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Just wanted to check in. Wanted to see how we are doing with cleaning up our indoor breathing atmosphere. So, how are we doing?
Have we resolved to vacuum every few days with a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter? Have we checked out the filters to make sure they are clean and our heating system is working properly and efficiently? What about cracking open a window or two to let in some fresh air (I know it’s cold outside but a few minutes won’t hurt)? Are we dusting with a microfiber cloth designed to really pick up dust and allergens? Did we get rid of all the plastic and cardboard possibly lingering from the holidays? Have we checked the vent in the kitchen to make sure it is running properly and venting to the outside?
I know it seems like a lot. But even just tackling one or two during the rest of this month can go a long way to improve the air you and your family are breathing in your home. One more suggestion, if you have never had your air ducts cleaned or maybe not in the last five years or so, consider having it done. It truly does make a world of difference. Let us know if we can give you a free estimate. Call or visit our site today!
The new year is fast approaching and we are all most likely thinking about New Year’s resolutions. Or, perhaps trying to avoid thinking about them. Whichever, most of us tend to concentrate on health, family etc. All of that is great! But while we are concentrating on health and family, how about giving some thought to the indoor air our family is breathing and how that affects our health. How about making one of our resolutions this year to improve the indoor air quality in our homes? Seems like an outstanding idea to me. So, what are some basic things that we can do to accomplish this?
I ran across some great thoughts as I was contemplating this today. Here are a few of the things I found.
Air Filters: Changing the air filter each month helps to take contaminants out of the air in your home, especially if you upgrade to a filter with a high MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value). Even with a supplementary indoor air quality system, regular filter changes are necessary so that your heater and air conditioner can operate efficiently.
Air Purifier: An electronic air purifier may be more effective than the filter you currently have in place. This system is usually able to catch much smaller particles, using an ionization process to charge particles, which then attract to a metal plate in the air purifier.
Air Filtration Systems: A HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter is more effective than a standard home filter, but ask a technician if this is the right choice for your HVAC system. A HEPA filter may block airflow to your heating and air conditioning system so that it can no longer work properly.
Humidifier: Dry air and, as a result, dry sinuses, makes you more susceptible to illness and keeps you sick for longer. Add a humidifier to your HVAC system so you can recover faster.
These are all excellent ideas and things to give some thought to. If, you think this may just be the start for you to improve your indoor air quality and would like to delve a little deeper, the EPA has an excellent place to get more information. The link for that is as follows: http://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/inside-story-guide-indoor-air-quality Hopefully this information will get you well on your way to fulfilling that better indoor air quality resolution. If we can help or answer any questions you may have please visit our site or give us a call.
Mr. B’s Air Duct Cleaning
Call Today for a Free Estimate!
615-244-1785
“Specializing in Air Duct Cleaning and Air Filtration Systems”
I don’t know about you but I’m busier in these next ten to fourteen days than almost any other time of the year. I love this time but sometimes I forget to think about the air my family might be breathing indoors. It’s cold (for most) outside and so windows and doors are shut tight. There is a lot of cooking to be done for friends and family. We love the sounds and especially the smells of the holiday season. Most of these “must-dos” or at least “really likes” unfortunately cause some amount of indoor air pollution. So, what can be done?
If you are up for it, perhaps only run the gas fireplace sparingly. Maybe, only when there are actually people in the room to enjoy it. And, if you can stand it, crack a window at night just to let a little fresh air in. We tend to lower our thermostats slightly overnight
when we are all cozy in our warm beds anyway.
For the cooking issue, just make sure you are using your exhaust fan as much as possible, And, of course, make sure it vents to the outside.
As for the candles, air fresheners, potpourri or whatever you use to make your home “smell” like the holidays, again, just use them a little more sparingly. If you have a family with very sensitive allergies perhaps eliminate them all together. Let something else bring the warm holiday feeling.
Of course, always make sure your filters are clean. This not only helps clear the indoor air it also helps your heating unit run more efficiently, which, also saves you money. And, who doesn’t like to save money, particularly at this time of year? Also, with all the foot traffic in and out of your homes right now, vacuum, vacuum, vacuum. It helps more than you’d think.
None of this is rocket science. Pretty much just good common sense. Just wanted to get you thinking a bit. As always, if we can help you clean up your indoor air even more this holiday season visit our site or give us call. It’s not too late!
