Proper cleaning of ventilation systems is essential for both commercial and residential properties, especially before using your air conditioning system. According to the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), air ducts should be cleaned at least every three to five years, or more frequently if there are specific issues with the ventilation system. At SERVPRO of Southern Scioto & Lawrence Counties, we understand the importance of maintaining a clean and healthy environment, and that's why we recommend having your ventilation system cleaned on a regular basis based on industry standards.
One of the key benefits of having your ventilation system cleaned is improved air quality. Over time, dust, dirt, and other contaminants can build up in your air ducts, which can circulate throughout your property when you turn on your AC system. This can cause respiratory issues and other health problems for occupants, especially those with allergies or respiratory conditions. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air, so it's important to ensure your ventilation system is clean.
In addition, having your ventilation system cleaned can also improve the efficiency of your air conditioning system. When your air ducts are clogged with debris, your AC system has to work harder to cool your property, which can lead to higher energy bills and a shorter lifespan for your system. According to the US Department of Energy, dirty air filters and ducts can reduce HVAC efficiency by up to 20%.
Finally, having your ventilation system cleaned can also help to prevent fires. When dust and debris build up in your air ducts, it can become a fire hazard, especially if there are any electrical components in the system. According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly 17,000 home fires are caused by clothes dryers each year, and failure to clean the dryer vent is the leading cause of these fires.
At SERVPRO of Southern Scioto & Lawrence Counties, we are committed to providing high-quality ventilation cleaning services for both commercial and residential properties based on industry standards. Our team of experienced technicians use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to remove dirt, debris, and other contaminants from your air ducts, ensuring a clean and healthy environment for you and your occupants. Contact us today to schedule your ventilation cleaning service and experience the benefits for yourself.
Keurig cleaning tips from your friends at SERVPRO of Southern Scioto and Lawrence Counties
The following steps work on all Keurig machines. If you own a Keurig 2.0 — and I don’t — you’ll need to keep an old, used pod to insert in the machine or it won’t pump water through in Step 7 at all.
1. Unplug it. I can’t emphasize this enough: unplug the thing!
2. Disassemble it. Remove the water tank and its lid, along with the stand your coffee cup rests on. Open the top and remove the K-Cup holder. Wash these pieces in warm, soapy water and dry well:
3. Unclog the needles. Grab a paperclip and partially unbend it. With the Keurig’s top open, carefully insert the free end of the paperclip into each of the three holes along the needle that pierces the K-Cup. Jiggle the paperclip around then remove it. Don’t worry about harming your machine: there are no working parts here, just holes that get clogged with scale and debris. Like so:
If using a paperclip concerns you, commercial cleaning kits containing special pods will accomplish this same step. (Amazon $8.99)
NOTE: One reader reports that you can contact Keurig at 1 (866) 901-2739 and they’ll ship you a free tool to do this. Personally, when my coffee maker isn’t working I don’t want to wait for days to fix it. So I do the rest of this and, voilà, it works like new again.
4. Turn and tap. Turn your machine completely upside down and, with the top open, give the bottom a few light smacks with the palm of your hand. Crazy as it sounds, this helps loosen debris. It’s best to do this over a sink since tapping will dislodge buildup that’s been preventing water flow within the machine and may lead to a rush of water coming out.
5. Clear the tube. Thought the previous step sounded crazy? This one’s even wackier, and yet it works! With the machine still upside down, put a drinking straw over the spout. Wrap this juncture with a paper towel to make it as close to air-tight as possible. Now, blow as hard as you can into the straw to force air through the Keurig spout to dislodge scale buildup in the water line.
UPDATE: Some readers have asked if it’s safe to insert a pipe cleaner in this tube. I wouldn’t recommend it due to concerns that the wire within the pipe cleaner could puncture the water tube. Others have asked whether it’s sanitary to blow on it. You’ll be using vinegar to descale in a moment, and vinegar has germ-killing properties.
6. Wipe it down and reassemble. Grab a lint-free cloth and clean the cup holder and the outside of the machine. Return all of the parts to their places.
7. Descale it. Fill the water tank with half water and half white vinegar. You may have been told to use straight vinegar, but that can harm the machine due to vinegar’s high acidity — keep it at a 50-50 mix, or use a commercial Keurig descaling product (Amazon $12.99). Immediately begin running the vinegar-water through the machine until you’ve emptied the entire tank, dumping each cup as it brews.
Keurig 2.0 users: Your Keurig machine won’t run without a pod in the holder, so just insert a used one. By the time the liquid comes out, the vinegar-water will already have done its job and it won’t matter if leftover coffee or tea drains along with it. You won’t be drinking this, anyway.
8. Run clean water through it. After you’ve run an entire tank of vinegar water, repeat the above step using only water. Check the final cup to make sure there’s no vinegar taste, and run more fresh water through if needed. To test whether you’ve got all of the vinegar out of your Keurig, one reader suggests sprinkling a pinch of baking soda into the final cup of water: if it fizzes there’s still vinegar in the system so you’ll need to run more clean water through it.
