How to Clean Air Vents

Most ventilation systems in today's home will have air ducts and air vents. You can usually find air vents on the ceilings of homes, on the floor of many homes, on wooden platforms, and also in mobile homes. In general, it is important to keep any vent clean and free from dirt, as it comes in contact with the air you breathe. Breathing in dust is unhealthy and can actually make you and your family sick. Here are easy steps on how you can keep your home vents clean.

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The first step is to use a broom to remove dust from the air vents. The broom can also be used for areas with high air vents, although you have to be aware of the dust that falls. You may use a mop to substitute for the broom to clean high ceiling vents, but make sure that it is damp enough in order to prevent the dust from falling. The wet surface of the mop allows for easy grab onto the dust.

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Then, unscrew the air vent cover slowly being careful of the screws to avoid them falling down the duct. You may get a wet rag and use it to wipe the inside area of the vent. If you have a vacuum cleaner, this can also be used inside the vent. However, it is not advisable to go up too high because you might lose some part of the vacuum cleaner.

You may now clean the air vent cover. If the dust is too thick, the cover of your air vents can be cleaned by washing it. Let it dry, and then you are ready to screw it back on. It is also important to change the air filter once every three months, regardless of how strong the filter is or how expensive it might be.

Don't forget to clean the other air ventilation filters in the house. Normally, the bathroom will have a ventilation fan that may or may not require maintenance. Also check for ventilation in the kitchen. Some kitchens will have ductless range hoods that require the filters to be replace periodically.

The final thing you need to do is to keep the vents free from clutter. Avoid piling up boxes near air vents or placing furniture directly over vents because it can block the air and will make the units work twice as hard.

Your family will breathe a lot easier will a clean and well maintain ventilation system.

How to Clean Air Vents

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The Importance of Air Duct Cleaning

The air ducts in your home are like silent sentries, gathering the debris that is constantly floating in the air. The duct will collect much of it, but just as the filter in your dryer will stop up, so will the air ducts eventually. Los Angeles smog is one of the major reasons that home owners and business owners alike need to be aware of the importance of having their ducts cleaned on a regular maintenance schedule.

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The process of cleaning the air ducts really is not difficult if the right equipment is available to get the job done correctly. The majority of individuals will contract to have this service performed by trained professionals. A professional service often agrees to clean all of the components that make up the duct system with equipment that is needed to complete the job the way it should be done.

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If you are still in doubt that this is important, simply remove the register cover on your central air unit and see for yourself what has collected inside the duct. You will see that the components are contaminated with dust, pollen and even possibly rodent droppings. Moisture could indicate that there is microbiological growth, or mold, which is very dangerous to your health. This is one of the reasons that your home's ducts should be cleaned by a professional service provider.Some companies will use chemicals to kill mold, so you should be informed ahead of time.

Many home owners and business owners are not comfortable leaving while this process is being done, but careful screening of the professional service may well put your fears to rest. Any professional service that you contract with should be able to pass a background check, show proof of certification and show proof of insurance.

When all is said and done, it is very important to keep the air ducts clean in order to have clean air to breathe. This is even more important for pet owners because of the pet hair and dander that usually ends up in the air ducts. Contact professionals in the Los Angeles area and set up an appointment to have your ducts inspected and then cleaned.

The Importance of Air Duct Cleaning

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Air Duct Cleaning As a Home Based Business

With a trend toward indoor air quality becoming of importance to homeowners and office workers who are concerned about health, germs and allergies, now is a good time to consider the possibility of owning a home-based air duct cleaning service.

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What is air duct cleaning? It is a means of using professional equipment to clean the heating and air duct system inside a home or office which is often a breeding ground for dust, mice, pollen, insect debris, pet hair, construction debris and allergens of all kinds. For duct systems that are located under the floor instead of in the ceiling, all kinds of debris can fall through the vents such as dirt, food and liquids which make them gummy, smelly and sticky. In some instances, pets use the vents as urinals which also rusts the floor grills as well as puddles up inside the duct, causing a very strong, offensive odor.

