Prepare your home for seasonal changes: The role for your air Ducts

9/25/2023 (Permalink)

Air duct cleaning plays a crucial role in maintaining the quality of the air we breathe within our homes. As the seasons change and we find ourselves spending more time indoors, it becomes even more important to ensure that our air ducts are clean and free from contaminants.

Gone are the days when air duct cleaning was considered an unnecessary task as long as the heating, cooling, and ventilation systems were functioning properly. Today, people are much more aware of the impact that polluted air can have on their health and wellbeing. Air duct cleaning has transformed into a necessary evil, combating the increasing pollution that infiltrates our living and working spaces.

The benefits of cleaning air ducts are widely recognized. It not only enhances the efficiency of the heating and cooling systems but also reduces the workload on the system, resulting in lower electricity bills and an extended lifespan for the equipment. Most importantly, regular air duct cleaning is essential for maintaining the health and wellbeing of our families.

One common question that arises is how often should air ducts be cleaned. A multitude of companies in the air duct cleaning business recommend different intervals, ranging from yearly cleanings to every three to five years. However, the latter option hardly seems logical. Generally, scheduling an air duct cleaning on an annual basis, or at least every other year, should suffice in keeping your system in optimal working order and your family in good health. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule, as certain situations may require more frequent cleaning of the air ducts.

Weather conditions play a significant role in determining the frequency of air duct cleaning. If you reside in an area prone to severe climatic conditions, particularly hot and humid climates, it is advisable to clean your air ducts more frequently.

If there are pets in your home that shed dander, their fur and particles may contaminate the air ducts through the circulated air. Consequently, more frequent cleaning of the air ducts becomes necessary.

Construction and renovation activities in your home can introduce various pollutants into the air ducts. Similarly, if you are moving into a new house, it is crucial to consider air duct cleaning, as you never know what contaminants may be lurking in the ducts.

For smokers, a more frequent air duct cleaning session is highly recommended to eliminate the presence of tobacco residue and odors.

In cases where a family member suffers from respiratory diseases or allergies, prioritizing air duct cleaning becomes paramount at the beginning of each season. This helps maintain a healthier indoor environment and alleviate any potential triggers for allergies or respiratory issues.

Your heating, cooling, and ventilation systems often provide clear indications when it's time for an air duct cleaning session. Here are a few signs to look out for:

• Reduced air flow from the vents is a strong indicator that the ducts may be clogged and in need of cleaning. You can easily notice this by placing your hand near the vents and feeling the airflow.

• If you detect a foul odor within your home, it may be a sign that your air ducts need attention and cleaning.

• Moisture in the ducts creates an ideal environment for mold growth. If you notice any dampness, it is a clear indication that your air ducts require cleaning.

• Debris accumulation on the air registers is another telltale sign that it's time to clean your air ducts. Dirty registers are a clear indication that contaminants are present in the ducts.

• Allergic reactions without an apparent cause can indicate poor indoor air quality, highlighting the immediate need for air duct cleaning.

In light of the changing seasons and the increased time spent indoors, it's crucial to prioritize the cleanliness of your air ducts. Ensuring that the air circulating in your home is clean and free from contaminants is essential for maintaining the health and well-being of your family.

If you are looking for professional air duct cleaning services, SERVPRO is here to assist you. Visit our website for more information on this service: http://www.SERVPROarlingtonheightsprospectheights.com/airduct-cleaning

Experts in Air Duct Cleaning

9/25/2023 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO, we understand the importance of maintaining clean and healthy indoor air quality. That's why we specialize in professional air duct cleaning services that help improve the air you breathe. Our team of experts is committed to providing top-notch service and ensuring that your air ducts are thoroughly cleaned and free from contaminants.

Why Choose SERVPRO for Air Duct Cleaning?

• Experience and Expertise: With years of experience in the industry, our technicians are highly trained and knowledgeable in all aspects of air duct cleaning. We use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to deliver exceptional results.

• Comprehensive Cleaning Process: We follow a comprehensive cleaning process that involves inspecting your air ducts, removing debris and contaminants, and thoroughly cleaning the entire system. Our goal is to eliminate dust, allergens, mold, and other pollutants from your air ducts, improving the overall air quality in your home or business.

• Customized Solutions: We understand that every property is unique, and that's why we offer customized solutions tailored to your specific needs. Our team will assess your air ducts and recommend the most appropriate cleaning frequency based on factors such as the type of building, occupancy, and environmental conditions.

