Extracting dust from the air duct work, by means of duct cleaning, is very beneficial to the air quality in one’s home. There is more dust inside than outside, and this type of dust is the ideal environment for mites and bacteria to develop, which are dangerous for health specifically if there are little children playing in various places in the house.

Our home’s HVAC (Air Conditioning and Heat Ventilation) systems are most prone to dust accumulation since these seasonal machines are not operated most of the time during the year. Additionally, because air conditioners ventilate, dust becomes trapped in them and this causes various allergic reactions. For this reason, many companies offer duct cleaning services for HVAC systems like heaters, air conditioners and dehumidifiers. The air channels of these machines can be properly cleaned with specialized brushes and blowers.

When should you have your Ducts Cleaned?

• If you have NEVER had your ducts cleaned or if it has been over five years since your last cleaning
• Do your air or heat grills/registers appear to be excessively dirty or does one register seem to be pushing harder than another? This could be due to debris blockage, resulting in decreased efficiency
• Pregnant women, new babies, people living with Immune disorders, children and elderly should have their ducts cleaned due to susceptibility to illness or respiratory disorders
• People who have chronic sinus or allergy problems or unexplained headaches should have their ducts cleaned to ensure quality air and a decrease of inhaled pollutants which trigger these adverse affects
• If you are moving into a new home previously lived in by someone else you should clean your ducts to get rid of any debris form dander, smoke, pet fur, foreign contaminants or microbes left behind from the previous owner.
• If you are moving into a new construction home or have remodeled you should have your ducts cleaned due to the accumulation of debris construction scraps and particles
• When replacing your furnace you should have your ducts cleaned to maintain the life of the system ensure clean air and high system efficiency
• If you or a previous owner has had dogs or cats you should clean your ducts to remove hair or pet dander
• If a smoker lives or lived in your home
• If your ducts or furnace smell musty you should have your ducts cleaned
• If your registers or cold air returns have excessive dust on them or if dust reappears on your furniture shortly after dusting then you should have your ducts cleaned because this could be evidence of dust in your duct system or an improperly working filtration system

Examples of foreign bodies that could be found in your duct and ventilation system

• Dust mites
• Fungus
• Bacteria
• Dander
• Hair
• Rodents
• Feces
• Odor
• Mold spores
• Chemical fumes
• Paint
• Debris

Any type of build up debris particles or residue that can accumulate near your grates or vents can also end up in the duct system and air you breathe.

As a responsible society we are obligated to look after our environment as pollution has become a worldwide issue. If everybody uses duct cleaning for their homes, then one person follows and another person and after this the entire community will benefit. We must promote duct cleaning systems if we want a cleaner, environmentally friendly, and pollution free atmosphere. Cleaning ducts can be costly, yet the advantages definitely are greater than the expenses, particularly when one views it in the context of environmental issues that we face.

OZONE TREATMENT FOR ODORS

Ozone treatments can be used to treat a number of different odor problems in your home or office.  The list of odors that it can treat is quite extensive and includes odors from smoke, pet urine, mold, cigarettes, skunks and much more.  It is a very effective odor removal tool and one that is often employed by carpet cleaners.

How does ozone work?

Ozone is a molecule containing three oxygen atoms.  It is created when UV rays strike a normal oxygen molecule that contains two oxygen atoms.  The UV rays split the molecule creating two single oxygen atoms.  These single atoms then reattach themselves to regular oxygen molecules creating ozone.  When these ozone molecules come into contact with odor molecules, the extra oxygen atom breaks off and attaches itself to the odor molecules and destroy it.

What are the benefits of ozone?

Ozone is more effective than many chemical sanitizers.  Because the third molecule of oxygen has such a weak bond, it breaks off very easily.  This makes it very aggressive at destroying odor causing molecules.

How are the areas treated with ozone?

