The Hidden Dangers of Your Laundry Room

If we asked you to name the most dangerous room in your house, we're willing to bet you'd say the kitchen. With the sharp knives, hot stove tops, and obvious fire hazards, the dangers of the kitchen are abundantly clear.

What's not so clear, however, are the dangers lurking in your laundry room. You may think of it as one of the smallest, safest rooms in the house, but there are some hidden hazards that most of us aren't aware of. Here are a few of them for you to consider:

Water Leaks

Rubber hoses leading to the washer can become cracked or torn, bursting in an instant and flooding your home with water. Get in the habit of shutting off your washing machine's supply valve after every load of laundry, and invest in a reinforced, braided hose for your washer.

Mold Growth

Mold is a toxic fungus that can cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems to those that are exposed to it. The key to preventing mold from growing in your home is by removing excess moisture, so make sure to clean up all spills and leaks immediately. You should also dry the inside of your washing machine after every use.

Toxic Chemicals

Your laundry detergent may do a great job at keeping your clothes clean, but it's not something you want your kids taste-testing. Consuming detergent and other laundry products sends thousands of children to the hospital each year, so make sure to store yours somewhere small hands can't reach.

Fire Hazards

Did you know that clothes dryers cause more residential fires every year than chimneys do? A build up of lint in the filter screen and exhaust vent are the leading causes of these fires. Always clear the lint trap before every load of laundry, and have your dryer vent professionally cleaned at least once per year.

Are you looking for a dryer vent cleaning service on Long Island? Look no further than GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration. We provide prompt, professional service to homes in Nassau and Suffolk counties. Visit our website to learn more, or give us a call at (631) 940-8100.

How Indoor Air Pollution Affects Office Buildings

If you are a regular reader of our blog, you are already familiar with indoor air pollution. You may know that it affects over 90% of homes across the country, but did you know that it is also prevalent in commercial office space?

In fact, recent studies have found that indoor air pollution in offices is bad news for both the employer and the employee. Read below to learn about how poor indoor air quality can negatively impact your workplace, and what you can do to fix it.

How Can Indoor Air Pollution Affect Your Office?

Just like in our homes, indoor air pollution can be caused by a multitude of factors. Poor ventilation and air filtration can allow for high concentrations of dust, mold, pet dander, and chemicals emitted from cleaning products, building materials, and textiles. Indoor air pollution can affect office buildings in the following ways:

• Negatively impacts workers' health, leading to more sick days and lost work.
• Affects employee productivity; studies have shown that poor indoor air quality leads to less productive workers.
• Reduced energy-efficiency of some equipment, such as HVAC system.

What Can Employees Do To Improve Office Air Quality?

If you want to make an effort to improve the air quality of your office, here are some things you can do as an employee:

• Do not block air vents with your desk or personal items
• Smoke in designated areas only.
• Immediately clean up any spills and report all water leaks.
• Stop using air fresheners and perfumes at work, and only use all natural cleaning products.

What Can Office Managers Do To Improve Air Quality?

While every employee can take small steps to improve the air quality of their office, the property managers can make the biggest impact. Here are some things management can do to improve office air quality:

• Have your office tested for any indoor air quality issues.
• Avoid procedures and products that are known to cause IAQ problems.
• Leave windows and doors open whenever possible to maximize ventilation.
• Keep up with routine maintenance for your building's HVAC system.
• Have your air ducts professionally cleaned.

Did you know that contaminants such as pollen, dust, and animal dander could be hiding in your office's air ducts right now? Get them removed with a professional duct cleaning from GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration. We serve all homes and businesses across Long Island, and only use environmentally-preferred cleaning products and procedures. Call us today for a free quote at (631) 940-8100.

Why You Should Clean Your Air Ducts Before Winter

December is a month for holiday cheer, family and friends, and getting warm and cozy in your home. Before you fire up your furnace and crank up your thermostat, you should first consider getting your air ducts professionally cleaned.

This is the perfect time of the year to clean your air ducts; here's why:

Improve your furnace's efficiency

During the winter months, as much as 40% of your household energy consumption goes straight to heating your home. If your air ducts are clogged with dust and other grime, it can hinder your furnace's ability to operate efficiently. Getting them cleaned by a professional service can help you save money all winter long!

Keep your house warmer

In addition to hurting your energy efficiency and costing you money, clogged HVAC vents also restrict air flow. With a limited amount of hot air flowing through your vents, your house doesn't get as warm as it would otherwise. Clean ductwork can help your home feel warmer without you having to crank up the thermostat.

Improve your home's air quality

With the outside temperatures less than pleasant, most of us spend more times indoors during the winter than any other season. If your home is like most, the air inside of it is actually more polluted than even the dirtiest of cities. If your air ducts haven't been cleaned in a while, they could be circulating allergens like dust, pet dander, and mold throughout your entire house!

