The Importance of Regular Air Duct Cleaning

It is safe to say that nearly all of the time, most homeowners don't give their air ducts a single thought. After all, the air ducts aren't very visible in many homes (except for in some basements, perhaps). And, as long as the air ducts are doing their job reasonably well -- carrying cool air through the home in the summertime and distributing warm air during the winter--homeowners tend to ignore them.

This is not wise. Disregarding the air ducts in your home can lead to many problems-many of which could end up costing you a great deal of money in the long run. Regular cleaning of the air ducts can help homeowners to avoid several possible difficulties. Here are a number of reasons why it is important to have the air ducts in a home cleaned on a regular basis:

As air travels through the ducts, dirt and dust also travel through. This debris-which can include pieces of cotton lint, paper fibers, and other materials--accumulates in the junctures of two pieces of ductwork. This is a fire hazard, and only becomes more dangerous when homeowners fail to get regular cleanings.

The debris that accumulates in the air ducts over time can cause some ducts to become clogged, either fully or partially. When ductwork is clogged, it is much less efficient-and, therefore, uses a great deal more energy. This increases the homeowner's expenses for energy and is also not good for the environment.

When ductwork becomes clogged, the machinery will have to work harder in order to force the air through. This means that it is much more likely that machinery parts may begin to fail. The homeowner may have to replace parts like igniters, thermostats, or even motors far earlier than he would have if he had gotten regular air duct cleanings.

Ducts that are in need of cleaning make the home less comfortable to live in. This is because these ducts tend to hold in dampness during humid weather and hold in heat during cold weather (the debris absorbs any dampness or any heat and holds it).

If exterior vent outlets are not cleaned on a regular basis, it is likely that they will become popular entryways for insects, rodents, and birds. These insects and animals may even climb into the ductwork and die there, adding to the clogged debris.

People who suffer from allergies may find that their symptoms become worse as time goes on if their home's ductwork isn't regularly cleaned. This is because common allergens like dust mites and pollen gather in the congested ducts and are trapped there -- and then they are spread throughout the home via the air conditioning and/or the heat. Certain types of bacteria can thrive in ductwork as well, causing people to have issues with respiratory problems.

With all of these potential difficulties, the importance of regular air duct cleaning should be quite evident. Regular cleaning of the ductwork will help make for a healthy home.




Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2935370

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Fire Prevention Tips

 It is very important that you know the basics of fire prevention especially with regards to your property and within your own home. It is a good idea that one or more members of your family knows how to put out a fire when it happens. Other than that, everyone inside the house should know how to prevent a fire.

Keep wood and other flammable materials away from your fireplace. Make sure that the metal protective cover is in place before you start the fire to keep children away from the fireplace.

Repair loose cords from your appliances. If you can, replace them to be sure that there will be no accidents. It will only take a spark from these loose cords to cause enough fire to burn down your home.

If you can, try not to smoke indoors. Throw cigarette butts at the right place and make sure that they are out before you throw them away or else there might still be an amber that can cause fire.

Inform the entire family about your plans when fire happens. Agree to stay calm in case of fire inside the home and plan an escape route. Practice drills if you can.

Throw away or recycle used newspapers and other unnecessary materials that catch fire easily. If you need to store them for some reason, make sure that you store them to places that are away from any source of fire.

Never overload a socket or you might end up having to deal with fire. If you need more places to plug your appliance, spread them out to other outlets so that it will not overload your electrical socket.

Make sure that your home have a steady flow of air to avoid overheating of your appliances. When appliances are overheated, they tend to cause sparks which would later turn to fire.




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How Often Should You Have Your Carpet Professionally Cleaned?

Most people vacuum their carpet at least once per week. This helps prolong the life of carpet and keeps dust and pollen to a minimum in the home which creates a healthier environment. But running a vacuum cleaner over your carpet once a week won't clean the carpet deeply. Only a professional can perform a deep cleaning.

The professional carpet cleaners use steam and special chemicals which remove a lot more dirt, dust, pollen, and pet hair than your vacuum cleaner can.This is why it's important to have your carpets cleaned by a professional periodically.

The maximum recommended time between commercial cleaning is once per year. This is if you don't have a house-full of kids or animals living in your home. If it's just you or you and your spouse, and you're both gone most of the time, then once per year should be often enough.

A more realistic schedule for the average family would be twice a year or once every six months. A family with two adults and two kids and a pet produces much more dirt and grime than a single person or a couple.

