Is Your Air Conditioner Making You Sick?

We think it’s safe to say that as Long Islanders, we’re all very grateful for the modern wonders of the air conditioner — but did you know it can leave you feeling fatigued and sick? While these units control humidity levels and filter the air in your home, they need to be carefully maintained in order to avoid health problems.

GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration has highlighted a few symptoms that could be attributed to your air conditioner.

Generally Feeling Sick

Have you ever found that at the end of a long day’s work you feel generally sick? Maybe you have a headache or are just very sluggish and tired. Once you leave the building your symptoms subside. Sure you could just attribute this to laziness or not wanting to be at work — but this ailment actually has a name. It’s called “sick building syndrome.” Your air conditioner could be to blame.

If you have access to the thermostat, try setting the temperature a bit higher so your body is not shivering. In addition, step outside for a few minutes as often as possible.

Respiratory Issues

Have you neglected to clean your air conditioner’s filter? If so, you’re creating a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus. Every time you run your cooling system, you’ll be breathing in these contaminants. This can lead to countless respiratory issues including fatal infectious pneumonia and Legionnaires disease.

Be sure to clean your filters at the start of every season and regularly throughout the warm weather.

Dry Skin

Air conditioned air dries out your skin — plain and simple.

The solution, turn or the A/C or get a great moisturizer!

According to the International Journal of Epidemiology, people who spend more of their time in air-conditioned environments actually require health care services more often. They are absent from work more frequently and their ailments are predominantly related to ear, nose, and throat issues, as well as respiratory and dermatological problems.

GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration offers duct cleaning services to homes and businesses across Long Island. Our methods have been tested and proven to be 100-percent eco-friendly. If you live in Nassau or Suffolk County, contact us today for a free quote at 631-940-8100.

Why Do I Need To Clean My Air Ducts?

We probably don't have to tell you that the air you breathe is critical to your health. However, would you believe us if we told you that in most cases, indoor air quality across the United States is actually worse than the air outside? Unfortunately, it is. And most often, the culprit is your air ducts. While these wonderful creations have kept us cool in the summer and warm in the winter, they also act as tunnels, dropping dirt and debris throughout your house.

When it comes to last minute spring cleaning, your air ducts are probably the last thing you think about — but do you know how important it is to have your duct work cleaned once a year? GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration is here with three reasons why you should have your air ducts cleaned regularly.  

• Health & Wellness: Maybe you’re not addicted to the gym, but who doesn’t want to promote health and wellness at home? According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air pollution is a serious risk to public health. Your air ducts can circulate contaminants through your home like dust, pollen, animal dander, and even mold. Being exposed to these pollutants can result in allergy-like symptoms and even respiratory infections. Regular duct cleanings can drastically improve your indoor air quality and minimize indoor allergies.
• Energy Efficiency: The average household produces over 40 pounds of dust per year. The majority of this dust gets trapped inside your air ducts and can increase your energy consumption up to 20 percent. Thorough air duct cleaning can produce long-term energy savings.
• Improved HVAC System: Clogged air ducts restrict airflow in your home. By removing the buildup of debris you can increase the the lifespan and efficiency of your HVAC system. Clean air ducts improve airflow and energy-efficiency, as well as reduce wear-and-tear on the equipment.

GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration offers professional air duct cleaning services to homes and businesses across Long Island. If you live in Nassau or Suffolk County, contact us today to schedule a free estimate: 631-940-8100.

How to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

Home is where the heart is — but if you don’t take the proper precautions, it can become full of airborne contaminants. That’s why GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration is here to provide some life-changing tips to help you improve your indoor air quality:

• Adopt a Houseplant: Nurture that green thumb. Healthy houseplants naturally clean the air in your home and help balance humidity levels throughout the day. Our top picks include the peace lily, reed palm, English ivy, Boston fern, tillandsia, and cactus.

• Control your Moisture Levels: High humidity levels can lead to mold. In addition to houseplants, invest in a dehumidifier for those extra muggy days.