Looking for a professional duct cleaning service in Long Island? GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration serves all of Nassau and Suffolk Counties, and we only use environmentally-friendly products and procedures to rid your air ducts of harmful contaminants. Visit our website for more information or give us a call at (631) 940-8100.

Things You Might Find in Your Home's Air Ducts

Most of us have probably never even thought about looking inside the air ducts in our home, let alone actually doing it. While HVAC ductwork is nothing more than an afterthought for most people, they are usually harboring all kinds of contaminants and allergens that you don't want anywhere in your home.

Here are a few things you might finding hiding inside of the air ducts in your home:

Dust

Believe it or not, the average household generates more than 40 pounds of dust each year just from everyday activities. Despite your best efforts to keep your home clean and dust-free, much of this dust collects inside of your air ducts. As it accumulates on the inside of the vents, it restricts air flow and hinders your HVAC system's energy-efficiency.

Animal Dander

If you are a pet-owner, a large amount of animal hair and dander has probably collected in your air ducts over the years. Surprisingly, pet dander can even be found in homes without pets at all. Dander is different from hair; it is microscopic flakes of skin that is shed by virtually any animal with fur or feathers. Although unseen by the naked eye, dander can make its way into our lungs and throat and cause allergy-like symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, runny nose, and sore throat.

Mold

Many people think of mold as an outdoor fungus, but the truth is that it can grow virtually anywhere that moisture is present – including your air ducts. During the warmer months, cold air flowing through your vents causes condensation, and when the humidity levels are too high, this water can't evaporate. This invites mold to grow inside of your air ducts, where spores can circulate throughout your entire home and cause illness and respiratory problems.

In order to keep your air ducts clean and free of these contaminants, it is recommended to have them professionally cleaned every 3-5 years. If you are overdue for an air duct cleaning for your Long Island home, call the experts at GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration at (631) 940-8100.

7 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Furnace

While the official start of winter isn't for another couple of weeks, the time to start thinking about your heating system is today. Once the temperatures begin to drop, nothing is more important than your home's furnace. Take proper care of it now so that it doesn't break down in the middle of a cold spell, when HVAC companies are at their busiest.

Use the following tips to improve energy-efficiency, prevent breakdowns, and get the most out of your HVAC system this winter.

Change your air filter.

Did you know that your furnace has an air filter which is responsible for keeping out dust and other contaminants? Most filters require cleaning or replacement every month or two, refer to your owner's manual for specific instructions for your unit.

Invest in a programmable thermostat.

Programmable thermostats cost a little bit of money up front, but they can quickly pay for themselves with the year-round energy savings they provide. There is no need for the heat to be blasting when the house is empty, so set yours to shut off during the day, but power on early enough to warm up your house by the time you get home.

Supplement with ceiling fans.

Ceiling fans can help make your home feel warmer without having to turn up the thermostat. Set your blades to rotate clockwise, this will push warm air that gathers at the ceiling back down into the room.

Schedule a professional tune-up.

You should have your heating system inspected and tuned up by a trained professional every year. The technician should clean and lubricate the various components of your system, as well as examine them for signs of future failure.

Make room for the furnace.

If the radiators or baseboard heaters in your home are covered by furniture or drapery, the heat cannot adequately spread throughout your whole house. Leave at least six inches of space on all sides of your heating equipment to maximum energy efficiency and minimize fire risk.

Improve your insulation.

If you have drafty spots in your home, your money could be going out of the window – literally. Improve the insulation in your walls, ceilings, and floors, and seal any air leaks with a caulking gun or weatherstripping.

Clean your air ducts.

The average home generates more than 40 pounds of dust each year, much of which settles in your ductwork. This restricts airflow and makes your HVAC system work harder to warm your home. Have your ducts cleaned every 3-5 years by a professional service.

If you are looking for an air duct cleaning company on Long Island? Look no further than GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration! We use only eco-friendly methods to keep your ducts clean and clear of pollutants. Call us today for a free quote at (631) 940-8100.

3 Things You Shouldn't Store In Your Attic

Out of sight, out of mind. This cliché perfectly describes most of our attics.

While you may think that your attic is the perfect storage solution for all of your unused stuff, this is far from the case. Dust, high humidity, mold, leaks, and creepy crawlies are all commonly found in attics, which is why you should avoid storing these three things up there.

Wood Furniture

If you have recently purchased new furniture for your home, you may be tempted to throw your old pieces in the attic. If this furniture is made out of wood, you should think again. The attic is often home to high humidity levels, which can cause mold to grow on your wooden furniture after an extended period of time.

Books, Photos, and Important Documents

Some of our most valuable possessions come in the form of paper. Whether it is a birth certificate, the deed to your home, or sentimental photo albums, you should avoid keeping these things in your attic. Exposure to high humidity, roof leaks, and extreme temperatures can distort these documents and smudge the writing, not to mention they are the favorite food of a common insect intruder known as the silverfish.

