Today’s post is about Ground Fault Circuit Interrupt Devices (GFCI). Most of you know what these look like, but here’s a little more information about what they are and how to use them.
By definition, a ground fault interrupter is a highly sensitive safety device installed in areas of your home where shock potential is highest. GFCI electric outlets prevent electrical shock, and are installed in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and exterior areas where water may be present. GFCI receptacles are sensitive to power surges and interrupt power under certain conditions to prevent injury. These are special circuit breakers that are designed to break the flow of electricity in the event of a short circuit. This will prevent dangerous electrical shock. When this occurs, the GFCI outlets will need to be reset according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

GFCI outlets are often wired in a series. For example, the bathroom GFCI outlet controls the bathroom, and may possibly control other outlets throughout the interior and exterior as well as the garage.

If there is no power in a bathroom, kitchen, garage, or outside receptacle, these receptacles may be connected to a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupt (GFCI) device designed to interrupt the flow of electricity preventing electrical injury or damage. Locate the nearest GFCI outlet. Also Check the GFCI in the bathroom. Also be aware that some homes have multiple GFCI circuits, so be certain to inspect and reset the affected outlet. If the reset button has tripped, press it in to restore power. If that does not work, check and reset the circuit breaker in the panel box first, then press the GFCI reset button. If the outlet still fails, it may indicate a short in the appliance being used. If power is not restored, determine of the circuit is being overloaded. Two hair dryers of other appliances being used on one circuit could cause a breaker to trip. If other appliances will not operate, an electrician should be contacted.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Unattended appliances such as freezers, refrigerators etc. cannot be used on GFCI circuits. Do not plug appliances such as power tools, air conditioners, freezers, or refrigerators into GFCI outlets. The electrical surge that occurs when these appliances cycle will trip the GFCI outlets and break the circuit. These devices need to be plugged into a dedicated outlet.

To test GFCI circuits, press the Test button on the receptacle. The outlet should not perform. To reset, press the Reset button.

We hope this helps you feel a little more informed about GFCI’s!

Garbage disposals seem pretty simple, right? Believe it or not, there are some things you need to be aware of when it comes to garbage disposals!

First, Do not load the disposal with food items before turning it on. For proper operation, turn on the cold water and start the disposal. Then, drop the food items slowly into the unit.

When the unit sounds clear, turn the disposal off and leave the water running for several seconds. This allows the food waste to be carried into your sewer lines.

Only foods that are not fibrous and easily pulverized should be placed into the disposal. Examples of foods not to place in the disposal are cornhusks, celery, onionskins, potato peels, olive pits, bones and solid or liquid grease. These items may cause your unit to overload or jam. If this happens, follow these corrective measures.

• Turn off the disposal and the cold water.
• Wait three minutes for the unit to cool, and then reset the button usually located on the bottom of the disposal.
• If this does not correct the problem, your unit is probably obstructed. Follow these steps for proper removal.
• Unplug the disposal before attempting a repair yourself.
• Check the circuit breakers. An overload of this type may have tripped the circuit. Reset any tripped circuit breakers.
• If your disposal has a service wrench, insert one end of the wrench into the bottom of the unit. Work back and forth until the disposal turns freely. If your disposal does not have a service wrench, insert a broom handle or mop handle into the throat of the unit and rotate the impeller back and forth. The obstruction will be loosened up so that it can be removed.
• Remove the obstruction, plug the disposal in, press the reset button and proceed with the above steps for proper use.

We hope you find this information useful and helpful. Now carry on in the kitchen with confidence!

The true cost of a foreclosure home may give you sticker shock. If the initial price of a foreclosure home looks attractive, dig a little further and you may be surprised at what you find! Do the math on our Foreclosure Cost Calculator before you commit to your next home! Click on the image below to get started.

Here’s some helpful advice on carpet maintenance and things you may want to know about carpet expectations.

Vacuum carpeting frequently to avoid the buildup of dirt and grime.