• Industry Standards and Best Practices: SERVPRO adheres to industry standards and best practices for air duct cleaning. We follow the guidelines set by organizations such as the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), ensuring that our services are reliable and of the highest quality.

• Convenience and Efficiency: We strive to make the air duct cleaning process as convenient and efficient as possible for our customers. Our team will work around your schedule and minimize disruption to your daily activities while delivering exceptional results in a timely manner.

Maintain Clean and Healthy Air with SERVPRO

At SERVPRO, we take pride in helping our customers maintain clean and healthy indoor air quality. Our air duct cleaning services are designed to remove contaminants and improve the overall performance of your HVAC system. Trust our team of experts to deliver exceptional results and provide you with peace of mind.

Contact SERVPRO today to schedule an air duct cleaning appointment and experience the difference we can make in your indoor air quality.

Here to Help

9/21/2023 (Permalink)

The first 48 hours following a fire incident are crucial in determining whether your property and personal belongings can be restored or will need to be replaced. SERVPRO's 1-4-8 Service Response Guidelines are designed to minimize long-term issues caused by fire damage. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals offer prompt mitigation services, including fire, smoke, and soot removal, contents claims inventory, and document restoration. These services aim to restore your property, belongings, and cherished memories to their preloss condition whenever possible. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are available round the clock, 365 days a year, to help you regain control swiftly. In the meantime, you can follow these steps until a service provider like SERVPRO arrives:

• Limit movement within your home to prevent the spread of soot particles and further damage.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, high traffic areas, and upholstery.
• Apply petroleum jelly or oil to chrome faucets, trim, and appliances.
• Insert aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpet.
• Avoid washing walls or painted surfaces.
• Refrain from shampooing carpets or upholstery.
• Do not attempt to clean any electrical equipment.
• Avoid sending clothing to a dry cleaner, as improper cleaning methods may set the smoke odor.

Rid Your Home of Mold

9/21/2023 (Permalink)

Addressing House Mold: Four Cleaning Techniques

Dealing with mold in your Prospect Heights, IL home can be distressing, but a small amount of mold growth shouldn't cause immediate panic. However, if you come across a widespread and severe mold issue, it's best to seek assistance from a professional mold cleaning company. For minor mold problems discovered early on, you can try utilizing these four cleaning techniques:

1. Scrub Hard Surfaces Using White Vinegar and Baking Soda

Utilize the acidic properties of white vinegar, which is an effective natural mold removal solution. It breaks down and eliminates most types of mold. Baking soda, on the other hand, absorbs moisture, eliminates odors, and kills mold. Create a solution by combining vinegar and baking soda, then spray it onto surfaces with mold and scrub thoroughly.

2. Soak Fabrics in Hot Water and Oxygen Bleach

Moist fabrics like clothes, linens, or upholstered furniture can become a breeding ground for mold. If you notice visible mold on fabric, start by scrubbing it off with a brush. Then, soak the fabric in hot water mixed with oxygen bleach to eliminate any remaining mold.

3. Gently Wipe Paper Using Hydrogen Peroxide

Cleaning mold from books and paper can be challenging. Begin by ensuring that the paper is completely dry. Next, use a soft paintbrush to brush away any visible mold. Take a cloth towel dampened with a small amount of hydrogen peroxide and lightly wipe the paper, allowing it to dry afterward.

4. Clean Tiles With Chlorine Bleach and Water

If mold has infiltrated the grout of your tile floors, a mixture of chlorine bleach and water will prove effective. Combine one cup of bleach with a gallon of water, mop it onto the floors, and let it sit for 15 minutes. Afterward, scrub the area clean.

Rid Your Home of Mold

Implement these four cleaning hacks to address house mold. However, if the problem exceeds your expectations, don't hesitate to contact a professional mold remediation company for assistance.

Restoring Your Property After A Fire Damage Event

9/5/2023 (Permalink)

Early on Monday, August 28th, a house suffered significant damage when a fire broke out and rapidly spread from a second-floor balcony, as confirmed by officials. Consequently, the home was deemed uninhabitable and required extensive mitigation and restoration work.

