Beware of Furnace Cleaning Rip-Offs

The Better Business Bureau is warning people in the province about some furnace cleaners who have also been cleaning out customers’ wallets.

Cool autumn weather has many Albertans considering furnace servicing or upgrades. But according to Southern Alberta BBB president Sandra Crozier-McKee, many contractors are using scare tactics to sell people services they don’t really need.

“Winter — we always know it’s coming but it tends to sneak up on us every year. So there’s a sense of urgency they take advantage of,” she said.

Oksana Irwin of Western Canadian Furnace Company said she’s heard of some unscrupulous contractors that will use fast-talking and even sabotage to sell unsuspecting consumers unnecessary installations or repairs.

“The tech guy would go and damage parts on purpose so that they would sell other parts to them,” Irwin said.

Crozier-McKee said the BBB has received more complaints this year than all of last year.

Consumers should always get two estimates for any furnace work, make sure the contractors use certified gas fitters and provide warranties that cover equipment, materials and labour, the BBB recommends.

External Links

Southern Alberta Better Business Bureau

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Dust mites are microscopic spider like creatures that live off of discarded skin cells and residue found in bedding, furniture, carpets, draperies and any place dust collects. You can’t see dust mites, but if you have a tendency toward allergies or have asthma, you can feel the effects of their feces. Yes it is dust mite feces that cause allergic reactions and asthma attacks in susceptible individuals. This thought makes many people cringe, but there are several ways you can effectively remove and prevent dust mites in your home. These methods will protect your family from common respiratory problems that plague thousands of people anywhere dust collects, which is all over the world.

Bedding

One of the easiest ways to protect your bedding is to cover your mattress with an allergen proof cover. You can find these in many styles, but the most effective are the type that zip up and completely cover your mattress and box springs. Pillow covers are also a good way to protect your bedding. Covers can be removed and laundered weekly in very hot water to ensure they are mite free. Use a dry steam cleaner on your mattress between bedding washings to kill and remove dust mites and their feces. If you don’t have a dry steam cleaner, vacuum your mattress with a rotating brush attachment. Wash your sheets and bed covers in the hottest water possible once a week to cut down on dust mites and allergens.

Household Surfaces

Dust mites congregate wherever dust collects. Vacuum your draperies regularly to remove any excess dust and residue. Use a dry steam cleaner on carpets and furniture to kill and remove dust mites. Keep your house dust free with regular cleanings. When it comes to dust mites, one of the best ways to keep down the allergens associated with them is to keep your home as clean as possible. And the best appliances to use are a vacuum cleaner and dry steam cleaner. Look for appliances that offer allergen rated filters.

Air Quality

Air filters that collect allergens and dust help to keep your home clean and cut down on the amount of dust mites present in your home. You might also want to invest in an air purifier system, one that has a HEPA rated filter and removes as many allergens and dust from the air as possible.

These simple steps can considerably help to cut down on dust mites in your home as well as significantly reduce your allergy and asthma symptoms.

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Millions of homes harbor lead-based paint, asbestos, and toxic wood preservatives. All three have been banned from building products, but they continue to plague building owners and occupants.

 Lead-based paint
Of the three, lead-based paint is by far the greatest hazard. Young children who ingest old paint chips or get lead-contaminated dust on their hands and in their mouths can develop lead poisoning, a serious condition that can damage the brain and the nervous system.

If you have a home that’s more than 30 years old, be aware that any disturbance of old paint–sanding, scraping, using heat guns or paint strippers–can release lead particles into your home. (And even if you’re not doing any remodeling work, peeling or chipping paint can wind up in children’s mouths or in your whole family’s lungs.)

Even though lead in paint has been banned for thirty years in the United States, imported products made with lead-based paint continue to be sold here in violation of the law.

Asbestos
Asbestos is a mineral fiber used in building materials to increase strength and heat resistance until it was banned in the 1970s. High levels of exposure to airborne asbestos fibers can cause lung cancer and other fatal diseases. Asbestos-related diseases have primarily been associated with workers exposed to high levels on job. But if you have a home that’s more than 30 years old, when you do home improvement projects it’s smart to take precautions to prevent asbestos from becoming friable and airborne. This can happen if the asbestos-containing material is cut into, damaged, sanded, or removed during remodeling.

Asbestos materials in older homes include duct and pipe insulation, attic and wall insulation, ceiling tiles, wallboard and joint compound, electrical insulation, floor-tile adhesives, roofing, and siding. It’s often impossible to tell by looking at a material if it contains asbestos. You can have a material tested by sending a small sample to an asbestos testing laboratory.

