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.

Don’t Forget These Areas When Spring Cleaning!

Spring is almost here, which means it’s time to get started with your spring cleaning. While you put together your list of areas to clean, make sure to include these three often-forgotten areas…

Air Ducts

Why they need to be cleaned: The air ducts are the lungs of your HVAC system. Over the course of several months and years, these ducts begin to collect dust, dirt, pollen, pet dander, and a variety of other contaminants, including mold. Removal of this debris requires a high-powered rotary brush and truck-mounted vacuum, so unless you happen to have these laying around, it’s best to call a professional service. Experts recommend having your air ducts cleaned every 3-5 years.

Dryer Vent

Why it needs to be cleaned: Clothes dryers are responsible for more than 15,000 house fires every year, the majority of which are caused by flammable lint. While cleaning the filter before each load is a good safety precaution, lint can still accumulate in the exhaust vent – the winding, aluminum tube that connects to the back of your appliance. This vent should be professionally cleaned at least once per year to remove the buildup and lint and help prevent fires.

Crawl Space

Why it needs to be cleaned: If you live in a single-story home, more than 50% of the air you breathe comes from your crawl space. If your crawl space suffers from high humidity or mold, the air in your entire home could suffer. Crawl spaces are easy to forget about, and even if you remember, cleaning them is a tough task. If you spot mold in your crawl space, leave removal to the professionals. DIY mold removal can cause illness and actually cause mold spores to spread if done incorrectly.

If you live on Long Island, let GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration help with your spring cleaning this year. We offer professional air duct cleaning, dryer vent cleaning, and crawl space cleaning services to Nassau County and Suffolk County. Call us today to get started with a free estimate at (631) 940-8100.

How to Find a Qualified Air Duct Cleaning Company

A professional air duct cleaning can improve the performance of your HVAC system and promote better air quality – if you choose the right company. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done. Since the air duct cleaning industry is relatively new, some companies prey on uninformed homeowners; charging them hundreds of dollars and performing little-to-no real work.

Use these tips from GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration to find a qualified duct cleaning service and avoid falling victim to a scam.

Use online resources.

You can find anything on the internet – including a reputable duct cleaning contractor. There are plenty of online resources and review sites that can help you find a quality company in your area. Some websites to check out include Merchant Circle, Home Advisor, and the Better Business Bureau.

Ask questions.

Don't be afraid to ask potential companies questions about their service. This will help you make sure they are knowledgeable about their work, and will also give you a better understanding of what you are spending your money on. Good questions to ask include:

• Are you properly licensed and insured?
• Why do air ducts need cleaning?
• Can you explain your duct cleaning process to me?
• Do you use environmentally safe cleaning products?

Look at their portfolio.

Any good home contractor will have a portfolio of their work readily available to anyone who asks. This is especially important with duct cleaning contractors because the inside of your air ducts aren't easily viewable without special equipment.

If you live on Long Island, look no further than GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration for all of your air duct cleaning needs. Visit our website for more information, or give us a call at (631) 940-8100 for a free estimate.

6 Easy Ways to Save Energy This Fall

Use these six energy-saving tips from GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration to keep warm this season without breaking the bank...

1. Invest in a programmable thermostat.

A programmable thermostat allows you to preset your desired home temperature for different times of the day and days of the week. This can save you money by automatically using less energy when the house is empty or everyone is asleep.

2. Switch your ceiling fan direction.

Did you know the direction in which your ceiling fan rotates can influence the air flow of the room? During the colder months, set the blades to rotate clockwise. This will push warm air that has gathered near the ceiling back down into the room.

3. Tune up your heating system.

Scheduling a tune up for your heating system each year isn't just a good idea; many HVAC manufacturers actually require it. A professional tune up can help reduce energy consumption, prevent breakdowns, and extend the lifespan of your equipment.

4. Upgrade your home's insulation.

Improving your insulation can reduce the amount of warm air that escapes from your home, thus saving you money. This could be as simple as sealing air leaks with weatherstripping, or using draft guards on your doors and windows.

