All About Air Duct Cleaning

Advantages of Duct Cleaning

2009-09-17T11:27:00.003-05:00

Perhaps the most neglected areas in our house are heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems and as a matter of fact these are the areas that need most of our attention. For most of the people if the equipment is installed well and in good working condition it means all is well. Unfortunately, this is not the case in most of cases. Ducts are the harboring places for a plethora of contaminating particles and microbes and if not cleaned on regular basis can pose hazards to the well being of you and your family.

To understand the benefits of duct cleaning and maintenance let us have a look at how these ducts work in your heating, cooling and ventilation systems and how these are prone to the attack of contamination that in return may be a big threat to efficiency of your system, your monthly expenses and your and your family health.

All systems are composed of ducts that are performing two basic functions; supply and return. Former ducts, as the name indicate supply fresh air to the home and the later ones absorb the old polluted air from your surroundings. This polluted air contains all possible germs and microbes that are present in your surroundings; bacteria, pollen grains, allergens, mold and mildews, per dander, rodent droppings, dust and dirt and even mites. As the system grows old these keep accumulating on the coils or ducts making it more important to be cleaned on regular basis.

Mainly there are three causes that are reason enough to add duct cleaning in your regular to-do lists every season:

Enhanced Efficiency: From above illustration you can easily understand that how your system can work efficiently in the presence of heaps of dust and pollutants on the ducts. In fact dirty ducts cause not only to slow down your system but also are the main reason for most of system failures. A clean duct system not only lessens running time but also works efficiently without causing any trouble.
Lower Energy Utilization: A machine can’t complain about the undue strain but will keep working even when not maintained well. It causes more energy utilization to perform with same efficiency which ultimately comes up in the form of high utility bills. A clean duct system not only increases the life of your system but also is pocket friendly.
Health: Home is the shelter that everybody loves to spend time in. But imagine how it is going to spoil your health if the air you breathe in is not pure. According to a survey indoors are more polluted as compared to outdoors. Polluted and impure air can prove lethal to those having respiratory diseases and as a matter of fact it is the reason behind many respiratory diseases along with allergies. A regular duct cleaning is the way to go if you prefer the wealth of health over few dollars every season.

Do You Suffer From Allergies?
I would recommend reading "Does Air Duct Cleaning Help Allergy Sufferers?" to learn more about allergies and it's relationship to routine duct cleaning. Are you ready to get your duct work cleaned? If you live in the Twin cities, MN area, call 612-234-4117 for Minneapolis Duct Cleaning. Outside the Minneapolis St. Paul, Minnesota metro area visit Duct-911 to find a duct cleaning company near you.

Duct Cleaning

2009-01-29T14:12:00.002-06:00

How to perform an air duct cleaning - learn how residential air duct cleaning specialists perform an air vent cleaning in this step by step outline visit luckyduct.net for details. Duct cleaning air duct cleaning, blower motor cleaning, coil cleaning, dryer vent cleaning, chimney cleaning, mold treatment - sanitation duct cleaning maryland dryer vent cleaning duct. Oklahoma duct cleaning why should i clean my ducts " dirty air ducts have been identified as a major source of indoor air pollution, your air duct system is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. Perry duct cleaning - welcome specialist in high pressure steam cleaning: grease ducts air ducts laundry ducts concrete decks and fences small buildings other. Maryland md duct expert - air duct cleaning, blower motor cleaning vacuvent air duct cleaning - the best choice for indoor air quality air duct cleaning and indoor air quality franchise company based in florida, serving palm bay, melbourne.

Live search: duct cleaning perry duct cleaning is owned and operated by clark perry of ingleside, ont since 2005 we have provided professional residential duct cleaning and inspection services for dundas. Tampa duct cleaning lucky leprechaun chimney sweep & air duct cleaning friendly, dependable, honest serving the los angeles area. Advance air duct cleaning denver residents get the most thorough air duct cleaning ever -also servicing broomfield, boulder, and surrounding areas. Home page clean air do you have a newly constructed home are you living in a home that has never had the duct work cleaned and sanitized are you thinking of buying or.

Duct cleaning family owned & operated since 1995 welcome to mite-e-ducts indiana's 1 air duct cleaner. Duct cleaning search results. Lucky leprechaun chimney sweep - mission viejo, ca- welcome duct cleaning maryland dryer vent cleaning t & d duct cleaning residential and commercial air duct cleaning contractor for homes or businesses, hvac cleaning service including. Disponette duct cleaning professional duct cleaning co - for professional duct cleaning professional duct cleaning company, inc is a full service air duct cleaning company. Wilson grease duct cleaning inc oklahoma duct cleaning : if they don't have a truck like this, ask questions a lot of questions oklahoma duct cleaning was started in 1986.

Air duct cleaning denver air duct cleaning broomfield air duct cleaning: what is air duct cleaning professional duct cleaning benefits residential duct cleaning what is air duct cleaning most people are now aware that indoor air. Air duct cleaning&restoration full service company specializing in air duct, dryer vent and chimney cleaning services includes descriptions and contacts. Duct cleaning maryland dryer vent cleaning t & d duct cleaning one of the most overlooked parts of the home is the heating and cooling ductwork out of sight. Air duct cleaning improve your indoor air quality : clean air by duct cleaning tampa fl sears air duct cleaning, tampa, fl. Write a duct cleaning review carpet upholstery & duct cleaning,. Professional duct cleaning company home the tri-state s premiere air duct cleaning, hvac system cleaning & restoration, indoor air quality (iaq) assessment and mold remediation, water extraction, dryer vent cleaning.

