Breathing Easy: The Crucial Importance of Duct Cleaning for Your Home

1/2/2024 (Permalink)

Welcome to The Landers Group SERVPRO©! As a trusted provider of home restoration and cleaning services, we understand that the health and well-being of your family are paramount. In this blog, we're shedding light on an often overlooked but critical aspect of home maintenance – duct cleaning. Let's explore why keeping your ducts clean is not just about improved air quality but also a key factor in maintaining a healthy and comfortable living environment.

Section 1: The Hidden Culprit – Contaminants in Your Ductwork Your HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system plays a pivotal role in regulating your home's temperature, but over time, it can become a breeding ground for contaminants. Dust, pollen, mold spores, pet dander, and even bacteria can accumulate in your ductwork, circulating through your home whenever you turn on your HVAC system. This not only compromises indoor air quality but can also trigger allergies and respiratory issues.

Section 2: The Health Impact Dirty and contaminated ducts can have a direct impact on the health of your family members. Individuals with asthma, allergies, or respiratory conditions are particularly vulnerable to the pollutants circulating through the air. Regular duct cleaning helps reduce the risk of respiratory problems and ensures a healthier living space for everyone.

Section 3: Improved Energy Efficiency In addition to health concerns, dirty ducts can also affect the efficiency of your HVAC system. When dust and debris accumulate, airflow is restricted, causing your system to work harder to maintain the desired temperature. This not only results in higher energy bills but also puts unnecessary strain on your HVAC equipment, potentially leading to more frequent breakdowns and repairs.

Section 4: Signs It's Time for Duct Cleaning

Persistent dust buildup despite regular cleaning. Mold growth in or around the vents. Unexplained increase in energy bills. Noticeable reduction in indoor air quality. Lingering unpleasant odors when the HVAC system is running. Section 5: The SERVPRO© Advantage for Duct Cleaning At The Landers Group SERVPRO©, we specialize in thorough and professional duct cleaning services. Our experienced technicians use state-of-the-art equipment to remove contaminants from your ductwork, ensuring improved indoor air quality and the efficient operation of your HVAC system. By choosing us, you're investing in the health and well-being of your family while enhancing the overall performance of your home's ventilation system.

Conclusion: Regular duct cleaning is not just a luxury; it's a crucial investment in the health and comfort of your home. With The Landers Group SERVPRO©, you can breathe easy, knowing that our expert team is dedicated to providing top-notch duct cleaning services tailored to your unique needs. Don't wait until contaminants compromise your indoor air quality – reach out to us for a comprehensive duct cleaning solution and experience the difference in your home environment.

Carpet Cleaning Costs Guide

11/17/2016 (Permalink)

When it comes to cleaning your home, it may be difficult to decide what to do and which area of the home to start cleaning.  One aspect of the home that can be difficult to clean at least on your own is the carpet.  Are you better off having a professional clean your carpet and if so, what is the cost of professional carpet cleaning?  This guide will provide you with some information and tips for choosing a professional carpet cleaning service and what you can expect as far as cost.  The cost of the job will largely depend on the company you choose and this article explains the average costs of carpet cleaning services and how they are formed.

How To Clean A Carpet

The carpet is the most used furnishing of a home and should be cleaned quite often.  Professionals recommend that you have your carpet cleaned once every year or two but most people realistically have their carpet cleaned more like every three years.  The main reasons for the delay in cleanings is the lack of understanding on how to clean and maintain the carpet and misconceptions about the cost of carpet cleaning services.

Professional Carpet Cleaning Cost

Most homes have an average of between 800 and 1000 square feet of carpet and the cost of carpet cleaning per square foot can range from $0.30 to $0.40.  This means that the carpet cleaning cost for the average home will be close to $350.  With this price, that would equate to $70 per year if you had your carpet cleaned once every 5 years.  If your home is larger with more square feet of carpet, than the price of carpet cleaning will be higher but some companies may provide discounts for larger jobs.  However, carpet cleaning costs cannot go much lower than $350 because homes with smaller carpeted areas are generally charged more per square foot to compensate.  This extra cost for smaller areas is justified by the fact that carpet cleaning professionals still must take time to come to your home, prepare their equipment, complete the job, and pack the equipment back into their trucks.

Carpet Cleaning Discounts

There are several ways a homeowner can decrease the cost of professional carpet cleaning.  One way is to have your carpet regularly cleaned every two years or so as recommended.  If you hire the same company to clean your carpet regularly, you may save costs by getting a discount for being a repeat customer.  This will also help ensure that your carpet stays clean and free of dirt, dust, and other allergens to improve its look and longevity.  Do not hesitate to ask the company if they usegreen cleaning methods or technology to clean carpets and the costs of their green cleaning methods.  The cleaning standards of the carpet cleaning industry are unofficially set by the Clean Trust, the former Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification, and you can check their website for more useful information.

Another way to decrease the cost of professional carpet cleaning is to have the company do other cleaning services for you as well.  Instead of calling them just for carpet cleaning, see what else in your home needs cleaning and what other cleaning services the company offers.  If you have a professional cleaning company clean your carpets and upholstery at one time, the cost of the cleaning will be lower than if you hire out for each cleaning service separately.  You can ask a company what other cleaning services they offer when you call for a carpet cleaning appointment.

