How Often Should You Clean Your Air Ducts?

The dirt found in your ductwork is often composed of fungi, cigarette tar, dead skin, bacteria, animal dander, dust mites and pollen.

Dirty air ducts present a health hazard, especially in children. They are more likely to be affected by polluted air than adults. People with asthma and respiratory problems, children and elderly are more sensitive to these contaminants. In fact, asthma and colds/flu were among the top 5 reasons for emergency visits in 2008.

How often you should have your air ducts professionally cleaned depends on a number of factors – how often you use the HVAC system, what part of the country you live in, if anyone in your home has asthma or allergies or if you have pets. While the recommendations usually vary from on a case-to-case basis, it is ideal to have your air ducts cleaned every 3 to 5 years.

Regular cleaning helps with air quality. If someone in your household has allergies, then you need to clean your air ducts more frequently.  Cleaning the duct system and its filter will help alleviate allergy symptoms. It is best to get it done every 18 to 24 months.

Pets also play a big part in how often you should get your duct system cleaned. They shed fur and dander. They also track more pollen and dirt into your home if they spend time outdoors. These allergens will sit in the ducts and get re-circulated in your home. If you have pets, it is best to have your ducts professionally cleaned every 9 to 12 months.

If you use your system more often, the ducts get dirty. Think about it. You’ll find large accumulation of dust if you forget to vacuum under the bed for a few weeks. Now imagine what you’ll find in your air ducts if you don’t clean it for years.

Having your air ducts cleaned will not only prevent health hazards, it can also improve efficiency and the life of your HVAC system. Add to that, it also helps bring down those expensive utility bills; thus, allowing you to save money.

Reasons Why Your Dryer Is Not Drying Well

Everyone loves fresh, clean clothes but many of us hate the idea of doing laundry. Why? Because it’s time consuming and laborious. Add to that, the dryer isn’t working properly and your clothes keep coming out damp. Quite frustrating, isn’t it?

Don’t let a lengthy drying time get you down. This week, let’s take a quick peek at 3 problem areas that could be making your machine become poky.

Lint filter partially blocked

It is a good idea to wash your lint screen with hot water and soap after every cycle. Remember, it is the first line of defense against dust, lint, hair and other debris so you need to make sure it’s clean.

Consider doing a water test to determine whether the lint screen is doing its job well. Turn the faucet on and hold the filter about 6 inches below it. Water should flow through it effortlessly. Also, don’t forget to check the lint screen for damage.

Clogged vent

If the dryer feels really hot but the clothes are still damp after one cycle, then this could be a sign that the vent is clogged. A clogged vent traps excess heat inside the dryer’s drum. If the air can’t circulate due to the blockage, it can overheat. This is a huge fire hazard.

Go outside while the dryer is running to check if warm air is passing through the vent exit. If you are not getting a good airflow, you probably have a blockage along the line. Be sure to have dryer vent professionally cleaned and inspected annually.

Lose timer knob

This is a common problem among dryers with knob type timer. If the knob is loose, there’s a tendency that the dryer is not staying on as long as it should. What you think is 55 minutes may only be 45 minutes.

How to Properly Maintain Your Air Conditioning Unit

Now that summer is upon us, air conditioning maintenance is a task that should be on top of your to-do list. When you take time to give your air conditioning system the TLC it deserves, you can enjoy a number of benefits and it will serve you well for many years.

Check out the tips below for more ways to take care of your air conditioner and improve its efficiency as well.

Hire a professional

You can increase the efficiency and prolong the life of your air conditioner if you follow a simple maintenance plan. While there are some tasks you can do on your own, specific maintenance procedures such as cleaning and inspecting the wiring and the mechanism of the equipment can be a bit more challenging for the average homeowner.

It is a good idea to hire a professional to have your air conditioning unit inspected and maintained annually. A well-trained technician will find and fix problems in your air conditioning system.

Change the filter every 3 months

Since you’ll be using your air conditioner more frequently this summer, it is important that you replace your filter right now and 3 months after that. If you have pets, you’ll probably need to change it every month.

Dirty, clogged filters have a tendency to block normal airflow, pushing the equipment to work twice as hard. When this happens, your air conditioning system will use more energy. Check your air filter monthly. If it looks clogged and dirty, go ahead and change it.

Keep the condenser clean

In most air conditioning systems, the condenser unit is located outside the house. That said, dirt and debris can build up over time on your condenser.

Remove any weeds, vines or grass that is growing around the condenser. This could be obstructing the airflow. Rinse it gently with water so it cleans between the thin metal fins on the condenser.

 

How Often Should A Furnace Be Checked?

For those people who live in areas of the country that gets cold, your furnace is probably the most important appliance within your home. For that reason, it is important to have it checked regularly.

Through the years, we’ve had people asking if it’s really necessary to have their furnace cleaned and inspected every year. Some would even ask, “Do I really need to pay a professional to do it? Couldn’t the homeowners do this himself?”

As with any machine, furnaces require timely care and maintenance. Experts recommend that you have your furnace checked and cleaned every year. Annual check-ups are also recommended for commercial units.