Fabrics

Many people use their attic as storage space for old clothing, spare bedclothes, and even extra fabric they may have lying around. While you may think this is a good idea, in reality it isn't. Rodents and moths can wreak havoc on textile items by inhabiting them, eating them, and even leaving their droppings in them.

Are problems such as mildew, leaks, and pest infestations making it impossible to store anything in your attic? If you live on Long Island, call the attic cleaning professionals at GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration. We can fix a variety of problems such as bugs, mold, moisture, and bad odors using our environmentally-friendly cleaning methods. Call (631) 940-8100 today for a free quote.

How to Minimize Dust at Home

Dust: experienced by all, and welcomed by none. Dust makes our homes look dirty and triggers symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. If you are sick of dusting every week only to do it again, try out these tips to minimize the dust in your home.

Ditch the Duster

Traditional feather dusters do a poor job of collecting dust, instead they just spread it in the air for it to eventually settle on other surfaces. Remove dust for good by dusting with a microfiber cloth, they are electrostatically charged so they literally attract dust.

Start from the Top

The law of gravity applies to dust too, so when you are cleaning a room, start at the top and work your way down. This will prevent dust from falling onto surfaces that you have already cleaned. For example, start with the ceiling and ceiling fans, then the walls, then the furniture, and finish up by vacuuming the carpet.

Replace Your Filter

Your home's HVAC system has an air filter that should be cleaned or replaced every month. Most homeowners aren't aware of this, and as a result, the same filter has been sitting in their furnace for the past decade. A clean filter will prevent dust from entering into your system and circulating throughout your home.

Have Your Ducts Cleaned

The average three-bedroom house generates more than 40 pounds of dust every year, much of which ends up in your air ducts where it can be recirculated to every room in the home. A professional duct cleaning can remove this dust, as well as other contaminants such as pet dander and mold, from your home in just a few hours.

Interested in learning more about professional air duct cleaning? Contact GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration! We are a BBB-approved duct cleaning service based out of Deer Park, NY. We serve all of Nassau and Suffolk County, Long Island, so call us today for a free quote at (631) 940-8100.

Top Myths About Indoor Air Quality, and the Facts Behind Them

Indoor air quality is an important issue, and it is one that not enough people are aware of. If you think all is well in your home, think again. Here are some of the common myths regarding indoor air pollution, and the real truths behind them.

Myth #1: Air pollution is only a problem outdoors.

Untrue. Air pollution is actually a greater threat indoors than it is outside because of the lack of ventilation, especially during the colder months. The EPA reports that indoor air can be up to ten times more polluted than even the dirtiest of cities!

Myth #2: Indoor air pollution is a rare problem.

Wrong. Indoor air pollution is more common than you think, and unless you are making a conscious effort to fight against it, your home probably suffers from it too. In fact, 97% of North American homes studied by the EPA tested positive for at least one air quality problem.

Myth #3: Air fresheners can help clean the air in your home.

Not true. In fact, they do the opposite. Store-bought air sprays with synthetic fragrances do not clean your air, they just mask it with harmful toxins. Many commercial cleaning products contain dangerous chemicals linked to health problems – even the ones labeled “all natural”.

Myth #4: It is nearly impossible to improve your IAQ.

False. With a little bit of effort and time, you and your family can breathe safely! Some quick and easy ways to improve the quality of your home's air include: installing a HEPA filter; dusting and cleaning your floors regularly; adding house plants; and getting your air ducts cleaned.

Your air ducts could be harboring allergens such as dust, animal dander, pollen, and even mold. These particles can circulate throughout your entire home and cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems. The professionals at GreenPro Cleaning &Restoration can remove these contaminants from your Long Island home through the use of highly-specialized tools and procedures. Call us for a free quote at (631) 940-8100.

3 Qualities to Look for in an Air Duct Cleaning Company

The air duct cleaning industry has seen a lot of growth in recent years, and so has the skepticism surrounding it. While a professional duct cleaning from a reputable service can offer you many benefits, choosing the wrong company will result in nothing but lost money.

Here are three qualities that you should look for in a prospective duct cleaning service to ensure you aren't getting ripped off.

Reviews and Accreditations

With so many online resources available, it shouldn't be hard to find a credible duct cleaning company in your area. Members of the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) must conform to strict cleaning standards and have even signed a code of ethics. Other directories that you can check out include the Better Business Bureau, Angie's List, and Merchant Circle.

A Good Portfolio

Just like any service industry, a good business will have a portfolio readily available, as well as a list of past customers that they can refer you to. A portfolio will give you a visual idea of the quality of work that they provide, and shows that you are dealing with an experienced service provider. This is what a professional portfolio should look like.

