted airflow raises appliance temperature and…

1 Comment
December 15, 2022
Dryer Vent Fires
Electrical

Split-Bus Electrical Panels: Identification and Safety Concerns

Electrical equipment guideSplit-Bus Electrical Panels: Identification and Safety ConcernsA split-bus panel divides service disconnecting among multiple breakers instead of using one modern main breaker.Schedule an inspectionCall 305-908-7050Split-bus panels were installed in many mid-century homes. Configuration, condition, labeling, modifications, and available capacity matter more than age…

1 Comment
December 15, 2022
Learn What A Split Bus Panel Is
Structure

Asbestos Insulation in Homes: Identification and Safe Next Steps

Hazard-awareness guideAsbestos Insulation in Homes: Identification and Safe Next StepsSome older insulation and building products may contain asbestos, but appearance alone cannot confirm it; laboratory analysis is required.Schedule an inspectionCall 305-908-7050Asbestos was used in pipe insulation, boiler materials, vermiculite, flooring, roofing, siding, mastics, and other…

2 Comments
December 15, 2022
Asbestos Insulation
Electrical

Can Neutrals and Grounds Share the Same Bar?

Florida Electrical Safety Guide Can Neutrals and Grounds Share the Same Bar? The answer depends on where the panel is located in the electrical system. Neutral and equipment-grounding conductors are bonded at the service disconnect, but they generally must remain separated in downstream panels. Updated…

2 Comments
December 15, 2022
Neutrals & Grounds On Same Bar in SubPanels
HVAC

Bathroom Fan Venting Into the Attic: Why It Is a Problem

Ventilation and moisture guideBathroom Fan Venting Into the Attic: Why It Is a ProblemA bathroom fan should discharge moist air outdoors, not into an attic where condensation can affect insulation, sheathing, framing, and indoor air quality.Schedule an inspectionCall 305-908-7050Showers and baths create large moisture loads.…

1 Comment
December 13, 2022
Bathroom Vents Into Attic
Home Care

How Long After Shocking a Pool Can You Swim?

Pool safety guideHow Long After Shocking a Pool Can You Swim?The safe wait depends on the chemical used, dosage, circulation, water balance, and measured sanitizer level—not a single universal number of hours.Schedule an inspectionCall 305-908-7050Pool shock raises sanitizer concentration to address contaminants or restore water…

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December 13, 2022
how long after shocking pool can you swim