Think of it this way. It is ideal that we go to the dentist twice a year for checkup and cleaning. It may not be necessary, but it’s recommended. The same principle also applies to your furnaces.

Some of you might be wondering if it’s necessary to pay a professional $100-150 a year when you can do it by yourself. Mind you, some aspects of the furnace upkeep can be complex. These people know the ins and outs of the equipment and can get the job done in no time. So, it’s best to leave it in the hands of the experts. In addition to that, any damage caused by improper maintenance is not covered under warranty. In some cases, warranty may even become invalidated if routine maintenance is not applied.

Your home or office could lose its heat without proper maintenance. We bet you don’t want your furnace to fail when it’s freezing outside, right? That’s just too awful.

Maintaining your furnace

Heating systems are usually easy to maintain and trouble free. Maintenance is of great importance as it helps you save money on heating costs. Plus, it will prolong the life of the system and decrease health risks.

Ensure your family’s comfort and safety by having your furnace checked and cleaned at least once a year. Think about it. It’s all about preventive measure.

Detecting Water Damage in Your Home

While water damage is mostly apparent when there has been a storm or when a pipe bursts, a lot of homeowners fail to realize that water damage may occur overtime.

Sometimes the damage could be quite evident that it can easily be spotted by the naked eye. In some cases, however, the signs could be so subtle that it can wreak havoc in your home even before you realize it’s there.

If you suspect that you have water damage, here are some places to start.

Walls

The telltale sign on the walls or ceiling can be an obvious sign of water damage. Also, walls that have been exposed to water will be soft to touch and will have a swollen appearance. If you notice any of these signs, now might be the right time to contact a professional to see where the water is coming from. Mind you, water damage can cause serious problems and expensive repairs if not dealt with.

Pipes

Check the pipes in the bathroom, kitchen, basement and laundry room for corrosion or water leaks.

The cabinet beneath your sink is the perfect breeding ground for mold and water damage. It is humid, warm and stagnant.

Also, the caulking may break down and become brittle over time. So, be sure to inspect the caulking around the bathroom fixtures.

Around the toilet

With the toilet’s proximity to the shower, many of us find it difficult to tell whether the water came from the shower or it’s a sign of leak. Toilets can leak from old caulking, loose hoses or even cracks. If you notice some extra water around the toilet, you might want to check these places.

Attic

Among the rooms in the house, homeowners spend the least time in the attic. Take some time to check the attic for mold, water stains and other signs of leak.

Just because there is no plumbing in a room, doesn’t mean that there is no chance for water damage. Water can leak into the attic from the roof. This is especially true if you live in an area with cold climates.

How to Determine If There Is Mold in Your House

Mold can be scary. Mold growth in your home often equate to funky smells, runny nose and in most cases, a toxic environment. Long-term exposure to mold can cause health problems, ranging from mild allergic reactions to life-threatening conditions. That said, early detection and treatment is of great importance. Unfortunately, these sneaky little spores aren’t easy to detect.

But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are the signs that you may be sharing your home with more than just your family.

Smelling mold odor

Your nose is one of the most inexpensive devices you can use to detect mold in your home.

Mold has a pungent smell. When you have mold growing hidden away in your house, you’ll most likely be able to smell it. You’ll notice that distinctive odor that taints the air when you’re in that area. Do not ignore mold odors.  Oftentimes, this is the only clue that it’s there.

Allergies

If you are having problem with allergies, chances are good that there is mold growing somewhere in your house. This is especially true if the symptoms decrease when you leave your home and gets worse when you’re at home.

Nasal congestion, watery eyes and sneezing are some of the most common allergic reactions to mold.

Appearance of mold

Visible mold growth might seem like the most obvious sign of mold, but sometimes, people see mold without realizing it. They may think of it as soot or dirt. Others simply ignore it. Keep in mind though, that even small amounts of mold could mean that there is a much larger colony growing behind the walls, underneath the carpets or in other hidden areas.

These are just some of the most common signs of mold growth. Be sure to call a professional once you notice any of these signs. Do not wait until the problem reaches to a point where it starts to take over your house.

How Much Does it Cost to Repair Water Damage?

 

Water is a necessity in our lives, but when it fills our home it becomes uninhabitable.

Those who have dealt with water damage before can attest to the fact that water restoration services are not cheap. However, if we are to look closely, the amount of money that you’ll be spending on water repair damage is significantly lower as compared to the cost of repairing structural damage and personal belongings that you have lost.

When water enters our home, it often comes with germs and bacteria. Oftentimes, mold spores inhabit our home long after the water has disappeared. How quickly you react will greatly influence the amount of damage to your property and your personal belongings.

While there is no standard cost for water repair damage, the cost is based on several factors. This includes the type of water, the extent of damage and the size of the affected area.

Category 1 (Clean water): Water comes from a faucet, malfunctioning appliance connected to a water line or a supply pipe. This is the least expensive.

Category 2 (Grey water): Grey water contains biological and chemical pollutants that can cause illness. Common sources are water that is discharged from washing machine, dish washer or toilet.

Category 3 (Black water): This is the most detrimental of the group and is also the most expensive. Water contains harmful bacteria that may cause severe discomfort or sickness. Common sources are overflowing rivers and streams, sewage and standing water. Category 2 water that is left stagnant for more than 48 hours falls under this category.