If your home has kids, pets, and smokers, you might want to consider a professional cleaning every three months. This will ensure that your home stays fresh and odor-free between cleanings.

When are the best times to have your carpets cleaned? A lot of homeowners have this done just before major holidays or before large parties with many guests. Another good time is spring or early summer after residents have been couped up in the house for several months.

So have your carpet cleaned regularly and it will last much longer, look newer, and your family will be much healthier because of it.




Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5589347

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Five Signs You May Have Mold in Your Home

 The easy answer to whether or not you have mold in your home is, yes. There are thousands of different types of mold in the world, and all homes naturally have some mold and spores in the dust and air. Most types in small amounts will not cause severe problems with your health or affect your home adversely, but certain conditions can cause molds to grow and flourish to an unhealthy level. Here are some signs that you may have a high level of mold and/or a type of mold (like Black mold) that could be detrimental to your health and home.

You have areas of high moisture in your home. Mold needs water in order to grow. If your home is particularly humid, or you see lots of condensation around windows, conditions are optimal for a mold problem. Many areas in the southern states or by large bodies of water are particularly prone to high humidity and deserve extra vigilance. Air conditioning window units in particular can be a big source of extra moisture that can lead to mold infestations.

You have an unaddressed leak. A chronic leak in your plumbing, roof, or windows can lead not only to rot, but encourages the growth of mold. Timely repairs can prevent growth, but leaving a leak for more than a couple of days can be all you need to encourage mold to flourish.

Your home smells musty or earthy. Molds are living things that grow on organic based food sources like paper, wood and leaves. Think of how a forest floor or an old pile of leaves smells; if that's familiar, you may want to get your home inspected. Mold can hide within walls, in ductwork, or between the ceiling and roof, so visual evidence may not be available. Your sense of smell can be invaluable when it comes to mold detection.

You see strange specks in odd places. When mold grows it generally begins as spots in varying colors. Mold can be white, brown, black, green, and even orange. If you see specks of color around your air vents, on furniture, on walls, in the cabinet under the sink, etc. there could be a problem.

You or household members have chronic mold allergy symptoms. Respiratory problems, sinus problems, coughing, dry itchy eyes, skin irritation, and headaches are just a few symptoms of sensitivity to mold. Infants and children, the elderly, those with immune system issues, people with allergies, and pregnant women all have an increased susceptibility to molds. Black mold (Strachybotrys atra), a greenish gray mold, is responsible for over 100 kinds of respiratory problems, some so severe they have resulted in disability and even death.

If you are suspicious that you may have a mold problem in your home, it is important to have it tested. While there are kits available, it is a good idea to have a professional come in to do your testing. Some licensed home inspectors are also licensed mold assessors, able to test for mold with state-of-the-art equipment. An assessor will test your air, visually inspect your home, and can even use moisture meters and infrared thermography if a more thorough inspection is necessary. Once it is determined that you have a mold infestation, they can also give advice on remediation and prevention of future growths.

Knowing how to recognize a mold infestation early on can help you keep your family healthy and save money on costly remediation. The presence of mold can be an indicator of an even bigger problem like leaks or insufficient ventilation that can cost even more in home repairs. If you see the signs of mold in your home, don't hesitate to call a professional in order to determine the best path to protect your family and home.


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Carpet Cleaning By SERVPRO of Fairfield

Carpet Cleaning Services

Showcase Cleaning

• Pre-spot and Vacuum as needed
• Rotary Scrub with Cleaning Solution
• Hot Water/Steam Extraction
• Pilate Fibers
• Pad & Block Furniture

Steam Cleaning

(Quality results for light/medium soiling)
• Pre-spot and Vacuum as needed
• Hot Water/Steam Extraction
• Pilate Fibers
• Pad & Block Furniture

Specialty Cleaning of Area Carpets

• Oriental
• Persian
• Domestic
• Flocatti

Protection Treatments are available to extend the life of your furniture fabrics and carpet. These treatments also improve the effectiveness of future cleanings by helping to prevent the penetration of soils and stains.