Eliminate carpet-shedding fibers as they appear. Loose carpet fibers will work their way to the surface for quite sometime. This is known as fluffing or shedding. Vacuum these fibers as part of your routine cleaning. If a tuft of carpet appears which is longer than the surface rounding carpet, do not try to pull it out. It is probably attached to the backing and simply needs to be trimmed to the height of the surrounding tufts.

Visible carpet seams are to be expected and are not an indication of a fault in the carpet. Most rolls of carpet are produced in 12-foot widths. This dictates that most of your rooms will have at least one seam.

Professional installers will attempt to install your carpet with minimal amount of seams and without excessive waste. Seams are most visible in a new home before it has been furnished and occupied. Visible seams are not a defect unless they have been improperly made or the material is defective. The carpet is durable but requires maintenance and care. Color variations and shading may be noticeable, and depend upon the surface texture and pile fiber of the carpet.

In high traffic areas and carpeted areas adjoining hard surfaces, it is recommended that an un-backed cotton throw rug be used to minimize carpet soiling.

Remove spills immediately. Stain removal is easier if it is done promptly.  See manufacturer recommendations for recommended carpet cleaning products. Cleaning products should be tested on a section of carpeting that is not obvious. Do not use cleaners that have not been tested and certified for the carpeting materials in your home.

Thoroughly clean your carpets at least once each year. While do-it-yourself carpet shampoo devices can be effective, consider a professional carpet cleaner. The professional equipment, materials, and experience will add years of life to your carpets.

Now that you know what to expect from your design appointment from one of our previous posts, here are some of the tips and guidelines to help you prepare for your design meeting.

First of all, seize the opportunity! You may have already asked yourself “why should I upgrade now when I can do it on my own after I move in?” With Fulton Homes, you will experience one stop shopping in your own personal appointment with a trained consultant. In most cases, you will be able to roll the cost of the options into your loan. Nevermind having to race all over town from one store to the next in search of the right products and reliable installers. Now is the time to install options without disrupting your home. Changing your ceramic tile, carpet, hardwood or other products after you move in can be an extensive process. Be advised that you may risk damaging your home and it can sometimes void your warranty on other installed products.

Your Fulton Homes contractors have been carefully selected. They have the proper insurance, quality assurance practices and warranty commitments that provide you with the peace of mind that you will receive quality products that are expertly installed. Lastly, we encourage you to make the most of your selection meeting by bringing with you a cushion off your sofa, a fabric swatch from your new chair, a paint chip or even a picture from a magazine of a beautiful room that inspired you.

We hope these tips will help you in preparation for your design meeting. If you would like any further tips, please let us know by leaving a comment here!

Be KOOL is an is educational partnership with KOOL FM that offers weekly recognition and prizes to junior high school students for academic achievements. It culminates with four $4,000 scholarships which are awarded in June to the four outstanding KOOL scholarship winners. The Fulton Homes Be KOOL Stay in School Program recognizes students who have made a strong commitment to their education and community. Valley residents may nominate junior high students from Maricopa County public, private and charter schools by submitting a form describing the student’s achievements and qualifications. Co-sponsors Fulton Homes and KOOL Radio, along with representatives from local schools evaluate each student for scholastic, extracurricular and attendance achievements and choose one weekly winner who receives a backpack full of prizes. For more information or to fill out a nomination form please visit www.koolradio.com.

You can enjoy big energy savings at the window with some of the most energy efficient window covering products and you may also qualify for a Federal Tax Credit of up to $1500! Read on to learn more:

1. Purchase any qualifying energy-efficient Hunter Douglas products within the following collections:
   • Alustra^® Duette^® Architella^® honeycomb shades with certain fabrics and options*
   • Duette^® Architella^® honeycomb shades with certain fabrics and options*
   • LiteRise^® TrimKit (for use on certain Duette^® and Applause^® honeycomb shades)*

   * For a detailed list of the qualifying products and restrictions download the Manufacturer’s Certification Statements available on this page.

