Breathing Easy

11/2/2023 (Permalink)

When it comes to maintaining a healthy and comfortable living environment, we often focus on visible areas of our homes. However, one essential aspect that frequently is overlooked is the air ducts. These passages play a critical role in regulating airflow throughout our homes. Let’s dive deep to explore the significance of cleaning ducts.

• Improved Indoor Air Quality: While Columbus has been under advisory for the Air Quality, we can take precautions by improving our own air quality inside our home. The quality of the air we breathe indoors can significantly impact our health. Over time, dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and other contaminants can collect within the ductwork. When the HVAC system operates, these pollutants can be circulated throughout the home, leading to respiratory issues & allergies.
• Enhanced HVAC System Efficiency: Dust and debris accumulated in ducts can restrict airflow, causing your heating and cooling system to work harder to maintain the desired temperature. In these hot Ohio summers, that is the last thing we need. A clogged system may lead to increased energy consumption and higher utility bills. Cleaning the ducts ensures optimal airflow, allowing your HVAC system to operate efficiently and save you money in the long run.
• Prolonged HVAC System Lifespan: A well-maintained HVAC system is more likely to have an extended lifespan. Removing dust and debris from the ducts reduces strain on the system's components, preventing premature wear and tear and costly repairs. A prolonged system can save you money in the long run.
• Fire Safety: The dirt and dust trapped in the ducts can ignite quickly when ignited. Think of blocked ducts as a hallway for flames as they burn immediately.

While cleaning air ducts may not be at the top of your home maintenance list, it can improve indoor air quality and system efficiency to reduce allergens and prevent mold growth. regular duct cleaning offers a range of benefits that positively impact both your health, home safety and the longevity of your HVAC system. Consider scheduling professional duct cleaning services periodically to breathe easier and enjoy a cleaner, healthier home.

SERVPRO Helps Prevent Mold Damage To Carpets in Fairfield County

4/24/2017 (Permalink)

Mold on walls can spread to the carpet

Mold Remediation in Fairfield County Homes Requires Professional Help

Mold spores are tenacious and can quickly grow and spread throughout your home. However, if mold has not already set in, it is possible to prevent it taking hold by ensuring it does not have the right environment in which to grow. A wet carpet is an ideal breeding ground for fungi. Flood damage, a burst pipe, or even a leaking appliance in your home are all causes of potential water leakage onto your carpet. The result is a damp environment, which mold spores love.
 
Swift action is necessary to prevent mold damage to the carpets in your Fairfield County home. In fact, it can begin to grow within 24 hours of water damage and become a colony in 48 to 72 hours. The longer water is present, the greater the risk of increased fungal growth. As well as having potential health effects, mold is simply not something you want to grow in your carpet and may even lead to a costly carpet replacement. That is why SERVPRO recommends calling on our experts the moment you notice water damage to any of your floor coverings.
 
The key to preventing mold growth in water damaged carpets is to get the carpet dried out as quickly as possible. The first step is extracting the water by using truck mounted and freestanding pumps. Our IICRC-certified experts understand that careful handling is vital when removing water from carpets. Carpets can come with a primary and secondary backing. Over zealous extraction techniques or pulling of the carpet during extraction can cause separation of these two layers, leading to bubbling and irreparable carpet damage.
 
Most carpet comes with padding on its underside. In most cases, our experts recommend the padding is taken away and replaced. Drying with the padding in place takes longer and thus makes the drying slower and more expensive with an increased risk of mold growth. It is often cheaper to replace the padding and focus on drying the carpet. SERVPRO teams carefully remove padding to leave the carpet intact. Of course, the degree of wetness and the amount of the fungal growth dictate if tossing is required.
 
After water extraction and pad removal are complete, our technicians calculate the correct number and position of air movers and dehumidifiers to dry out the carpet. Downdraft air movers pull warm air down and spread it across the carpet in a broad pattern which makes them ideal for larger areas. Meantime, centrifugal air movers direct air over the carpet surface to encourage rapid evaporation of moisture. Our aim is swift and thorough drying to leave your carpet "Like it never even happened."
 
If you are concerned about potential mold growth in your carpet, call SERVPRO of Fairfield County at (740)-756-7003 today for assistance.

Dangers Of Asbestos In The Home

4/7/2017 (Permalink)

“There are detectors available on the market that can alert you to the dangers of smoke or gas in the air — but not so with asbestos.

If you suspect that there is asbestos insulation or flooring materials in your home, read this handy guide for instructions on the mineral's dangers and health effects, where asbestos is typically found in the home, what to do (or not do!) when making home repairs, advice on proper handling, along with contact numbers in the U.S. and links to more info on asbestos dangers & safety tips...”

What Is Asbestos?
The following was copied directly from an online article written and located at http://www.chiff.com/a/asbestos-disease.htm.  We thought we would share the information as it was a well written definition.

“Asbestos is a mineral made up of tiny fibers. It can be positively identified only with a special type of microscope. There are several types of asbestos fibers, some are more harmful than others. In the past, asbestos was added to a variety of products to strengthen them and to provide heat insulation and fire resistance. Many homes were made using asbestos for insulation, flooring and in heating and electrical systems.

The danger of using asbestos has been recognized throughout history. Warning about the health effects of asbestos can be found in writings from Ancient Greece! The first documented case of an asbestos-related death was reported in 1906. However, it was not until the late 1970s that laws in America began to change to protect people from the health hazards of asbestos exposure. Asbestos was not totally banned in the UK until late in 1999 and Japan is still waiting to enact laws against all forms of asbestos.”

Please click the link above to continue reading. 

SERVPRO of Fairfield County does not do the actual asbestos removal, but we can provide the necessary cleaning after the removal has been performed.

Bed Bugs?

4/5/2017 (Permalink)

“Looking to avoid bed bugs? Bed bug prevention is a lot easier than eliminating an existing infestation. According to the 2015 Bugs Without Borders survey, bed bugs remain the most difficult pest to treat - more difficult than cockroaches, termites and ants! 

Depending on the scope of an infestation and the type of treatment used by a pest professional, it can take several treatments to completely eliminate bed bugs. Fortunately, there are many things that one can do to prevent bringing bed bugs into the home. Vigilance is the key to bed bug prevention. When out in public - whether at a hotel, store, movie theater or work place - it is important to be conscientious of all surroundings.

As the public's awareness of the bed bug resurgence grows, focus on bed bug prevention has also grown. Many Americans are modifying their behaviors to minimize their risk of an infestation. According to the 2011 Bed Bugs in America survey, 27 percent of respondents have inspected or washed clothing upon returning from a trip; 25 percent have checked a hotel room for bed bugs; 17 percent have inspected or vacuumed a suitcase upon returning from a trip and 12 percent have altered or canceled travel plans because of concern about bed bugs. “

For more information, please continue reading at: http://www.pestworld.org/all-things-bed-bugs/bed-bug-prevention/