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When a duct system is properly installed and a filter is kept in place and changed frequently, it is rare for a duct cleaning to become necessary. However, not all duct systems are installed properly, and even those that are will develop occasional air leaks or become torn which allows dirt from under a crawl space or dust from within an attic to become sucked into the ducting and accumulate. The same is true when filters are not changed on a regular basis or are left off entirely.

With these types of situations happening in homes and offices everywhere, a home-based duct cleaning business is something to consider, particularly if you're looking for a home-based business that provides a relatively unique service. Before proceeding, it's important to do the homework.

Not all duct cleaning machines are created equal. Some do just a surface job much like an oversized vacuum cleaner while others create a suction throughout the duct system that traps the debris into a HEPA-rated filtering system to purify the air and trap debris. The suction-types of equipment are the best but are more expensive to purchase in that they require both the suction vacuum, an air compressor and hoses through which to blow or spray the debris from one end of the ducts toward the capturing vacuum system. Although this type of set-up is labor intensive, it is preferred and often required by hospitals, clinics and other commercial customers your business may acquire who rely on cleanliness and sterile conditions. It is also the most thorough means of duct cleaning.

It is important to have more than a basic knowledge of heating and air ducting systems before engaging in this type of work. Duct cleaning machine manufacturers sometimes provide classes, but it would help to contact a reputable heating and air contractor to ask for some basic lessons about duct systems. You will need to know how to protect the air handler from flying debris during the vacuuming process and will need to learn some basic electrical safety measures.

Suction type duct cleaning equipment is heavy and averages 100-150 lbs. Most models come on wheels but may need to be lifted up or carried down stairs. Be prepared to get a work out. The air compressor can weigh as much as 250-300 lbs. By using long connective hoses, you may not need to remove the air compressor from the back of a truck or van as long as it is adequately ventilated and supported. Therefore, plan on a duct cleaning job being a two-man (or two-woman) operation.

The average initial investment for duct cleaning equipment is around ,000 to ,000 depending on what type of equipment you choose. It is possible for the equipment to pay for itself within a year or two depending on how quickly the business grows.

Good customers would be heating and air contractors, health care physicians who can refer you to some of their allergy-prone patients, residential customers, hospitals, clinics, day care centers, nursing homes, commercial plants and office complexes.

It's important to learn information about mold and fungus, and if possible, to attend a mold remediation class. This is to learn what duct cleaning can and cannot do to eliminate or prevent mold so that you are not making false claims which can lead to lawsuits -- and so you will know a dangerous mold situation when you see it and can handle it properly.

You might also decide to specialize in sales of products related to duct cleaning such as whole house filtration systems, specialty decorative floor and ceiling grills, dryer vent cleaning, ultra-violet filtering systems, etc. You might also want to provide duct inspection services by working in cooperation with a licensed heating and air contractor and offer duct sealant services when air leaks are discovered.

The only obstacle to owning a duct cleaning business is that not all homeowners or heating and air contractors are convinced of the health benefits or necessity of duct cleaning. It will be up to you to educate the homeowners and businesses in your area since this technology is not readily understood.

A home-based duct cleaning business is ideal for part-time or full-time work. Most residential jobs can be completed within 4-6 hours. All of the equipment and supplies can be easily stored in a van or in a covered pick-up truck bed when you are just starting out. Add some commercial lettering to your vehicle, and you're ready to start.

Air Duct Cleaning As a Home Based Business

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How to Get Fleas Out of Carpet -What Carpet Cleaners and Flea Killers are Available?

Getting rid of household fleas can be an uphill task. You have to treat your pets, which is usually where you would first detect the presence of this pesky friend. Then you would have to get rid of fleas in your house. For this, you would need to cover all areas of your house that is both indoor and outdoor. In other words, practically everything in your house has to be cleaned and treated for fleas. What's most challenging to homeowners with a flea infested home is carpet cleaning. Carpets are good breeding grounds for fleas. The eggs and larva of fleas tend to be embedded within carpets, which makes it more difficult to kill them. If you are looking for solutions to this problem, here are some tips on how to get fleas out of carpets.