Mr. B’s Air Duct Cleaning
Call Today for a Free Estimate!
615-244-1785
“Specializing in Air Duct Cleaning and Air Filtration Systems”
Obviously the holidays are in full swing. That means lots and lots of cooking, cleaning, decorating, wrapping. I could go on and on. Mostly I would like to focus on the cooking, cleaning and decorating. Believe it or not those things can all affect your indoor breathing atmosphere negatively.
Cooking affects it negatively because of the smoke, fumes etc. The best thing to be done for this is to be sure to use a well ventilated exhaust fan. Using one that vents to the outside is the absolute best.
Cleaning is another possible hazard to our indoor breathing atmosphere. Using harsh and toxic cleaning products is the biggest hazard. Trying to use non-toxic or even natural cleaning agents is the best defense. However, if the others are your choice just be sure to open some windows (while you are cleaning) and run fans. I don’t suggest going without cleaning no matter how tempting it might be 😉 Of course, vacuum often and empty the dust containers and/or change the bags often. Even the little things can make a big difference in your indoor air quality.
I mentioned decorating for a couple of reasons. One being the fact that bringing in the boxes/bins of decorations from wherever they are stored can bring in all kinds of dust, and whatever else. This in itself can cause problems for the indoor air. Wiping all containers down while still outside (if that’s where they are stored) or perhaps vacuuming them off before moving them is a great idea. This will cut down on what is put into the breathing atmosphere considerable. Another reason I mentioned decorating is because well all love (well most of us) candles and other things that make the air smell like “Christmas”. Unfortunately, much of that can pollute our indoor breathing atmosphere. I’m definitely not “Scrooge” so I’m not saying don’t do it. I’m just saying be aware and perhaps use sparingly or go for natural products.
And of course, make sure the gas fireplaces and stoves etc. are working properly and are properly ventilated. Check the air filters and change if it’s time.
Just wanted to give a few reminders so we can keep the air in our homes as clean as possible for all those who will be with us for the wonderful holiday season! Enjoy one another and, as always, give us a call or visit our site if we can help keep your indoor breathing atmosphere clean!
Mr. B’s Air Duct Cleaning
Call Today for a Free Estimate!
615-244-1785
“Specializing in Air Duct Cleaning and Air Filtration Systems”
I was recently contemplating getting all the decorations and such out for the holidays. I actually really love doing all those kinds of things. We happen to store ours in a shed outside our home. It made me think of all the dust, pollen and other pollutants I could be bringing into my home. Not a whole lot that can be done about that except perhaps wiping down all the bins etc. outside before bringing them in. Of course, making sure the air filters indoors are clean and fresh and vacuuming immediately after the “decorating” is complete are great ideas. All that is pretty normal stuff and I do actually think it helps. However, it got me thinking about other pollutants that may be getting in in ways I may not have thought of. So, of course, I started in on some research.
During this time of year we all bring “new” things into the house all the time. Gifts, groceries, perhaps even new furniture and carpet with all the holiday guests coming in. Unfortunately, when I began to do my research one of the biggest culprits for indoor air pollutants is “new” stuff. New carpeting and furniture were the two biggest problems in most of what I found. Electronics and other new plastic things were also mentioned. That covers almost all gifts these days especially if you have kids. Well, that made me a little nervous and even put a bit of a damper on my holiday mood. But, along with the warnings that were given some advice on how to handle these things was also given.
For new carpeting make sure you ask for low-VOC, formaldehyde free adhesive, air carpeting out before installing and run fans and even one widows (if possible) after installation. For new furnishings the best thing is just keeping things well ventilated. The same goes for new electronics or plastic products as well as vacuuming around those products very regularly.
Something else that was added in the list of indoor air pollutants was glues and adhesives. If you are crafty, the holidays are especially full of these items for you. Unfortunately most of the glues and adhesives can introduce pollutants into your indoor air. If possible, opt for water-based, formaldehyde free glues. And, as always, work in a very well ventilated area.
Hopefully this information was helpful and not alarming. I’m a firm believer in knowledge is power. So here’s to hoping you feel more powerful.
As always, if Mr. B’s can help improve your indoor air with duct cleaning and/or air purification or, if we can answer any questions for you, please call or visit our site today!
Mr. B’s Air Duct Cleaning
Call Today for a Free Estimate!