5. Change your air filters.

Your furnace has an air filter that needs to be cleaned or replaced on a regular basis. Dirty filters allow dust and dirt to enter your heating system, resulting in increased wear-and-tear and energy consumption.

6. Have your air ducts professionally cleaned.

If you have never cleaned your air ducts, chances are good they are coated in a thick layer of dust and dirt. This accumulation of debris limits air flow, and makes your furnace work harder to heat your home. Not to mention the negative impact it can have on your indoor air quality.

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 today for a free estimate at (631) 940-8100.

How to Prepare Your Home for Fall

Labor Day has come and gone, the NFL season kicks off this week, and your favorite coffee spot is now serving pumpkin-spiced lattes; three sure signs that fall is all but here. Here are a few things you can do around the home to prepare for the change of seasons.

Tune Up Your Heating System.

You haven't turned on your heating system in nearly six months, you want to make sure it is ready when you need it. The best way to ensure your heating system operates at full capacity is by having it tuned up before the cold weather hits. In fact, some manufacturers will even void their warranty if your furnace isn't professionally serviced every year.

Clean Out Your Gutters.

They call the season “fall” for a reason (hint: it's the leaves). After the leaves fall from your trees, you want to make sure they aren't clogging up your gutters. Clogged gutters can't sufficiently drain rainwater and melting snow, which can lead to problems such as ceiling leaks, basement flooding, ice dams, mold, and water damage.

Maintain Your Washer and Dryer.

Washers and dryers can both present their own set of problems if they are not properly maintained. Inspect the hoses on your washing machine to make sure they aren't damaged or frayed; you don't want to have to deal with a burst pipe. Dryers, on the other hand, can present a fire hazard if the exhaust vent isn't cleaned at least once per year.

Have Your Air Ducts Professionally Cleaned.

Your furnace will soon be pushing hot air through your ducts, but if they aren't clean, hot air is not the only thing that will be circulating throughout your home. Allergens such as dust, pollen, pet dander, and mold can commonly be found in air ducts, which is why experts recommend having yours professionally cleaned every 3-5 years.

If you live on Long Island, trust GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration to help get your home ready for the cold season. We offer professional air duct cleaning and dryer vent cleaning to homes in Nassau and Suffolk County, as well as water damage restoration if something goes wrong. Give us a call today to schedule your service at (631) 940-8100.

5 Ways to Extend the Lifespan of Your Home's Cooling System

During the hot summer months, few things are more important than your home's cooling system. Use these five tips to keep yours running like new for years to come.

1. Clean or replace your air filters each month.

Dirty air filters are responsible for up to 80% of all air conditioner breakdowns. Make sure you are cleaning yours every month, or replacing it with a new one. You can refer to your owners manual for instructions specific to your unit.

2. Invest in a programmable thermostat.

Programmable thermostats allow you to set your desired temperature for different times of the day and days of the week. They cost a small investment up front, but can easily pay for themselves by lowering your energy usage and reducing the wear-and-tear on your HVAC system.

3. Keep the surrounding area clean and clear.

If you have central air conditioning, make sure to keep your outside unit clear of branches and leaves. If debris gets too close to your central air system, it can cause clogs, overheating, and potential breakdowns.

4. Schedule a professional tune up.

Annual tune ups can lower your energy consumption, extend the lifespan of your HVAC system, and prevent breakdowns before they happen. In fact, some manufacturers will even void their warranty if you do not have your cooling system professionally serviced each year.

5. Have your air ducts cleaned every 3-5 years.

Dust, mold, pollen, and pet dander can all accumulate inside of your HVAC ducts, limiting air flow and making your cooling system work harder to reach your desired temperature.

Air duct cleaning requires specialized tools and knowledge, so it is a job best left to professionals. Homeowners on Long Island can depend on GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration for all of their air duct cleaning needs. If you live in Nassau or Suffolk County, give us a call at (631) 940-8100 for a free estimate.