These average carpet cleaning prices are based on data from a number of different service providers.  Before hiring a carpet cleaning professional to come out to your house, call around and request an estimate for the work and choose one with a price and quality of work that suits you.  Make sure to ask each company what cleaning methods they use and the cost of each before making a decision.  There are three main cleaning methods that are used by most carpet cleaning companies that include hot water extraction, steam cleaning, and dry cleaning.  To learn more about each of these methods, ask the carpet cleaning companies for an explanation as you call around for estimates.

If you ever have any questions regarding professional carpet cleaning services, contact a professional service provider.  Most carpet cleaning companies offer free estimates and will answer any questions or concerns you may have.  Call a carpet cleaning service provider in your area today to get started.

Carpet Cleaners Services

11/17/2016 (Permalink)

For the cleaning of your home every part of it needs its special attention. Not always people pay attention to carpet and rug cleaning but it is important not only for their longer functioning but also for keeping dust, dirt and allergens away from you and your family. The carpet is one of the parts at the home that get dirty very quickly so you shouldn’t make a compromise with that. If you have never organized cleaning your carpet and this is your first time you may be wondering what does carpet cleaning mean and what can a cleaning company do for you. The carpet cleaning cost also varies depending if you do the work yourself orhire professionals. You can find carpet cleaning and carpet cleaners services explained here for your convenience.

Carpet Cleaners Services

There are a number of ways in which you can clean your carpet or have a carpet cleaners servicesrented. In order to maintain your carpets in a good condition you need to provide for them regular maintenance. Of course, it is important what you do at home.

Currently, you can also ask a cleaning company about what carpet cleaners services they offer. Ask them also how they clean and what steps professionals take in order to do their work on your carpet. Do they charge per square foot or per room? A cleaning company would usually give you an estimate to let you know what it would cost you to hire it. Calling a company for the carpet cleaners services they offer is useful because you will know if other services will be subtracted from the pricing like for example other area or larger pieces of furniture.

Be sure to ask what method the cleaner is using and what steps they perform in the preparation and the actual cleaning.

Best Carpet Cleaners Rentals

What would usually carpet cleaners inspect when they arrive? First of all, they would inspect your carpets’ condition and see if there are some stains as well. The best carpet cleaners rentals should use modern up to date equipment, technology and materials in order to restore their optimum condition in terms of looks and color, remove any dust, dirt and odors. Included in the carpet cleaners services should be also an expert opinion on what will the results after cleaning be, what you can expect and how much it would cost you. You could also ask for carpet cleaners for pets’ stains. You can combine carpet cleaners services with asking a cleaning company to do more work on your home like upholstery, air ducts, or some restoration work.

Carpet Cleaners Rental Prices

The average square feet of carpet that you could find in most homes is around 1000 sq. f. and you can expect carpet cleaning to cost you about $0.40/ sq. foot. Another factor that influences carpet cleaners services costs is the cleaning method that each company uses. An option to have more exact numbers is to look for a cleaning company near you and get a free quote from it. It is also important for you to know that carpet cleaners prices are formed also based on the regularity of you hiring one company. If you are an office owner most probably the carpet cleaners services will cost you less because you request it more often. You can try to arrange a discount with the cleaning company if you agree on a schedule for cleaning.

Carpet cleaners rental prices could be based per room as well. This is why it may be a bit difficult to compare quotes from companies but still request them and have a few options for taking a decision. Carpet cleaners services vary because cleaning companies have different expenses based on the fuel they use to come to your home, the cleaning materials they use, the cost for labor to do their job, cost of advertising and many more.

Commercial Carpet Cleaners Services

Commercial carpet cleaners services can also vary significantly. Usually a cleaning company would make an offer depending on how often the working premises are planed to be cleaned and a more regular customer may have a discount. Unlike home cleaning, for carpet cleaners services for an office you will be charged based on square feet or hours of work. Even if the price per square foot may seem low in the end if the area for cleaning is large you may still come up with not so little bill.

Carpet Cleaners Machines

Doing the cleaning of your carpet on your own means renting a carpet cleaners machine. It would be between $25 and $30 for 24 hours in most stores like this one at Rug Doctor, for example. Even if you wish to buy such a machine it would be possible to get one on a good price.

The main component of the cost for cleaning yourself is the cleaning materials you would have to buy. The chemical solutions could be rather expensive. Also, renting carpet cleaners machines may not be as good as you wish it to be because the cleaning may not be as efficient as a professional one is. A machine may leave inside your carpet dust, soil and other dirt. Also, paying for a carpet cleaners machine may mean a lot of effort to do a lot of work. This is why most experts would advice you to consider carpet cleaners services of a professional company.

Another pro for that is the fact that today more and more cleaning companies use green technologies for carpet cleaning and environmentally safe products which makes their work even more highly efficient.

Carpet cleaners service vary significantly in terms of cost and methods for cleaning. Before you hire a carpet cleaning equipment or a cleaning company make a carpet cleaners comparison in terms of prices and performance.

Do you have any questions? If there is something else you would like to ask or if you need any additional information you can ask as a comment below.

Carpet Cleaning Tips – DIY Carpet Cleaning Guide

11/17/2016 (Permalink)

Carpet Cleaning Tips

Carpet cleaning is a vital part of keeping you and your toes blissfully happy.  High traffic areas are prone to extra dirt and dust and should be tended to at least once a month.  Below are some helpfulhome carpet cleaning tips on how to remove those pesky stains from your carpet.