615-244-1785
“Specializing in Air Duct Cleaning and Air Filtration Systems”
We all know that regularly changing the air filters in our homes is important. However, until pondering its importance I didn’t know how much difference it can really make. I also didn’t know much about the differences in air filters or that there was a rating system developed in 1987 that helps determine the efficiency of said filters. Who knew there was so much to know?
“Central heaters and air conditioners pull air through filters that capture dust, and other particulates. Air filters are one of the best lines of defense against the ailments that can arise due to dirty air.” That is according to QualityAirFilters.com but it sounds like solid thinking to me. That being said what are some way to be sure you are using the appropriate air filter? As mentioned earlier there is a rating system called MERV minimum efficiency reporting value. The ratings are 1-20, 1 being the least efficient and 20 being the most. I could go on about each rating or I could just provide you with the following table that explains it quickly and efficiently:
This information proved very valuable to me. Now, I think I have a better idea of what to look for and what will best cover the needs of my family. Trusting it will be helpful to you as well.
At Mr. B’s we would love to help you continue to improve the air you and your family breathe indoors. Call us today or visit our site to see how we can help!
Mr. B’s Air Duct Cleaning
Call Today for a Free Estimate!
615-244-1785
“Specializing in Air Duct Cleaning and Air Filtration Systems”
I think this topic occurred to me because I flipped on my fireplace for the first time just this morning. Then as I began to smell some of the familiar aromas of turning it on for the first time, my mind went directly to our air quality. Does the fireplace affect it? Should I be concerned? So, I started doing some checking. Sure found some interesting information that I was completely clueless about before.
To begin with, I learned there are vented and ventless gas fireplaces. Again, that was new news to me. So, I kept digging. I discovered some excellent information from practically right in our own backyard: Custom Fireplaces and More in Cookeville, Tennessee. Here’s what they had to say:
Vented or Ventfree? Which fireplace is right for your family?
We offer both kinds; each has unique advantages and disadvantages.
Vented
Unvented
1. All exhaust fumes (including odors and moisture) are taken out of the home.
1. Unvented fireplaces burn very clean but not perfect, much like a kerosene heater. Measurable levels of carbon monoxide and other chemicals such as nitrogen dioxide (an irritant to eyes, nose and throat) vent into the home. Some people are more sensitive to this than others. Odor is usually noticeable by those with a strong sense of smell.
2. Some vented models (“direct-vent” types) are excellent heaters having efficiency ratings up to 80% plus. Others are meant primarily for “looks” and have low efficiencies. Consumers must be sure to choose a model that suits their priorities.
2. All unvented models are good heaters. since the heat cannot escape up a chimney. However, labeling on the permanent metal tags attached to the unit (as of 3/96 not required to be stated in advertising literature), used to state that a window must be opened “an inch or two” when using heater. This statement was replaced a few years ago with, “Consult your installation manual for ventilation requirements.” All manuals now advise that if you do not have enough cubic feet of space as compared to the amount of BTU’s, you should cut a permanent hole in the outside wall of your house and install a louver in it.
3. Very natural, realistic dancing flame patterns are possible. Some models meant mainly for “looks” allow rearranging and customizing of log positions for the ultimate in realism.
3. To burn as clean as possible, flames patterns tend to be noticeably less realistic. Logs are placed only as per manufacturer’s instructions and cannot be safely rearranged.
4. Vented models and their installation usually cost more than most unvented models.
4. Unvented models and their installation usually cost less than most vented models.
5. When considering adding a vented fireplace to the lower level of a two level home, it may be difficult to find a convenient place to run the venting.
5. Sometimes the only possible way to add a fireplace to the lower level of an existing two level home is to use an unvented model.
6. In a very tight house, direct-vent fireplace is often the method of choice. It pulls in air to feed the fire between the two layers of double vent pipe, and all exhaust is sent out through the center pipe. No heated room air can escape.
6. In a very tight house, unless a window is opened during use, an unvented fireplace can cause “indoor air pollution” consisting of traces of carbon monoxide, and various other chemicals plus large quantities of water vapor. Water vapor can form a “film” and encourage the growth of mold and mildew.
If you already have a gas fireplace, it was also highly suggested that you have it inspected and maintained annually. Of course, it was suggested by the American Lung Association that they would not recommend unvented fireplaces for anyone with health issues. I suppose it’s a matter of your personal comfort level as to how much of the odors, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and other chemicals you would want to allow into your indoor breathing atmosphere.