5 Things You Might Find Hiding In Your Air Ducts

Have you ever grabbed a flashlight and took a peek inside of your home's air ducts? Most people haven't, but if they did, here are five things they might find:

1. Dust. The average three-bedroom home generates more than 40 pounds of dust each year. While some of this dust settles on your electronics and furniture, much of it collects in your air ducts.
2. Pollen. If you suffer from spring allergies, you know that pollen is not something you want in your home. Unfortunately, if your HVAC system has a fresh air intake, it can suck the pollen from outside straight into your air vents.
3. Mold. The darkness, moisture, and dust found in HVAC ductwork makes it the perfect breeding ground for mold. Exposure to mold can cause allergic reactions, sneezing, coughing, headaches, nausea, asthma attacks, respiratory infections, and a plethora of other health effects.
4. Animal Dander. Dander is produced by cats, dogs, rodents, and birds; and possesses a unique jagged shape which allows it so stick to virtually any surface – including your air ducts. Surprisingly, animal dander can even be found in homes without pets.
5. Rodent Droppings. There have been several cases of mice, rats, and other rodents making their way into home air ducts. They can bring with them their diseases, droppings, and sometimes carcasses.

Once these pollutants enter your air ducts, they can circulate throughout your entire home. For this reason, experts recommend having your air ducts cleaned every 3-5 years.

Proper duct cleaning is a complicated process that requires high-powered tools, such as industrial-sized rotary brushes and truck-mounted vacuums. If you want a thorough cleaning, you will need professional help.

Long Island homeowners can count on GreenPro Cleaning &Restoration for a comprehensive duct cleaning for a reasonable rate. If you live in Nassau or Suffolk County, call us today for a free quote at (631) 940-8100.

5 Ways to Clean Up the Air in Your Office

Indoor air pollution isn't limited to just your home, it can be found anywhere with four walls and a roof – including stores, hospitals, schools, gyms, and even your office. Since many of us spend 40 hours a week (or more) in our workplace, clean air is important.

Use these five tips today to start improving the air quality in your office:

1. Keep your workspace clean. It is crucial to keep up on cleaning your work area, as accumulated dust, dirt, and moisture can all impact air quality. Make sure not to neglect germ hot spots such as your keyboard, mouse, and phone.

2. Use natural cleaning products. Don't use store-bought products for your cleaning needs, they are loaded with harmful chemicals (even the ones labeled “all natural”). Instead, use baking soda, vinegar, and lemon – you'd be surprised at everything you can clean with these simple ingredients.

3. Boost ventilation. Do anything you can to improve the air flow in your office: use fans and open up your windows when the weather permits. This keeps air moving and can even vent some toxins to the outside.

4. Add more plants. Did you know that house plants can improve air quality by naturally removing airborne toxins? Some plants are more effective than others – these five in particular are very useful for air purification.

5. Have the air ducts cleaned. The air ducts in your office could be harboring all kinds of contaminants such as cigarette smoke, pet dander, dust, pollen, and mold. These pollutants can use the ductwork as a transportation system to circulate through your entire office.

Not only does poor air quality affect employee health, it affects their productivity too. If you are a business owner on Long Island, cleaning your air ducts can provide you with real, tangible benefits. Want to learn more? Give GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration a call at (631) 940-8100.

Signs You Need to Clean Your Air Ducts

Cleaning your air ducts is an important part of any home maintenance routine, but unfortunately it is not very high on the priority list of most homeowners. One of the main reasons for this is because people simply don't know when their air ducts are in need of a cleaning. Luckily for you, the duct cleaning professionals at GreenPro are here to offer their advice.

Here are the signs they say you should be on the lookout for:

• It has been more than 3 years since your last cleaning. Experts recommend cleaning your air ducts every 3-5 years to ensure they don't accumulate high levels of pollutants. If you are past your due date, you should look into cleaning your ducts as soon as possible to promote good air quality.

• You have pets that shed, or you smoke in the home. You may need to clean your air ducts more frequently than suggested if you have pets or smoke inside your home. Pet dander and chemicals from cigarette smoke can both be found in abundance in air ducts that have not been cleaned for a while.