New Pet Stains – Carpet Cleaning Tips

Pet stains can be the trickiest to tackle.  Pet stains can be one of the most popular and problematic things to clean from your carpet.  Home remedies can often do the trick as well. Whether they are old or new, cleaning the area is a must for keeping you and your home healthy. Carpet cleaning pet stains should be done as soon as possible to avoid any damage to the floors below the carpet.  The first thing that should be placed on the stain are paper towels.  Over the paper towels should be a couple layers of newspaper.  This will help extract the liquid quicker.  Placing a heavy object on top of the paper stack will allow pressure to be applied on the spot for a period of time.  Repeat this with stacks of towels until you know the area is dry.

After you think the area is rid of liquid, dowse the carpet with water to pick up any excess debris.  Keep rinsing with water until carpet is thoroughly washed.  Your local department store should have many products that can help with the excess stains if the carpet is still showing signs of damage.

Odors can be a problem as well.  Opening windows and doors can help you ventilate the room and allow the spot to dry quickly and the odors to pass.

Old Pet Stains – Carpet Cleaning Tips

Stains that have been left on carpets for long periods of time can still be tended to.  Renting a wet vac can help with those stains.  This machine works much like a vacuum cleaner.  Wet vac machines are capable of forcing clean water through your carpet and then forcing the dirty water back out resulting in deep carpet cleaning. Following instructions is very important when using these machines. Don’t use any chemicals with these machines; they work much better with plain water.

Stain removers are capable of extracting old stains as well.  Be careful on the type of carpet you need cleaning since directions on stain removers may very.

Wine And Juice Stains – Carpet Cleaning Tips

Red substances never fail to find your carpet.  Whether it be grape juice or your favorite cabernet, extracting those stains from your berber needs to happen quickly.  When dealing with red wine, apply white wine to the stain.  This creates the initial condition of the red wine making it easier to remove.  Reapply the white wine as necessary until the red stain is gone.  If your carpet is still showing signs of residue, a commercial cleaner may be able to help.

Juice is another difficult stain.  Applying soda water can help.  Since the carbonation lets the carpet open up, it lets you flush out the stain easier.  Keep applying the soda or water until the stain is removed from the carpet area.

 Wax Stains – Carpet Cleaning Tips

Wax cleaning tips can come in handy for any homeowner.  Whether your candles have reached your carpet or your child’s crayons have melted on your shag, being able to extract the wax is important.  Let the wax dry completely on your carpet before you proceed with the cleaning. Once dry, apply a paper bag over the melted wax.  On medium heat, place your iron on top of the bag and iron as you would your clothes.  By applying pressure to the wax and carpet, the wax should transfer to the paper bag.  Repeat with a clean section of the bag until the wax has completely transferred.  If any residue still exists after the ironing, a butter knife can safely scape off the excess wax.

Coffee Stains – Carpet Cleaning Tips  Vinegar 

Coffee seems to be a popular liquid that leaves stains in your carpet and clothes.  To start the cleaning process, mix a teaspoon of dish detergent in a quart of warm water, making sure the detergent is odor and dye free.  Apply this mixture a little at a time.  Try using a spray bottle if available.  Gently work the liquid into the carpet then blot dry with a white color safe rag.  Making sure the rag has no dyes in it to transfer to your carpet.  Repeat this process until you have used up the mixture.

Now mix three ounces of plain white vinegar in six ounces of water and apply this to the stained area several times.  Using a clean rag, blot up the substance until there is no longer any color transfer to the rag.  Finish the vinegar/water solution to make sure there aren’t any hidden particles.

Make sure the carpet no longer has the odor of coffee or cleaner.  This will let you know it has been successfully extracted from the carpet.  Blot up as much moisture as possible.  Opening a window or turning on a fan will help the drying process.

Blood Stains – Carpet Cleaning Tips

Having children always means mysterious carpet stains.  Blood may make an appearance on your carpet from time to time.  Since many carpets today come with stain resistant treatments acting fast is very important.  Apply cold water to the stain.  Do not use hot water since warm water help stains set.  Blot the cold water making sure not to spread it to surrounding carpet fibers.  Using a shop vac lets the water be directly sucked up, not out.  Keep repeating the cold water until the stain is successfully removed.  Thoroughly drying the spot makes sure that foot traffic doesn’t spread the stain even further.

Green Carpet Cleaning Tips

Last but not least, it is also important to consider green ways of cleaning like for example green carpet cleaning. It means using efficient technologies and products that are safe for you, your family and the environment of course.

Green Carpet Cleaning Explained

11/17/2016 (Permalink)

It is very important for all of us to think about the environment while cleaning. You always have the option of cleaning on your own or hiring a company on your own. It is an unarguable fact that today more and more professional cleaning companies begin to perform their service with consideration of the environment. Nowadays more and more companies consider cleaning green. It is a method for cleaning carpets that uses less energy, eco-friendly products and is more efficient than the other carpet cleaning methods. This new “green” technology could also be applied to home items like rugs and upholstery as well. So, what is green carpet cleaning, how much will it cost you and why is it useful?

Green Carpet Cleaning Services And Solutions

Nowadays the technology used for green carpet cleaning is already energy efficient and comes with environmentally safe products that cannot harm you, your family, or nature. The technology for green carpet cleaning uses degradable cleaning solutions that can clean your carpet, remove stains, bacteria and unpleasant odors and at the same time make your carpet look new.

An additional benefit for using green cleaning is that it uses less water than regular cleaning methods, which in the long run, dries your carpets faster.  Green carpet cleaning may be of good use to you in future restoration projects like water damage. Green carpet cleaning means not using chemicalsthat can be harmful for your home or your family.

