When dust and debris start to accumulate, you know it is time to get the HVAC vents checked out. Your HVAC system is responsible for circulating and filtering air throughout the building, and, over time, the vents can become home to all sorts of dust, debris, and dirt. HVAC vent cleaning is not as simple as sticking a vacuum down a vent. For proper cleaning and vent maintenance, it is always recommended to bring in professional HVAC vent cleaning services.

Performing a Thorough Inspection

Before any tools are brought in, all ducts leading to the return and supply registers should be inspected. This is a quick and simple way to identify the level of buildup in the ducts and also confirm there is a different post cleaning. If you hire a professional and you can’t notice a difference in your ducts, chances are the clean wasn’t that thorough. The visual inspection is also an important step for professionals as they will be able to check for leaks and/or cracks. Many HVAC vent cleaning services will provide repairs and even replace any damaged ducting.

Dislodging Dust

The most important step of any HVAC cleaning process is removing the sources of contamination. A reliable HVAC vent cleaning professional will perform a thorough inspection of the vents to ensure no dirt and debris is stuck on the vent sides. While some technicians will do a drive by burst from an air compressor in an attempt to blow out debris, the best approach is to bring in rotating brushes, compressed air tools, and vacuum cleaners to ensure no dirt is left behind. In fact, using the quick burst method often has little impact and can even kick dirt back into the room.

Creating Negative Pressure

Most professional HVAC vent cleaning services will use large vacuum collection devices to draw dust, dirt, and debris out of the vents. This process relies on the creation of negative pressure to aid in collecting dust. The vacuum collection device will have a hose that is connected to a duct in close proximity to the air handler. You can think of an air handler unit (commonly known as an AHU) as the heart of an HVAC system. This is a device that is used to regulate and circulate air. The HVAC vent cleaning technician will cut an access hole for the hose and seal the joint as tightly as possible. Once sealed, the vacuum unit is turned on, negative pressure is created, and any particles inside the vent are sucked into the collection device. Creating negative pressure allows for the collection of very fine particles and loosened contaminants.

Performing a Full Clean

When performing HVAC maintenance, it is important to clean the entire system. This includes all registers, plenums, the air handler’s blower motor, drain pan, evaporator coil, and filters, to name a few parts. By performing a comprehensive clean, the technician is improving efficiency and helping extend the lifespan of the HVAC system. A thorough HVAC vent cleaning should take anywhere from three to four hours. If you bring in a professional and notice they are in and out within the hour, they likely performed a below average clean. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NDCA) recommends the following cleaning checklist for all HVAC systems:

• Air ducts

• Coils

• Drain pan

• Registers

• Grills

• Air plenum

• Blower motor and assembly

• Heat exchanger

• Air filter

• Air cleaner

Bringing in Professional Cleaners

HVAC vent cleaning is one thing you don’t want to try and do yourself. While you may think you have done a good job, there will likely be debris left behind and contaminants hidden in the vent. Not only does debris buildup reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system, but it can also lead to health and safety risks. When hiring a professional service, you should look for up-to-date certifications and experience. Don’t be afraid to request a quote, either. Asking for an estimate is a standard practice, and you should always shop around for the best deal. Keep in mind that cheaper does not always mean better quality. Read up on a service before making the call to get a good idea of their reputation and qualifications.

Plumbing in any house or building is very important. Everyone knows it. But few of us take care to maintain the plumbing well. We call the plumber only when a plumbing problem arises. Oftentimes; this results in both extensive and expensive repairs. Here’s more on why you need to perform routine plumbing checks.

Plumbing checks – what does it entail?

You should keep tabs on your house’s plumbing for sure. But you should also hire a plumber for annual or bi-annual checks.

Search online for good plumbers. Use keywords with your location such as ‘Plumber in Upland’. Check their websites for their services and client testimonials. Choose a reliable service provider.

DIY checks –

  Notice if the water in the sink, bathtub, and the shower are beginning to drain slowly than usual. It could indicate a clog in the drains. You can take some DIY measures such as pouring down hot water every once in a while to clear the debris from the drains. You can also be mindful about what you are putting down the drain.

  Dampness in the walls can indicate leaking pipes. So, call a plumber immediately in case you notice damp walls in any part of the house. The same applies to leaky faucets.

  Check the toilet for clogs or any broken component in the flush. Get the problems rectified before the toilet completely jams or the flush stops working.

  During winter months, keep a tab on pipes for leaks due to freezing water inside them. If you notice even a slight leak, call the plumber promptly. Drain the hose and keep it inside for the winter.

  Keep checking appliances for any damage or inefficient performance. The water heater takes in a lot of damage due to harsh weather conditions. Sediments can also deposit inside it. These things can impede its function or even damage the appliance. If you notice problems with the water heater, washing machine, garbage disposal, or the dishwasher; don’t wait for those to become bigger. Call a plumber without delay for an inspection. Timely checks can provide the most efficient and cost-effective solutions.

