Spring cleaning!

4/1/2019 (Permalink)

It's Spring Cleaning Time! Are you getting your Spring Cleaning to do List Stared? Most Homeowners will have the Gutters Cleaned,  House Painted,  Power washed, remove unused furniture and clutter even have the House Cleaned from Top to Bottom with a professional Maid Service, and forget about air duct cleaning or do not know enough to clean the Homes Air Ducts’.

 Why add Air Duct Cleaning to that list and cut down on dusting chores for the rest of the year! Pollen and Dust can trigger allergy symptoms, and, although not proven scientifically, air duct cleaning may make a difference in your overall health and well-being (however, evidence that dirty heating and cooling coils, motors, and air handling units can make your HVAC unit less efficient) By Cleaning the Air Ducts in your home and or office, you are removing airborne contaminants that cause allergies, sneezing, coughing, migraines, and headaches. It is believed that by reducing these airborne contaminants, from your homes Air Duct's. The end result will be Less Sneezing, Less Headaches, and Less Migraines. Sneezing and coughing only spread germs, by removing these Air borne Contaminants, from your home or office, you will also spread less germs to your family, friends and co-workers. That means less sick time, and a more healthy life. Consider having air duct cleaning, when you move into a new home, have a new baby on the way or breathing problems. Air Duct Cleaning is Doctor Recommended, and should be done every 3-5 years.

http://www.SERVPROfairfield.com/airduct-cleaning

When Do I Need Air Duct Cleaning?

3/22/2019 (Permalink)

Air duct cleaning is an important part of home maintenance. A dirty air duct can lower the quality of the air in your house by promoting the circulation of allergens and bacteria in the air. There is no scientific evidence that actually proves that cleaning the air ducts will improve your health, but it is a good practice. The indoor air is just as important as the outdoor air. One way to keep the air inside your home free from unnecessary pollutants is to keep the air ducts of your heating and cooling systems clean.

What parts of your air ducts should be cleaned? The blowers, fiber glass, metal ducts, air vents, access doors, drain pans and coils should all be cleaned. There should be no stains, mold, dust, insects or any particles left over. After you have a professional clean the ducts, you should give it a test run to make sure that the system is still working properly.

When do you need air duct cleaning? There are several signs that indicate the need for a thorough air duct cleaning. Here are some of the major points that indicate the need for an air duct cleaning.

1. The growth of mold inside the ducts or on the surface of the cooling or heating system. (mold growth can only accurately be determined by professionals)

2. The infestation of insects or any small unwanted pests in the ducts.

3. If they are clogged with a great deal of dust or other debris.

It is important to have a professional take a look at your systems occasionally to make sure everything is clean and working well. Certainly if the above problems are prevalent, it is definitely time to go ahead and schedule a cleaning. Make sure the professionals you hire to clean them are licensed. If they claim that there is mold, have them show it to you and figure out a way to prevent the mold from growing again.

Depending on the amount of cleaning that needs to be done and the type of system that needs to be cleaned, the price for a professional cleaning can start at a few hundred dollars and rise up to a couple thousand dollars.

One way so save the expense of getting a professional air duct cleaning is good maintenance. There are several things you can do to keep your air ducts as clean as possible. Dust and vacuum the house often. Change the filters of the heating or cooling system on a regular basis. You should also keep the ducts nice and dry.

Something to Know About Air Duct Cleaning

3/22/2019 (Permalink)

Air Ducts are present in HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air-conditioning) systems to provide airflows that take care of supply and exhaust. Usually referred to as 'ventilation' ducts because they also deliver ventilation as part of supply-exhaust cycle, they are a good way of ensuring optimal comfort in heating and cooling as well as the quality of air.

Ducts can be of the following types:

• Aluminum ducting 
• Fabric ducting 
• Fiberglass ducting 
• Flexible ducting 
• Galvanized steel 
• Polyurethane insulation panels

It is recommended that air ducts are cleaned periodically to remove not only dust and pollutants but also things like children's toys, debris, paper clips, pet hair and any material that can be trapped inside. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) air duct cleaning is "probably unnecessary" if occupants of a home do not suffer allergies or illnesses and if a customary inspection reveals no indication that any dust particles are deposited inside. But it cautions that indoor air is up to five times more polluted and unhealthy than outdoor air because the same contaminated air that likely contains bacteria, fungi and mold keeps circulating within the house.