Your carpet cleaner will place their ozone generator in the area in need of odor removal.  They will then place fans in the room or rooms, if necessary, to circulate the ozone.  The area is then sealed off and the ozone is allowed to work.  Ozone, in high doses, is unsafe so nobody will be allowed in the area during treatment.  Depending on the extent of the odor, the machine will need to run for several hours to several days.  After treatment, the machine will be turned off and the area will sit for 4 to 8 hours to allow the ozone to convert back to oxygen.

It is a process in which a blasting gun fires dry ice particles (rice-sized) at supersonic speed to impact and clean a surface. The particles are accelerated by compressed air, just as with other blasting systems. Upon impact the dry ice sublimates (goes from a solid to a gas without passing through a liquid phase). The substrate (surface) is left free of mold spores.

There are three phases in the dry ice blasting process. Energy transfer works when dry ice pellets are propelled out of the blasting gun at supersonic speed and impact the surface. The energy transfer helps to knock off the contaminant with little or no damage to the surface.

Micro-thermal shock occurs when the freezing effect of the dry ice pellets hitting the contaminant creates a micro-thermal shock (caused by the dry ice temperature of -79º C) between the surface contaminant and the substrate. This phase isn’t as much a factor for removal of mold as it is with resins, oils, waxes, food particles and other contaminants. For substances such as these, the thermal shock causes cracking and delamination of the contaminant, furthering the elimination process.

The final phase, gas pressure, has the dry ice pellet explode on impact and, as the pellet warms, it converts to a CO2 gas, generating a volume expansion of 400 to 800 times. The rapid expansion underneath the contaminant on the substrate forces off the contaminant from behind. The energy transfer and gas pressure dynamics cause the contaminant to be relocated, becoming airborne (as with mold spores) or falls to the ground. The mold spores then need to be removed by HEPA filters. Since the dry ice sublimates into a gas, no media remains to be cleaned up.

Mold Remediation Process

Utilizing dry-ice blasting technology does not alter the mold-cleaning process very much. Take the example of a second floor residence with no attic and having drywall on walls and ceiling being infested with mold. First, the second floor needs to be isolated from the first floor. Next, negative pressure needs to be created using a HEPA-filtered air scrubber. If there is any severely damaged carpeting and drywall, it should be double bagged and discarded. For the sake of this example, we will say that one half of the ceiling and all exterior wall drywall needed to be stripped and removed.

At this point, dry-ice blasting can be utilized to clean the plywood and support beams. The blasting gun can easily be managed to target the desired mark. Specific nozzle types best suited for cleaning wood can be utilized, e.g. a fan-shaped nozzle, creating a pattern several inches wide, can be used to “sweep” up and down boards and beams. The dry ice being fired on the wood can typically remove mold in a way that is clearly visible and in a methodical manner. Once the blasting phase is complete and all surfaces have been vacuumed and cleared of sawdust and other debris, mold remediators should follow up by applying a micro-biocide spray to remediated areas to inhibit future growth.

Benefits

With dry ice blasting as it pertains to mold removal, it is common to see a 60 percent time savings over other methods. Blasting can also effectively and easily clean in tight spaces that would be difficult for hands or tools to reach.

When the dry ice changes from a solid to a gas, the volume expansion over surfaces such as wood, concrete or stone efficiently results in a stripping effect removing the mold from the surfaces. Typical results show less than 1 percent of toxic mold spores remain.

Dry ice sublimates and leaves no media for cleanup. The blasting process will generate saw dust, just as sanding would; however, when compared to other blasting methods, the time and cost to address the secondary waste generated by the media is eliminated.

Your textile furnishing was treated to expert, professional care during its recent cleaning.  An extra effort was made to treat all stains before and/or after cleaning.  Even with the best of cleaning and spot removal efforts, however, certain stains may not  have come out completely.  These tenacious stains were absorbed by the fiber, just like a dye, and have permanently discolored or recolored the fibers in the stained area.  It is also possible that the prior spillage or stain produced a damaging chemical change to the fiber and its original dyed color.  Such color changes are usually permanent and cannot be reversed or returned to their original color.  Some common causes of permanent stains on textile furnishings are discussed below.