• Be Sure to Dust and Vacuum: A clean home is a happy home — and it has cleaner air. Free yourself from indoor allergies by dusting and vacuuming regularly. (Pro Tip: Use a microfiber cloth when you’re dusting. They’re specially designed to trap particles as you clean.)

• Avoid Burning Candles: Those precious scented candles we all know and love are actually releasing harmful carcinogens into the air with every use. For that fresh scent you desire, try diffusing essentials oils instead. Lavender, eucalyptus, and tea tree oils begin eliminating airborne fungi in under an hour.

• Make Your Own Cleaning Solutions: Even if they are marketed as “all-natural,” store bought cleaning products are full of harmful chemicals. Instead, mix up your own. Vinegar, baking soda, and water should do the trick.

• Have Your Ducts Cleaned: Be sure to have your air ducts cleaned thoroughly every 3-5 years. Over time, they can accumulate a number of contaminants like dust, mold, and pollen.

• Open Your Windows: Proper ventilation is the key to maintaining good indoor air quality. In addition to regular duct cleanings, be sure to let the fresh air flow through your home by opening your windows when the weather permits.

GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration offers specialty cleaning services that can help improve the air quality in your home. If you live on Long Island, contact us today at (631) 940-8100 to learn about our mold removal and air duct cleaning services.

5 Mistakes New Homeowners Make

Homeownership is hard. That’s the understatement of the year, but with time comes knowledge and experience. Until then, you have to rely on trial and error, or the wisdom of family and friends. Once you finally purchase your dream home, don’t make these five faux pas when it comes to maintaining it.

1. Ignoring Your Gutters: If your gutters are clogged, water begins to dump out along the foundation of your home. This allows moisture to absorb into the cracks and crevices, which can compromise your home’s stability over time. Remember to thoroughly clean your gutters every spring and ensure that they haven’t been pulled away from the fascia throughout the winter.   
   
   
2. Painting On Top of Rust: Have rusty patio furniture? Slapping any old paint on rusty metal surfaces seems like a no-brainer, however, there are certain steps to follow before doing so: 1.) Be sure to use a scraper to remove the corrosion. 2.) Feather paint edges with 100-grit sandpaper. 3.) Use rust primer to treat spots. 4.) Use only direct-to-metal (DTM) paint. This will ensure a longer lasting paint job every time!
   
   
3. Using too Much Drain Cleaner: Back away from the Draino! Using too many clog-dissolving liquids can eat away at the pipes themselves. Try using baking soda and vinegar is an effective DIY drain cleaner. In addition, be sure to routinely snake your drains to avoid build up. 
   
   
4. Choosing the Wrong Outdoor Rug: The rubber and vinyl backings present on many rugs trap water, making them a breeding ground for mildew and mold. This can cause the wood on decks and porches to rot, as well as attract creepy-crawlers. When choosing an outdoor rug this spring, make sure it has an open-weave design so water can evaporate naturally.
   
   
5. Closing Your Vents: Closing vents in various rooms to redirect the air conditioning can create an imbalance of pressure in your air ducts and cause the cooling coil to freeze. Have branch dampers installed your ductwork, which allow you to force cool air to the second floor in summer and warm air to the ground floor in winter. In addition, be sure to have your air ducts professionally cleaned every three to five years.

Not sure when the last time your ducts were cleaned? New homeowners should schedule a duct cleaning before moving in. GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration offers professional air duct cleaning services to homes and businesses across Long Island. If you live in Nassau or Suffolk County, contact us today for a free quote at (631) 940-8100.

How to Prep Your Air Conditioner for Spring

Your air conditioner has been idle for months, but soon it will be working around-the-clock to keep your home cool and comfortable. This sudden increase in workload can lead to costly breakdowns if your system isn’t properly prepared for the change of seasons.

Follow these five steps from GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration, and your air conditioner will be just as ready for the warm weather as you are:

1. Change your air filters. It is estimated that dirty air filters are responsible for roughly 80% of all HVAC-related breakdowns. A dirty filter limits fresh air intake, increasing wear-and-tear on your system. Change your filter at the start of the season and once per month afterwards.