The National Air Duct Cleaner's Association (NADCA) estimates that a modest six-room home collects up to 40 pounds of allergens, dirt and dust in the air ducts annually. In statistical terms, that means 40,000 dust mites per ounce of dust correlated to 40 pounds of dust.

When is it necessary?

The timing or period of cleaning can vary from home to home, location to location and the general condition of the equipment.

However, some pointers to initiate a cleaning could be:

• When dusting and sweeping need to be done more often, 
• When there are visible traces of dust around the home, 
• When certain areas of the house seem to get no regular air flow from the ducts, 
• When a musty smell or odor keeps hanging in the air 
• When the occupants of a home experience burning sensation in the eyes, nose and throat, congestion in the nasal passages, constant sneezing, headaches, running nose etc.

Benefits of air duct cleaning

Apart from the most obvious benefits of a clean home and environment free from dust and pollutants, energy savings is a crucial benefit. With regular use, air heating and cooling systems do tend to get dirty; the dust and contaminants make the systems work harder thereby lessening the life of the ducting systems. Energy efficiency studies show that up to 40% of the energy used for indoor heating or air-conditioning is wasted, which is a whopping amount when translated into power and energy bill payments.

Duct cleaning

3/8/2019 (Permalink)

While many homeowners are beginning to realize the importance of routine duct cleaning, you may still have questions about the process. That's why we've compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about who should clean your ducts, why it's necessary, and how it's done.

"Why do my air ducts need to be cleaned?"

Over the years, dust, allergens, dirt, and other debris can accumulate in your ducts. In fact, it can build up in layers as much as three inches deep! This filth can trap bacteria and foster mold growth, creating potential health threats for your family. And, to make matters worse, every time your HVAC system turns on, some of these contaminants are circulated throughout your house. Having your air ducts cleaned removes this accumulation of pollutants and greatly improves the air quality of your home. For safe, breathable air, you should have your ducts cleaned at least every four years.

"How exactly is my ductwork cleaned?"

Using specialized tools and a negative airflow system (essentially a huge vacuum), air duct cleaners scrape the dust, dirt, and debris from your ducts. The tools agitate the particles away from the sides of the ducts and the vacuum keeps them from escaping into your house. The cleaning should also include air washing furnace and air conditioner components, vacuuming registers, and applying mold inhibiting agents if necessary.

"Who should clean my ducts?"

Only trust a professional duct cleaning service. These experts have the knowledge and specialized equipment to effectively remove all of the dust and debris from your ductwork without damaging it or dispersing the pollutants throughout your house. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends using only National Air Duct Cleaning Association (NADCA) certified specialists. NACDA certified professionals are trained, skilled experts with a thorough knowledge of industry standards, proper ductwork cleaning procedures, and environmental concerns.

"Will duct cleaning damage my furnace or air conditioner?"

No: duct cleaners use specialized tools and techniques to remove accumulated dust without harming any component of your HVAC system. In fact, your furnace and air conditioner will actually work better after a cleaning: airflow will be improved, so your heating and cooling system can run more efficiently.

"My home is new, so I don't need a duct cleaning, right?"

Wrong! Construction is a messy process, and frequently debris and drywall dust get into your ductwork. This blocks airflow, traps even more dust, and can contribute to mold growth. A thorough cleaning will remove any obstructions, as well as the accumulated dust, to get your ducts into great shape!

"Will my house be less dusty after my ductwork cleaning?"

You bet! Because your heating and cooling system circulates dust from your ductwork throughout your home, eliminating that dust means your whole house will be cleaner.

"Since my new furnace clean, I don't need a duct cleaning, right?"

Wrong. Even though your new furnace is clean, there is still dust in your ducts. And, because the fan on your new furnace is probably more powerful than the old one, all that dust and dirt is going to be blown straight into your rooms! Most HVAC cleaning specialists recommend a complete ductwork cleaning in tandem with any new furnace or air conditioner installation.

"Will duct cleaning help my allergies?"

Most likely. The accumulation inside your ducts includes pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and other allergens as well as dirt. Removing this debris should greatly decrease the concentration of allergens in the air and reduce your allergy symptoms.

