Have you noticed that your heating and cooling registers are coated with dust and other gunk? Are family members suffering from repeated respiratory allergies and ailments? If you’ve noticed these symptoms of dirty heating and air conditioning ducts, you may need to have them cleaned. One of the most often overlooked cleaning tasks in any home, duct cleaning can have a major impact on your home’s indoor air quality. So if you suspect your ducts are dirty, act now for a safer, healthier home.

To provide your home with heated and cooled air, your HVAC system draws air in through the return air vents, conditions it, and then distributes it throughout the house. Unfortunately, as it pulls in air, it also sucks in dust, pollen, dander, and other allergens. Over time, that grime builds up in your ducting. This wouldn’t be a huge problem if all of these contaminants just stayed put, however, as your heating and cooling system continues to circulate air, some of these particles are swept along with it. In short, the air blowing out of your vents is then contaminated with all of these allergens and irritants, leading to degraded indoor air quality.

Air duct cleaning is the solution to this problem. By removing the pollutants from your ducts, you can reduce the impurities in the air and make it healthier and more comfortable to breathe. This can be especially important if your loved ones suffer from allergies, respiratory ailments, or compromised immune systems. Improved air quality can benefit every member of your family, though, so don’t wait to call for duct cleaning services if you suspect dirty ductwork is impacting your home and health.

Typical air duct cleaning equipment takes the form of an oversized, specialized vacuum. This implement is connected to your air ducts, creating a negative air system that sucks air toward the vacuum and its attached containment unit. The vacuum pulls high-powered air through your ducts, sweeping away the accumulated dirt, dust, and allergens and safely trapping them inside. The best air duct cleaning services are performed by vacuums with HEPA filters, which ensure that none of the allergens and other particles escape. Some vent/duct cleaning companies also use motorized brushes and other tools to remove stuck-on debris, helping your ducts get completely and totally clean.

Keep in mind that DIY duct cleaning isn’t wise for even the most enthusiastic and adventurous homeowner. That’s because you need specialized tools and expertise to safely and correctly clean out your HVAC ducts. If not done properly, you can actually decrease your indoor air quality by spreading all of the dust and allergens from your ducts into the rest of your house! So rather than attempting a do-it-yourself fix, call your local heating and cooling contractor or duct cleaning service to ask about professional cleaning. These experts have the tools and technical know-how to completely seal off your ducts to ensure no contaminants are spread into the rest of the building and to completely clean out the built-up gunk for clear ducts and fresh air.

Appliance breakdowns and malfunctions can happen to anyone. So what do you do when it’s obvious your washer, fridge, or oven is on the fritz? Many people immediately pick up the phone to call in the professionals, but appliance repairs don’t always require an expert. Read on to learn more about which appliance repairs are typically safe for adventurous DIYers and which ones require the backup of an appliance repair company.

When to Do It Yourself

Both safety and accuracy are key elements when it comes to your at-home appliance repairs. When considering whether to grab your wrench or the phone instead, ask yourself: Do I have the knowledge and tools to safely complete this stove or dishwasher repair? If not, can I acquire them easily and affordably? Will my repairs be as thorough and comprehensive as a pro’s handiwork? If you can answer yes to these questions, you can dive right in to a variety of residential appliance repairs, including:

Water Leaks: In many cases, appliance water leaks are simply a matter of a deteriorated or disconnected hose. If you’ve discovered a puddle under the dishwasher or a suspicious looking trickle trailing out from under the washing machine, it’s generally safe to take a look. Inspect all inlet and outlet hoses and their connections to check for damage. If they’re intact, the next place to look is at the pumps and valves, again checking for cracking, holes, and other imperfections.

Heating Element Replacement: Stove repair seems like one of those jobs that always necessitates professional assistance, but when it comes to burnt-out heating elements, the solution is typically quite straightforward. For many electric stoves, the burners plug in just like with any electrical outlet. All you need to do is acquire a new burner and plug it in. Voila: you’re done. (Note, always disconnect your stove from the power source prior to performing any diagnostics or repairs!)

If you do discover a damaged part in the course of your do-it-yourself appliance repairs, locating a replacement part shouldn’t be too challenging. Your local home improvement warehouse or even appliance repair company will have a variety of appliance repair parts available, and they should be able to help you find exactly what you need. It’s always a good idea to write down any identifying serial numbers or, better yet, take the broken part itself with you to the store to make certain you come home with the required component.