• Your house gets dusty quickly. Have you noticed that it only takes a day or two for a layer of dust to collect on your furniture? It might be because your air ducts are dirty and circulating this dust throughout your house.

• You suspect rodents may be nesting in your ducts. If you have seen rodents entering your air ducts from the outside, or think you may have heard movement in them, don't wait to get your ducts cleaned. Particles from their droppings and carcasses could be present in your air supply.

• Your vent covers are dusty. If your vent covers are coated in dust and grime, it's only a small glimpse of what is hiding on the inside.

Spring cleaning? Let GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration give you a hand! Duct cleaning requires specialized tools and equipment not available to homeowners. If you want a thorough cleaning, you need a professional service! If you live on Long Island, contact us for a free quote at (631) 940-8100.

3 Things to Do After Moving Into Your New Home

Moving into a new home can be one of the most exciting and hectic times of your life. With so much to do, it can be easy to overlook the basics. Here are three of the most important things you should do immediately after moving into your new place.

Unpack your belongings.

The first thing you will want to do after moving into your new house is unpack your belongings. Getting this long, tedious out of the way early will help you settle in as quickly as possible. If you hired a moving service, use this time to compare your inventory list to what was actually delivered. If something is missing, let the moving company know right away.

Change the locks.

As nice as the previous homeowners were, you don't want them having access to your new home. For the safety and security of your family, changing the locks should be very high up on your priority list. Exterior door knobs and deadbolts can be purchased for under $20 each, and are simple to install. If you need help, a professional locksmith will be happy to swap out your locks for about $30 each – a fee that is well worth your peace of mind.

Get your ducts cleaned.

You want your new home to be as clean as possible, and that includes the air ducts. Over time, these ducts can accumulate a build up of nasty allergens such as dust, pollen, pet dander, and mold. These contaminants use the ducts as a transportation system, spreading throughout your home and causing symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, and headaches. Experts recommend having the ducts in your home professionally cleaned every 3-5 years.

Special tools and equipment are required to effectively clean air ducts, which is why you should always hire a professional service. Residents of Long Island can depend on GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration for all of their air duct cleaning needs. We serve all of Nassau and Suffolk County and our methods are environmentally-safe; call us today for a free quote at (631) 940-8100.

Indoor Air Quality: Do's & Don'ts

Indoor air quality is just what it sounds like, and it is a growing concern across the country. Many people don't realize it, but the air in their homes, schools, and offices is usually more polluted than the dirtiest of cities.

Indoor air pollution is linked to all sorts of health problems such as respiratory infections, asthma, COPD, and lung cancer. Fortunately, plenty of information exists on what you should and should not do to improve indoor air quality in your home.

These six do's and don'ts should help get you started:

• Do decorate with more plants. NASA conducted a study in the 1980s that found that some houseplants can naturally filter out toxins from the air. If you are looking to purify your air, these five plants are the ones should get.

• Don't burn candles. Think candles are safe? Think again. Not only do they cause more than 9,000 fires per year, they also release carcinogens into the air when burned.

• Do dust and vacuum regularly. Dusting and vacuuming is a good way to keep your indoor allergies in check. Make sure to use a microfiber cloth when you dust, they are specially designed to trap particles.

• Don't use commercial cleaning supplies. Most commercial cleaning products, even ones marked as “all natural”, actually contain dangerous chemicals. Opt for homemade cleaning solutions made from vinegar and baking soda instead.

• Do control your moisture levels. Keep your windows open when the weather permits, and use exhaust fans to remove excess moisture in the air. Failure to do so can lead to mold growth.

• Don't neglect your air ducts. Usually an afterthought for homeowners, the air ducts in your home could be harboring contaminants such as dust, mold, pollen, and pet dander. These pollutants can use your ducts as a transportation system to circulate throughout your entire home.

GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration provides high-quality duct cleaning services to homes and businesses across Long Island. All of our cleaning products and procedures are 100% eco-friendly and we have rave reviews online. Call us at (631) 940-8100 for a free quote.