If you have any additional questions about ductwork cleaning or need to schedule a cleaning for your ductwork, contact your local air duct cleaning service. They'll be able to provide additional information and superior cleaning!

When is the Best Time to Have Your Carpets Cleaned By a Professional?

1/2/2019 (Permalink)

You won't notice it immediately, but as years pass it becomes obvious that your carpet doesn't appear as bright and fresh as it did the day you had it installed. Over time regular wear and tear, coupled with accidents and various over the counter cleaners, will affect the pile and overall appearance. When standard vacuuming won't do the trick to restore your rugs to their former glory, you may wish to look into the services of a professional cleaner to handle the job.

Is there a right time to have your carpets cleaning with professional, truckmounted water extraction? A licensed cleaner may tell you that there is never a wrong time, but if you need an occasion or situation to encourage you to make that call, there are good reasons to look into this service:

Moving: Whether you rent or own, if you intend to move it's a good idea to have a pro go over your carpets once you have the furniture removed. It may surprise you to discover how much soil and grime is embedded, and how the color in the pile returns after everything is washed and dried. You can practically leave your home as clean as the day you claimed it.

New Baby: If you have added to your family recently, or are expecting a new arrival, you may think about carpet cleaning only after the little one has made a mess or two. Actually, it's a good idea to schedule a cleaning before you bring baby home. A thorough shampoo and extraction helps remove bacteria in your home and disinfect the rooms. For a baby immune to germs, this is a good illness prevention measure.

Renovation: Redecorating? Buying new furniture? Take advantage of the moving to get your carpets cleaned. With the space available, it provides less work for a cleaner to perform, and you can start living anew after a major makeover.

New Pets: If you have welcomed a four-footed companion to your home, it's a good idea to give your carpets not only a good cleaning but protection and sealant. This helps upkeep for your rooms so when accidents happen, they won't damage your carpets too much.

Once a year or every six months, depending on traffic through your home, is a good schedule to keep for cleaning and deodorizing. Because rugs and carpets absorb much of the daily dirt coming into your house, you want to make sure they remain as clean as possible to prevent illness.

How Do I Know If I Need Air Duct Cleaning?

1/2/2019 (Permalink)

Air duct cleaning is an important part of home maintenance. A dirty air duct can lower the quality of the air in your house by promoting the circulation of allergens and bacteria in the air. There is no scientific evidence that actually proves that cleaning the air ducts will improve your health, but it is a good practice. The indoor air is just as important as the outdoor air. One way to keep the air inside your home free from unnecessary pollutants is to keep the air ducts of your heating and cooling systems clean.

What parts of your air ducts should be cleaned? The blowers, fiber glass, metal ducts, air vents, access doors, drain pans and coils should all be cleaned. There should be no stains, mold, dust, insects or any particles left over. After you have a professional clean the ducts, you should give it a test run to make sure that the system is still working properly.

When do you need air duct cleaning? There are several signs that indicate the need for a thorough air duct cleaning. Here are some of the major points that indicate the need for an air duct cleaning.

1. The growth of mold inside the ducts or on the surface of the cooling or heating system. (mold growth can only accurately be determined by professionals)

2. The infestation of insects or any small unwanted pests in the ducts.

3. If they are clogged with a great deal of dust or other debris.

It is important to have a professional take a look at your systems occasionally to make sure everything is clean and working well. Certainly if the above problems are prevalent, it is definitely time to go ahead and schedule a cleaning. Make sure the professionals you hire to clean them are licensed. If they claim that there is mold, have them show it to you and figure out a way to prevent the mold from growing again.

Depending on the amount of cleaning that needs to be done and the type of system that needs to be cleaned, the price for a professional cleaning can start at a few hundred dollars and rise up to a couple thousand dollars.

One way so save the expense of getting a professional air duct cleaning is good maintenance. There are several things you can do to keep your air ducts as clean as possible. Dust and vacuum the house often. Change the filters of the heating or cooling system on a regular basis. You should also keep the ducts nice and dry.

When Do I Need Air Duct Cleaning?

