Many a building’s HVAC system has had repeated, mysterious problems in operation. In these same buildings, frequenters may believe themselves to have chronic allergies, perhaps having onset suddenly and recently. In these same buildings again, energy consumption and the power bill are larger than necessary. The cause of all the above-listed problems may be surprisingly simple: not having had a duct cleaning in the last few years, or possibly never having had one performed. A duct cleaning is as necessary, if not more so, as any other of the regular HVAC maintenances: changing the vent filters, cleaning the condenser...

When is tree removal really necessary? You can compare trees to stocks – you don’t want to invest in bad stocks, and likewise, you don’t want to invest in bad trees. Although it’s a tough decision letting a tree go, you have to look at the bigger picture, and it’s advisable to remove a dying or dead tree as soon as possible. The longer you put tree removal off, the more decay sets in, plus it’s more dangerous to have on your property. In addition, it makes working in the tree more dangerous for a tree expert. Last, but...

Water Heater Leak – What to Do Before the Plumber Arrives It’s 8 a.m. on a Monday morning and you’re walking into your newly renovated basement office at home. You notice that the carpet is stained, so you bend down to check it out. The carpet is saturated. Then it hits you – this isn’t a stain, it’s a leak! You go into red alert mode to find out where the water is coming from. Your heart sinks at the sight – there’s an aggressive water heater leak and the water is gushing across the garage floor, out of...

It’s a fact – over time, asphalt shingles age, and eventually they will need to be replaced. Give or take, the average lifespan of an asphalt shingled roof is about 8 to 10 years, depending on the climate where you live. When shingles show any of the signs mentioned below, roof replacement is likely to be the only solution. Visible Damage: Shingles weaken and become brittle as they age. Damage such as multiple broken tiles or tabs are easy to spot visibly. The roof should be replaced right away before it starts to leak. Penetrations: It’s not only asphalt...

Carpet can hold significant amounts of dust, soil, etc., without appearing to be dirty. According to ShawFloors.com, it has been proven that carpet is actually efficient at keeping small particles like pollen and allergens out of indoor air. In fact, data from a study conducted in Sweden showed that when carpet declined in popularity, the number of people with allergy problems increased. In 2002, two North Carolina schools were the subject of a study by investigators at the RTI (Research Triangle Institute) and the UNC (University of North Carolina). One school was 70 to 75 percent carpeted, while the...