Pros and Cons of Air Duct Cleaning

2008-06-19T22:56:00.003-05:00

Here is an interesting air duct cleaning article; 'Duct Cleaning Pros Cons'. This post covers the positive aspect of duct cleaning as well as the negative.

Here are just a few of the highlights about duct cleaning:

Remove the "source" which might be causing the problem
Breathe cleaner air
Health benefits, especially for allergy sufferers

Here are the "cons" of duct cleaning:

Deceptive price schemes
Scams which deceive homeowners
Partial cleaning

After reading 'Duct Cleaning Pros Cons' you might also want to read '20 Tips on Hiring a Duct Cleaner'

Energy Saving Tips - Heating & Cooling System

2008-03-07T05:49:00.004-06:00

Energy Saving Tips Regarding Your Home Heating and Cooling System

Furnace Filter - Keeping your furnace filter clean will help keep your house more comfortable and it will allow your furnace and air conditioner to work more efficiently. Changing your furnace filter is something you can do yourself, or ask our technicians to do it for you when we are out.
Duct Cleaning - It is crucial to understand that your air duct system was never designed to be filled with dust, toys, pet hair, construction debris, etc. Over time, as you run your furnace and draw indoor air through the system, your ducts will get contaminated. Think of your cold air return as a giant vacuum cleaner. Whenever your furnace or A/C runs, it is "sucking" dirty indoor air through your home heating and cooling system. Besides being "unclean", it also restricts air-flow, making your furnace and a/c work harder, costing you money.
Equipment Maintenance - Have a heating professional service your home's heating and cooling equipment annually for optimum efficiency and comfort and to help eliminate the unforeseen breakdown.
Lower your thermostat - The Department of Energy says that setting the thermostat 5 degrees lower for 8 hours can save up to 5%. This can be accomplished by manually adjusting your thermostat or with the use of a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Fireplace Damper - When you are not using your fireplace, make sure you have the damper in the closed position. An open damper is just like having a window or door open; allowing heated or cooled air to escape the house.
Limit the use of your fireplace - When you open the damper in your fireplace, you are allowing heat to escape through the fireplace chimney. Experts agree that a typical fireplace loses more heat than is generated. This is especially true in colder climates. As the smoke climbs up through the chimney, your heat follows right behind. Consider installing a fireplace insert which will make better use of the heat generated in your fireplace.
New Furnace / Air Conditioner - Replace your existing system with a newer high efficiency system and lower your fuel bills, increase your comfort and have peace of mind with new equipment with a 5 year or 10 year parts and labor warranty. This system may qualify for federal tax credits and or local utility rebates. (Check with your accountant or local utility to verify your eligibility). Click here for a New Furnace Quote or an A/C Installation Quote
Hybrid System - Install an add on electric heat pump to a natural gas, propane or oil furnace to create a more efficient dual fuel (hybrid) system. This system may qualify for federal tax credits and or local utility rebates. (Check with your accountant or local utility to verify your eligibility)
Humidifier - A humidifier will make the winter air feel warmer, similar to how a humid day in the summer feels warmer, this will allow you to lower your thermostat setting and reduce your energy usage.
Duct Sealing - Sealing your ductwork will not only reduce your energy usage, but it will allow more airflow to reach your registers where you need it in your rooms.
Seal House air leaks - Check for air leaks around windows, doors, and through electrical outlets. Install weather-stripping around doors and windows, and foam gaskets behind electrical faceplates. Check for adequate insulation in your attic, crawl space and walls. Department of Energy recommendation.

Additional Money Saving Tips Regarding Your Furnace, Air Conditioner and more

For even more ideas on how to save money on heating and cooling expenses, read; "10 Ways to Help Lower Your Utility Bill".

On the House Home Improvement Forum - Endless Dust

2007-12-23T21:31:00.000-06:00

Just thought I would share a thread I found concerning dust and air duct cleaning. A homeowner was complaining about all the dust in her home and another homeowner recommended having her furnace and air ducts cleaned. - If only every homeowner new all the benefits of air duct cleaning!

Duct Cleaning Schedule for Christmas and New Years

2007-12-22T08:58:00.000-06:00

Duct-911.com and CleanMyFurnace.com will be closed Tuesday 12/25/2007 to observe the birth of Jesus Christ. Both Duct-911.com and CleanMyFurnace.com will reopen for duct cleaning Wednesday the 26th and will be closed again New Years Day.

We would like to extend a heartfelt Merry Christmas and a Happy (and prosperous) New Year to all. 2007 Has been en extremely fun, exciting and prosperous year for our companies and we are very excited about what's in store for us in 2008. If this year can be used as a measurement, next year should be incredible!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
and a
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Chimney Cleaing - Cleaning the Chimney Stack on a Coffee Bean Roaster

2007-12-18T17:08:00.000-06:00

We had fun last week cleaning the stack on a coffee bean roaster. Even though it was very simple, it still was very fun. According to the owner, John R of Northwoods Roasterie, a coffee shop located in Lindstrom, MN, the coffee bean roaster must be cleaned annually to satisfy the manufacturers warranty requirements.