Green Carpet Cleaning Companies

When it comes to professional green carpet cleaning you can rely on experts to help get the good job done. In the meantime you can request free green carpet cleaning prices. You can find a professional cleaning company near you and ask them if they use environmentally safe products and methods for carpet cleaning. Usually a company that uses green carpet cleaning technologies will state it on their website along with general prices.

Green Carpet Cleaning – Do It Yourself

If you feel that carpet cleaning can be accomplished on your own, use the following tips to proceed. It is possible to clean your carpet the green way without strong and dangerous detergents. For example, you can use salt or baking soda to remove stains from wine, mud or other substances. The baking soda is also good to extract unpleasant odors from your carpets – just apply some to spots you want to freshen up and wait a few hours for maximum effect. Another easy green carpet cleaning solution is to shake out rugs outside, allowing dust and allergens to escape to open air.

Another option you have is to get a steam cleaning machine.There are many places where you can rent or purchase a machine, like this steam cleaner from Amazon.

Nowadays, green cleaning is popping up all over stores and hardware stores.  This allows a homeowner to choose how they clean and sanitize their home. Requesting green cleaning from your restoration cleaners can help as well. In general the number of professional cleaning companies that do not use green technologies is plummeting. Also cleaning experts can give you some more tips and ideas based on experience.

Green Carpet Cleaning Costs And Ideas

Green carpet cleaning costs are on average about $80 a room and about $120 for two rooms. Every additional room will cost about $40-$50 more. The more often you request the green carpet cleaning service the lower the price may be lowered. Another important question is how often should you clean your home or office? Actually, cleaning regularly is important – this will not allow for dirt to stick to your carpet for long periods of time.

3 Reasons To Call A Professional Cleaning Service

11/16/2016 (Permalink)

Dusting, mopping and scrubbing, oh my! Do you see double when you think of cleaning your home or professional office space?

Here are 3 reasons why it may make sense for you to budget for a professional cleaning service:

• A professional cleaning service uses the appropriate products to clean your space
  How much time have you spent in the grocery store reviewing the cleaning products to determine which ones work best on granite, hardwood and glass. Will they scratch your surfaces? Are the fumes too toxic? Will it clean old and heavy stains? No need to worry about this when you hire a professional cleaning service. They are experts when it comes to cleaning hundreds of surfaces correctly and efficiently. Most services also carry environmentally- and pet-friendly products to protect the health of all your family members or co-workers.
  
• A professional cleaning service remembers what you forget
  Because you spend so much time in the space, you view the entire area with restricted vision. This means, you may notice that your floor needs to be vacuumed, but you may not consider that you have cobwebs in the corners of your front door. You may be  surprised on what details a visitor may pick up on during their first walk-through, so don’t leave anything to chance.
  
• A professional cleaning service cleans the same way each time
  Depending on the amount of time (or energy) you have when you clean your own home, you may omit the dusting or mopping the bathroom floors or cleaning out the microwave. A professional cleaning service will send the same 2-3 individuals to your home or office each time. This serves two benefits: these individuals remember the layout of your home and their efforts are duplicated, so the whole space is cleaned correctly each time.

How Often Should You Clean Your Air Ducts & Vents?

11/16/2016 (Permalink)

Think the sneezing and sniffles you have every morning signal allergies or a cold? You could be mistaken if the issue is caused by your own home. Just as the air filter in your vehicle and the lint trap in your dryer must be replaced or cleaned, the same attention must be paid to your air ducts and vents. Having your heating and cooling system cleaned as a preventative measure is wise in response to certain events:

1. You think that water has entered your duct-work.
   This can occur if your roof begins to leak or a pipe bursts.
2. Your air conditioner condensation drainage system malfunctions.
   This water may collect and harbor mold.
3. There was a nearby forest fire or industrial fire.
   Ash and soot can settle into your heating and cooling systems.
4. You experienced flooding in your house or in your area.
   Moisture may have settled into your ventilation system and can trap allergens in your home.
5. You recently did a home remodeling or home improvement project.
   Drilling, resurfacing and replacement of tiles and flooring may kick up dust in your home.
6. You resolved an insect or rodent infestation.
   It is best to consult a professional duct cleaner to ensure all traces of this issue have been removed.
7. You are moving into a new home.
   You may not know what the previous owners’ habits were, so it is wise to have the ducts cleaned before you move in.
8. There is visible mold growth in your vents or you smell mold or mildew in the ducts.
   It is possible the problem has spread to other areas of your home, which means it’s time to call in a professional.

How Often Should You Deep Clean Your House Of Office?

11/16/2016 (Permalink)

Does an afternoon of vacuuming cobwebs, waxing floors and washing windows overwhelm you? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Deep cleaning is a comprehensive and thorough cleaning that can be maintained with light dusting, vacuuming and wiping down of surfaces. When you deep clean a home, everything is touched, from the ceiling, down to the baseboards and the floor. You can deep clean your house or office once a month, once a season or once a holiday season, depending on the amount of traffic your home/office receives. What about the costs? Just ask us! The price for cleaning will vary depending on the company you choose to do the work for you. And another tip – if you call a cleaning company for several things at your house like cleaning your carpet and upholstery – the price will be a better deal rather than if you request only one service.