9. Maintain it. For most households, performing steps 7 and 8 above every three months will keep your Keurig working wonderfully. If your machine gets heavy use (in an office setting, for instance), you might want to perform all of these steps monthly.
Now that you know how to clean a Keurig and get yours running like new again, you can go back to enjoying your morning jolt of caffeine!
Regular carpet cleaning not only means cleaner carpets, but can also contribute to a healthier home environment.
Regular carpet cleaning not only means cleaner carpets, but can also contribute to a healthier home environment.
Carpet cleaning can improve the appearance of your home and extend the life of your carpet, but perhaps the most valuable benefit from the process is improving you and your family's health.
According to the American Lung Association, if members of your household suffer from conditions that can affect their breathing, such as snoring or asthma, it's especially crucial that you vacuum your carpets at least three times a week.
Beyond vacuuming regularly, you may also benefit from having your carpets professionally cleaned at least once a year. If you're not fully convinced of the benefits of professional carpet cleaning, consider the following top three ways the process leads to a healthier home:
1. Carpet cleaning eliminates trapped pollutants.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a dirty carpet can retain several sources of indoor air pollutants, including pet dander, cockroach allergens, lead, particle pollution, and everyday dirt and dust. Toxic airborne gases can adhere to these particles and also get trapped within the carpet.
These toxic gases can be released through everyday activities such as vacuuming and walking across the carpet, which can cause them to contaminate the air in your home. Professional carpet cleaning services kills these bacteria through special shampooing formulas and can remove deeply trapped pollutants with high-powered vacuums.
2. Carpet cleaning can clear out dust mite infestations.
Many homes have dust mite infestations, yet most homeowners aren't aware of the infestation, because the creatures are microscopic. Dust mites themselves aren't allergens, but they often leave behind feces and body fragments which are.
Because of the microscopic size of these particles, they can easily be inhaled when the area is disturbed, which can exacerbate allergies. Many professional carpet cleaning companies utilize a technique known as steam cleaning when performing carpet maintenance work, which exposes your carpet to high temperatures that dust mites can't survive.
3. Carpet cleaning can help prevent mold growth.
Especially in areas with high humidity levels, dirty carpets are at a high risk of developing mold growth when exposed to moisture. In precipitous weather, moisture frequently gets tracked into the home and can sink deep in the carpet fibers if not dried and vacuumed immediately.
Having your carpet cleaned regularly can prevent mold and mildew growth, because professional carpet cleaners have high-powered drying tools that annihilate moisture. By eliminating moisture, you can prevent mold growth that can be harmful to your health if ignored for too long.
When you're ready to call on a carpet cleaner, call on your friends at SERVPRO of Southern Scioto and Lawrence Counties.
How Often Should You Change Your Furnace Air Filter?
Knowing When Is The Safest Bet On Changing HVAC Filters
“I only change my furnace filter when it looks dirty.” Although this is a common assumption of how to know when to replace a furnace filter, it is not good advice. If you can see a buildup of particulates on your filter then it should have most likely already been replaced. A dirty filter not only reduces the efficiency of your furnace but more importantly, negatively impacts the quality of the air you and your family breathe.
But how do you know when to change your filter? The correct answer is: it depends. Many manufacturers recommend that you change your furnace filter every three months. But this is only meant as a guideline. As you might have guessed, every household is different.
A variety of factors may determine how often you change your filter. They include the type of filter, specific conditions in the home, and furnace usage patterns, to name just a few.
If you’re looking for a quick and simple answer to when to replace your furnace filter, skip on down to the “Basic Guidelines …” section. But if you’re the inquisitive sort that wants to know everything there is to know about furnace filters, well, you’re on the right site. Feel free to read on.
DO YOU NEED TO CHANGE YOUR HVAC FILTER?
Air filters in your home central heating/cooling unit don't last forever. They filter dust, pollen, bacteria and mold from your air, so what you breathe is clean. A clogged-up air filter kills your unit's energy efficiency. If neglected long enough, it can send air pollutants, dust and spores all over your house, and can eventually clog the vents as well. Clogged vents can cause pressure to build up, causing leaks in several places over time, which effectively defeats the purpose of having them. If you have recently discovered having allergies, or sinus or breathing issues, it could be due to not having clean air running through your house.
Additionally, having your system running efficiently helps it do its job better in extreme weather. During the summer, when you're faced with extreme heat, a cleaner air filter is going to allow your AC to run more efficiently, keeping you safe, and costing you less. During the winter, clean filters will help you stay heated without your central heating system working too hard, saving the motor and again, saving you money.
FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO FILTER REPLACEMENT
Not all homes are alike, a number of factors can determine when to change the air filter. The type of filter, the number of occupants in the home, the number of pets, the amount the furnace/AC is used, and whether or not doors and windows are left open are some of the main factors to consider when deciding to change an air filter. Be aware of the size and thickness of the filter as well, as it will contribute to the filter’s effectiveness and lifespan.
In addition to these factors there are individual needs and preferences to consider when deciding to change an air filter. For instance, if a person in the home has Asthma, severe allergies, or other respiratory conditions changing the air filter more frequently is recommended. A fresh filter can help relieve or prevent some potential issues and should be considered when determining a timeframe for filter replacement.