2. Save your original purchase receipts for the amount paid for the qualifying Hunter Douglas products. (Measuring and Installation charges are not eligible for this tax credit.)
3. Download the Hunter Douglas Manufacturer’s Certification Statements (available at left here). Print out the certificate and take it along with your sales receipt to your tax professional to determine your eligibility for this tax credit.

Solutions to common ceramic tile problems

As part of giving back to the community, Fulton Homes has created a Fulton Cares section which highlights the many ways in which we are building energy efficient homes, and helping the environment at the same time.

At Fulton Homes, we use energy efficient building processes that make the homes we build today far more efficient than those of just 3-4 years ago.  We have a Power Wise certification from a third party testing group in all of our east valley homes.  We use 13-14 SEER AC units in all of our homes, Low-E windows, higher insulation, and most of our appliances are Energy Star certified.  The homes built today are far more efficient and cost less to operate than used homes.  Take a look at the items below to see how Fulton Cares.

• Energy Efficient GE Appliances
• Shaw Flooring Recycling Program
• Masonite Doors
• Kohler Bath Fixtures
• Moen Bath Fixtures
• SRP PowerWise Homes
• Trane Clean Effects
• Fulton Homes Lumber Recycling
• Fulton Homes Insulation Program
• Fulton Homes HVAC Systems

Click here to read more about our ENERGY STAR participation.

Fulton Homes Kicks-Off Summer Fence Patrol Initiative – Valley Water Safety Program Encourages Parents take Measures to Protect Kids around Water

The Fulton Homes Fence Patrol is once again gearing up to prepare families for the 2010 summer pool season. The Fence Patrol program, which was founded by Tempe-based Fulton Homes, aims to educate parents about keeping children safe around pools. As part of the program, Valley residents are encouraged to nominate themselves or a family for a free pool fence.

From now through July 25, Fulton Homes will be teaming up with KMLE Country 108 FM radio to award Valley families a free pool fence plus installation. The Fence Patrol program will kick-off Thursday, April 22, from 5am to 9am at Bill Johnson’s Big Apple Restaurant on 37^th Street and Van Buren. Valley-favorite radio personalities Tim & Willy will begin the Fulton Homes Fence Patrol with a live remote at the restaurant. Already in 2010, four deaths, including three children, have resulted from 21 water related incidents this year, according to childrensafetyzone.com. In 2009, 49 deaths, including 16 children, resulted from 153 water-related incidents. The fences are specifically designed to meet city codes for optimum safety.

“As the hotter months approach, families will be taking off the pool covers and spending more time outdoors,” said Douglas Fulton, CEO of Fulton Homes. “Drowning incidents can happen in seconds, and they can happen to any family. Pool fences are one preventative measure families can take in making sure they never encounter one of these tragedies. Fulton Homes knows that every fence is an effort towards lowering the saddening statistics.”

The first pool fence is scheduled to be awarded to a deserving family and installed on Tuesday, May 4. Fulton Homes in conjunction with KMLE 108 FM and Ironman Pool Fences will continue to award a new family each week for twelve weeks following that first May 4 installation.

Fulton Homes has always been a proud proponent for Water Safety in the Phoenix area. The long-running Two Seconds is Too Long campaign has helped raise awareness of the tragedy of child drownings. The “Fulton Homes Fence Patrol” pool fence program has helped hundreds of people equip their homes with barriers to help prevent youngsters from falling into the pool. The company also supports the Valley of the Sun YMCA, providing swimming lessons to disadvantaged youths who learn valuable life skills, including personal safety and growth, stroke development, rescue and water sports.

Fulton Homes views homebuilding as more than just bricks and mortar construction. “Fulton Homes not only wants to provide Valley citizens with great housing options, but we also seek to promote the safety and wellbeing of the community we serve,” Fulton added.

Interested parties have until July 4, 2010 to nominate themselves or someone else for a pool fence, by logging on to www.kmle108.com and clicking on the Fence Patrol icon. For more information call (602) 452-1000 or go to www.fultonhomes.com and click on the “Fulton Foundation” link.