Helpful Tips To Make Cleaning Process Go Smoothly, Courtesy Of Mrs. Clean

1. Put all your cleaning supplies in a tote so you can carry it with you from room to room.
2. Begin with the back of your home, and work your way to the front.
3. Clean left to right, back to front, and top to bottom for maximum efficiency.
4.  If it’s dirty, clean it now. It takes less time to remove fresh dirt than caked-on dirt.
5.  Make your every move count. Get organized before you start with the cleaning tote.
6.  Focus on the job at hand. You are cleaning the house; distractions (such as the TV and the phone) will drag out the job.
7. Try to clean regularly. It’s easier to do routine cleaning and maintain your home than deep clean every week.

Why Buy New Furniture: 4 Tips To Clean Upholstery

11/10/2016 (Permalink)

Is your seating  looking surrealist because of stains and dirt? Over time, your furniture may show wear and tear or show dirt and stains, so it’s best to learn how to take care of it now.

3 Reasons To Call A Professional Cleaning Service

11/10/2016 (Permalink)

Odor Removal and Deodorization

10/20/2016 (Permalink)

As experts in deodorization, SERVPRO Albuquerque Restoration is trained to identify and eliminate offensive odors. These odors can come from a number of sources both inside and outside a structure.

SERVPRO Albuquerque Restoration teaches IICRC technical classes in the proper removal of odors. Masking and other short cuts don't work when your odor problem is serious or persistent.

We have the training and equipment to identify and eliminate these offensive odors. By identifying the cause of the odor and determining the conditions in which it contact any surfaces, the odor can often be removed over time without a trace. Our technicians have access to several odor removal products capable of penetrating surfaces to neutralize an unpleasant odor thoroughly.

The science of identifying and eliminating odors can be a tricky thing, so give us a call, and leave the restoration to us.

Carpet odors and how to address them

10/20/2016 (Permalink)

Food and beverage stains can lead to carpet odor.

Does your home have a mysterious bad smell? If you've already checked the fridge and your trash bins and can't find the source, it could be that you're in need of a carpet cleaning or carpet deodorizer.

Just like stains, carpet fibers can trap odors, making them linger in your home indefinitely. If you think your carpet could be the problem, consider the possible sources of the odor.

Moisture or dampness

Sometimes, moisture can get underneath the carpet and carpet pad, leading to musty odors.

This moisture can come from humidity, spills or potted plants that drip onto the carpeting.

A flood can also cause carpet odor, such as when a finished basement floods during a rainstorm.

If not addressed properly, continued moisture exposure can cause mold and mildew to grow under the carpet padding. Not only will it increase the smell, it also creates a health risk.

Pet odor

When pets use the carpet as a bathroom, the smell can really linger.

Even after a carpet cleaning, the smell of pet urine may return. This is due to the gases released by the bacteria that are digesting the urine. If any of the urine remains in the rug fibers, it will continue to smell.

The same is true for vomit, another common problem associated with pets and carpeting.

These bacteria are activated by water, which is why the smell may intensify after a thorough cleaning.

Dry carpet cleaning treatments or treatments that use enzymatic odor removal products are the best solution for eliminating pet smells. Enzymes are particularly effective because they attack the bacteria, thus eliminating the source of the smell.

Cigarette smoke

If a smoker lives in the home, the carpet can collect the cigarette smoke odor.

While the homeowners may not notice the stench because they live with it, visitors or someone who purchases the home will definitely notice the smoke smell.

A professional carpet cleaner may be able to remove the smell, but if the smoking was excessive, a carpet deodorizer may not be enough, and the carpeting may need to be replaced.

Old age

Carpeting is made from fibers. Over time, those fibers break down. When the carpet begins to smell old, there is little that can be done.

Carpet cleaning cannot take the old, musty smell from carpet. This is when it simply needs to be replaced.

In addition to the smell, old carpet starts to release dust, which can contribute to indoor allergies.

Food and drink spills

Food and drinks that spill onto carpet can lead to odors.

Like pet smells, these organic products attract bacteria. As the bacteria break down, they release smelly gasses. Again, professional carpet cleaning is the best solution to remove the smell.

Once you find the source of your carpet odor, you can decide on the best treatment. For organic smells like pet odors or food spills, consider two professional cleanings to thoroughly remove the bacteria.

For other problems, like old age or mold, you may need to replace the carpet. Knowing where the odor is coming from will help you make the right decision for treatment.

Should I have the air ducts in my home cleaned?

10/14/2016 (Permalink)

• The key to mold control is moisture control.
• If mold is a problem in your home, you should clean up the mold promptly and fix the water problem.
• It is important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.

EPA's Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned? provides an excerpt on duct cleaning and mold which follows, please review the entire document for additional information on duct cleaning and mold.

You should consider having the air ducts in your home cleaned if:

There is substantial visible mold growth inside hard surface (e.g., sheet metal) ducts or on other components of your heating and cooling system. There are several important points to understand concerning mold detection in heating and cooling systems:

• Many sections of your heating and cooling system may not be accessible for a visible inspection, so ask the service provider to show you any mold they say exists.
• You should be aware that although a substance may look like mold, a positive determination of whether it is mold or not can be made only by an expert and may require laboratory analysis for final confirmation.  For about 50, some microbiology laboratories can tell you whether a sample sent to them on a clear strip of sticky household tape is mold or simply a substance that resembles it.
• If you have insulated air ducts and the insulation gets wet or moldy it cannot be effectively cleaned and should be removed and replaced.
• If the conditions causing the mold growth in the first place are not corrected, mold growth will recur.