2. Clean the condenser coils. The condenser coils on your air conditioner are responsible for releasing warm air. If these coils are coated in dust and dirt, they will not be able to effectively vent this heat, and your energy efficiency will suffer as a result. Refer to your owner’s manual for instructions on how to locate and clean the coils on your unit.

3. Clear the surrounding area. It’s not just debris on the coils that can impact energy efficiency, but also debris around the coils. Ideally, your air conditioner should have two feet of space on all sides to “breathe”. Trim any surrounding branches or shrubbery if they encroach on this space.

4. Switch your ceiling fans. Most ceiling fans have a small switch at the base which allows users to change the direction of the blades. Set them to rotate counterclockwise during the warmer months; this pushes air down into the room and creates a cooling breeze.

5. Have your air ducts cleaned. The air ducts in your home are a common hiding spot for dust, pollen, pet dander, mold, and other allergens. The air from your A/C can carry these pollutants with it as it travels through your ductwork, circulating them throughout your house. The best way to remove these contaminants is by having your air ducts professionally cleaned.

Air duct cleaning requires specialized tools and equipment, which is why it is a job best left to the pros. If you live on Long Island, look no further than GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration for your air duct cleaning needs. Call us today at (631) 940-8100 to get started with a free estimate.

3 Most Common Problems With Home Air Ducts

Although they are an afterthought for most homeowners, air ducts are an important part of the home. They are responsible for circulating air from your heater or air conditioner, and play a key role in energy efficiency as well as indoor air quality.

Unfortunately, air ducts are susceptible to a variety of problems that can impact both your energy bills and the health of your family. Here are three common problems that homeowners may experience with their air ducts:

1. Leaky ductwork.

Think that your ductwork is airtight? Think again. It is estimated that the average home loses between 20-40% of the air circulating through their ducts. Gaps, cracks, and broken seals in your ductwork can lead to inconsistent temperatures, high energy bills, increased wear and tear on your HVAC system, and…  

2. Pest infestations.

Pests can enter your air ducts through the aforementioned gaps and cracks, as well as through exterior vents. Some animals commonly found in air ducts include mice, rats, spiders, and cockroaches. These critters can leave behind their droppings and carcasses, leading to unpleasant odors and air quality problems.

3. Pollutant accumulation.

Did you know the average three-bedroom home produces more than 40 pounds of dust per year? Much of this dust accumulates in your air ducts, where it can circulate throughout your entire home and cause allergic reactions. Air ducts are also known to harbor pollutants such as animal dander, pollen, and even mold. The best way to remove these contaminants is by hiring a professional air duct cleaning contractor.

GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration offers professional air duct cleaning services to homes and businesses across Long Island. If you live in Nassau County or Suffolk County, call us for a free estimate at (631) 940-8100.

6 Tips to Healthy Indoor Air this Winter

Winter is here, which means most of us will be spending more time indoors. While this is not necessarily a bad thing, it can be dangerous for your health if your home suffers from indoor air pollution. Use these six tips from GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration to keep your home’s air clean and healthy this winter:

1. Leave your shoes at the door. During the winter months, the ground is covered with rock salt and synthetic de-icers. You don’t want to drag these chemicals throughout your home, so enforce a strict no-shoes policy for your family and friends.

2. Keep a healthy humidity level. Many people use humidifiers during this time of the year to combat dry air. While this is all right, you don’t want your humidity level to exceed 50% -- otherwise, you could be promoting dust mites and mold growth.

3. Don’t smoke indoors. You may not want to venture out into the cold to smoke your cigarette, but you shouldn’t smoke in your home. The toxins and harmful chemicals found in cigarette smoke can stick to your walls and furniture, continuing to affect your health long after the cigarette has been put out.

4. Ditch the commercial air fresheners. Most store-bought air fresheners emit harmful particles known as phthalates. Stay safe and keep your home smelling good with one of these homemade air fresheners instead.

5. Stock up on house plants. Houseplants are for more than just looks, certain types can actually act as a natural air filter. According to NASA, the peace lily, English ivy, and chrysanthemum are the best at removing harmful particles from the air.