If an asbestos-containing material is in good shape, leave it alone. It’s not harmful unless it deteriorates. If you need to repair or remove it, consult the with professionals.

Wood preservatives
The once-common wood preservative chromated copper arsenate (CCA) was banned for most residential uses at the end of 2003. It contains arsenic and can cause cancer and other illnesses. If you have decks and playground equipment that were treated with CCA, protect yourself and your family with an oil or water-based stain that penetrates the wood surface. Painting the surfaces is not advisable because paint can chip and flake, requiring scraping and sanding that will only increase your exposure to CCA. When working with wood that was treated with this material, shower afterward and wash your work clothes separately. When you dispose of any-old or new-treated lumber, make sure it goes to a lined landfill, and don’t burn it. Burning it can release toxic substances into the air.

For new projects you should use EPA-approved preservatives, such as quat and azole, made from less toxic copper-based compounds. The only way you are likely to run into wood preserved with the banned compound is if you buy from a dealer with very old inventory.

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You may think that your home is a safe haven, and, if there is nothing obviously structurally wrong with your property then many homeowners believe this.  However, there are numerous hidden dangers which can not only affect the structural integrity of your building, but also your health.  Below you will find 6 of the most common home dangers which often go unidentified until it is too late, and there is also advice regarding what you can do to resolve any issues you may find.

1.  The Presence of Radon Gas

Radon is similar to Carbon Monoxide in terms of its properties; it is colorless and odorless but kills in excess of 20,000 Canadians each year.  It is also a major cause of debilitative lung diseases such as lung cancer and is a very real threat which does not receive much media exposure.  Any home can be affected by Radon gas and it is therefore advisable to regularly test for the presence of this gas.  Test kits can be obtained from any reputable hardware store and if your test kit returns a positive result then it is imperative that you contact a specialist who will be able to reduce the levels of radon present to safe levels.

2.  The Presence of Organic Compounds

Organic compounds can cause dangerous air pollution in any property.  The most worrying thing about organic compounds in your home is that often they are volatile at room temperature, meaning that they will pollute the air you breathe in on a daily basis which can have serious health knock on effects.  Virtually all standard household products such as carpets, plastics, adhesives and pain can release harmful gases and you will often be unaware of the harm that is being done until much later on.  The extent to which these products can affect you actually depends entirely upon you, unfortunately every person reacts differently to different compounds and as such you will only know how you react to such compounds when you actually come into contact with them for long periods of time.

3.  Mold

Mold is one of the most common issues to affect homes all across the world.  It’s not easy to totally protect your home against mold occurring, but one thing you can do is to limit its growth and activity within your property.  Not only can mold damage the structure of your home but it can also lead to serious health issues as it can seriously harm your respiratory system if left unchecked for long periods of time.

You’ve probably encountered the sensationalist media stories about house-eating toxic molds. The truth is, mold spores are actually floating everywhere, in the air inside and outside all of our homes. There’s no way to keep mold spores out of the air. The trick to controlling mold in your home is controlling moisture–mold thrives on moisture.  If you do locate mold growing within your home then a simple way to deal with it is to wash over it with detergent and water and this will solve most mold issues.  However, if the problem is persistent then you may wish to consider calling in professionals to eliminate it properly.  Some helpful tips for avoiding mold growth in the first place are to ensure that you have no leaking pipes and that your dryer vent points to outside your property, this will all help to limit the moisture present in the air in your home which will slow down the growth of any mold which may already be present.

4.  Biological Contaminants

Bugs and insects which thrive off moist conditions can also cause issues in homes.  For example, cockroaches, dust mites and pollen can all to allergic reactions which can be serious and even life threatening to those with the most serious allergies to them.  Simple steps you can take to limit the effect these things will have on you and your home are to purchase a mattress and pillow cases which are dust mite safe and to also consider an upgraded air filtration system which can help to eliminate or at least severely limit the issues discussed.

5.  Risks from Appliances

Normal household appliances such as your oven or boiler can all release potentially harmful gases with the most serious of these being Carbon Monoxide.  The emission Carbon Monoxide is most commonly associated with a faulty boiler system and is often fatal as unless you have a Carbon Monoxide alarm, the chances are that you would not be aware of its presence as it is odorless and colourless, similar to Radon gas discussed previously.  Steps you can take to mitigate the present of potentially dangerous gases are to install Carbon Monoxide alarms at regular intervals around your home and to have your boiler serviced at least yearly, these will all help to limit the chances of a Carbon Monoxide leak going undetected.