When to Call in the Pros

Professional appliance repair services may seem like a major expense at a time when everyone is having to tighten their belts a little due to the continued struggles of the American economy. But in many cases, it’s really your only option. Choosing appliance repair over replacement is nearly always more affordable, and the simple truth is that some appliance projects required specialized tools and knowledge to be completely accurately and safely. Here are just a few examples of repairs that necessitate an expert touch:

Gas Appliance Repair: Whether you’re dealing with a dryer problem or a stove issue, any and ALL gas appliance repairs are projects for skilled technicians. Even if you don’t believe that the malfunction has anything to do with the gas supply or heating elements, the hazards of gas appliance service are simply not worth the risk. From creating gas leaks to actually starting a fire, DIY gas appliance repair can harm you, your home, and your family. To maintain the safety of your household, every gas appliance repair requires a call to the pros.

Refrigeration Repairs: Unless the issue is a deteriorated door seal, most fridge and freezer repairs should be left to the professionals. That’s because these appliances contain potentially dangerous coolants that may put you and your family at risk if not handled appropriately. Qualified repairmen are trained in the proper way to manage, replace, and control these coolants to ensure your home stays safe throughout the refrigerator repair process.

Of course, no matter what the appliance repair project at hand, if you don’t feel comfortable tackling the job yourself, you’re always better off bringing in your local appliance repair company. Resources are available online as well as in your appliance’s owner’s manual, but if you’re still unsure of how to complete the repair or you’re not comfortable handling the tools and parts required, your appliance repair technician can make certain the job is done right!

Maria Allen is an appliance repair do-it-yourselfer, a homeowner, and an Internet marketing specialist for Prospect Genius, connecting local businesses with area customers through effective SEO.

You try to take a shower, and end up ankle-deep in murky water. You brush your teeth, and the
sink doesn’t drain. We’ve all been there. There’s nothing pleasant about a clogged drain or blocked pipe. Fortunately, there are a number of drain cleaning solutions that can have things running smoothly again in no time. How do you know whether to tackle the problem yourself or to call your local plumber in? Here are a few tips to help you make the decision.

Taking the DIY Approach

From hair to grease and beyond, many clogs and blockages are easily resolved at home, using a number of DIY techniques. These work particularly well on soft blockages that are located relatively close to the
surface of the drain. If you know what is blocking your drain, or you want to try a quick fix before calling a professional, these options may be for you.

Corrosive Drain Cleaners

The first thing that many people do when faced with a clogged drain is reach for the drain cleaner. There are a number of drain cleaners on the market that use corrosive chemicals to power through soft clogs near the surface of the drain. These cleaners typically come in liquid form and contain highly concentrated bleach, lye, or potassium hydroxide. Some drain cleaners contain two components that are mixed when poured into the drain, creating a gas that is trapped inside the plumbing by a thick foam. The foam is designed to coat the insides of the drain pipe, removing the substance causing the clog. Chemical drain cleaners can be very convenient and easy to use. Most of them just require you to pour them into the clogged drain, wait awhile, and then rinse with warm water. The downside to chemical drain cleaners is that they are typically ineffective on more difficult clogs, or on blockages that occur further down the sewer line. The corrosive nature of these products also makes them potentially dangerous if they come into contact with your skin, eyes, or even lungs if you inadvertently breathe in their fumes. If you decide to use a chemical drain cleaner, take care to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and take proper caution to prevent injury.

The Natural Approach

A safer (but equally effective) alternative to chemical drain cleaners comes from combining ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Do you remember building volcanoes for the school science fair by combining vinegar with baking soda to make an “eruption?” This technique builds on that same principle. First, pour about 3/4 of a cup of dry baking soda down the drain. Then, pour about 1/2 a cup of vinegar down the drain. White vinegar and apple cider vinegar work great, but any type will do. As soon as you pour the vinegar down the drain, you’ll want to cover the drain opening with a rag or some type of drain plug. The mixture of vinegar and baking soda will cause a chemical reaction, creating a foam that will rise up through the drain (just like the volcano!). Covering the drain will keep as much of the foam inside the pipe as possible, where it can unleash its cleaning power. Let the foam do its thing for about 30 minutes, then flush it thoroughly by pouring hot water down the drain. It may take multiple applications, but this method often leaves your drain clean and flowing smoothly. Using baking soda and vinegar is great when you need a drain cleaning solution on the fly, or if you are looking for a natural alternative to corrosive cleaners.