A Complete, Comprehensive Cleaning

You wouldn't clean only half of your living room floor, would you? Likewise, you want to make sure that your duct cleaning service thoroughly cleans your entire HVAC system. Failing to clean all HVAC components will leave your ductwork open to re-contamination; for a complete job the technician should also clean elements such as:

• Blower motor and housing
• Air filter
• Grills
• Coils

Long Island residents can depend on GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration for a high-quality duct cleaning at an affordable rate. Don't be scammed by “blow and go” companies who offer low rates, but do little-to-no real work. Call us today for a free quote at (631) 940-8100.

Benefits of Getting Your Air Ducts Cleaned

Whether you have read something online or talked to a friend, you are thinking about getting your home's air ducts cleaned. If you are unsure whether or not a professional cleaning is worth your investment, consider these benefits.

Better Air Quality

Chances are, the air in your home is dirtier than even the most polluted of cities – and your air ducts are one of main perpetrators. Contaminants such as dust, animal dander, pollen, and mold can hide in your air ducts and circulate throughout your home, causing allergic reactions and respiratory problems. A duct cleaning can remove these pollutants from your home so you and your family can breathe safely.

Improved HVAC System

When the inside of your ducts are coated in a thick wall of dust and other grime, the amount of air that is able to flow through them is significantly reduced. This puts additional strain on your HVAC system and forces it to use more energy. A duct cleaning can not only help lower your energy bills, but it can also prevent future breakdowns, saving you money in both the short- and the long-term.

Cleaner Home

Do you frequently find yourself dusting your home, only to do it again just a few days later? Your dirty air ducts may be to blame. As dust circulates throughout your home, it not only causes allergies, but it falls and settles onto various surface. Cleaning your air ducts can help eliminate this dust once and for all – or at least extend the amount of time in between dustings.

Buyer beware: you will only get these benefits if you hire a reputable, experienced duct cleaning business. Unfortunately, the industry is riddled with “blow and go” companies who offer insanely low rates, but actually do little-to-no real work. Protect yourself by choosing a company that is certified by the Better Business Bureau, such as GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration. We serve all of Nassau County and Suffolk County, Long Island; visit our website for more information or call us for a free quote at (631) 940-8100.

Safety Tips for Dealing With Home Water Damage

If you are dealing with a flood, leak, or burst pipe, you may be in just as much danger as your home. While water can quickly rack up tens of thousands of dollars worth of damage to your house, it can also wreak havoc on your health and cause injury.

Use these tips to stay safe while dealing with home water damage:

• Stop the source of water. Turn off your water line, put a plastic tarp over the hole in your foundation, do whatever you have to in order to stop more water from entering your home.

• Mop, blot, or wet vac as much as possible. Do everything you can to soak up the water – just don't use a regular vacuum cleaner.

• Watch your step. Slipping presents a big hazard in these situations. Always make sure to watch your step and wear slip-proof shoes when working on wet surfaces.

• Be weary of electronics. Certainly you know that electronics and water don't mix, but it is worth the reminder.

• Don't breathe in damp air. Damp air could contain mold, which is not good to breathe in. Doing so could lead to headaches, sneezing, coughing, and respiratory infections.

• Don't touch damp items with bare hands. Much for the same reason as the above point, you don't want to expose yourself to potentially harmful bacteria.

• Watch what you lift. Items can be double, or even triple their original weight when soaked in water. Make sure you don't throw out your back by trying to lift something too heavy.

• Call in the professionals. When it comes to flooding, time is of the essence. Call in a professional remediation service immediately in order to minimize damage and prevent mold.

If you are suffering from water damage in your Long Island home, call in the experts at GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration. We only use environmentally-safe cleaning methods to restore your home to its previous condition. Visit our website for more information or call us for a free quote at (631) 940-8100.

Health Effects of Mold

Mold is more than just a gross fungus that grows on your old food. In fact, it can grow virtually anywhere that moisture is present – indoors or out. Mold can pose a threat to the structural integrity of your home, as well as to your family's health.

No one knows just how many types of mold exist, but estimates range from about five thousand to over three hundred thousand. One thing is for sure; mold grows by reproducing microscopic spores, which spread throughout the air. These spores can survive dry, harsh conditions, but won't develop into a fungus unless there is moisture present.

Common places you may find mold growing in your home include the bathroom, basement, and washing machine seals – all places with excess moisture. The key to preventing mold is by limiting moisture in your home through the use exhaust fans, dehumidifiers, ventilation systems, etc.

You should make a conscious to prevent mold from growing in your home, and seek professional help immediately if you do notice it. Besides the structural damage it can cause to your support beams, exposure mold can also cause a wide array of side effects, including:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Itchy eyes
• Irritated skin, eyes, throat
• Fever
• Headache
• Nausea
• Respiratory infections

If you spot mold growing in your Long Island home, call the mold removal experts at GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration. We will make your home safe again using our effective and environmentally-friendly removal process. Visit our website for more information or call us at (631) 940-8100.

Fall HVAC Maintenance Tips

Autumn is in the air. The leaves are falling, the temperature is dropping, and pumpkin-flavored food and beverages are everywhere. When the weather gets cold, there is almost nothing more important than your home's furnace. Use these tips to protect your heating system from breakdowns and keep it running efficiently for years to come.