BASIC GUIDELINES FOR REPLACING A FURNACE FILTER
As mentioned earlier, a number of factors will determine when to change your furnace filters. However, below are some guidelines you can use as a general reference.
-Average suburban home w no pets – 90 days - Average home w pet – 60 days - More than one pet or allergies – 30-45 days - Vacation home or single occupant (no pets, no allergies) - up to 6 months
There you have it. When to change your furnace filter depends on more than the thickness and appearance of the filter. Although every three months is the standard, it will ultimately depend on a variety of individual factors. But in general, it is a good idea to err on the side of caution. Changing your filter more often will only ensure the quality of the air you breath while also saving you money on the operation of your furnace.
When the grass starts to grow, the trees start to bud, and the birds are building nests we know that spring is upon us.
This is also the season for spring cleaning, most of us start with the inside of our house but often neglect the outside. It is amazing how dirty the siding, sidewalks, and drives can become over the course of a year.
SERVPRO of Southern Scioto and Lawrence Counties offers full service pressure washing. Let us come out and give you a demonstration. We can pressure wash all surfaces including siding, wood, concrete, and stucco.
Take a look at the results in the before and after pictures. Making your siding look like new is our goal!
To schedule a demostration call Debbie at 740-534-9210
Our files are ruined ..... Document Recovery after a Disaster!!!!
Document recovery is just as critical as facility recovery!!!
When an event occurs at your place of business or document storage facility there must be a plan in place to recover your documents, SERVPRO of Southern Scioto and Lawrence Counties has your answer. As part of our restoration process we have the means and a process by which we can save your documents.
Documents can be damaged in many different ways from smoke, to water, to water that is contaminated with bacteria and each of these has a different method for recovery.
We follow these steps to ensure the best recovery possible.
Inventory
We barcode every box using the iCat system, allowing us to know the location of any box in our facility at any time. All Documents will be inventoried at the location of the loss prior to packaging.
Drying
Process in which an item containing moisture is frozen and dried using various vacuums and pressures to achieve sublimation.
Decontamination / Gamma
High-energy photons are emitted from an isotope source (Cobalt 60) producing ionization (electron disruptions) throughout a product. In living cells, these disruptions result in damage to the DNA and other cellular structures. These photon-induced changes at the molecular level cause the death of the organism or render the organism incapable of reproduction. The gamma process does not create residuals or impart radioactivity in processed products.
Gamma Irradiation is a process that is used for cleaning/disinfecting and decontaminating documents or other consumer goods.
In a CAT 3 situation (Sewage or Flood water) documents are not only deteriorating but are also infected with all types of bacteria. As you all know in most storm situations you are dealing with CAT 3 water, therefore most of the affected documents that you will encounter will be contaminated; if this is the case than de-contamination is always a must.
Cleaning
We will go through each box page by page to wipe down and remove dirt, soot, or other contaminants. We have 3 levels of cleaning based on the type of soiling, and how heavy it is.
Deodorizing
Many times documents that have been affected will hold residual smells of contaminants, or mildew, and should be deodorized before being returned to your client.
Digitizing
With the new age of technology digitizing records and documents has become a standard practice in most industries. This eliminates the need to have massive file storage rooms and allows us to access records at the click of a button. If your file room was damaged by water, or smoke, and needed to be cleaned, dried, or decontaminated, digitizing might be a good choice to eliminate the need to have 100’s or even 1000’s of documents and records in storage.
Certified Destruction
Often times facilities will still have documents they no longer need to hold on to and would simply like to have them disposed of properly.
As you can see we are very thourgh in our process which can give you some relief during a very trying time. It is our desire to make it "Like it never even happened."
We all make sure our house is clean but, do we clean all the unseen areas? We all know the answer to that question is NO!!!
One place that is often overlooked is the HVAC filter and ducts. Your furnace/heat pump/air conditioning system's filter will remove over 90% of dust and pollutants, but over a course of years the 10% missed can build up in the duct work.
This build up can lead to pollutants in the air that circulates throughout your home. The best way to cure this problem is to have your duct work professionally cleaned.
SERVPRO of Southern Scioto and Lawrence Counties offers comprehensive HVAC duct cleaning services from large to small systems.
Spring is the season of cleaning let us give you an estimate on getting your duct work cleaned. We are offering a 25% discount on all duct cleaning jobs between now and May 15th.
If you answered Yes to that question let us HELP!!!!
Having a consistent cleaning program not only keeps up the appearance of your carpet but will help extend the life of the carpet. Most carpet manufactures suggest having your carpet cleaned at least once every 12 months, more if a heavy traffic area.
SERVPRO of Southern Scioto and Lawrence Counties offers 6 levels of carpet cleaning services ranging from Bonnet Cleaning, a surface cleaning, to Showcase Cleaning, a multi step deep cleaning.
Give us a call at 740-534-9210 to get an estimate, if you mention that you saw this blog post we will give you a 25% discount on that cleaning.
24/7 Emergency Service
Time to clean!