12/27/2018 (Permalink)

Air duct cleaning is an important part of home maintenance. A dirty air duct can lower the quality of the air in your house by promoting the circulation of allergens and bacteria in the air. There is no scientific evidence that actually proves that cleaning the air ducts will improve your health, but it is a good practice. The indoor air is just as important as the outdoor air. One way to keep the air inside your home free from unnecessary pollutants is to keep the air ducts of your heating and cooling systems clean.

What parts of your air ducts should be cleaned? The blowers, fiber glass, metal ducts, air vents, access doors, drain pans and coils should all be cleaned. There should be no stains, mold, dust, insects or any particles left over. After you have a professional clean the ducts, you should give it a test run to make sure that the system is still working properly.

When do you need air duct cleaning? There are several signs that indicate the need for a thorough air duct cleaning. Here are some of the major points that indicate the need for an air duct cleaning.

1. The growth of mold inside the ducts or on the surface of the cooling or heating system. (mold growth can only accurately be determined by professionals)

2. The infestation of insects or any small unwanted pests in the ducts.

3. If they are clogged with a great deal of dust or other debris.

It is important to have a professional take a look at your systems occasionally to make sure everything is clean and working well. Certainly if the above problems are prevalent, it is definitely time to go ahead and schedule a cleaning. Make sure the professionals you hire to clean them are licensed. If they claim that there is mold, have them show it to you and figure out a way to prevent the mold from growing again.

Depending on the amount of cleaning that needs to be done and the type of system that needs to be cleaned, the price for a professional cleaning can start at a few hundred dollars and rise up to a couple thousand dollars.

One way so save the expense of getting a professional air duct cleaning is good maintenance. There are several things you can do to keep your air ducts as clean as possible. Dust and vacuum the house often. Change the filters of the heating or cooling system on a regular basis. You should also keep the ducts nice and dry.

Something to Know About Air Duct Cleaning

12/26/2018 (Permalink)

Air Ducts are present in HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air-conditioning) systems to provide airflows that take care of supply and exhaust. Usually referred to as 'ventilation' ducts because they also deliver ventilation as part of supply-exhaust cycle, they are a good way of ensuring optimal comfort in heating and cooling as well as the quality of air.

Ducts can be of the following types:

• Aluminum ducting 
• Fabric ducting 
• Fiberglass ducting 
• Flexible ducting 
• Galvanized steel 
• Polyurethane insulation panels

It is recommended that air ducts are cleaned periodically to remove not only dust and pollutants but also things like children's toys, debris, paper clips, pet hair and any material that can be trapped inside. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) air duct cleaning is "probably unnecessary" if occupants of a home do not suffer allergies or illnesses and if a customary inspection reveals no indication that any dust particles are deposited inside. But it cautions that indoor air is up to five times more polluted and unhealthy than outdoor air because the same contaminated air that likely contains bacteria, fungi and mold keeps circulating within the house.

The National Air Duct Cleaner's Association (NADCA) estimates that a modest six-room home collects up to 40 pounds of allergens, dirt and dust in the air ducts annually. In statistical terms, that means 40,000 dust mites per ounce of dust correlated to 40 pounds of dust.

When is it necessary?

The timing or period of cleaning can vary from home to home, location to location and the general condition of the equipment.

However, some pointers to initiate a cleaning could be:

• When dusting and sweeping need to be done more often, 
• When there are visible traces of dust around the home, 
• When certain areas of the house seem to get no regular air flow from the ducts, 
• When a musty smell or odor keeps hanging in the air 
• When the occupants of a home experience burning sensation in the eyes, nose and throat, congestion in the nasal passages, constant sneezing, headaches, running nose etc.

Benefits of air duct cleaning

Apart from the most obvious benefits of a clean home and environment free from dust and pollutants, energy savings is a crucial benefit. With regular use, air heating and cooling systems do tend to get dirty; the dust and contaminants make the systems work harder thereby lessening the life of the ducting systems. Energy efficiency studies show that up to 40% of the energy used for indoor heating or air-conditioning is wasted, which is a whopping amount when translated into power and energy bill payments.

Air Duct Cleaning Benefits

12/10/2018 (Permalink)

People clean air ducts to maintain a safe and healthy environment, save money as well as to increase its efficiency and these are considered to be some of the most important benefits of cleaning duct work. This is because the duct, like other items in the house, accumulates lots of dust and other foreign element. This leaves indoor air unclean to cause allergies and other airborne diseases. It is therefore important to clean the duct in order to improve the quality of air indoor.