6. Have your air ducts professionally cleaned. Air ducts are a common hiding spot for dust, pollen, pet dander, mold, and more. Once these allergens are in your air ducts, they can circulate throughout your entire house.

GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration offers professional air duct cleaning services to homes and businesses across Long Island, New York. If you live in Nassau or Suffolk County, contact us online for a free estimate, or call (631) 940-8100.

Is Poor Indoor Air Quality in Your Office Affecting Your Work Productivity?

When you think of air pollution, you most likely picture thick smog that tends to hang in the air in heavily industrialized areas. But in reality, indoor air pollution is typically much higher and worse than outdoor pollution.

When buildings circulate air, they often do not replace enough indoor air with clean outdoor air, which can lead to a buildup of harmful contaminants. Many textiles, building materials, and cleaning solutions contain what are known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can cause health problems ranging from allergies and headaches to nervous damage and dermatitis.

In addition to health issues, these pollutants can also affect your work productivity. OSHA estimates that companies cost themselves $15 billion in reduced efficiency and sick leave due to poor air quality. Employers are focused on maximizing productivity, so they often encourage their employees to eat right and exercise, but do very little to improve the quality of air in the office.

According to research done by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, employers can improve workforce performance by up to 10% by simply improving air quality. Some ways to do this include:

• Clean up spills ASAP to reduce the chances mold and mildew growth.
• Forgo air fresheners. They release VOCs into the air and mask odors that can indicate a mold problem.
• Maintain your HVAC and other building systems and change the air filters regularly.
• Don’t use pesticides to manage pests.
• If you can, use building materials and textiles that are eco-friendly and contain little-to-no amount of VOCs.

While employee workout classes and healthy eating might help, if you’re really looking to increase office productivity, start by improving your indoor air quality. If you own a business on Long Island, GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration can help. Visit our website to learn about our air duct cleaning services, or give us a call at (631) 940-8100.

Unknown Dangers in Your Home

Your home is supposed to be a sanctuary; a safe spot for you and your family to eat, sleep, and live. Unfortunately, your home might not be as safe as you think it is – especially with these hidden dangers lurking around...

Mold

Mold is a toxic fungus that can wreak havoc on your home and your health. Mold can grow virtually anywhere moisture is present, which makes it a common resident of damp basements, attics, bathrooms, and appliances. Mold produces spores which can cause sneezing, coughing, headaches, fatigue, nausea, and respiratory infections. It can even compromise the structural integrity of your home by eating away at wood surfaces.

Air Ducts

Air ducts are an afterthought for most homeowners, but they could be harboring all kinds of contaminants such as mold, dust, pollen, and pet dander. Once these particles are in your air ducts, they can circulate throughout your entire home, causing allergic reactions and making your life miserable.

Clothes Dryer

The clothes dryer is a staple in the modern household, however it does pose a significant fire risk. In fact, clothes dryers are responsible for more than 15,000 house fires every year. The most common cause of dryer fires is failure to clean the lint screen and exhaust vent. This leads to an accumulation of lint which can easily catch fire and spread.

Poor Air Quality

Indoor air pollution sounds like a fictitious problem, but the danger is real. The EPA estimates that more than 90% of North American homes suffer from at least one air quality problem. Indoor air pollution has been linked to life-threatening diseases such as lung cancer.

GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration offers speciality cleaning services that can help remove these hidden risks from your home. If you live on Long Island, call us at (631) 940-8100 to learn about our mold removal, air duct cleaning, and dryer vent cleaning services.

How to Prepare Your Heating System for Winter

Winter is coming – is your heating system ready?

Chances are, most of us haven't used our furnaces since early spring; nearly six months ago. Soon, we will be relying on them to keep our homes warm around-the-clock. This is the equivalent of asking someone who hasn't worked out in half a year to run a marathon.

Here are a few tips you can follow to knock the rust off of your heating system and prepare it for the long winter season ahead:

• Change your air filters. Dirty air filters can compromise indoor air quality, increase energy consumption, and lead to breakdowns. In fact, it is estimated that 8 out of every 10 furnace repairs are caused by a dirty filter. For best results, clean or replace your filter at the start of heating season and every month thereafter.