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Firstly, you need to vacuum your carpets frequently. Don't use any ordinary vacuum cleaner. Look for one that has powerful suction. It's easy to remove the adult fleas and eggs but the larva tend to cling onto the carpets tightly and that's why you need a vacuum cleaner that is powerful. One important point to note is that the fleas, its eggs and larva will be in the vacuum bag after cleaning. As such, you need to throw the bag away immediately and not keep for future use.

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For further treatment, you may need to shampoo your carpets. You can do so by dumping the carpets into soapy hot water and leave overnight. Alternatively, you could simply throw them into a hot dryer. The soap and heat will kill off the adult fleas, its eggs and larva.
There are also carpet flea killers in the form of sprays available. Look for one containing growth inhibitors like Nylar as it helps to interrupts the flea life cycle and keeps the flea population down.

Instead of chemicals, which some may fear to be too toxic, there are also safer products available. Borate powder is an example of an effective yet relatively safe product, which has been reported to be highly popular. It comes in finely milled powder form, which can cling onto carpets providing long lasting effects.

However, take note that carpet cleaning alone would not solve your problem. Check out the section on "House Flea Control" which shows you a well thought out step-by-step plan to eradicate all fleas . You would also find treatments and products that you can follow and use to ensure better success in your attempts to remove these pesky creatures

How to Get Fleas Out of Carpet -What Carpet Cleaners and Flea Killers are Available?

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What to Do With a Noisy Washing Machine?

A noisy washing machine is very common. This happens even to front load users. You see, most front load users have balance control features. Usually, the washer produces noise when the clothes in the washer drum is not loaded evenly. But machines with balance control features can effectively even out laundry.

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However, if this feature is not enough to lessen the noise of your machine, you can try the following tips:

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Tip 1: Place your washer on a platform. The platform will make sure that the machine is in a very upright position. If you placed your washer on the second floor of your house, the floor might be uneven. This is probably the reason why it is vibrating or producing a lot of noise. A platform can help even out the washer itself.

Tip 2: Clean the machine. Accumulation of molds, mildew and soap residues in the motor area of the machine can easily cause noise. The machine is not running smoothly. Open up the machine using the washer's manual as you guide. Once you have opened the motor, prepare your cleaning materials. Mix one part of white vinegar, one part baking soda and two parts water. Get a clean rod and strips of cloths. Wrap the cloth around the rod and secure it tightly. Dip cloth in the cleaning solution. Clean out the dirty parts of the motor. Make sure you remove accumulated molds and residues. Vinegar can effectively loosen up accumulated debris. After cleaning the motor part, you can clean the rest of your washer. Run an empty water cycle and then add one cup of white vinegar. Allow this solution to finish cleaning your washer.

Tip 3: Check your machine for signs of loose objects. Loose objects such as buttons and coins can get stuck somewhere in the washer. So before washing your clothes, inspect the pockets first. Remove coins. Also sew loose buttons tightly.

Tip 4: Replace the drive belt. If the machine is producing unnecessary noise and movements during the spin cycle, the drive belt is probably the problem. If the drive belt is already worn-out, you need to replace it with a new one. Open the motor and remove the old belt. Replace it with the new one. This will help you save a lot of money on repairs.

Tip 5: Place rubber soles on the feet of the machine. This will help muffle the sounds of the machine. It will also absorb vibrations.

What to Do With a Noisy Washing Machine?

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Air Cleaner Purifiers - What You Need to Know to Purchase the One That Best Suits Your Needs

So you want to invest in an air cleaner purifier? Great! Air cleaner purifiers are perfect for in the home, office, or business location. So if you have a smoker in the building, a child at your feet or someone with asthma or allergies, you are doing them a great blessing by purchasing an air cleaner purifier.