Cleaning the components of an air duct is vital to keep it performing efficiently. This can result in increased energy saving as well as improve the life span of the air duct. It can also reduce the utility bill by a considerable amount. On the other hand, the home will be uncomfortable if the air duct breaks and it is also expensive to repair it and even more costly to buy a new one.

Another one of the benefits to cleaning air ducts is that it prevents allergies by keeping the air dust free. An air duct is a major collector of dust, pet droppings and other contaminants and these key triggers of allergies and respiratory problems such as asthma. It is particularly important to clean air duct in a house where elderly people and kids live since they are vulnerable to allergies.

Duct cleaning benefits also include fresh air in a home. The home will no longer have a musty smell which is created by mold, dust and dirt. The smell can not come out even if a person tries to use fresheners and candles, and it is therefore important to have the duct cleaned regularly in order to keep the air indoors fresh. This way a person will not feel embarrassed to invite guests into their home for fear of what they are going to say.

There are many companies which provide duct cleaning services. Most of them are run by professionals and they provide quality services. However, one must be careful when choosing duct cleaning services to avoid scams. Choose a company which has been in the market for a long time and one which has a good track record. In addition, make sure the company cleans all components of the duct work to avoid spreading contaminants to clean components.

When a person hires duct work cleaning services, they leave a home cleaner and healthier. Once air is circulated inside the vents of the duct work it will no longer carry dust. The home will smell less dusty. People should learn to enjoy a clean and dust free home with companies offering duct cleaning benefits.

It is important to clean an air duct in order to get rid of dust and other elements which can hamper the performance of the duct work. Besides, an air vent that is cleaned regularly has a long life span and it also operates efficiently to save energy. Other air duct cleaning benefits include saving money, preventing allergies and improving indoors air quality.

When is the Best Time to Get Your Carpets Cleaned by a Professional?

12/6/2018 (Permalink)

You won't notice it immediately, but as years pass it becomes obvious that your carpet doesn't appear as bright and fresh as it did the day you had it installed. Over time regular wear and tear, coupled with accidents and various over the counter cleaners, will affect the pile and overall appearance. When standard vacuuming won't do the trick to restore your rugs to their former glory, you may wish to look into the services of a professional cleaner to handle the job.

Is there a right time to have your carpets cleaning with professional, truckmounted water extraction? A licensed cleaner may tell you that there is never a wrong time, but if you need an occasion or situation to encourage you to make that call, there are good reasons to look into this service:

Moving: Whether you rent or own, if you intend to move it's a good idea to have a pro go over your carpets once you have the furniture removed. It may surprise you to discover how much soil and grime is embedded, and how the color in the pile returns after everything is washed and dried. You can practically leave your home as clean as the day you claimed it.

New Baby: If you have added to your family recently, or are expecting a new arrival, you may think about carpet cleaning only after the little one has made a mess or two. Actually, it's a good idea to schedule a cleaning before you bring baby home. A thorough shampoo and extraction helps remove bacteria in your home and disinfect the rooms. For a baby immune to germs, this is a good illness prevention measure.

Renovation: Redecorating? Buying new furniture? Take advantage of the moving to get your carpets cleaned. With the space available, it provides less work for a cleaner to perform, and you can start living anew after a major makeover.

New Pets: If you have welcomed a four-footed companion to your home, it's a good idea to give your carpets not only a good cleaning but protection and sealant. This helps upkeep for your rooms so when accidents happen, they won't damage your carpets too much.

Once a year or every six months, depending on traffic through your home, is a good schedule to keep for cleaning and deodorizing. Because rugs and carpets absorb much of the daily dirt coming into your house, you want to make sure they remain as clean as possible to prevent illness.

How do I know if I need duct cleaning?

11/2/2018 (Permalink)

1/12/2018

Air duct cleaning is an important part of home maintenance. A dirty air duct can lower the quality of the air in your house by promoting the circulation of allergens and bacteria in the air. There is no scientific evidence that actually proves that cleaning the air ducts will improve your health, but it is a good practice. The indoor air is just as important as the outdoor air. One way to keep the air inside your home free from unnecessary pollutants is to keep the air ducts of your heating and cooling systems clean.