The process was really no different then cleaning a house chimney. One of our guys was on top of the roof with a rotobrush, the other was positioned with vacuum in hand by the chimney stack of the coffee bean roaster. Since it was a straight shot, and a short chimney, the process was very quick. In one years time their hadn't accumulated much soot (creosote) in the chimney.

John explained that since his coffee shop is only one year old and he is still building his clientele, his chimney wasn't as dirty as what it will be next year. He explained that a coffee shop that roasted 800 or 900 pounds of coffee per day would perhaps need it cleaned more frequently.

5 Tips on Hiring an Air Duct Cleaner

2007-12-04T23:14:00.000-06:00

When hiring a duct cleaner there are certain steps you can take to make sure you hire the very best duct cleaning company for your situation. To name just a few:

Ask for a detailed description of the duct cleaning service they will provide for you.
Get an approximate estimate for your project. Ideally, they will be able to give you a quote over the phone.
Dos the price include tax?
Are they able to provide other services related to duct cleaning like chimney cleaning, dryer vent cleaning, furnace cleaning, etc.
Let them tell you as much as possible about their duct cleaning company and the services they provide. This way you can determine if they match your criteria.

These are just 5 of the 20 Tips on Hiring a Duct Cleaner article found on the CleanMyFurnace.com website.

Are You Looking for a HVAC Contractor?

2007-11-17T20:35:00.000-06:00

The heating season is here and it's definitely time to start thinking about your HVAC (Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning) system. It seems like everyone I've been talking to is thinking about air duct cleaning, furnace filters, furnace tune-ups or buying a new heating and cooling system. Of course, I work in the business, but even so, people are certainly thinking about their heating system.

Now is a great time to get your air ducts cleaned and your furnace tuned-up. For as little as $189, you can have a professional air duct cleaner use a rotobrush to scrub your ducts clean. Generally speaking, air duct cleaners are trained and equipped to do more than just clean duct work. They typically do an excellent job of giving your furnace the much needed annual tune-up.

We subscribe to numerous HVAC magazines, and are constantly reminded of the importance of annual furnace tune-ups. If only we could get the word out to more homeowners about the importance of having your heating system checked out on a yearly basis.

Babies and Children More Vulnerable to Indoor Air Pollution

2007-11-10T05:57:00.000-06:00

Children are more exposed to air, water pollution and pesticides because pound-for-pound, children breathe in more air, drink more water, and eat more food than adults.

Their bodies are growing and developing more rapidly, so chemicals that can harm their physical development can do maximum damage at this critical time.

Children also play on the floor, where allergens, such as dust, dirt, pet hair and other heavier-than-air chemicals settle and collect.

Then there's natural behavior: Putting everything in the mouth is a crucial part of normal development, the way a baby learns about the world.

For $189 ($99 for the air sweep and vacuum method) you can have all your air ducts thoroughly brushed clean using the roto-brush method. If you are concerned about your family's health, and would like to find out how you can have clean air ducts, call the pros at Duct-911.com today for more information: 651-653-4704.

Duct-911.com Partners with New York & Atlanta Air Duct Cleaners

2007-10-19T06:40:00.000-05:00

In an ongoing effort to bring high quality and low priced air duct cleaning to homeowners all across the USA, Duct-911.com has now partnered with companies from Staten Island, New York and Atlanta, Georgia.

In New York you will now be able to get whole-house air duct cleaning from D&H Air Duct Cleaning for $99! They cover more than just the Staten Island area, they also work much of NYC and NJ. To setup an appointment to have your air ducts professionally cleaned call 718-475-5662.

In Atlanta you can get the same low price of $99 from Dr. Air Duct. Servicing all of the Atlanta metro area, like our New York air duct cleaning partner, they also clean dryer vents and are certified chimney sweeps. You can arrange an appointment with them if you call: 404-348-0111.

If you are from another area not yet serviced by Duct-911.com, please be patient. They are rapidly expanding and hope to have established relationships with air duct cleaners in your area soon. So, be bookmark their site and check back often!

Dryer Vent Cleaning and Air Duct Cleaning

2007-10-17T23:50:00.000-05:00

As long as the allergy season is here and people are thinking air duct cleaning and furnace tune-ups, I thought an article about dryer vent cleaning might be useful information for homeowners as well

Cleaning your Dryer Vent
DIY Product reviews

This annual or semi-annual cleaning is easy to forget about, but is very important. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission over 15,000 fires and 19 deaths are related to dryer venting each year. In addition to the danger of a clogged dryer vent is a huge energy loss. A clear vent will allow moisture to escape better and the clothes will dry faster.

Inside the dryer clear any visible lint with a long handled brush or vacuum attachment. Clean the lint trap after the each load to reduce the lint build up.

On the venting leading outside of the house be sure to inspect a few different areas. First, make sure the venting to not kinked or bent. This would also be a good time to replace plastic or foil venting with a stronger solid or semi-ridig metal. Next, look at the exit on the outside of the house. Bird screens are notorious for collecting link and reducing air flow. Finally, if you have a long vent you need to it cleaned also. Professional air duct cleaning services or a chimney sweep can do this. You can also clean it with a shop-vac or an electric leaf blower. Remove the out side vent cover so the entire 4-inch vent is exposed. Move the dryer so you can get to vent with the equipment. Attach the end of the blower on the vent and seal it with a clamp of duct tape. Make sure the vac is set on blow not suck. Use the lowest setting to start and let it do the work. You will be amazed by the amount of link you will find it you grass.