Upon receiving the distress call about the fire, our franchise promptly responded to ensure the safety of everyone involved and to assess the structural integrity of the house. Our team made concerted efforts to salvage any valuable or sentimental belongings that were still recoverable. The homeowner expressed great satisfaction with SERVPRO's diligent efforts in retrieving important items from the affected property. This exemplifies our commitment to providing comprehensive assistance in times of need.

Fire and water damage incidents at residential properties often present complex challenges, encompassing various issues that demand a knowledgeable and adaptable response. Regardless of the scale of the damage, whether it be a minor water cleanup or a large-scale event, we act swiftly to evaluate each unique situation and isolate the affected area. In many cases, we can facilitate the continuation of normal operations by setting up temporary spaces while restoring your facility.

Restoring residential properties poses distinct challenges, and our professionals are well-equipped to navigate the legal and environmental considerations while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that time is of the essence, as every hour spent on cleanup equates to lost revenue and productivity. Therefore, when faced with an emergency situation in your business, do not hesitate to reach out to us. We will respond promptly, providing the assistance you require.

About SERVPRO of Arlington Height/Prospect Heights Specializing in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential properties following water damage events, SERVPRO of Arlington Height/Prospect Heights boasts a highly trained staff in property damage restoration. Our team undergoes comprehensive training at SERVPRO's corporate training facility and holds regular IICRC-industry certifications, ensuring that they possess the necessary expertise to restore your property efficiently.

National Tune-Up Day

9/23/2022 (Permalink)

September 25th is National Tune-up Day. National Tune-up Day was created to remind homeowners to prepare their house for winter. In preparation for the changing seasons heating and cooling specialists recommend tuning up heating systems before the temperature drops. 

During the spring and summer months the ability to open your windows and allow your home to breathe. Spring and summer are prime for the growth of flowers, summer nights at the beach taking in the fresh air and playing with your pets in the backyard or grilling up a steak. Spring and summer are also primal months for the spread of mold growth, pollen and other air traveling particles such as pet fur and dust via your home's air flow system. This can congest your home's ventilation system.  

If your homes ventilation system seems a bit slower this may be the cause. Are you pondering what mechanics actually tune-up? Well according to “National Today” almost all your home's systems require regular maintenance. For instance, combustion gases should be examined and contrasted with the furnace's requirements. To ensure that the furnace's blower access door has a tight seal, it must be examined. Checking the fresh air intake grills for obstruction and the burners for good ignition and flame are two further inspections that are required. The repairman examines the furnace and checks for leaks and blockages in the drainage system. Traps, taps, and drains must all be tested as well. Additionally, some mechanics might advise checking the blower wheel, motor, wiring, and all filters. Additionally, the elements should be examined for deterioration and damage. A tune-up for your heating system helps you save energy and cut heating costs. Additionally, these tune-ups guarantee that the system will function optimally for the specified number of years. 

SERVPRO Arlington Height/Prospect Heights has been specializing in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after fire, smoke, and water damage disasters for a very long time. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration, and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification. Rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. Our continuing education programs also give us the ability to connect with insurance agents, adjusters, and more. This lessens the gap in the work processes for SERVPRO and insurance. 

Hurricane Fiona Lands in P.R

9/19/2022 (Permalink)

A hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone, which forms over tropical or subtropical waters. Earlier this year in May the Forecasters at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, a division of the National Weather Service, predicted above-average hurricane activity this year, making it the seventh consecutive above-average hurricane season. September 10th marks the official peak of hurricane season and just as peak season begins hurricane “Fiona” recks throughout Puerto Rico on September 18th. Destructive winds and life-threatening flash floods and mudslides. The catastrophic storm left the entire island of Puerto Rican without power. Hurricane Fiona continues to reck Havok on the Atlantic islands at it travels to the Dominican Republic. Updates are still continuing, however, Additional strengthening is expected on today, September 19th, and Tuesday, as Fiona moves over the southwestern Atlantic, according to the NHC. 

Here are some suggestions on how to be ready for a hurricane in your location now that we are officially just at peak of hurricane season. 

- Create a plan: If evacuation is required, shut off all utilities and abide by local preparedness policies for disasters. Make sure to choose a location where the entire family can congregate. Make sure your pets have a plan for evacuation as well. 

- To make the exterior secure, trim any sizable trees and bushes. Bring inside all of the outdoor patio furniture, plants in pots, bikes, and toys. 

- Install storm shutters: These will provide adequate shutters or impact-resistant glass to protect your windows, doors, and skylights. 