What parts of your air ducts should be cleaned? The blowers, fiber glass, metal ducts, air vents, access doors, drain pans and coils should all be cleaned. There should be no stains, mold, dust, insects or any particles left over. After you have a professional clean the ducts, you should give it a test run to make sure that the system is still working properly.

When do you need air duct cleaning? There are several signs that indicate the need for a thorough air duct cleaning. Here are some of the major points that indicate the need for an air duct cleaning.

1. The growth of mold inside the ducts or on the surface of the cooling or heating system. (mold growth can only accurately be determined by professionals)

2. The infestation of insects or any small unwanted pests in the ducts.

3. If they are clogged with a great deal of dust or other debris.

It is important to have a professional take a look at your systems occasionally to make sure everything is clean and working well. Certainly if the above problems are prevalent, it is definitely time to go ahead and schedule a cleaning. Make sure the professionals you hire to clean them are licensed. If they claim that there is mold, have them show it to you and figure out a way to prevent the mold from growing again.

Depending on the amount of cleaning that needs to be done and the type of system that needs to be cleaned, the price for a professional cleaning can start at a few hundred dollars and rise up to a couple thousand dollars.

One way so save the expense of getting a professional air duct cleaning is good maintenance. There are several things you can do to keep your air ducts as clean as possible. Dust and vacuum the house often. Change the filters of the heating or cooling system on a regular basis. You should also keep the ducts nice and dry.

When is the best time to have your carpets cleaned by a professional?

11/2/2018 (Permalink)

1/11/2018

You won't notice it immediately, but as years pass it becomes obvious that your carpet doesn't appear as bright and fresh as it did the day you had it installed. Over time regular wear and tear, coupled with accidents and various over the counter cleaners, will affect the pile and overall appearance. When standard vacuuming won't do the trick to restore your rugs to their former glory, you may wish to look into the services of a professional cleaner to handle the job.

Is there a right time to have your carpets cleaning with professional, truckmounted water extraction? A licensed cleaner may tell you that there is never a wrong time, but if you need an occasion or situation to encourage you to make that call, there are good reasons to look into this service:

Moving: Whether you rent or own, if you intend to move it's a good idea to have a pro go over your carpets once you have the furniture removed. It may surprise you to discover how much soil and grime is embedded, and how the color in the pile returns after everything is washed and dried. You can practically leave your home as clean as the day you claimed it.

New Baby: If you have added to your family recently, or are expecting a new arrival, you may think about carpet cleaning only after the little one has made a mess or two. Actually, it's a good idea to schedule a cleaning before you bring baby home. A thorough shampoo and extraction helps remove bacteria in your home and disinfect the rooms. For a baby immune to germs, this is a good illness prevention measure.

Renovation: Redecorating? Buying new furniture? Take advantage of the moving to get your carpets cleaned. With the space available, it provides less work for a cleaner to perform, and you can start living anew after a major makeover.

New Pets: If you have welcomed a four-footed companion to your home, it's a good idea to give your carpets not only a good cleaning but protection and sealant. This helps upkeep for your rooms so when accidents happen, they won't damage your carpets too much.

Once a year or every six months, depending on traffic through your home, is a good schedule to keep for cleaning and deodorizing. Because rugs and carpets absorb much of the daily dirt coming into your house, you want to make sure they remain as clean as possible to prevent illness.

Is clutter driving me crazy?

6/15/2018 (Permalink)

Summer is almost here…and you should ask yourself: Is clutter driving me crazy?

SERVPRO of Fairfield believes that an organized lifestyle can mean efficiency in your day and a more relaxing time while at home. Your home will look cleaner and you will find that you have more space which is easier to use and enjoy.

Sort your items. Go through every room in your home and sort items by what you will do with them: keep, donate, or throw away. Keep items should be things you need and cannot part with, throw away items should be those which are completely useless to everyone, and donate items are those which you can’t use but someone else would benefit from.

Think critically about ‘keep’ items. Sometimes we feel like we need something but we really don’t. These are the types of items which usually make homes cluttered and leave little space for the things we do need. Once you’re done with the initial keep-donate-trash sweep, make a second sweep through your keep items and think about the last time you used them and if you actually need them.