Has EPA issued specific recommendations on how frequently carpet should be cleaned?

10/14/2016 (Permalink)

No. EPA recommends that consumers and others follow manufacturer recommendations and industry standards for keeping carpet clean to protect indoor air quality wherever carpet is installed.  A number of carpet cleaning companies have been under the incorrect impression that EPA issued official carpet cleaning recommendations  in a 1989 letter from the then-Deputy Director of EPA’s Environmental Criteria and Assessment Office in EPA’s Office of Research and Development.  That official provided a response based on his own expertise and investigation.  However, the table at the end of the letter identifying specific carpet cleaning frequencies for different indoor environments was not intended to and does not convey an official EPA position, and therefore should not be construed or represented as EPA carpet cleaning recommendations.  

How to Find a Good Professional Carpet Cleaner

6/23/2016 (Permalink)

Nowadays very few people spend money on expensive flooring for their house. Instead, they invest in carpets which impart to your floor a touch of elegance. Carpets have become an integral part of home décor. They impart a plush and cozy look to a house. However, if not maintained properly or cleaned from time to time, these carpets accumulate dust and dirt and look messy. Also, dirty carpets can be harmful for the health of the household as they can trigger allergies or other serious problems like asthma. Hence, is important to get your carpets cleaned from time to time.

Now, you can either take up the cleaning yourself or you can hire a professional carpet cleaner for the job. The problem with cleaning the carpet by yourself is that you might not be well aware of the procedure to be followed to get a proper cleaning done. Also, you might not have the necessary equipments and the proper cleaning agent that is required for your carpet. But most of all, you might not have the time on your hand that a thorough cleaning of your carpets would demand. Hence, the safest way to get your carpets cleaned would be to hire a professional carpet cleaner.

Searching for and subsequently finding an experienced carpet cleaner is not always a cakewalk. Before you decide upon a particular carpet cleaner, you must do some background checks, get some referrals, ask some questions and establish the credibility of the company before you hire their personnel for cleaning your carpets. The initial step to finding a professional carpet cleaner is to make a list of a number of carpet cleaners providing service in or around your vicinity. You can do this by looking for such service over the internet in domains like Google places or other search engines, which not only give the contact details of the company, but also provide feedback about their services from actual customers. While good feedbacks mean you can trust a particular company, negative feedbacks are also useful as they can help to rule out some of the names. Friends, colleagues or relatives are also a source of useful recommendations. Is someone you trust says that the service of a certain carpet cleaner is satisfactory, it instills some confidence in that service. Now, once you have got together a few names, you need to start the work of short listing.

You should interview the cleaners about how they will go about the job of cleaning, whether they have the necessary equipments or what cleaning agent they will be using. You should make sure that the process of cleaning the carpets does not come in the way of your work. Accordingly, you should ask for a quotation to get an idea of how much the cleaning job would cost you. You should then compare the quotations of some of the cleaning services that you interviewed and then decide upon a particular one. But, before you employ them, you should get a written and duly signed payment agreement, so that you don’t have to incur any hidden costs at a later stage.

Why Get Air Ducts Cleaned?

6/16/2016 (Permalink)

According to the American Duct Cleaner’s Association, the air ducts in those ac’s, heating systems and furnaces tend to gather dirt, debris and other contaminants with time. There are some more factors that can lead to accumulation of other particulates such as cigarette smoke, pet’s hair or any debris due to home renovation. Get in touch with air duct cleaners in Los Angeles and let those experts come and check those ducts in your home. Chances are that they are heavily blocked. These blocked ducts not only raise the indoor pollution but also prevent hose heating and cooling systems to work to their maximum efficiency.

As a home owner too, you can make out if those ducts need cleaning. Remove the wall register with the help of a screwdriver. Take a mirror and flashlight to inspect the duct or take picture with your camera. Even if you see slight amount of dirt or debris, this is a signal enough that those ducts are blocked and need professional duct cleaning. Thankfully, there is no shortage of these services for duct cleaning in Los Angeles.

 It is a wrong idea to clean those ducts on your own. You may end up spreading more dirt and pollution inside your home and still not manage to do a good job. Call in experts for air duct cleaning in Los Angeles California who carry the right expertise and knowledge to do the task. They carry the right tools and equipments to reach those difficult areas and clean those duct completely.

They will also make sure that there is no dirt or moisture left in those pipes and ducts. Professional cleaners often document the result of their work as pictures so as to make sure that there is nothing inside those ducts.

Blocked air ducts can increase the pollution inside your home and erode the quality of air inside. You will be breathing those pollutants and allergens day and night. This can lead to serious respiratory problems and other allergies. Moisture on those ducts an also lead to mold growth and spread mold spores inside your home.

Why Should A Technician Be Hired For Odor Removal?

6/7/2016 (Permalink)

While some forms of odor removal can be done by a homeowner without any technical experience, professionals will be needed for more stubborn, unpleasant smells. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, or IICRC, is the agency in charge of certifying technicians skilled in this field. Through training supervised by IICRC approved instructors, these technicians possess the best methods and products available for handling this problem. Their advanced skills allow them to eliminate smells caused by fire, smoke, mold, and thorough pet soiling. While homeowners have some tools available to help control these issues, professional help is usually required to eliminate them completely.