• Schedule a professional tune up. During a professional tune up, a licensed technician will clean the various components of your heating system and inspect them for signs of potential failure. This doesn't just help prevent future breakdowns, it can also lower your energy bills. In fact, many furnace manufacturers will void their warranty if your unit is not professionally serviced at least once per year.

• Have your air ducts cleaned. The air ducts in your home tend to collect dust, dirt, and other debris during the summer months. These allergens are dispersed into the air when you fire up your furnace for the first time of the season. Not only that, but dirty air ducts limit air flow and can hinder your furnace's ability to heat your home. Hiring a professional duct cleaning service is the only way to effectively remove these contaminants.

GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration offers professional air duct cleaning services to homes and businesses across Long Island. If you live in Nassau County or Suffolk County, give us a call at (631) 940-8100 to get started with a free estimate.

Four Common Allergens During the Fall Months

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you may think the worst is behind you. It's not. Even though spring and summer months get a bad reputation for allergies, the fall can be just as grueling. Here are four common allergens to keep your eyes out for this season.

• Ragweed. Ragweed is the biggest allergy trigger during this time of year, with peak season lasting from late summer to mid-autumn. More than 75% of people allergic to spring plants are also allergic to ragweed. Just one ragweed plant can produce more than 1 billion pollen grains per season, and they can travel up to 400 miles in the wind.

• Mold. Mold can grow inside all year long, but it thrives outdoors during the fall months. Since mold is usually found in cool, damp environments, piles of wet leaves provide an ideal breeding ground. Mold produces tiny, microscopic spores which are easily inhaled and can cause a variety of allergic reactions.

• Dust Mites. Did you know that the average three-bedroom home produces more than 40 pounds of dust per year? Much of this dust collects in your HVAC ducts, and can be stirred into the air the first time you turn on your furnace in the fall.

• Pet Dander. Cats, dogs, and virtually all other pets produce dander – small flakes of dead skin that are known to cause allergic reactions. It is estimated that up to 40% of people with seasonal allergies also suffer from pet allergies. Wash and groom your pets regularly to minimize your risk of an allergic reaction, and keep them away from your bed and air vents.

All of these allergens (and more) could be present inside of your home right now, hiding in your air ducts. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, a professional air duct cleaning can remove these contaminants and alleviate your symptoms.

GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration offers comprehensive air duct cleaning services to homes and businesses across Long Island. If you live in Nassau or Suffolk County, call us today for a free estimate at (631) 940-8100.

What's the Smell Coming From My Air Ducts?

If your home has central air conditioning or a forced-air heating system, it relies on a series of ducts and vents to distribute air throughout your home. Sometimes, these ducts can give off a less-than-pleasant odor. If your air ducts are emitting an odd smell, here are some potential reasons why:

• Dusty smell. The average three-bedroom home generates more than 40 pounds of dust per year, much of which collects in your air ducts. It is common for your  vents to circulate this dust throughout your house, especially the first few times you use your heating or cooling system each season. 
• Moldy smell. Your air ducts are also a popular hiding spot for mold and mildew, which spreads by reproducing microscopic spores. These spores don't just give off an unpleasant odor, they can also trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks.
• Burning smell. If it smells like something is burning or melting, it's possible that one of the components inside your HVAC system is overheating. This can happen to heating or cooling systems – turn yours off and call a local repair service if you notice a burning smell coming from your ducts.
• Rancid smell. If the smell coming out of your air ducts falls under the “rancid” category, it's possible that you may be dealing with dead animals. Rats and mice can get trapped inside of your HVAC ducts, and their carcasses don't smell very good at all.

Are the air ducts in your home giving off an unpleasant scent? Consider having them professionally cleaned. Using a powerful truck-mounted vacuum and rotary brush, an air duct cleaning service can effectively remove all of the contaminants from your ductwork and leave your home feeling fresh. If you live on Long Island, call GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration for a free estimate at (631) 940-8100.