Change your air filter.

When was the last time (if ever) that you changed the air filter on your furnace? Most models require their filter to be replaced or cleaned every couple of months, but few people are aware of this. A clean filter helps reduce energy costs and improve your air quality, refer to your owner's manual for instructions.

Get a professional tune up.

Now is a good time of the year to call in a professional HVAC service for a heating system tune up. The technician should clean, lubricate, and test the various components of your furnace. This will not only help to heat your home more efficiently, it can prevent future breakdowns and extend your unit's lifespan.

Invest in a humidifier.

Humidity has a bad reputation, but it is actually very important during this time of the year. When the temperature drops, humidity levels fall until the air becomes uncomfortably dry, and our heating systems only make things worse. A humidifier can help make your home feel warmer, and prevent your nose, throat, and eyes from drying out.

Have your air ducts cleaned.

The average three-bedroom home generates more than 40 pounds of dust in a year, much of which collects in your air ducts. This can not only affect those with allergies, it hurts the efficiency of your HVAC system. Having your air ducts professionally cleaned offers many benefits, learn about them here.

Looking for a duct cleaning company on Long Island? Unlike other “blow and go” companies who offer unreasonably low rates and do little-to-no real work, GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration delivers results you can see! We serve all of Nassau County and Suffolk County, call us today for a free quote at (631) 940-8100.

5 Signs That Your Dryer Vent Needs To Be Cleaned

You know that lint screen that you are supposed to clear before you dry your clothes? Have you ever gone a few loads without cleaning it? Have you seen how quickly it can fill up with loose lint?

Well, this pales in comparison to what lurks inside of your exhaust vent. The winding, aluminum tube that connects to the back of your dryer is responsible for releasing excess heat to the outside, but some of this lint can make its way into this tube and begin to accumulate.

When your exhaust vent becomes clogged with lint, your dryer cannot properly vent its heat. Not only does this spike your energy consumption, it presents a fire hazard. In fact, clothes dryers start more house fires each year than chimneys, and this flammable lint is the leading cause.

Here are five signs that your dryer vent needs to be cleaned:

• Your clothes are taking longer to dry. If your clothes suddenly take two, or even three loads to dry, a clogged exhaust vent could be to blame.

• The outside of the dryer feels hot to the touch. It is normal for your dryer to be a little warm while running, but if it is uncomfortably hot, something is wrong.

• Your laundry room gets warm while the dryer is on. Is your laundry room starting to feel like a sauna? This extra heat should be vented to the outside, not into your house.

• You notice lint around the dryer vent. Look behind your dryer; do you notice a collection of lint surrounding the vent attachment? If so, the inside is probably way worse.

• It's been more than a year since you've last cleaned it. To maximize energy efficiency and minimize your risk of fire, experts recommend having your dryer vent professionally cleaned once every year.

Cleaning your dryer vent isn't as easy as you may think, and requires special tools and equipment. If you live on Long Island, GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration would be more than happy to come to your home and do it for you. We serve all of Nassau and Suffolk counties, give us a call for a free quote at (631) 940-8100.

4 Common Problems to Find in Your Attic

For most homeowners, the attic is just a dark, creepy place to keep the stuff that you will probably never use again. It is nothing more than an afterthought... until there is a problem that is. For something that receives so little attention, attics have the potential to open the door to a lot of issues in the home.

Here are four of the most common problems you might run into in your attic:

1. Mold Growth

If you think back to your middle school science class, you will remember that warm air rises. You will also recall that warm air holds more moisture than cold air does. The warm, moist air in your home generated from cooking, showering, and even breathing rises to your attic, where it invites mold to grow. Mold can cause structural damage to your home and even affect the health of your family.

2. Animal Infestation

The question often isn't “are there pests in my attic?”, it's “what kind of pests are in my attic?”. It is not uncommon for a variety of critters to infest your living space and make it their own. Some animals commonly found in residential attics include squirrels, raccoons, mice, rats, bats, birds, and bugs.

3. Poor Insulation

The attic is one of the primary sources of heat loss during the winter months. Warm air rises to the top of your home, and if it isn't properly insulated, all that money you spend on heating is going right out the window – err, roof.

4. Insufficient Ventilation

If you don't have a source of ventilation in your attic, you are doing a disservice to your home and family. A well-ventilated attic can eliminate excess moisture to prevent mold, keep your cooling costs down during the summer by removing hot air, and improve your indoor air quality.

Are you experiencing any of these problems in your Long Island home? Call the attic cleaning experts at GreenPro Cleaning &Restoration! Whether you have mold, pests, extra junk, or anything else you need to get rid of, we can do it in a quick, safe, environmentally-friendly manner. We serve all of Nassau County and Suffolk County, give us a call today at (631) 940-8100.