Anyway, it was just information that honestly I hadn’t given much thought to and wanted to pass along once I did give it a little thought. As always, if Mr. B’s can help you improve the indoor air quality in your home, please give us a call or visit our site.
So, the weather is just beginning to cool off….finally. And the leaves are beautiful and there is a slight crispness to the air in the mornings. For whatever reason that sends my mind to the kitchen. Weird, just stick with me. The fall finds me in the kitchen cooking and baking. Whereas, summer usually finds me outdoors grilling and such. So, back to the kitchen. It’s generally the hub of most homes. Unfortunately it has come to my attention that the kitchen can be one of the worst sources of indoor air pollution. How can the kitchen and all the wonderful things that come out of it be a source of pollutants? Great question.
According to an article in the New York Times “Cooking represents one of the single largest contributors, generating particulate matter … at concentrations four times greater than major haze events in Beijing.” Well that seems a little scary. Apparently, frying, grilling or toasting foods with gas and electric appliances creates particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, and volatile organic compounds. I actually never ever gave this any thought (unless of course something has been terribly burned and every door and window must be flung open in order just to breathe). Gas burning stoves seem to be worse in this area than electric, but electric is not completely without problems.
In fact, in a study in California performed by Dr. Brett Singer and his group at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory it was found that a significant portion of residences exceed outdoor air quality standards for several pollutants on a weekly basis as a result of cooking with gas burners. The study also reported that “If these were conditions that were outdoors the EPA [Environmental Protection Agency] would be cracking down. But since it’s in people’s homes, there’s no regulation requiring anyone to fix it, reducing people’s exposure to pollutants from gas stoves should be a public health priority.” Again, that sounds a bit scary. So, aside from forming a Facebook page and raising awareness or whatever else one might do, what can we do in our own homes to combat this issue?
Once again, Dr. Singer to the rescue, “If every one of those homes were to use a range hood that exhausts to the outside and is even moderately effective, the number of homes exceeding the standards would drop by more than half” . Sounds easy enough. However, more interesting information that I came across stated that although pretty much every home has a range hood an alarming amount do not use them. And, even if the home has one and it is used regularly many do not work very well.
Here are some tips that I found from that very same lab for cooking and for buying an effective range hood.
Cooking Tips
— Always turn your fan on
— Cook on the back burners
— Use highest fan setting
— Clean grease traps periodically
— If you don’t have a hood, open windows
Tips For Buying A New Range Hood
— Look for one that covers the entire stovetop
— It should move 200 cubic feet of air per minute, certified by the Home Ventilating Institute
— Choose a noise rating of 3 sones or less for a quieter fan
— Choose a hood shape with a hollow space underneath for collecting fumes
Source: Lawrence Berkeley Lab
Hopefully you found this information very helpful. As always, Mr. B’s is here to help you improve your indoor breathing atmosphere. Please don’t hesitate to call or visit our site.
I was browsing back through some of our earlier blogs. The list of things to do to get our homes “cooler weather ready” stuck out to me. It may not feel so much like cooler weather is on the way right now. But, that might just be the time to think about preparing for it. One of the items that stuck out to me the most was the directive to check for air leaks and utilize caulk and/or weatherstripping.
Honestly, until I’m sitting by a door or window and it is chilly outside but I’m beginning to feel chilly inside, I don’t give caulking and weatherstripping much thought. Which is why I’m bringing it up now.
So the first step in determining if you need to make use of the caulk or weatherstripping is to check your home for air leaks. The U.S. Department of Energy tells us that “reducing the amount of air that leaks in and out of your home is a cost-effective way to cut heating and cooling costs, improve durability, increase comfort, and create a healthier indoor environment.” They also provide us with a list of places to look for those pesky air leaks:
“VISUAL INSPECTION
On the outside of your house, inspect all areas where two different building materials meet, including:
All exterior corners
Outdoor water faucets
Where siding and chimneys meet
Areas where the foundation and the bottom of exterior brick or siding meet.
Inside your home, inspect around the following areas for any cracks and gaps that could cause air leaks:
Once you’ve determined where your air leaks occur you can seal them up with either caulk or weatherstripping which ever is deemed appropriate. Now, before it gets to cool out, is a good time to check it all out and get it taken care of. This way you will be comfortable, save money, and feel good about the air you are breathing while you are enjoying your family and football or whatever you like to do indoors. Hope this gets you thinking and hopefully doing.