There are some cleaning kits that use an auger brush and a drill to clean long runs, but they are expensive and could damage your venting without you seeing it. Solid and semi-ridig ducting can tear or separate it poked hard enough with a metal stick.

Heating and Cooling Tips from the Maryland Public Services Commission

2007-09-23T09:21:00.000-05:00

Heating/Cooling Systems

If your home is heated or cooled by an electric heat pump, following these tips can help reduce your electric bill:

• Clean or change filters monthly; keep return air grilles and room registers clean.

• Make sure ductwork is properly sealed and insulated to prevent leakage, especially around the return. Check ductwork in attics and crawl spaces.

• Keep plants, shrubs, and other obstacles at least two feet away from the heat pump; keep the outdoor unit clear of snow and ice in the winter.

• Make sure your furnace has a pre-season check-up for efficiency and safety; ensure that a trained service technician checks your unit at least once every three years.

• When replacing your heating system, consider a multi-fuel furnace.

Remember—don’t turn off your heating and/or cooling system when you are not at home. Instead, turn the thermostat up or down a few degrees. Turning the system off means that is has to work twice as hard to get the rooms up to temperature; this uses more electricity. Turning back your thermostat by just a few degrees in the winter and up a few degrees in the summer can help save energy. Changing the thermostat frequently can also increase your energy costs. Instead, consider buying a programmable or adaptive recovery thermostat.

Ceiling and fl oor fans spread cool and warm air throughout a room and can assist your heating or cooling system and help keep your energy bill down. However, electric space heaters should be used sparingly, as these units can increase your energy use and your electric bill.

Looking for Air Duct Cleaning Testimonials?

2007-09-07T10:25:00.000-05:00

Oftentimes we prefer to do business with companies that have more than just great ads and "catchy" slogans. Now days, most people prefer to do business with companies on a word-of-mouth basis. Here are two websites in the air duct cleaning industry that have testimonial after testimonial. Both websites have air duct cleaning testimonials and also heating and cooling installation testimonials:

CleanMyFurnace.com - Air Duct Cleaning Testimonials - Minneapolis and St. Paul
Duct-911.com - Air Duct Cleaning Testimonials - Nationwide (coming soon)

The latter company has just recently expanded their air duct cleaning services nationwide. For now they only have Minnesota air duct cleaning testimonials, but with the great service they provide, they will soon have scores of testimonials about air duct cleaning.

Shopping for a High Efficiency Natural Gas Furnace?

2007-08-27T21:21:00.000-05:00

The thought of snow, cold and blowing winds lead to thoughts of warm blankets, furnaces and glowing fires. Most of us take our home heating and air conditioning system for granted. Until it breaks, that is. Then all we can think about is immediate relief.

The size of your home will dictate the size of the furnace needed. The two most common household furnaces are combustion and condensation.

How Furnaces Work:
Utilizing gravity to allow the warmer air in the top of a building to slowly displace the cooler air downwards through a complex series of vents and ductwork passages, air conditioning and heating installation engineers must design a system that utilizes both gravity and forced air to move warmer or cooler air to wherever its needed for comfort. At the furnace, cool air passes into the furnace, usually through an air filter, through the blower, then through the heat exchanger of the furnace, whence it is blown throughout the building.

High Efficiency Furnaces
There are several types of furnaces available but I recommend a High Efficiency furnace. Unless you have a particular need for another heat source ( Electric Furnaces , Mini-Duct Systems, Corn Stoves, Wood Stoves, etc.), generally speaking, the High Efficiency furnace is the way to go. High Efficiency furnaces are convenient, affordable, quiet, and of course very efficient.

Two-speed units and variable-capacity high efficiency furnaces generally operate at lower noise levels, run for longer periods of time, give better circulation and maintain a more consistent temperature in the house. Professionals believe that high efficiency natural gas furnaces are the perfect fit for any home.

Buying a High Efficiency Furnace
A free estimate for the purchase and installation of a new heating and air conditioning system is available through most HVAC dealers. Here are a few pointers when shopping for a New Furnace and A/C unit:

- Check Angies list for reputable HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) companies in your area if you dont already have an HVAC company you are working with and trust.
- If replacing a furnace, do not simply go with a model that is similar to the old one.
- Request a load calculation before choosing the furnace for your home. Your Heating and Cooling Contractor will provide this for you which will in turn help you make better buying decisions.
- A new high efficiency furnace will help keep you from receiving higher and higher energy bills every month.
- Choosing a brand of furnace that has a history of quality and reliability can be less costly in the long run.
- Determine the level of efficiency that will save you the most money.

Shop around, become familiar with the various brands of furnaces and get a few quotes to insure you get the best price.

Are You Due for a New Furnace?

2007-08-19T22:51:00.000-05:00

Here is an excerpt of an article with tips regarding buying a furnace in Minnesota.