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To start off with, you will want to decide if you want to get a room air purifier, for a specific room in the location, or an air cleaner purifier to work on the entire space at the location you choose. Air cleaner purifiers vary greatly in the amount of coverage they can handle. They can range anywhere from about 150 sq. ft. to about 3000 sq. ft. Find out how big of a space your room, home or business is. For a business location, you may need more than one air cleaner filter.

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Next, you will want to decide upon the type of filtration you want to use. There are many different types to choose from. You will see filtration types such as Photo-Ionization, HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air), Fiber/Foam, Carbon Media, Ionizers, Ozone Generators and UV (Ultraviolet) Light. There are other types out there, this is just a list of the main types.

Photo-Ionization units are capable of improving the air quality of not just one room but an entire house, even multiple floors. The cleaning and disinfection process occurs as a result of the free radical formation that develops when ozone gas reacts with a high-intensity broad spectrum UV light on a trimetallic target (copper, silver and titanium). The resulting advanced oxidation gasses are dispersed into the air. The cleaning and disinfection process occurs as a result of the free radical formation that accompanies the decomposition of the oxidation gases, which is accelerated by high intensity targeted UV light. This type of unit treats all the air and surfaces in your building that the treated air can reach. Thus, the unit is considered an "active" air purification system because it brings the remedy right to the sources of the contamination. Most others are passive, only treating the air that passes through the filter.

HEPA filters are certified to remove 99.7% of all 0.3 micron-sized particulates. These units usually require frequent filter changes which may be expensive as well. Odors, gases, pesticides and many bacteria will not be removed with this type of unit. They may also be on the noisy side of the spectrum.

Fiber/Foam filters will not remove the fine particulate

Air Cleaner Purifiers - What You Need to Know to Purchase the One That Best Suits Your Needs

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Dirt Devil 0213CHR Kone Cordless Hand Vacuum - Charcoal Review

The Dirt Devil 0213CHR Kone Cordless Hand Vacuum with Charcoal is a very special vacuum due to its unique design.

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The 0213 Charocal it's the most popular of the Kone models and it is used for small cleaning jobs around the house. Many people choose to go with a Kone because of its elegant design, which can sometimes be confused with a piece of art.

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Dirt Devil 0213CHR Kone Features Reviews

* The 0213CHR is a cordless handled vacuum
* It comes with a 7-1/5-volt rechargeable battery and plug-in charging base
* The 1-1/2-inch-wide nozzle and the soft rubberized tip have the purpose of protecting the furniture and for an in-depth cleaning
* easy-to-empty dirt cup
* cord storage
* It is available in 5 different colors
* 3 years limited guarantee

The Dirt Devil Kone m0212 is easily used by twisting the top of the cone (which serves as the handle) off its plug-in charging base and you're ready to roll.

Pros

One of the biggest advantage of owing a Dirt Devil Kone is its sculptural design, which can proudly be displayed anywhere in your house. The sleek shape blends in easily with any type of furniture and the glow can be considered a nightlight. It comes in different colors, it's very light and easy to use.

The second advantage is that because the Kone is displayed in very accessible areas, it is used more often. You don't have to go into your storage or closet to get the vacuum because it's right there in front of you! Let's not forget the rubberized tip which can protect even the most expensive furniture.

Cons

The Dirt Devil 0213CHR Kone with Charcoal is not necessarily a powerful system, therefore can only be used for small cleaning tasks. Even then there's a small chance that it will blow some dust while working. It is a little noisy for its size and the dirt cup is fairly small and needs to be emptied often. One other concern is that the battery does not last long but this is a small drawback comparing the many benefits this vacuum has to offer.

Conclusion

The Dirt Devil 0213CHR Kone Cordless Hand Vacuum with Charcoal is the perfect choice for small daily cleaning jobs and if you are looking for a stylish vacuum that you can display in your house. However, if you are looking to clean large surfaces Dirt Devil's Kone might not be for you.

Dirt Devil 0213CHR Kone Cordless Hand Vacuum - Charcoal Review

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