Find good uses for non-keep items. For the items that you will trash or donate, consider the best uses for those items. Certain types of donated items will do the most good if donated to particular organizations (old furniture to the Habitat for Humanity ReStore and clothing/toys to the Opportunity House Boutique, etc.). Make sure that items you designate trash really are trash. Tattered clothing should not be donated but low-quality though functional and intact kitchen equipment could really help someone out.

And if cleaning (for you) is just too physically demanding… call SERVPRO of Fairfield at 707.207.0122. Remember: “We are always here to help.”

How do I know if I need duct cleaning?

1/12/2018 (Permalink)

Air duct cleaning is an important part of home maintenance. A dirty air duct can lower the quality of the air in your house by promoting the circulation of allergens and bacteria in the air. There is no scientific evidence that actually proves that cleaning the air ducts will improve your health, but it is a good practice. The indoor air is just as important as the outdoor air. One way to keep the air inside your home free from unnecessary pollutants is to keep the air ducts of your heating and cooling systems clean.

What parts of your air ducts should be cleaned? The blowers, fiber glass, metal ducts, air vents, access doors, drain pans and coils should all be cleaned. There should be no stains, mold, dust, insects or any particles left over. After you have a professional clean the ducts, you should give it a test run to make sure that the system is still working properly.

When do you need air duct cleaning? There are several signs that indicate the need for a thorough air duct cleaning. Here are some of the major points that indicate the need for an air duct cleaning.

1. The growth of mold inside the ducts or on the surface of the cooling or heating system. (mold growth can only accurately be determined by professionals)

2. The infestation of insects or any small unwanted pests in the ducts.

3. If they are clogged with a great deal of dust or other debris.

It is important to have a professional take a look at your systems occasionally to make sure everything is clean and working well. Certainly if the above problems are prevalent, it is definitely time to go ahead and schedule a cleaning. Make sure the professionals you hire to clean them are licensed. If they claim that there is mold, have them show it to you and figure out a way to prevent the mold from growing again.

Depending on the amount of cleaning that needs to be done and the type of system that needs to be cleaned, the price for a professional cleaning can start at a few hundred dollars and rise up to a couple thousand dollars.

One way so save the expense of getting a professional air duct cleaning is good maintenance. There are several things you can do to keep your air ducts as clean as possible. Dust and vacuum the house often. Change the filters of the heating or cooling system on a regular basis. You should also keep the ducts nice and dry.

When is the best time to have your carpets cleaned by a professional?

1/11/2018 (Permalink)

You won't notice it immediately, but as years pass it becomes obvious that your carpet doesn't appear as bright and fresh as it did the day you had it installed. Over time regular wear and tear, coupled with accidents and various over the counter cleaners, will affect the pile and overall appearance. When standard vacuuming won't do the trick to restore your rugs to their former glory, you may wish to look into the services of a professional cleaner to handle the job.

Is there a right time to have your carpets cleaning with professional, truckmounted water extraction? A licensed cleaner may tell you that there is never a wrong time, but if you need an occasion or situation to encourage you to make that call, there are good reasons to look into this service:

Moving: Whether you rent or own, if you intend to move it's a good idea to have a pro go over your carpets once you have the furniture removed. It may surprise you to discover how much soil and grime is embedded, and how the color in the pile returns after everything is washed and dried. You can practically leave your home as clean as the day you claimed it.

New Baby: If you have added to your family recently, or are expecting a new arrival, you may think about carpet cleaning only after the little one has made a mess or two. Actually, it's a good idea to schedule a cleaning before you bring baby home. A thorough shampoo and extraction helps remove bacteria in your home and disinfect the rooms. For a baby immune to germs, this is a good illness prevention measure.

Renovation: Redecorating? Buying new furniture? Take advantage of the moving to get your carpets cleaned. With the space available, it provides less work for a cleaner to perform, and you can start living anew after a major makeover.

New Pets: If you have welcomed a four-footed companion to your home, it's a good idea to give your carpets not only a good cleaning but protection and sealant. This helps upkeep for your rooms so when accidents happen, they won't damage your carpets too much.

Once a year or every six months, depending on traffic through your home, is a good schedule to keep for cleaning and deodorizing. Because rugs and carpets absorb much of the daily dirt coming into your house, you want to make sure they remain as clean as possible to prevent illness.

