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.