Clearing the Trap

A third DIY solution requires a little bit more work on your part, but is well-worth it if you are
faced with a large hair clog, or some foreign material caught in your sink drain. The first thing you’ll want to do is clear out the area under the sink. Then, place a bucket (you can use a pot in a pinch) under the sink pipes to catch any water or other debris that might fall out of the sink trap. Use pliers to loosen the metal slip nuts, and then finish removing them by hand. If you’ve got a plastic trap, you can usually skip the pliers, and just turn the slip nuts manually. You can use your hands to knock any blockage from inside the “elbow” of the trap into your bucket. If the clog is higher up near the drain (as is often the case with hair clogs in bathroom sinks), you can straighten a wire hanger and use that to pull the clog down through the pipe. Once the blockage is clear, just put the elbow back on and re-tighten the slip nuts. Dispose of the water and debris in your bucket (do NOT pour it back down the drain!), and voila–as good as new!

When to Call in the Pros

There are some times when it is just better to leave the plumbing repair work to the professionals. Examples of professional draining cleaning jobs include when you have:

• Recurring or persistent clogs that don’t respond to DIY treatment
• Thick grease blockages
• Clogged sewer pipes
• Invasive root growth

Master plumbers and other professionals have access to a number of tools made specifically for handling difficult drain clogs and blockages. Professional drain cleaners, such as those containing sulfuric acid, can be extremely dangerous when used by someone other than a licensed professional. Other professional tools, such as those used for hydrojetting, are far too expensive to be practical for anyone other than a master plumber. With the right tools and their extensive training, your plumber can effectively clear your drains of even the toughest blockages.

If you have tried to attack a difficult clog to no avail, it is possible that the blockage is in a place beyond your reach. With a bathtub drain, you might have to go into the pipes behind a wall. Some clogs can even
occur further down the water main, outside the house. A licensed plumber has the knowledge andexperience to handle complicated situations, making sure that all of your pipesend up back in the right places, avoiding further issues down the line. Amaster plumber can clear a drain and conduct additional troubleshooting todetect invasive root growth or other issues that you may have overlooked. If you’ve got a leaking faucet in addition to a blocked drain, you might want to call in a professional who can take care of everything at once.

The pros of calling in the Pros include:

• Expert knowledge and experience
• High-quality tools made to get the job done
• Convenience of having someone else do the work
• Troubleshooting knowledge to prevent other issues

When it comes to simple drain clogs, you can often resolve them on your own. For larger, more difficult jobs, don’t let the cost of hiring a professional deter you. Many plumbing specialists offer reasonable rates for their services, and you can’t put a price on your personal safety and peace of mind. Resolving a problem like a persistent leak can also save you on your water bill–savings that are well worth enlisting the help of a
professional.

Knowledgeable DIYers are often loath to call in experts for household tasks. However, there are times when that is the best course of action. For the most part, furnace and air conditioning repair jobs require skills, knowledge, and tools beyond what most laypeople have available. If you’re experiencing heating or cooling difficulties in your home, or know that your system is due to be serviced, make an honest assessment of the situation at hand: Do you understand the issue thoroughly and have the time, experience, tools, and knowledge to handle it? If the answer to any aspect of this question is “no,” then your best bet is to call a furnace or air conditioning repair service. Otherwise, you run the risk of damaging your heating or cooling system, causing you and your family discomfort, and probably increasing the overall cost of the project in the long run.

Aside from major repair work, though, there are some basic heating and cooling system maintenance tasks that require only minimal involvement and are perfect for DIY fans to take on. Perhaps the most important of these is keeping the system clean. Before going in, make sure you turn off the power supply to whatever unit you’re working on! For a furnace, “cleaning” involves changing the filter on a regular basis (monthly is recommended). Not only will this help the furnace run better and more efficiently, but it will also increase the overall air quality in your home by allowing the filter to better catch any particles before the warm air gets pumped through the vents into your home. Consult your owner’s manual on how to change the filter (and what type of filter to buy), or consult a print or online DIY resource for further instructions. When it comes to air conditioning service and cleaning, the process is a little more involved, but is still within the capacity of an intrepid DIYer. You’ll need to remove the grille and clean the evaporator or condenser coils, which you can do by gently vacuuming them to remove dirt and debris. If you’re really ambitious, you can buy a fin comb from a hardware store to straighten any bent coil fins. Keeping your furnace and/or AC unit clean like this can make a huge difference in how they run and how often they end up needing more serious repairs.