Restoring your home after water damage could be a frustrating experience. Water or excess moisture could harm your home and its content. The faster you take action, the less damage you’ll have in your home.

From leaky roofs, basement leaks or floods, the people at AdvantaClean are here to help. In these situations, time is of the essence. If you don’t want your home to be destroyed by water, then waiting is definitely not an option. Cleanup should be started as soon as possible.

The Hidden Dangers of Clogged Dryer Vents

If there is one appliance homeowners rely on the most, it would be the clothes dryer. It makes our lives a lot easier. However, a lot of homeowners take them for granted.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, clogged dryer vents account for more than 15,000 fires in the United States each year. This results to about 400 injuries and 15 fatalities every year. In addition to that, thousands of people are being treated for symptoms of poisonous gas fumes.

Dryer vents should be cleaned and maintained. Otherwise, it could ignite a fire. The risk of fire associated with clogged dryer vents is quite scary, but you have to keep in mind that keeping your dryer vent clean is an important step to prevent it from occurring in the first place.

Clogged dryer vent syndrome

Every once in a while, we notice some warning signs that may be an indication that something is wrong with the dryer. Perhaps the drying time is taking longer than usual or the clothes seem unusually hot after the drying cycle. These might seem like harmless annoyances, but these certain signals mean that the dryer vent is blocked by debris and needs to be cleaned.

While we strongly recommend cleaning the lint screen before every load, sometimes those lint traps don’t catch everything. Overtime, lint and other debris collect in your dryer vent.

When the vent is clogged, your dryer needs to work double-time, putting a strain on the dryer’s motor. This blockage also prevents the dryer vent system from exhausting properly; thus, causing it to overheat.

Considering the frequency of residential fires and the stakes involved, sitting back and ignoring the problem is definitely not an option.

Hire a professional and have your dryer vent cleaned once a year. These professionals will ensure that the vents are free from lint and other debris. Most importantly, you can be sure that your family and your home are safe from dryer vent fires.

Warning Signs That it’s Time to Clean Your Dryer Vent

Having a washer and a dryer is a convenience. However, cleaning the dryer vent is a maintenance task that most homeowners are not really aware of.

As lint and other debris build up over time, it causes restriction or reduction of airflow. Failure to maintain your dryer vent may result to a dryer fire.

According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, there has been a steady increase in the occurrence of dryer fires over the last decade.

AdvantaClean is dedicated in reducing fire hazards in your home.  So, we have decided to give you rundown of the warning signs that would indicate that it’s time to clean your dryer vent.

Drying time takes longer

When your dryer vent is clogged, the dryer has to work twice as hard just to get the clothes dry. As a result, drying time takes longer than usual.

For your clothes to dry, the dryer has to push out the hot, moist air. But when blockage occurs, the air stays in the dryer. This extra drying time will not only add to your electric bill, it may also cut the machine’s life in half.

Burning smell

Notice that burning smell when you run the dryer? That’s probably because of lint. Mind you, lint is extremely flammable and causes a burning smell when it gets too hot. So, stop using the dryer if you notice a burning smell and call a professional immediately.

Clothing seems unusually hot after a drying cycle

If your clothes are unusually hot at the end of the cycle, this may be an indication that your system is clogged and the vent is not exhausting properly.

You notice a musty smell

This is due to accumulated moisture in the dryer duct. As mentioned earlier, heat gets trapped inside the dryer when the vent is clogged.

If you notice any of the signs listed above, be sure to contact an HVAC specialist or a company that specialize in cleaning dryer vents. Do your part and have your dryer vents cleaned every year to keep your family safe.

Tips to Protect Your Home From Water Damage

When a house is properly maintained, water is a benefit and pleasure. But when vast amounts of water enter a home, it can lead to structural damage and loss of irreplaceable personal belongings.

Water damage can be devastating, and we know how important your home is to you and your family. In the hopes of helping you take good care of your house, we have rounded up a few tips that will help prevent water damage in the first place.

Start with the roof

Aside from unsightly water stains on the ceiling, a leaky roof can cause a lot more damage to your house. The unseen damage that is cause by roof leaks is often worse than what most people expect. In most cases, it can even lead to mold growth and rotting wood. That said, it is important to spot the problems early so as to make sure water won’t find its way indoors.

To prevent water damage, it would be best to have your roof inspected for undetected leaks and have it repaired as soon as possible.

Clean your gutters

It is important to make sure that your gutters are clean. If you are seeing a lot of sticks, bird’s nests, leaves and sediments up there, then your gutters may not be doing its job.

An overflowing gutter is going to send water up and over the edge. Check your gutters from time to time to make sure that they drain properly.

Keep an eye on your water bill

Since your water pipes are hidden, you may not be able to detect leaks until the damage is done. An unusually high water bill is one indication that you may have a water leak somewhere. Keep a close eye on your water bill each month and start taking steps once it starts to creep up.

Know how to shut off your water main

As a homeowner, it is important that you know how to shut off the water supply if in case a pipe suddenly bursts in your home and stop the flow of water.