According to a survey commissioned by the IICRC, more than 80 percent of homeowners state that how clean their floors are is a major factor in their family’s health. However, only 15 percent of homeowners have their carpets cleaned every year. Odor removal is a major component of preventing airborne contaminants from affecting the family’s health inside the home. Also, a lingering stench almost always comes from a source that is hazardous to people and pets. For these reasons, the problem should be treated as soon as it is noticed.

The best way for a homeowner to perform simple odor removal is with a readily accessible substance. Homeowners have been getting rid of foul smells with home remedies for decades. While these substances are easy to apply to the carpet and are effective for smaller jobs, they aren’t feasible for more extensive problems. Also, they don’t typically eliminate the cause of the scent but cover it up instead. This just masks the health hazard in the room and so it remains a threat. 

Technicians trained in odor removal through an IICRC approved instructor are taught the four general principles of eliminating unpleasant smells. They first attempt to locate and destroy the source of the smell. In some cases, like during fire and smoke restoration, this may be too difficult to do before cleaning the area. Once the source is destroyed, the technician will thoroughly clean any surfaces or items that were affected by the source. While carpets are often a primary spot for odors to take root, furniture, clothing, and drywall may also take on the scent if they are exposed long enough. These surfaces must be cleaned to prevent the smell from coming back. 

Technicians also have access to several odor removal products capable of penetrating surfaces to neutralize the unpleasant smell thoroughly. Every material has its own physical properties that determine which substances to use for effective odor elimination. Trained professionals can find the best product for each material, from carpet and fabric to wood and ceramic. Once the surface has been treated, trained technicians are able to seal the surface to trap what scent does remain. Foul smells are created by airborne particles that can be sealed away for good.

These professionals can handle odors caused by urine contamination, decomposition, mold, chemicals, and fire and smoke damage, among many other sources. Their expertise means they are prepared for any job, no matter the scope.

Importance of Air Duct Cleaning: Ask Professional Company's Help for Best Results

5/18/2016 (Permalink)

We all want to provide a healthy environment for our families and employees. One way to help in doing this is to make sure the air quality inside the residence or business is free of polluting debris in the air ducts. Often when a home or business complex is constructed, everything including the kitchen sink is cleaned before residency, except, yes, you’ve guessed it, the air ducts.

Professional air duct services can make sure that the debris that has collected inside the ducts is dislodged and sucked right into a vacuum system that they use to clean the ducts thoroughly. This should be done about every three to five years on a regular basis to keep your heating and cooling systems running smoothly. Contact a professional air duct service representative and discuss the questions you may have. Find out about the service you will receive and the cost. You are going to be surprised how little it really costs to keep the indoor air quality up to par when you talk to a representative.

Los Angeles and areas that are surrounded by highways, manufacturing plants, and commercial buildings are exposed to bacteria, smog, molds, hazardous petroleum fumes and chemical fumes as well as air borne debris. All of these pollutants are hazardous to our health. Inside buildings in these areas or even on the outskirts of these areas, like the suburbs of Los Angeles, are experiencing polluted indoor air quality.

One way to ensure the quality of air indoors is to keep the air ducts clean. Most people do not realize their ducts can be the breeding ground for all sorts of contaminants such as mold, mildew, rodent droppings and dust mites. This is why it is so important to have a professional duct cleaning service and protect the indoor air quality in your home or business.

The professional air duct service company that you are searching for in Los Angeles are not always the first ones listed in the telephone directories. Doing some research will help you determine the company that will give you the quality service you need at an affordable price. There are many shyster companies out there, so it is a very good idea to really check these companies out.

Top Benefits of HVAC Cleaning

5/18/2016 (Permalink)

NADCA’s rule of thumb for consumers is that “if your ducts look dirty, they probably are,” and that dirty HVAC systems should be inspected by a reputable, certified HVAC professional. Below are some other reasons homeowners choose to have their air ducts cleaned.

Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality is one concern that homeowners have when they decide to investigate air duct cleaning. In a typical six-room home, up to 40 pounds of dust is created annually through everyday living. Your heating and cooling system is the lungs of your home. The system taken air in and breathes air out.

Through normal occupation in a home, we generate a great deal of contaminants and air pollutants, such as dander, dust, and chemicals. These contaminants are pulled into the HVAC system and re-circulated 5 to 7 times per day, on average. Over time, this re-circulation causes a build-up of contaminants in the duct work.

While dirty ducts don’t necessarily mean unhealthy air in your home, school or workplace, they may be contributing to larger health issues or harboring contaminants that could cause serious problems for people with respiratory health conditions, autoimmune disorders or some environmental allergies.

Energy Savings

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 25 to 40 percent of the energy used for heating or cooling a home is wasted. Contaminants in the heating and cooling system cause it to work harder and shorten the life of your system. Although filters are used, the heating and cooling system still gets dirty through normal use.

When an HVAC system is clean, it doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain the temperature you desire. As a result, less energy is used, leading to improved cost-effectiveness.

The History of Spring Cleaning and Why It's so Important for Your Health

5/17/2016 (Permalink)

Spring cleaning is kind of awesome. If you're the type of person that enjoys cleaning, then the process is fun, but even if you don't enjoy cleaning, it still means spring is here. The trees start leafing out, and daffodils and tulips start popping through the dirt. People are finally getting a bit of energy back with longer daylight hours. As a result, it's time to clean!