Buying a furnace in Minnesota

With a little research, buying a new furnace does not need to be difficult. Here are a few suggestions which Duct-911.com recommends when shopping for a New Heating and Cooling System:

- Choose a heating and cooling system that has the best costs with the features you feel are most important.
- When buying a new furnace, you might want to consider installing a humidifier at the same time. Proper humidity reduces heating costs by stopping wood shrinkage, which reduces cold air infiltration around door and window frames. In turn, you'll feel warm at lower temperatures.
- Choosing a brand of furnace that has a history of quality and reliability can be less costly in the long run.
- When purchasing a furnace consider the furnace noise level. Unfortunately, all furnaces do not come with a standard rating system for sound unlike heat pumps and air conditioners.

10 Ways to Help Lower Your Utility Bill

2007-07-28T19:26:00.000-05:00

Here are 6 of the 10 energy saving tips as mentioned by James Bickers, an independent writer for the Courier-Journal. While the Mr. Bickers mentions cleaning the coils on the back of the refrigerator, he fails to mention the coils inside the air ducts.

As stated on the Duct-911.com website; "Dirty coils reduce the system's ability to cool your home and cause the system to run longer, increasing energy costs and reducing the life of the equipment. (energystar.gov)". Also, CleanMyFurnace.com, a Minnesota air duct cleaning company quotes the EPA saying; "A build up of .042 (1/20) inches of dirt on the heating or cooling coil can result in a decrease in efficiency of 21%".

At any rate, this article offers a few good pointers which homeowners can use to save money on their electric bill and we applaud him for it. Below are 6 of the 10 energy saving tips mentioned in the article:

2. Install a programmable thermostat. Abby Buford of Lowe's said a properly used and installed ENERGY STAR-compliant thermostat saves a homeowner up to $100 a year.

3. Raise the temperature. Got your new thermostat installed? It's time to use it. Even on the hottest days, try increasing the temperature by a degree or two, gradually acclimating yourself to the change. Consumer Reports estimates that for every degree you raise your cooling system, you'll cut about 3 percent off your energy bill. And learn about the programmable functions too -- have it automatically adjust upward by a few degrees overnights and when the house is empty.

5. Use your ceiling fans. While you're inching that thermostat up, use the noble ceiling fan to stay cool. They're very energy-efficient: David Schiff, book editor for Consumer Reports, said the average fan uses about as much electricity as a 100-watt bulb -- and it can take some of the load off the air conditioner. "You can use it for pennies a day, and you can probably nudge the AC up by about four degrees," he said.

6. Use a clothesline. Yes, a clothesline. Sure, some of your neighbors might look at you askance; the progressive ones will admire you. Electric dryers use a whopping amount of energy, and their work can just as easily be accomplished by Mother Nature on a sunny day. Plus, your clothes will last longer. "The stuff that's in your lint trap is really just your clothes falling apart," said Schiff.

7. Clean your refrigerator coils. Take off the grill at the bottom of your fridge. Chances are, you'll see some serious dust build-up on the coils behind. This area should be cleaned at least once a year, using a special tapered brush available at any hardware store. The result is a fridge whose motor won't have to run as often.

10. Keep your air conditioner clean and exposed. The A/C unit has to do something with the heat it draws out of your environment -- and while it's tempting to landscape around the big unit in your backyard, doing so will make it work harder to release that heat. Keep the area around the unit clean and open, with at least 2 feet of empty space all around.

If you would like to read this article in full Click Here

Installing an A/C System Everyone is Cool With Takes a Pro

2007-07-22T16:30:00.000-05:00

It Takes a Pro to Put In an AC System Everyone's Cool With
By Tim Carter
Saturday July 21, 2007
WashingtonPost.com

Q: DEAR TIM: The air conditioning in my home has never seemed to work well.
My recent promotion and transfer has me moving to home that is in the early stages of construction. What can I do to ensure that the new home has a central air-conditioning system that keeps all rooms comfortable no matter the outdoor temperature? Is it possible to have all rooms nearly the same temperature? My existing home's second floor feels like an oven.-- Julie

A: DEAR JULIE: I can think of many reasons why the central air conditioning in your existing home does not cool properly. Some of the problems might have been corrected with a simple service call from an expert at air-conditioning troubleshooting. It's also possible that you have had serious air-conditioning-system design flaws that would have cost thousands of dollars to correct.
The central air-conditioning system, plus the heating system, is one of the most important parts of a home, after a sound roof and indoor plumbing. The systems create an artificial climate.
It is realistic to expect this climate to be the same in each room. In my home, each room, no matter the outdoor temperature or time of day (this is very important), can be within one or two degrees of any other room. That keeps my family and me comfortable.
It is unrealistic to expect your home to be a certain temperature no matter what the outdoor temperature is. In other words, if the outdoor temperature is 115 degrees, I would not expect you to be able to cool your home to 72 degrees without considerable discomfort on days when the temperature is, say, 85.
Central air-conditioning systems are designed to operate in a given range of temperatures. For example, the range in your part of the country may be 20 degrees. This means there is only a 20-degree difference between the outdoor temperature and the lowest temperature the system can maintain indoors. It is possible to create a wider temperature spread, but oversizing an air-conditioning system can result in short-cycling when the air conditioner has little work to do.
If an oversize air-conditioning system short-cycles, or has to drop the temperature only a few degrees, it does not run long enough to remove humidity from the air. When this happens, the temperature inside the home gets to the desired level, but you feel cold and clammy. Properly designed central air-conditioning systems run for 10 or 15 minutes at a time, which allows them to extract humidity as the air flows across the cooling coils in the air handler.
The key to getting a central air-conditioning system to work properly is to have a professional size the equipment and install a duct system that delivers the right quantity of air to each room of the house. Each room must also have a return-air duct that vacuums hot air from the ceiling and returns it to the central system to be cooled once more.
A professional air-conditioning technician can analyze your new-home plans with computer software to determine the heat gain and loss for each room. This same exercise can be done on existing homes. With this data, the technician can ensure that the proper size equipment is bought and that the ductwork is sized correctly.
Tim Carter can be contacted via his Web site, http://www.askthebuilder.com/printer_Submit_Question.shtml