When it comes to tasks beyond this type of regular maintenance, however, calling a professional heating and air conditioning contractor is highly recommended. This is because both furnaces and AC systems involve mechanical, electrical, and power supply elements, all of which have to work in concert in order for the system to function optimally and safely. If you attempt a repair job without being aware of even one little aspect of how all of the parts work together, you could damage the system. At best, this could cost you more down the line, and at worst, could endanger your or your family’s health. If your furnace or AC system isn’t pumping out hot or cool air as appropriate, is making strange sounds, or is cycling off unexpectedly, these are all issues that need to be looked into by a pro. Before you call, make sure you’ve checked all the basics first–that the thermostat is set correctly, the central unit has full power, and the circuit breaker is on. If all of those things are in place and you’re still experiencing a problem, a professional will be able to take the situation from there to determine what’s wrong and what needs to be done to fix it.

Air conditioning and furnace repair or service work should, on the whole, be left to the pros. However, regular maintenance and cleaning of your heating or cooling system can make a huge difference in how it works and can be safely completed on a DIY basis.

A rooter is one of a plumber and sewer professional’s most specialized tools. When you call a plumber for drain cleaning service or sewer
line assistance, having a basic understanding of what a rooter is and how it works can help you conduct a more productive conversation. You won’t be left in the dark regarding what’s actually wrong and what your plumber is going to do to fix it, and your plumber will see that you are an involved homeowner who values their services. By knowing the ins and outs of rooter use, you’ll also know what questions to ask to make sure that the job is done fully and that all necessary sewer pipe repairs are addressed.

In essence, a rooter is a specialized type of plumber’s snake. It consists of sharp blades attached to a heavy duty cable that can be inserted into sewer lines. The blades are then turned by an attached motor to break up invasive tree roots–hence the name “rooter.” The invention of the rooter was revolutionary because it meant that sewer contractors no longer had to dig up your lawn to get access to underground pipes that were clogged by overzealous tree root systems. Gaining access to sewer lines via a rooter is both less invasive and less expensive than excavating, which is a plus for both plumbers and homeowners. If you have clogged or slow draining pipes, a plumbing and sewer professional will be able to use their expert knowledge and diagnostic tools to determine if tree roots in your pipes are the culprit. If they are, a rooter will be able to address the “root” of the problem quickly and efficiently.

When it comes to tackling plumbing difficulties that are caused by tree roots, getting rid of the roots is only half the battle. If you have roots in your sewer lines, it means that there are holes or other damage to the structure of those pipes. Using a rooter is the first step in getting your pipes working again. In addition to that, though, your plumbing and drain service professional will also need to make any necessary repairs and do appropriate sewer line replacement work in order to get the whole system back into tip-top shape (and to prevent uninvited roots from becoming a problem again). If you don’t know what to ask for at this step of the process, however, there are some plumbing professionals out there who won’t bother to inform you that this is a necessary action. This is where knowing what a rooter is, how it works, and what caused the problem in the first place comes in handy. If you know the lay of the land before going in to a conversation with your plumber, you can make sure that your property and sewer lines get the best care possible.

We don’t all need to be plumbing experts, but a little basic knowledge about what a rooter is and how it works can go a long way in making sure that we get the best drain repair and plumbing service available. If you call your local plumber in for help with sewer line clogs, you’ll be able to go into that conversation armed with the information you need to be an informed and involved client.

Ah, the warmth and charm of a crackling fire on a chilly winter night. For many, the ambiance and heat of a fireplace simply can’t be beat. Unfortunately, wood-burning fireplaces can be inefficient, creating not only the need for more fuel to reach the desired heat output but also emitting air pollution in the form of smoke containing carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and other particulates. The good news is that putting in a fireplace insert or wood stove can improve on the performance of a traditional fireplace, helping you get both the efficiency and style you want for your home. If you’re considering a wood-burning stove or a wood fireplace insert, here’s what you need to know.