Checks by a Professional –

  A professional inspection will include a thorough check of each and every plumbing component such as faucets, toilets, drains, and appliances. Many plumbers also include an inspection of the sewer lines in their maintenance plans. They will check the main water supply line and shut-off valves too.

  Keeping the drains clean can prevent major problems at a later date. Annual cleanup of all the drains in the house can increase the lifespan the plumbing. It will also prevent the risk of major clogs especially during holidays or your busy working hours. The plumber can also check the sump pump for efficiency. If the sump pump fails, it can flood your yard and the house. You will risk extensive damage to the house. Replacing the sump pump is also very costly. So, it is best to call a plumber to have a look at it annually or at least every few years.

  The sewer line inspection can include a thorough checkup using cameras that can look deep inside the pipes. The plumber can remove tree roots blocking the sewers including other debris.

  The plumber will look for leaks, clogs, and corrosion in the plumbing throughout the house. Rusting pipes can be a health hazard. If needed; the plumber will recommend replacing the components. If repairs will do the work then that is what your plumber will suggest as the correction plan.

  Maintenance services can also prepare your house’s plumbing for the changing weathers. For instance, your plumber can insulate the pipes and the water heater to keep them safe from harsh winters. Water freezing inside the pipes is a major problem during the colder months. The pipes can burst. So, preparing them to prevent such catastrophe is important. In the spring, the plumber can remove insulations from the pipes, clean the gutters, and prepare the plumbing for hotter months.

Plumbing maintenance plans will help you reduce the risk of expensive repairs at a later date. You can opt for economical maintenance packages from a reliable plumber.

The clothes dryer is one of the most-used appliances in a home. Most people use them every day and don’t think twice about upkeep, like dryer duct cleaning, unless they break. Keeping them running well with annual maintenance keeps dryers running efficiently, drastically reducing the possibility of a house fire.

According to the National Fire Protection Agency, approximately 13,800 house fires every year are caused by home clothes dryers. Of these, approximately 25% are caused by an accumulation of dryer lint catching on fire. Following a maintenance schedule that includes annual dryer duct cleaning can help to ensure that household dryers do not become fire hazards.

Here are the top six questions that are most frequently asked about dryer maintenance and dryer duct cleaning:

1) How often should dryer ducts be cleaned and inspected?

Dryer duct cleaning and inspection should be done at least annually. Dryer lint within the ducting can collect over time, reduce the efficiency of the dryer, and even become a fire hazard. Dryer lint is extremely flammable, and the heat of the appliance itself can spark a housefire within the ducting.

When dryer lint builds up in the ducting or the ducting itself is damaged, the hot air does not circulate efficiently though the clothes. If clothes are taking longer than normal to dry, then a dryer duct cleaning and inspection should be scheduled. A clean and repaired dryer duct should restore the dryer back to peak efficiency.

2) What causes dryer fires?

House fires caused by dryers are generally caused when lint builds up within the dryer and catches fire. Most people assume that, if they clean out the lint trap regularly, their dryer is safe from a lint fire. In fact, lint can build up within the dryer itself, as well as in the ducts. Professional dryer duct cleaning makes sure that all of the lint buildup within a dryer is removed.

3) Can dryer ducts be cleaned by the homeowner?

Dryer duct cleaning and inspection should be conducted by trained professionals. They have the tools to clean the ducts thoroughly and are able to quickly remove all lint and debris from the ducting. Trained dryer duct cleaning services can also spot and repair any other issues with the ducting.

Homeowners should clean the lint trap of their dryer each time they use the appliance, though. This is a simple process that involves pulling out the trap, removing the excess lint build up, and replacing the trap before starting the next load of laundry. This important step goes a long way towards keeping a clothes dryer working well, in addition to regular dryer duct cleaning.

4) Are there clues that dryer duct cleaning should be scheduled?

Loads of laundry that take longer than usual to dry could be a clue that a dryer duct cleaning should be scheduled. Excessive lint and debris in the ducts can slow down the drying process. Sometimes, users do not notice the time on their dryers, but they should notice an increase in their energy bills. A higher-than-usual energy bill is a good reason to check on the efficiency of a dryer.

5) What kind of professional dryer duct cleaning is best?

Look for a dryer duct cleaning service that has a Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician on staff. They should also follow the National Air Duct Cleaners Association’s Dryer Exhaust Duct Performance Standard to test the performance of the dryer exhaust duct system to make sure that everything is working well. Professional companies should be able to clean dryer ducting easily and efficiently.

A good dryer duct cleaning service should also inspect all of the dryer ducting and be able to repair any issues they find.

6) Who needs a dryer duct cleaning service?

Any type of clothes dryer should be scheduled annually with a dryer duct cleaning service. Home dryers, laundromats, hotels, apartment laundry rooms, and hospitals all require routine maintenance and inspection.
Dryer duct cleaning and inspection reduces the chances of a dryer fire and allows your dryer to work more efficiently. To stay even safer, dryers should not be left running while the household is sleeping or not at home. Install a smoke detector in the laundry area for maximum protection.