When Do I Need Air Duct Cleaning?

1/18/2016 (Permalink)

Air duct cleaning is an important part of home maintenance. A dirty air duct can lower the quality of the air in your house by promoting the circulation of allergens and bacteria in the air. There is no scientific evidence that actually proves that cleaning the air ducts will improve your health, but it is a good practice. The indoor air is just as important as the outdoor air. One way to keep the air inside your home free from unnecessary pollutants is to keep the air ducts of your heating and cooling systems clean.

What parts of your air ducts should be cleaned? The blowers, fiber glass, metal ducts, air vents, access doors, drain pans and coils should all be cleaned. There should be no stains, mold, dust, insects or any particles left over. After you have a professional clean the ducts, you should give it a test run to make sure that the system is still working properly.

When do you need air duct cleaning? There are several signs that indicate the need for a thorough air duct cleaning. Here are some of the major points that indicate the need for an air duct cleaning.

1. The growth of mold inside the ducts or on the surface of the cooling or heating system. (mold growth can only accurately be determined by professionals)

2. The infestation of insects or any small unwanted pests in the ducts.

3. If they are clogged with a great deal of dust or other debris.

It is important to have a professional take a look at your systems occasionally to make sure everything is clean and working well. Certainly if the above problems are prevalent, it is definitely time to go ahead and schedule a cleaning. Make sure the professionals you hire to clean them are licensed. If they claim that there is mold, have them show it to you and figure out a way to prevent the mold from growing again.

Depending on the amount of cleaning that needs to be done and the type of system that needs to be cleaned, the price for a professional cleaning can start at a few hundred dollars and rise up to a couple thousand dollars.

One way so save the expense of getting a professional air duct cleaning is good maintenance. There are several things you can do to keep your air ducts as clean as possible. Dust and vacuum the house often. Change the filters of the heating or cooling system on a regular basis. You should also keep the ducts nice and dry.

Something to Know About Air Duct Cleaning

1/18/2016 (Permalink)

Air Ducts are present in HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air-conditioning) systems to provide airflows that take care of supply and exhaust. Usually referred to as 'ventilation' ducts because they also deliver ventilation as part of supply-exhaust cycle, they are a good way of ensuring optimal comfort in heating and cooling as well as the quality of air.

Ducts can be of the following types:

• Aluminum ducting 
• Fabric ducting 
• Fiberglass ducting 
• Flexible ducting 
• Galvanized steel 
• Polyurethane insulation panels

It is recommended that air ducts are cleaned periodically to remove not only dust and pollutants but also things like children's toys, debris, paper clips, pet hair and any material that can be trapped inside. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) air duct cleaning is "probably unnecessary" if occupants of a home do not suffer allergies or illnesses and if a customary inspection reveals no indication that any dust particles are deposited inside. But it cautions that indoor air is up to five times more polluted and unhealthy than outdoor air because the same contaminated air that likely contains bacteria, fungi and mold keeps circulating within the house.

The National Air Duct Cleaner's Association (NADCA) estimates that a modest six-room home collects up to 40 pounds of allergens, dirt and dust in the air ducts annually. In statistical terms, that means 40,000 dust mites per ounce of dust correlated to 40 pounds of dust.

When is it necessary?

The timing or period of cleaning can vary from home to home, location to location and the general condition of the equipment.

However, some pointers to initiate a cleaning could be:

• When dusting and sweeping need to be done more often, 
• When there are visible traces of dust around the home, 
• When certain areas of the house seem to get no regular air flow from the ducts, 
• When a musty smell or odor keeps hanging in the air 
• When the occupants of a home experience burning sensation in the eyes, nose and throat, congestion in the nasal passages, constant sneezing, headaches, running nose etc.

Benefits of air duct cleaning

Apart from the most obvious benefits of a clean home and environment free from dust and pollutants, energy savings is a crucial benefit. With regular use, air heating and cooling systems do tend to get dirty; the dust and contaminants make the systems work harder thereby lessening the life of the ducting systems. Energy efficiency studies show that up to 40% of the energy used for indoor heating or air-conditioning is wasted, which is a whopping amount when translated into power and energy bill payments.