Eco-Friendly Blog Offers Some Great Energy Saving Tips

2007-07-17T19:44:00.000-05:00

For some very helpful, money saving, energy conscious tips you might want to visit the
eco-friendly blog called Keetsa! They recommend doing things like; changing furnace filters, installing programmable thermostats, closing the drapes during the day while you are away and much more.
In addition to eco-friendly/energy saving tips, they also have information ranging from solar power to "green" transportation. Even though they didn't specifically mention air duct cleaning, I am sure they soon will post a blog about air duct cleaning. After all, dirty air ducts reduce air flow and make your furnace work that much harder.

Indoor Air Pollution - EPA Calls it an Urgent Environmental Problem

2007-07-13T23:34:00.000-05:00

Poor indoor air quality could affect your respiratory health

Published - July, 12, 2007
Kate S. Peabody
kpeabody@pnj.com

Just last week, you dusted off the mahogany desk in your home office, but days later, your work area is again layered with powdered grime.

Experts say this could be the result of poor indoor air quality. Left unchecked over time, it could adversely affect your respiratory health.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air pollution is one of the five most urgent environmental problems in the United States. But many people are unaware of the health risks lurking in their homes.

And if you are an asthma or allergy sufferer, you could be a little more vulnerable, according to Stephen Metzler, environmental supervisor for the Escambia County Health Department, Environmental Health Division.

And dust is not the only airborne irritant that causes problems — pollen, mold, mildew and tobacco smoke are some of the other culprits...

...Gulf Breeze resident David Stukey, an allergy sufferer, knows about the discomfort poor air quality can cause for people with respiratory problems, and has taken measures regularly to keep the air in his home relatively allergen-free.

In the early spring, Stukey, 33, hired a professional team to clean his ventilation system.

"They came in, cleaned my air duct system and my filter," Stukey said. "The result was that the air in my home was noticeable clearer."...

Portable Air Conditioners - Cheap and no Installation!

2007-07-11T07:35:00.000-05:00

A portable air conditioner might be the way to go if you have a hot spot in your home and have a means to run an air duct outside. This article explains how they can be a great alternative for businesses that have a room or area that is always hot, perhaps due to computers and other office machines.

Cool Down
ITworld.com 6/22/2007

Summer makes it hot outside, but data centers tend to be too hot inside every day of the year. Ever thought about installing an air conditioner in the bottom of your server rack?

While speaking at the ITEC conferences this month, I noticed every show has at least one exhibitor showing off portable air conditioners. In Detroit, I stopped and talked to the folks at Spot Coolers about their products. You can see my interview on video here.

The smallest unit fits inside a standard 19-inch cabinet. Obviously you have to run a duct for the exhaust, because the Laws of Thermodynamics and modern manufacturing dictate more hot air gets created than cold air (about 20 percent more). But each cooler includes a standard size air duct for the exhaust to be routed out of the room or into the ceiling.

Why roll in a cooler? People do it for many reasons, including emergencies when their main systems fail or they want to cover new hardware editions while expanding the house system. Small installations sometimes go for the portable coolers while waiting for the "real" air handling system to be installed, or while waiting to move to a new location.

Greg Lawhorn from Spot Coolers (meet him in the video) said they can deliver units quickly and they start working immediately. Imagine getting your building's HVAC group to add a few tons of cooling in one day. The smallest unit is about one ton of cooling and they go up from there. Prices start at under $3,000 for the small one and go up, but not way way up for the amount of cooling provided. Have a data center in a truck? They're all the rage in the news, if not reality. Lucky for you, Spot Coolers has an air conditioner on a trailer. Those bring 25 tons of cooling to a building or your data center on wheels.

No matter what you spend on a portable unit, it will be cheaper than an installed system, if not neater and more convenient. But for offices that move now and then, it's easy to roll out your portable air handler and maintain your cooling investment. Try taking the building system you upgraded with you, and transporting that in a standard pickup truck.

James E. Gaskin writes books (16 so far), articles and jokes about technology and real life from his home office in the Dallas area. Gaskin has been helping small and medium sized businesses use technology intelligently since 1986. Write him at james.gaskin@itworld .com.

Need a Carrier, Lennox, Goodman or a Payne Air Conditioner Installed?