Spring cleaning is not unique to the U.S. It's actually practiced all over the world, in one variation or another. Spring is the most popular time, which seems to have roots in religion. Passover is a traditional time for those of Jewish faith to remove all leavened foods from the house, which are forbidden during Passover. Leavened foods are anything made with wheat, oats, barley, spelt, rye or yeast. This eliminates a lot of foods, and the tradition is usually expanded to include a general cleaning of the entire home.The History

In addition, Catholic churches usually clean their altars during spring. This may not be exactly what you think of during spring cleaning, but you can see how it would easily translate to a general cleaning at home. More directly, the Greek Orthodox Church has spring cleaning during Lent, called Clean Monday. Because the church was the main governing body for so much of history, it makes sense that its influence became a sort of worldwide phenomenon.

The Psychological Aspect

Part of why it's so popular to go through spring cleaning is that it makes people feel better. Having a clean space is good for you. It reduces stress, increases productivity, cuts down on errant snacking behaviors and helps promote gratefulness. This works especially well if you don't just tidy up, but also toss out old items you no longer need.

You might not need to work on all of these things. However, there are some things that everyone can benefit from. Part of the reason behind spring cleaning isn't just to follow tradition or because your mother told you to do it - it's also a sort of mental cleaning. You have the chance to throw out old or useless items. It can help you jumpstart new goals, or keep up the motivation for older goals, like the ones you made back on Jan. 1.

The Workout

One of the other benefits of cleaning up is that it's actually a really good workout. You can pump up the music and turn your cleaning into a dance party. Use the vacuum to work out your arms, take the stairs as much as you can, climb ladders and move furniture - although you might want a partner for that. All that activity gets your heart rate up and your blood pumping. If the option is between hanging out and watching your favorite show or getting up to clean the house, then cleaning is definitely the healthier option.

If you're looking for specific exercises, try calf raises while dusting. Do lunges to reach the far end of the carpet while vacuuming. Cleaning the floor is a great time for pushups and mountain climbers, and of course, the music is there to make you dance. Get your boogie on!

The Health Benefits

In addition to being good for the mind and a decent workout, there are other health benefits. Giving the house a good dusting can help reduce allergies for everyone in the home. It's also the best way to give your home a close look. Being able to expose dangerous pests in your home is probably the No. 1 reason to give it a good, solid cleaning on a semiregular basis.

It's not just allergies that cleaning will help with. If anyone in your home suffers from asthma, spring cleaning can also help with that. Since you'll feel better, get some exercise and get any pests out of the way, there's really no downside.

No matter why you're doing spring cleaning, either because of religion, because it makes you feel better or because your mom told you to, it always ends up the same. You'll feel better, your home will look better, and you can take a nice break from cleaning when it's all done.

Cool your space

5/11/2016 (Permalink)

It’s June and New Mexico’s summertime heat will soon be a fact of life. If you’re deciding to do something to cool down your home with an active system this year, there are two basic options: air conditioning or an evaporative (“swamp”) cooler. Both types have their adherents, and their critics.

Some say that refrigerated air conditioning just recirculates the house’s stale dry air, while evaporative coolers continually bring in fresh air. On the other hand, evaps also might bring in dust, pollen, and automobile exhaust, and, if you don’t open your windows, the house can get swampy-humid; whereas air conditioners create a controlled, clean-air environment. 

An Office of the State Engineer brochure on evaporative coolers estimates that in Santa Fe a modern unit with a bleed-off valve to prevent mineral buildup uses about 4,500 gallons of water a year. A bleed-off valve on a high-efficiency evaporative cooler allows it to regularly refresh its circulating water supply in order to prevent the buildup of scale and calcium from our hard water.

Now, what about heat pumps? According to manufacturer Daikin, one of the biggest advantages of a heat pump over a standard heating ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) unit is that there’s no need to install separate systems to heat and cool your home.

Ground-source (geothermal) heat pumps are a specific type that add air conditioned by stable ground temperatures to the system. “It’s the same principal as air-to-air. At zero degrees, there’s a ton of heat in the air or in the ground,” Onstad said.

There are big ground-source heat pump installations at Santa Fe Community College’s new Higher Education Center and the Academy for the Love of Learning. While residential systems are much smaller, they are still quite expensive. But tax credits are available. The New Mexico Geothermal Ground-Coupled Heat Pump Tax Credit will pay up to 30 percent — with a $9,000 maximum — of the purchase and installation cost of a geothermal ground-coupled heat pump system. In addition, the federal government will pay 30 percent of your system cost in a federal tax credit.

Testing Begins In Homes Near Toxic Plume

2/9/2016 (Permalink)

Air sampling canisters at a home near the Laun-Dry plume

Decades ago, a chemical business called Laun-Dry Supply Company leaked poisonous dry cleaning solvents into Albuquerque’s groundwater.

In the years since, nobody has investigated possible health impacts to people living near the contamination.

But that changed this week. On Wednesday, the New Mexico Environment Department started the process of testing houses for chemicals from the Laun-Dry spill.

There are at least a dozen homes and many more businesses in the path of the dry cleaning chemical plume, and anyone inside those buildings could be breathing toxic gases rising from the groundwater.

Robert Miranda, whose house lies closest to the groundwater plume, is the first to have his home tested for toxins. He says whatever the results, at least now he’ll have some kind of answer.

“I’m hoping for something…any kind of results, it’s nice to know," he said. "If I have to move out, I’ll just have to move out.”

The company that spilled the chemicals is now working on a full cleanup plan.

Source: http://kunm.org/post/testing-begins-homes-near-toxic-plume#stream/0