Many spills will permanently stain certain fibers and affect dyes.  Pet urine stains are a very common occurrence, and can lead to permanent discoloration.  This discoloration may be visible before cleaning or it may become evident during or after the cleaning process.  Spills of coffee, tea, cola and other drinks can also cause permanent stains, especially on wool, some nylons, cotton and silk.  Even “stain resistant” nylon carpets can be permanently stained by hot coffee, hot tea and other common foods, bleach household chemicals or medicines.

Many over-the-counter acne creams and medications may cause lightening or color changes on textile furnishings; however, these changes may appear during or after cleaning.  The primary cause of these discolorations is the presence of benzoyl peroxide (a bleach).  Benzoyl peroxide is a powerful color remover, but often does not become fully activated until the moisture in the textile (usually carpet) is increased, usually during cleaning or humid weather.  There are numerous other household chemicals that may produce stains, such as some pesticides, ammonia, strong cleaners, chlorine bleach or peroxides, chlorine from pool or spa water, furniture scratch remover, shoe dye, chemical preservative, cosmetics and many more.

To lessen the possibility of staining, immediate action should be taken when any spillage or accident occurs.  Blot up all liquid or scrape up as much of the spilled substance as possible.  Then, put a thick layer (1/2″- 1″) of clean, white absorbent material or toweling over the area and weigh it down with a large book or suitable weight.  Replace the absorbent material often in order to absorb as much of the spill as possible until no more stain removal is evident.  Then call your local Specialist in  Cleaning and Restoration who can give your textile furnishing the best cleaning and stain care possible.

Smoke is inevitable by-product of fires.  We may think of it as simply a dark cloud, but smoke also contains finely dispersed liquids and gases.  In fact, the most dangerous components of smoke are the invisible gases present during the fire.

After the fire, the gases disperse but the smoke solids and liquids remain on exposed surfaces.  These deposits are more accurately called “smoke residue”  than “smoke”, because they are no longer the same as the heated cloud generated by the fire.

Smoke residues vary in character.  Some appear as dry particles, others as smeary flakes, still others are sticky liquids.  The type of residue depends on the items that burned and their rate of combustion.  Smoke residues often emit obnoxious odors which persist long after the fire.

Questions of toxicity often arise, particularly when the odor is intense.  Off-gassing may cause eyes to tear, particularly in confined spaces.  While no studies have been performed on the effects of breathing smoke residues after a fire, it seems obvious that they cannot be healthful.  It is important to remember, however, that smoke residues are not the same threat to health.

In typical residential fires the introduction of outside air by direct ventilation will quickly lower odor levels as well as allergic responses.  Complete and permanent return of burned components and effective cleaning procedures.Thorough cleaning with appropriate detergents does neutralize and remove smoke residues.

Occasionally smoke residues seem to penetrate finishes or stain absorbent surfaces.  These are permanent changes in the materials themselves rather than retained smoke residue.  Because smoke residues are often acidic, prompt removal from exposed metals is important in order to minimize corrosion.

It is important to note that, in an overwhelming majority of cases, prompt and effective restoration can return smoke-damaged items to their original attractive and wholesome state.

Sometimes stains that have been hidden by soil are revealed after cleaning.  These stains, which did not immediately cause discoloration, are often from spilled liquid containing colorless sugar that remained on the fibers.  After long exposure to the air, they changed to insoluble brown stains.  The stains may look like brownish discolorations but often they remain unnoticed because of the accumulated soil covering them.  Some food and drink stains may inevitably turn even darker from the necessary drying action after a thorough cleaning.

Other kinds of stains can be caused by water soaking through and dissolving materials that cause browning, or dissolving fugitive dyes from the back of the carpet, rug, or upholstery.  Because the fibers act as wicks, moisture will rise to the surface to evaporate, and discoloration will be left.  Consumers who try to remove stains by using the wrong cleaning compounds and procedures may only make stained areas more noticeable.