2007-07-01T06:14:00.000-05:00

Whether you are looking for a new central A/C installation or air duct cleaning, these are the people to contact:

Air Duct Cleaning 651-653-4704

We have great deals on Carrier, Lennox, Goodman or a Payne air conditioning systems. If you are looking for central air installation this summer, we are the company to call. 651-653-4704 or check us out on the web for a Heating and Cooling Installation "INTERNET-ONLY" deal on Central Air Installation

Certified, Licensed, Bonded and Insured

Air Duct Cleaning 651-653-4704

Services Offered by our Certified HVAC Installers:

New Furnace Iinstall

New A/C Installation (central air conditioning)

Preventative Maintenance Program

Troubleshooting

A/C Recharge

Air Ductwork Installation

Additional Heating and Cooling Systems Repaired:
Amana, American Standard, Bryant, Comfort Maker, Day & Night, Fedders, Fredrich, GMC, General Electric, Heil, Janitrol, Kenmore, Magic Chef, Rheem, Rudd, Sears, Singer, Toshiba, Trane, Whirlpool, York, and many more!

Our HVAC Technicians are Trained to Repair the Following Heating and A/C Systems:

Split Systems

Forced Air Furnaces

Central Air Units

Ductless Systems

A C Evaporators

A/C Compressors and Condensors

Refrigeration Units

Electronic Air Filtration Units

Air Handlers and Air Exchangers

Heat Pumps

We are a certified HVAC Contractor and are fully LICENSED, BONDED and INSURED. We would be honored to be your A/C Contractor

Air Duct Cleaning Services Offered:

Air-Sweep Cleaning of all Duct Work

Rotobrush(Roto-Brush) Duct Clean Method

A/C & Heating System Clean and Check

Air Vent Cleaning

Mold and Mildew Inspection (ductwork)

Allergen Removal

Mold Remediation

Our Air Duct Cleaners Also Provide the Following Services...

Chimney Cleaning (chimney sweep)

Chimney Safety Inspection (inspect damper, cracked flu liner)

Remove Creosote (from flue liner)

Fireplace Cleaning (inspect and clean fire place)

Wood Stove (clean out ash pit)

Dryer Vent Cleaning (Clothes Dryer Fires)

Clean Water Heaters (water heater clean also includes vent inspection)

Install Air Filters

A-Coil Clean (free a/c coil inspection)

Services Offered by our Certified HVAC Installers:

New Furnace Iinstall

New A/C Installation (central air conditioning)

Preventative Maintenance Program

Troubleshooting

A/C Recharge

Air Ductwork Installation

Brands We Install:

Carrier

Lennox

Goodman

Payne

Additional Heating and Cooling Systems Repaired:

Amana, American Standard, Bryant, Comfort Maker, Day & Night, Fedders, Fredrich, GMC, General Electric, Heil, Janitrol, Kenmore, Magic Chef, Rheem, Rudd, Sears, Singer, Toshiba, Trane, Whirlpool, York, and many more!

Our HVAC Technicians are Trained to Repair the Following Heating and A/C Systems:

Split Systems

Forced Air Furnaces

Central Air Units

Ductless Systems

A C Evaporators

A/C Compressors and Condensors

Refrigeration Units

Electronic Air Filtration Units

Air Handlers and Air Exchangers

Heat Pumps

Air Duct Cleaning $109.95
Furnace or A/C
A/C and Furnace Installs
HVAC Install Specials
Duct Cleaning MN
Chicago Duct Cleaning
Facts About Air Duct Cleaning
Duct Cleaning A/C

When do I Need Air Duct Cleaning?

2007-06-29T07:04:00.000-05:00

When do I Need Air Duct Cleaning?

By: Amy Nutt

Air duct cleaning is an important part of home maintenance. A dirty air duct can lower the quality of the air in your house by promoting the circulation of allergens and bacteria in the air.

When do you need to have duct cleaning? There are several signs that indicate the need for a thorough air duct cleaning. Here are some of the major points that indicate the need for an air duct cleaning.

1. The growth of mold inside the ducts or on the surface of the cooling or heating system. (mold growth can only accurately be determined by professionals)
2. The infestation of insects or any small unwanted pests in the ducts.
3. If they are clogged with a great deal of dust or other debris...

Check out our newly re-designed air duct cleaning website!

2007-06-18T07:56:00.000-05:00

At long last our air duct cleaning website is nearly complete! While there are a couple of things left to be done like add content to 3 new buttons, the rest is finished!

We think you will really like the feature which enables you to click on a map of the US and be directed to contractors in your area. Here is the Air Duct Cleaning Map of the USA. This page allows the user to select their state and then fill out the "Schedule Air Duct Cleaning" page or the "National Air Duct Cleaning" page

By clicking on the "Install" button, you will be taken to the Heating & Cooling Installation page. Here are two samples of how that works:
"Heating and Cooling Installation MN" or "Heating and Cooling Installation GA"

Please let us know what you think. We would really welcome any input you might have.
Dave

5 easy steps in choosing the perfect furnace for your home

2007-05-24T22:57:00.000-05:00

Deciding on a furnace for your house may well be intimidating, but it really should not be so terribly complicated. Talk over these simple steps outlining elements which you may perhaps want to investigate when buying a furnace.

1. Which One is Best, Gas or Electric?

The Gas Furnace - A Gas furnace is generally more affordable to use than an electric furnace if Gas is readily on hand. On the downside, burning fuel produces fumes. In a well maintained Gas furnace, the fumes created are enclosed in the exchanger and then exit the building via an exhaust vent.