Upholstery Cleaning

The method by which we will clean your upholstery furniture is determined as follows:

• Fiber Content of Fabric
• Customer specifications
• Manufacturer's Recommendations (if available)
• Special Spotting Needs
• Cleaning environment

Wet cleaning for durable fabrics and furniture

• Solution Base Cleaning
• Injection and High Vacuum Extraction
• Specialty Methods for Unusual or Difficult Needs

Dry cleaning for delicate fabrics

• On site cleaning
• Solvent based extraction
• Custom in-shop
• Hand dry clean for very delicate fabrics

Call SERVPRO of Fairfield at 707-207-0122 and schedule an appointment.

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Duct Cleaning - A Year Round Need

Duct  Cleaning

Ducts in the home or office contain particles that affect health.  Our duct cleaning techniques minimize health risks. We service residential and commercial customers Patented equipment includes a rotoscraper, which automatically adapts to the duct shape and diameter while traveling through the duct removing debris and filth before vacuuming begins.  A powerful push-pull air delivery and collection system transfers the debris from the ducting to a 16 gallon container.  Clean air is filtered through a HEPA filtration, removing 99.97 percent of particles before it returns to air-wash the duct.  A sealant can be sprayed to eliminate fallout. What we do: Remove Bacteria, Fungi and Mold Reduce Potential for Mold Growth  Restore Peak Energy Efficiency  Eliminate Offensive Odors  Free Written Inspections and Estimates National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) Call SERVPRO of Fairfield at 707-207-0122

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Water Damage In Your Home

WATER DAMAGE

Water Damage in your home can be damaging and devastating, and improperly dealt with can result in an unhealthy environment for you and your family. If water damage should occur from exterior flooding, broken water pipes, sewer backups, or any other source, we can help. The quicker mitigation services begin, the less damage occurs. That's why we strive to call you within 1 hour of your call for help, and have crews on site if needed within 2 hrs of your call (24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year). Our services include emergency water extraction and mitigation, Dry-out with "state of the art" equipment, Carpet, Vinyl, Hardwood, and other floor covering restoration or replacement, insulation, drywall, and paint repairs, mold remediation, and contents Drying and Restoration.

Call SERVPRO of Fairfield at 707-207-0122.

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A Small Fire Can Do A Lot Of Damage

There's no such thing as a small fire. Regardless of the size of the event, a fire in one room can damage belongings and surfaces throughout a home and cause odors that may last for years.

National fire statistics indicate that a residential fire occurs approximately every 90 seconds somewhere in the United States. However, when an Insured suffers a fire, only one fire matters. Your belongings are a treasure of life, and a reflection of hard work and achievements. Photographs, books, and other personal items have a value that cannot be put into words. SERVPRO of Fairfield Franchise Professionals have the ability to help restore your belongings.

Emergency Fire Damage Tips:

• Limit movement to prevent further damage
• Place clean towels or old linens on carpeted traffic areas to prevent more soiling.
• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting SERVPRO.
• Don't attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting SERVPRO.

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Some Do's and Don'ts Regarding Vandalism

Do:

• Hose or wash egg or other residue damage from building exterior as soon as possible.
• Carefully vacuum glass particles from carpets and upholstery.
• Save containers revealing the ingredients of products used in vandalism damage.
• Record all damage and photograph when possible.

Don't:

• Attempt to remove ink, paint or cosmetic stains.
• Operate damaged lamps or appliances.
• Discard broken or damaged pieces from porcelain, furniture or other contents that may be used for repair.

CALL: SERVPRO OF FAIRFIELD @ 707-209-0122

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Google's New Recipe View

Google now has the "recipe view" feature that will surely revolutionize the way we look for recipes online.

You can filter your search queries by ingredients, cook time, and even calories! You can even put what ingredients you have and those that you don't have.

The search results are a bit biased toward the more credible authority sites though and seem to have disregard for small time recipe blogs. This could really be a bad thing, I think. There is that different feel when an independent blogger shares an experience as compared to just reading about ingredients and directions in big recipe websites.

Of course a part of me is somewhat annoyed, also being that I had a similar website idea and that some of my ranking articles are about recipes and my traffic might be affected. But hey, this will only force me to innovate even more and really test the limits of my creativity. Competition is good, even when your competing against a giant like Google.

Speaking of competing with Google, the reason I haven't been blogging here is because I've been focusing on the more lucrative side of blogging for now. But of course this does not mean that I will no longer be posting here, no way. As useless as it may seem compared to my other blogs, Libreng Sabaw is probably the closest to my heart.

So anyways, introducing my newest blog about technology, social media, and search engine optimization: Beating the Search Engine.

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