How to Maintain Your Air Ducts in Between Cleanings

Did you know that your air ducts (or rather, what is hiding in them) could be polluting the air in your home? Properly cleaning these ducts requires industrial-sized equipment, which is why experts recommend having them professionally cleaned every 3-5 years.

A duct cleaning from a legitimate company will probably set you back a couple hundred dollars, so you want to keep them as clean as possible in between visits. Follow the tips below to do just that.

Dust Regularly

The average three-bedroom household produces more than 40 pounds of dust every year. Much of this winds up settling in your HVAC ducts, where it can be recirculated throughout the house. Limit this by dusting your home at least once per week using a microfiber cloth – traditional feather dusters don't actually collect dust, they just spread it in the air.

Replace Your Air Filters

When was the last time you replaced the air filter on your HVAC system? An afterthought for most homeowners, these filters require regular changing; some as often as once per month. A new filter will catch pollutants before they enter your air ducts, leaving them cleaner for longer.

Clean Internal Components

The individual components of your HVAC system need to be cleaned as well; this includes the coils, blower motor, and drip pan. The coils tend to accumulate dust and other debris, which can reduce your efficiency and increase your risk of a breakdown. Leaving the drip pan uncleaned can also invite mold to grow and spread throughout your home.

Has it been more than three years since your last duct cleaning? If you live in Nassau or Suffolk County, Long Island, call the professionals at GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration. We offer high-quality cleanings at an affordable rate, plus we are completely eco-friendly! Visit our website for more information or call us for a free quote at (631) 940-8100.

About Our Visual Water Damage Survey

Water damage can come from a variety of places – inside the home or out. Common causes of water damage include heavy rainstorms, clogged gutters, overflown toilets, burst pipes, and even long-term humidity problems.

If you suspect there is water damage in your home, DON'T touch damaged items with your bare hands and DON'T breathe in the damp air. You may think to yourself, “oh, it's just water,” but the effects it can have on your health are just as disastrous as the effects it can have on your home.

Exposure to water damage can cause illnesses and symptoms such as sneezing, wheezing, headaches, fever, and respiratory infections. If your home has suffered from water damage, contact a licensed professional to fix the problem immediately.

If you live in Nassau County or Suffolk County, Long Island, you can depend on GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration to provide fast and effective water damage remediation services. If you suspect a problem, we will perform a thorough visual survey to inspect for fungi and other potential issues. The survey takes 30-45 minutes and includes the following:

1. Walking around the suspected problem area(s).  
2. Walking through and to the areas of concern.
3. Viewing the area with a flashlight to highlight the suspected water damaged area.
4. Taking moisture readings of the structure such as walls, floors, and/or ceiling surfaces to detect moisture intrusion.
5. Taking temperature and relative humidity readings to determine if they fall within ASHRAE recommendations.
6. Providing an estimate for remediation by industry standards.

The quicker you call, the better – for the sake of your health and your home! So what are you waiting for? If you suspect water damage in your Long Island house, call the experts at GreenPro Cleaning & Remediation at (631) 940-8100.

What You Need to Know About Pet Dander

Have your loving pets been making life hard on your allergies lately? While our furry friends bring us infinite happiness, they can also bring us sneezing, coughing, congestion, runny noses, and rashes.

If you are experiencing these side effects when you are cuddling with your companion, it is probably because you are allergic to them, or more specifically, their dander.

What is pet dander?

According to the American Lung Association, pet dander is tiny flakes of skin shed by virtually any pet with fur or feathers – this includes cats, dogs, rodents, and even birds. Although they are unseen by the naked eye, that doesn't stop these microscopic allergens from making their way into our lungs and throat.

Because of their size and unique, jagged shape, pet allergens pose more of a threat than allergens from cockroaches and dust mites. They can remain suspended in the air for a long time, and easily stick to surfaces such as furniture, bedding, and clothing. It is not uncommon for pet dander to be found in homes or buildings without pets.

Who is allergic to pet dander?

It is estimated that as much as 30% of people with allergies are allergic to animals. Cat allergies are about twice as common as dog allergies. Because it is the dander we are allergic to, it does not matter if it is a short-haired or a long-haired breed, the effect will be the same.

How can I rid my home of pet dander?

The most effective way to get rid of pet dander is by getting rid of your pet – but we understand that isn't always an option. Even once your pet is gone, it may still take several months before your home is dander-free anyways. If you want to keep your pet, but reduce dander levels in your home, here are some things you can do:

• Remove carpeting from your home. Dander doesn't stick nearly as well to hardwood floors.
• If you must have carpet, choose a low one and steam-clean it regularly.
• Routinely vacuum the furniture and bedding in your home.
• Add an air purifier with a HEPA filter.
• Get your air ducts cleaned.

Yes, pet dander can even make it's way into your HVAC ducts, where it can be recirculated anywhere throughout the entire house. If you are looking for a professional duct cleaning company on Long Island, look no further than GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration. All of our cleaning methods are completely eco-friendly, and we serve both Nassau and Suffolk counties. Call us today for a free quote at (631) 940-8100.