Remember, a Gas furnace must be examined by a qualified expert at the least once a year. The specialist should explore the furnace for holes, leaks or cracks. An opening or crack in the furnace lets carbon monoxide seep into your house or place of business.

The Electric Furnace - An electric furnace has a higher operating price than a Gas furnace does. The good news is, for the reason that electric furnaces do not employ flames, it will not effect any carbon monoxide. The electric furnace is cleaner in addition to safer than a Gas furnace.

2. Furnace quality

The value of a furnace determines how long and how well it will perform. Deciding on a brand of furnace that has a past of quality as well as reliability could be less costly over time. Confer with your contractor about which style will be optimal for your demands. Most Heating and air conditioning firms offer a free estimate for the procurement and installation of a new hvac layout.

3. Furnace Efficiency Ratings

The effectiveness of Gas furnaces are attested by the AFUE or Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency ratings. The AFUE rating of a furnace records how efficiently the fuel is being expended. The AFUE is a representation of a Gas furnace's efficiency in converting fuel to energy. In certain cases, a higher AFUE rating means it will consume less fuel to heat your house or business.

Gas furnaces which have higher AFUE ratings customarily cost more than those which have lowered AFUE ratings but they may save a home owner more capital in the long run. A minimum rating of 78% was regulated by the u.s. government in 1992. A few furnaces have an efficiency rating of about 60% before 1992.

a. Mid-Efficiency Furnaces

A mid-efficiency furnace, also known as an ‘induces draft furnace’ or a ‘non-condensing furnace’. The mid-efficiency furnace simply affords the absolute minimum of 78% efficiency to approximately 80%.

b. High-Efficiency Furnaces

A high-efficiency furnace is further recognized as a ‘condensing furnace’ or a ‘sealed combustion furnace’. The high-efficiency furnace will always have an AFUE rating of as much as 96%. Some furnaces utilize a two-stage valve and an efficient variable-speed motor to increase comfort as well as effectiveness.

4. Comfort Items of Furnaces

Numerous furnaces deliver features which increase comfort and overall efficiency.

a. The components of the two-speed furnace

The furnace can function at low speed the better part of the time. It allows for a more quieter operation for a greater period of time compared to a ‘single-speed furnace’. The longer run periods allow for fewer start-up/shut-down cycles, less drafts, as well as very little temperature deviation.

The temperature fluctuation is confined to about two degrees in contrast to the four degree deviation of the single-speed units. The two-speed unit contributes more adept circulation which prevents warmer air from drifting up as well as the cooler air from settling. The two-speed unit presents a more consistent temperature in the facility.

b. The components of variable capacity furnaces

Furnaces having variable capacity provide a blend of efficiency plus gratification. The variable capacity has a motor that regulates your demands by mechanically adjusting air volume and speed. The variable capacity furnace provides the least expensive means of heating and cooling.

A fan comes with the variable capacity furnace. The fan will relieve your cost throughout summer. If the fan is used all the way through summer, the central air cooling unit increases in efficiency.

5. Noise Level of the Furnace

Unfortunately, all furnaces do not usually come with a normal rating system for sound unlike heat pumps and a/c systems. Albeit, two-speed units and variable capacity units normally operate at a low noise levels.

The two-speed and variable capacity furnaces run for longer periods plus lowered sounds than the conventional unit. Various variable capacity units have items which impede ‘creaking’ of the ducts due to expansion as well as contraction caused by varying temperature. The temperature differential is dropped along these lines so that the creaking noise is just about eliminated.

All About Air Duct Cleaning

Advantages of Duct Cleaning

Duct Cleaning

Pros and Cons of Air Duct Cleaning

Here are just a few of the highlights about duct cleaning:

Here are the "cons" of duct cleaning:

Energy Saving Tips - Heating & Cooling System

Energy Saving Tips Regarding Your Home Heating and Cooling System

Additional Money Saving Tips Regarding Your Furnace, Air Conditioner and more

On the House Home Improvement Forum - Endless Dust

Duct Cleaning Schedule for Christmas and New Years

Chimney Cleaing - Cleaning the Chimney Stack on a Coffee Bean Roaster

5 Tips on Hiring an Air Duct Cleaner

Are You Looking for a HVAC Contractor?

Babies and Children More Vulnerable to Indoor Air Pollution

Duct-911.com Partners with New York & Atlanta Air Duct Cleaners

Dryer Vent Cleaning and Air Duct Cleaning

Cleaning your Dryer VentDIY Product reviews

Heating and Cooling Tips from the Maryland Public Services Commission

Looking for Air Duct Cleaning Testimonials?

Shopping for a High Efficiency Natural Gas Furnace?

Are You Due for a New Furnace?

Buying a furnace in Minnesota

10 Ways to Help Lower Your Utility Bill

Installing an A/C System Everyone is Cool With Takes a Pro

Eco-Friendly Blog Offers Some Great Energy Saving Tips

Indoor Air Pollution - EPA Calls it an Urgent Environmental Problem

Portable Air Conditioners - Cheap and no Installation!

Cool Down

Need a Carrier, Lennox, Goodman or a Payne Air Conditioner Installed?

When do I Need Air Duct Cleaning?

Check out our newly re-designed air duct cleaning website!

5 easy steps in choosing the perfect furnace for your home

Cleaning your Dryer Vent
DIY Product reviews