- Examine your art and wall hangings: Ensure that all of your wall hangings are stable and make notes on your artwork. 

- Reposition your vehicles: Park them in your garage against the garage doors or keep them on higher ground. 

- Electricity up: Fill up the gas tank in your car, check that all of your cell phones are charged, test your generator, and keep plenty of fuel on hand in case the power goes out. 

- Keep critical documents in a safe deposit box in your home's closet. Examples of such documents are legal paperwork, birth certificates, marriage licenses, insurance policy information, and any valuables.  

Prepare an emergency kit by gathering all flashlights, portable radios, batteries, non-perishable food, bottled water, money, blankets, toiletries, and clothing. 

- Locate a shelter room. This space should be on the first floor, in the interior of the house's center, away from any windows. 

At SERVPRO, we recognize that when a disaster happens, you never know what the aftermath will leave behind. Anytime you require services for rebuilding or damage control, we are always here to help! 

Safety Advice For Homeowners To Safeguard Their Buildings

9/14/2022 (Permalink)

Safety Advice For Homeowners To Safeguard Their Buildings

Protecting your property from natural disasters is crucial as a homeowner, and flood protection should be top of mind. The most frequent and one of the most expensive weather-related disasters in the United States is flooding. Between 1980 and 2013, it is estimated that flooding damage cost about $260 billion. These safety advice for house protection will be very helpful to homeowners in Elmhurst, Illinois.

1. Rethink remodeling. Consider installing porous paving, for instance, if your driveway needs to be repaved to assist slow down water runoff. When installing a new grass, be sure to grade it away from the house so that water drains into the street gutter.

2. Keep up maintenance. By doing basic maintenance tasks like checking pipe valves and making sure the gutters are free to avoid ice dams, you can flood-proof your property. In the event of a flood or even heavy rain, making sure downspouts and drains are not clogged will help with water drainage.

3. Make cleanliness a priority. Following up after a flood is almost as vital as protecting your house from flooding. Consult water damage repair professionals right away to prevent water damage and mold. After such a natural calamity, you won't be the only one looking for assistance, so take action right once.

4. Sort out the mess. If at all feasible, move any gadgets, pricey rugs, and furniture to higher levels. Simply lift them off the ground if it's not. Elevating large appliances onto solid objects like concrete blocks can also be useful. Ensure that electrical components like switches, plugs, and circuit breakers are at least a foot above the area's predicted flood level.

Prioritize flood safety when you buy or renovate a house. It is frequently more useful to be better prepared for such natural disasters in advance than than attempting to handle the consequences after the fact.

Preparation for tornadoes

9/14/2022 (Permalink)

 Knowing what kinds of catastrophes might occur in your area is crucial when creating a strategy for when they do. Know how you will get in touch with one another and re-connect if you become separated. Establish a comfortable and convenient location for family gatherings. Ensure that you have the following.

September is National Preparedness Month

9/1/2022 (Permalink)

September is National Preparedness Month (NPM). NPM is FEMA's national annual preparedness outreach. It is managed and sponsored by FEMA's Ready Campaign. The Ready Campaign, in conjunction with the Ad Council, aims to educate and empower Americans during NPM and through the year to prepare for and respond to all types of emergencies, including natural disasters and potential terrorist attacks. National Preparedness Month culminates on September 30th with National Preparedness Day, the National Day of Action. The theme for 2022 is: A Lasting Legacy. The life you've built is worth protecting. Prepare for disasters to create a lasting legacy for you and your family. SERVPRO® is proud to spotlight National Preparedness Month this year. By doing so, we want to make sure you are prepared in case of a disaster? whether natural or man-made. If you haven't taken the time to think about how different disasters could affect you, then we challenge you to take the necessary steps to become informed and develop an emergency plan for before, during, and after an event for yourself and your family. IN THIS ISSUE of the Restoration Newsline: • Why is NPM observed in September? • What 2 states experience the most tornadoes? • Preparedness steps that could save your life • What to include in an emergency supply kit We must work together to ensure that our families, businesses, places of worship, and neighborhoods are ready for the unthinkable. Begin preparing vital information now so you can address the unique needs of your business during an emergency situation. Contact your local SERVPRO® team of professionals to find out more preparedness planning tips and how you can minimize business interruption with SERVPRO's Emergency READY Profile®.