How to Protect Your Home From Water Damage

You've probably heard the old expression, April showers bring May flowers, but spring is not the only time you will experience heavy rain. In fact, hurricane season runs through November 30^th on the East Coast, and it is very possible that Long Island will experience its fair share of thunderstorms before the season ends.

Water damage can come from excess rain, or it could come from leaks and burst pipes within your house. It is not uncommon for water to cause tens of thousands of dollars worth of damage to a household, so as a homeowner it should be something you are making a conscious effort to prevent.

Use these tips to protect your home from water damage this fall and winter:

• Clean your gutters. With all the leaves falling from the trees, your gutters can easily get clogged if you don't clean them during the autumn months. When they are clogged, rainwater has no place to drain, so it can begin to enter your home through your roof.

• Inspect your home's pipes. As previously mentioned, not all water damage comes from the outside. Prevent a pipe from bursting in your home by periodically inspecting all pipes including those going to your washing machine and dishwasher. If you notice wear and tear or any cracks, replace the pipe immediately.

• Leave your thermostat on at least 65° F. Many of us will be going away for long vacations over the winter, and turning our thermostats off to save money. When this happens, the pipes in your home can freeze and burst, so make sure to always leave your thermostat set to at least 65°.

• Keep valuable items off the basement floor. This won't prevent water damage per se, but it will help minimize it. Since your basement is the lowest area in your home, it is the most prone to flooding. In the event that something does happen, you don't want all of your valuables to be vulnerable.

• Go gentle on your drains. Treat your sink, shower, and toilet drains with extreme caution. Never pour grease down your drains and in the event of a clog, turn to plungers and plumbing snakes instead of chemical solutions such as Draino.

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, accidents do happen. If you experience water damage in your home, don't touch wet items with your hands and don't breathe in the damp air. In these situations, it is best to call in the professionals. GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration serves all of Nassau and Suffolk County and can help repair any water damage in your home. Call us today for a free quote at (631) 940-8100.

Why Does Mold Grow in HVAC Ducts?

Mold is a type of fungus that can grow virtually anywhere – indoors or out. Mold serves a very important purpose in nature, and we can even make medicine from it (ever hear of penicillin?), but it's not something you want to find growing on your walls.

Exposure to mold spores can cause allergic reactions, headaches, nausea, and fever. Long-term exposure can lead to more serious problems such as infections in your lungs. Mold is commonly found growing in areas around the home such as bathrooms, basements, attics, crawl spaces, and even your HVAC ductwork. But why?

Mold needs two things to survive and spread: moisture and a source of food. Let's take your air ducts for example: during the warm summer months, your air ducts get cold because of the cooled air flowing through them. As the warm air in your home comes in contact with these ducts, condensation occurs. If there is a high humidity level, this water will not evaporate, it will just continue to collect.

Now about the nourishment. As previously mentioned, mold also needs a source of food. The average three-bedroom home generates more than 40 pounds of dust each year, much of which accumulates in your air ducts. Add that to the pollen being drawn in from the outside air supply, and you can see that your ductwork is full of organic materials for mold to feed on.

If you suspect there is mold in your HVAC ducts, don't try to handle it yourself. Call the professionals at GreenPro Cleaning &Restoration and we will remove all contaminants from your ducts in a safe, efficient manner. We serve all of Long Island including Nassau County and Suffolk County – call us today for a free quote at (631) 940-8100.

How to Prevent Dryer Fires

Are you aware of all the fire hazards in your home? Sure, you know about the obvious ones: the stove, the unattended candles, and maybe even the furnace; but have you thought about the laundry room?

Surprise! Your clothes dryer is one of the biggest fire hazards in the home. Clothes dryers cause more than 15,000 house fires every year, which is more than chimneys. If you want to protect your family and home from tragedy, follow these tips:

• Clean your lint screen. By far, the leading cause of dryer fires is failure to clean. Getting in the habit of clearing the lint screen before each load could potentially save your life.

• Vent your dryer to the outside. The tube that runs out of the back of your dryer should vent directly to the outside, not to the attic or under a porch.

• Don't run your dryer unsupervised. Never run your dryer when the house is empty, and even worse, never run the dryer overnight while everyone is asleep.

• Have your dryer vent cleaned annually. If you don't clean your exhaust vent every year, chances are it is filled with flammable lint. Cleaning this tube annually also promotes air flow, which can decrease overheating and improve energy-efficiency.

Cleaning your dryer vent requires special tools and knowledge, so it is best to leave it to a licensed professional. If you are looking for a dryer vent cleaning service in Nassau County or Suffolk County, Long Island, look no further than GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration! Call us to schedule a same-day appointment at (631) 940-8100.