As always, if Mr. B’s can help further improve your indoor air quality with duct cleaning or an air purification system, please visit our site or give us a call today.
Mr. B’s Air Duct Cleaning
Call Today for a Free Estimate!
615-244-1785
“Specializing in Air Duct Cleaning and Air Filtration Systems”
I have to admit I had a moment of panic when I woke up and realized it’s OCTOBER! How in the world did that happen so fast? It just sent my mind racing. That means Halloween is around the corner, then Thanksgiving and, oh my word, CHRISTMAS! The tasks that accompany all the joy and wonder of this time of year can certainly become overwhelming and seem daunting. So, since I wanted to help alleviate some of my own stress I started looking for some help. Not the kind where you call someone say “help” and shell out loads of your hard earned money. Nope, the kind you can look for that will break the tasks down and make them seem manageable and even make a lot of sense.
So here it is. It’s thorough and doable and brought up some things I might not have thought of.
Clean Ideas: Countdown to the Holidays
A Checklist to Get Your Home Ready for the Holidays
Work through the list a few items a day. Before you know it, your home will be clean and ready for the holidays!
Put mats and throw rugs at all entryways. This will help prevent dirt from being tracked into your home.
Keep a boot tray near the door for rain or snow soaked footwear.
Vacuum carpets, floors and baseboards so you won’t have to count dust bunnies among your holiday guests!
Sort and discard old magazines and newspapers. Save a few interesting ones and leave them on a table in the guest room for your company’s nighttime reading.
Aim high! Add a telescoping dust wand to your cleaning supplies so it’s easy to banish cobwebs in corners and around ceiling fixtures.
Before the holiday rush takes over, give all the bed linens a thorough cleaning.
Develop a sorting system for handling the mail so it doesn’t accumulate in piles.
Analyze your scarf, hat and glove storage and develop some jumble-free solutions.
If your pets prefer the furniture to the floor, cover their favorite upholstered pieces with attractive, washable throws that can be whisked out of sight when guests arrive. If you keep your most-used cleaning supplies on each level of your home, remember safety first. All cleaning products should be stored up and out of reach of young children.
Put a container of pop-up disposable wipes next to every bathroom and powder room sink. Encourage family members to use them every time they turn the water off.
Stock up on electrostatic dust cloths for on-the-spot cleaning of your flat screen TV and other dust magnets.
If you plan on doing a lot of holiday cooking and entertaining, check your stockpile of aprons, potholders, dish clothes and dish towels. Make sure they’re clean and in usable condition.
14. Invest in a few small, hand-held vacuums designed for your TV, computer keyboard or gaming station (cordless or with a charger) and install them in strategic places around your home. They are perfect for removing dust and crumbs from your electronics.
15. Flushable bathroom wipes are good for touching up surfaces between deeper cleanings.
16. Stock up on disposable hand towels for the powder room and guest bath.
17. Make room for guest’s gear by purging the coat closet of out-of-season items and stocking it with hangers sturdy enough for winter coats.
18. To avoid beverage rings on your wood or glass top furniture, keep coasters out in plain sight.
19. Clean out the refrigerator to make room for holiday goodies. Remove the contents, checking expiration dates, and discarding anything whose time is up. Clean the shelves and wipe down bottles and jars before returning items to the refrigerator.
20. For soiled table linens, get into the soaking habit. Once the meal is over, clear the table and pretreat any stains with a prewash stain remover. Fill the washing machine with laundry detergent, warm water and bleach that’s safe for the fabric, toss the linens in, and let them soak overnight. Same goes for your fine napkins and placemats.
21. Place tissues and hand sanitizer near doors for a quick pit-stop.
22. If the counter tops gleam, the kitchen immediately looks cleaner. Find the best spray cleaner for your particular countertop and use it regularly.
23. To cut down on clutter and crumbs, confine snacks to certain areas of the house.
24. Inventory your laundry supplies so you don’t run out of anything at this busy time of the year.
25. Give yourself a holiday present: a professional cleaning service pre- or post-holiday is just what Santa ordered!
I would add one more thing to the “give yourself a holiday present” section. Why not have the air ducts cleaned? What good is it to keep things clean and neat when you are possibly blowing dust and debris from the air ducts right back into your clean home. If you’ve never had it done or haven’t in the last 5-7 years it’s time. You will breathe easier and dust less. Give us a call or visit our site to get a free estimate for your home.