Wood stoves and wood-burning fireplace inserts provide you with essentially the same technology for two distinct installation situations. Wood stoves are typically freestanding models, often built atop a hearth for safety and better heat transfer. Fireplace inserts, on the other hand, are a special type of wood stove that goes inside your existing fireplace. The insert completely fills the space and turns a traditional wood-burning fireplace into a more efficient, wood-stove type heating source. In short, the biggest difference between wood stoves and inserts for fireplaces is how/where you install them.

In the past, wood-burning stoves and inserts have been criticized for being inefficient, both in terms of heating and the waste products they emit. But improved technology has been used to design new models that eliminate these issues. Today’s stoves and wood-burning fireplace inserts burn at much hotter temperatures than a basic fire. In addition to the obvious benefit of putting out more heat, this enables more complete combustion of fuel and gases and cuts back on the emissions from your chimney. And with integrated blowers and air circulation systems, many of the newest fireplace inserts and stoves distribute heat throughout a space better than before. A modern stove or wood fireplace insert can provide enough heat to keep an entire home comfortable!

On top of the other advancements in stove/fireplace insert technology, alternative fuel sources have been developed as well. Instead of just burning logs, today’s inserts and stoves are also available as pellet burning models. Pellet stoves use fuel pellets, often made from compressed sawdust and other organic waste materials like wood chips and bark, to produce heat. Offering efficiency as well as a renewable fuel source, pellet stoves can be freestanding or inserted into fireplaces. Only special pellet wood stoves can use this type of fuel, so it’s important to decide whether or not you want to take advantage of the green nature of pellet fuel before you purchase a stove or insert.

Capacity is critical when it comes to putting in a wood-burning insert or stove, so consult with your local fireplace contractors to determine the appropriate size for your heating needs. Too small a unit will leave uncomfortable cold zones in your space while too large a unit can lead to overheating. When homeowners end up with too large a stove or insert, the most common result is keeping the fire burning at a smolder, which will undermine the efficiency of a modern wood-burning system and release more pollution than necessary.

You don’t have to live in an area with a high water table to experience flooding or excessive moisture. Water can enter your home or business in any number of ways, but what matters most is that you deal with it as efficiently and effectively as possible. The longer you have standing water and elevated moisture levels in your building, the more extensive and serious the damage will be. Your building could be susceptible to water damage if it has experienced any of the following situations:

• Flooding (particularly in basements and crawl spaces)
• Major roof leaks
• Storm damage
• Leaking water heaters or boilers
• Burst pipes
• Water used to put out a fire

If you suspect that your residential or commercial property may be vulnerable to the effects of damaging moisture and excess water, or if it’s already showing small signs of deterioration, getting the proper flood restoration services is crucial. Water-related damage not only affects the integrity of your structure, but it also puts you and your fellow building occupants at severe risk. From weakened supporting walls to dangerous bacteria and mold, the results of water damage can be very serious. That’s why it’s absolutely vital that you perform the flood, fire, or water damage restoration as soon as possible.

The typical process for flood restoration follows this general outline:

1. Identify what can be salvaged.
2. Dispose of materials and property that are irreparable.
3. Get rid of standing water (usually by vacuuming).
4. Identify saturation levels and locations using moisture meter (or comparable tool).
5. Extract water from carpet, furniture, and other fabrics.
6. Dehumidify damp air using air scrubbers, air movers, dehumidifiers, etc.
7. Disinfect and remove mold spores.
8. Eradicate odors.
9. Diminish stains.

Following all of these steps precisely and completely is the only way to maintain the health and stability of your home, office, or business. Keeping the damaged areas disinfected, deodorized, and moisture-free is essential to preserving your building’s condition, so you’ll need to make certain that you do a flawless job.

However, if you don’t have a lot of experience in the handyman services trade, you won’t want to attempt restoring your property on your own. Not to worry: you still have a few different options. The most obvious choice, of course, is to contact your local water damage restoration experts for assistance. Their handyman service will have all of the required moisture-measuring tools, disinfecting solvents, and dehumidifying equipment to complete the flood damage restoration as effectively as possible.

When it comes to water damage restoration, the faster you respond, the better. However you decide to tackle the problem, make sure you act as efficiently as possible.