5 Plants That Can Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

Besides giving your home a lively touch of décor, houseplants can actually help improve your air quality. During the late 1980s, NASA (yes, that NASA) studied houseplants to see if they could naturally reduce the level of indoor pollution. When the study concluded, their research found that several common houseplants could indeed filter out and remove harmful chemicals from the air.

If you are looking for a way to naturally improve your home's air quality, stock up on these five plants:

Aloe Vera

If you have ever suffered from a severe sunburn, you are probably aware of the healing properties of aloe vera. It is also a great plant for purifying your home's air – it is easy to grow, hard to kill, and effectively removes benzene from the air.

Spider Plant

The spider plant is one of the most common houseplants, and is also one of the most effective when it comes to improving air quality. In just 48 hours, a well-placed spider plant can remove up to 90 percent of airborne allergens and toxins.

Chinese Evergreen

The Chinese Evergreen plant is very easy to care for, and produces tiny red berries that add color and life to any room. It is best at filtering out toxins found in cleaning products and actually gets more effective as time goes on.

Bamboo Palm

The bamboo palm, or reed palm, thrives in shady spots in your home and is one of the best-known plants at filtering out benzene and trichloroethylene. Put this plant in problem areas in your home, just make sure to leave it a lot of room to grow.

Snake Plant

The snake plant is the perfect shrub to incorporate into your bathroom. It thrives in low light and humidity, and filters out pollutants found in many bathroom products such as bathroom tissue, toiletries, and commercial cleaners.

Looking for additional ways to improve the air quality in your home? Give the cleaning experts at GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration a call. We offer a variety of services that can help reduce indoor air pollution such as HVAC duct cleaning, crawl space and attic cleaning, and mold removal. We serve all of Long Island, so call us today for a free quote at (631) 940-8100.

3 Reasons to Have Your Crawl Space Cleaned

When you did your spring cleaning earlier in the year, did you have the guts to venture into your crawl space? If not, you aren't alone. Although the crawl space is actually a very important area in your house, many homeowners often neglect it. If you think the crawl space is too dark, dirty, and scary to clean, here are three reasons you should consider changing your mind. 

To improve your home's air quality.

Did you know most of the air you breathe in on the first floor of your home actually comes from your crawl space? If your crawl space is infested with mold, rodents, and high moisture levels, your air quality – and health – could be suffering.

To save your home from structural damage.

Unless you have a professionally-installed vapor barrier in your crawl space, it probably has a very high moisture level. As you know, mold can grow anywhere moisture is present, which is why crawl spaces are such a common hiding spot for it. If you let this mold spread for too long, it could infect your support beams and weaken the structural integrity of your entire house.

To expand storage space.

Many homeowners use their crawl space as an extra storage room, but this is impossible to do if yours is already jam-packed. Things you don't use very often (such as Christmas decorations) can be stored here instead of taking up valuable space in your garage or closets.

Is your crawl space too dirty, small, or infested with mold or rodents for you to clean yourself? Call in the experts at GreenPro Cleaning &Restoration! We serve all of Nassau County and Suffolk County, and only use environmentally-friendly cleaning products. If you live on Long Island and need your crawl space cleaned, call us for a free quote at (631) 940-8100.

About Our Services

GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration is based out of Deer Park, New York. We provide specialty cleaning services to all of Long Island, including both Nassau County and Suffolk County. We are accredited by the Better Business Bureau and have rave reviews on Home Advisor.

Continue reading below to learn more about the different services we offer:

Air Duct Cleaning

Most homeowners never even think about cleaning their air ducts, but they are secretly one of the dirtiest areas in your entire house. Over the years, dust, pollen, pet hair, and even mold can contaminate your HVAC ducts, where they can be circulated throughout your entire home. These unwanted substances can pollute your household air and cause allergic reactions and even respiratory infections. If you haven't had your air ducts cleaned in more than three years, call us today.

Attic & Crawl Space Cleaning

Did you know that crawl spaces are the largest single cause of indoor air quality problems? Most of us never peek into our crawl space, but if you did you will probably find plenty of mold, rodents, and bad odors. Our crawl space and attic cleaning services include mold removal, pest control, debris clean up, and moisture control. Contact us for a free inspection and we will perform a thorough examination of your crawl space before determining what needs to be done.

Water Damage

There are plenty of ways for your home to incur water damage: burst pipes, leaky ceilings, and bad thunderstorms are just a few examples. Long Island is in the middle of its hurricane season, and we are sure to see our fair share of severe storms over the next couple of months. If your home has suffered from water damage, don't touch affected items with your bare hands and don't breathe in the damp air. Instead, call the water damage repair experts at GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration.

Not only is GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration committed to keeping your home clean and safe, we are also committed to protecting the environment. All of our products are environmentally-preferred, and our cleaning methods are proven to be bio-safe. We produce superior results without the use of toxic cleaning products. If you want to inquire about any of the aforementioned services for your Long Island home, call us for a free quote at (631) 940-8100.