Professional cleaners use specialty cleaning and stain removal treatments to improve the appearance of forgotten drink spills –cola, coffee, tea, alcoholic beverages, soda and others.  Even with the best treatments, some colored residue or caramelized sugar stain resulting from the prior spillage may remain.

To lessen the possibility of stain damage, immediate action should be taken; thoroughly absorb all moisture and, when possible, put a half-inch thickness of clean, white, absorbent material, such as paper or cloth toweling,  over the area and weight it down.  Keep replacing with fresh absorbent material and repeat as needed.  Then call your certified cleaning and restoration company to learn how to remove the spot safely before it becomes a permanent stain.

Water Damage Related Health Hazards and Risks

Dampness and humidity promote the growth of moisture-related mold and mildew that can lead to toxic, mold-related reactions such as immune disorders, pathogenic disease and cancer. Allergic reactions consist of painful headaches, disorientation and dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, chronic asthma, rashes and open sores, and chronic fatigue.

Be aware that floodwaters may also be contaminated with sewage and waste. These are fertile breeding ground for disease carrying termites and insect infestation.

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Protecting your home against vandalism

AA checklist for a safer home

If your home or vehicle has ever been subjected to vandalism no doubt you felt angry, frustrated and inconvenienced. Vandalism can take many forms and among the most common, according to our home insurance research, are the smashing of windows, throwing of damaging items such as glass bottles, paint, stones, garden furniture and eggs, damage to garden furniture and graffiti.

 To help protect your home against vandalism we’ve put together the following preventative tips:

• Report broken street lights near your home to your local council.
• Install motion sensor security lights on the exterior of your home.
• Review your home for security weak spots.
• Avoid unsavoury items being pushed through your home’s letter box by installing a draft excluder or have a special anti-vandalism model fitted.
• A visible burglar alarm on the exterior of your home is likely to prove a deterrent for vandals as well as thieves.
• Never leave your home’s windows or doors unlocked.
• Lock your home’s gates at night.
• Trim back any over grown hedges encircling your home.  
• Don’t leave valuables in your car.
• Lock your garden furniture away at night.
• If you witness an act of vandalism taking place, take a photograph and note the details, if safe to do so and report it to the Gardaí immediately.
• If you live in an apartment block, consider joining the residents committee so you can influence any anti-vandalism measures taken. Alternatively you may want to join your local neighbourhood watch group.
• When going on holidays, ask a neighbour to keep an eye on your home and put one or two lights on a timer if you can. Better still, get someone to housesit.
• Take out competitive home contents and home building cover with AA Home Insurance. All Home Insurance policies offer insurance cover from theft, malicious persons or vandals. To get a great value Home Insurance quote click here.

Making a vandalism claim on your Home Insurance policy:

When making a vandalism claim to your home insurer it’s important to get it right.  To help you do this, we’ve put together the following steps:  

• Call the Gardaí immediately to report the crime.
• Double check that it’s only vandalism that has been committed and not theft.
• Don’t move anything until the Gardaí have examined your house and given the all clear.
• Read over your Home Insurance Policy and the information it provides in relation to vandalism claim.

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A house fire

A lightning strike can set fire to your home, but the likelihood of that is slim compared with more common summer sparks, such as outdoor grilling and fireworks.

According to firesafety.gov, nearly 10,000 Americans are injured by fireworks each year, and 5,000 are injured by charcoal, wood-burning and propane grill fires. Anderson, from State Farm, says July is the peak summer month for insurance claims related to smoke and fire losses. The average cost for such a claim between 2005 and 2009 was $23,548, she says.

Protect your home and yourself by following a few fire-safety tips:

• Never light fireworks indoors or near dry grass.
• Always have a bucket of water, a fire extinguisher or both nearby.
• Dispose of hot coals properly; douse them with plenty of water, and stir them to ensure that the fire is out. Never place them in plastic, paper or wooden containers.

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