6.  Building Materials

Finally, a great danger in homes which were built more than 40 years ago is the presence of lead based materials or asbestos, both of which can be very damaging to your health.  Older homes are quite likely to have been decorated using a lead based paint, which, when disturbed through sanding down for example can cause harmful particles to be released into the air within your property which you will of course breathe in.  If you suspect lead based paint has been used on your property at some point and are considering redecorating, then it is always advisable to hire a professional to carry out the work for you in a safe manner.  In older homes asbestos can also cause a problem, it is one of the leading causes of lung cancer and has been banned for in excess of 40 years now.  If disturbed in can be very damaging health wise and again if you are considering redecorating an area of your home which you believe to contain asbestos then you need to contact a professional.

To conclude, hopefully this post will have demonstrated how dangers in our homes do not always reveal themselves in a visual format; often it is those dangers which we cannot see which are potentially the most dangerous.

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Living in a home, in a private space, is a privilege few around the world can afford. Even fewer people have the chance at, and making yours is a vital step towards the overall health of you and your family. A proper duct cleaning can remove the dirt and grime from your air, and a furnace tune-up can do the same. Without a clean breathing environment, allergies and other symptoms can retract from the intrinsic value of your home.

The time it takes to perform a furnace tune is minimal, but the benefits that can be received from such an action are immeasurable. Whether you have a furnace, a chimney, or even a wood burning stove, checking the ventilation for soot, dust particles, and other dangerous materials is a must. For a furnace, simply check your air filter. These filters are white when bought in a store, but yellow, gray, and even black when they are pulled out of a furnace. To check yours, look for a air filter or ventilation hook-up that leads to your duct system.

Cleaning a chimney, although just as important as a a furnace tune up, is a more complicated process. Although you can do some cleaning yourself, a professional service is most definitely a better idea. The air that is trapped and leaked back into your otherwise healthy home can carry harmful carcinogens, and should be taken quite seriously.

Duct cleaning can be just as, if not more important than other services like chimney and furnace tune ups. Ducts tend to collect dust and dirt, sometimes even mold from the air that is pressed through your otherwise healthy home year round. This service will help remove dangerous microbes that live within those ducts, helping to keep the air in your home safer, and healthier.

With a duct cleaning, a furnace tune up, and a chimney sweep, your home can not only be inhabitable, but healthy as well.  Duct cleaning is important, as is a furnace tune up, but the health of your family is even more so.

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It is safe to say that many of us do not spend ample time concerned with our heating ducts. Practically invisible to our every day lives, the only run-in we may have with them is ducking down in the basement to avoid running into the exposed portions running along the ceiling. These sheet metal tubes, however, are an important working portion of our heating and air conditioning systems—and can have dramatic effects on our space and the working condition of our homes if they become clogged, dirty, or damp. Many of these negative impacts can be solved with the appropriate air duct cleaning. Calgary residents may not be aware of the increased efficiency and air quality that results from these cleaning procedures, but we’re here to explain the ins and outs of duct cleaning.

How do ducts get dirty?

Your air and heating systems run in a cycle—with a large tube that runs cool air from inside the house to your furnace, where the air is heated, then pushed back through another set of tubes into each room of your home. Because of the air filter that you find in your furnace, the tubes that carry the cool air tend to be a bit messier than those that transport the warmer air. Both types of ducts, however, have the capacity to become clogged or dirty. When this happens, there is a greater likelihood of this dirt and dust being redistributed through your home, dispersed in the air. This can potentially deteriorate the air quality throughout your home. Dirt and dust naturally collect in the home, caused by the shedding of skin and hair. It makes its way in from the outside, along with debris, and anyone with a pet will ultimately see a greater volume of particles. Humid climates also increase the likelihood of mold developing in homes, and in those air filtration systems. Keeping your air filtration systems clean is essential for increasing efficiency and improving air quality, and can be easily aided with furnace cleaning. Calgary homes can all benefit from this process.

How do you know your ducts need cleaned?

Thankfully, there are no real disadvantages to air duct cleaning in Calgary. Calgary residents may find that certain times necessitate the procedure more than others. A routine cleaning of your ducts will certainly not hurt, and you should always make sure to replace furnace air filters appropriately to keep your system running smoothly. Here are some particular times when having your ducts cleaned is even more important, however:

• You just moved in. As the saying goes, it is always better to be safe than sorry. If your home was just newly constructed, it may be good to have ducts cleaned just in case of dust and debris making their way into the ducts during the building process. If you’ve just recently bought and older home, there is no way of telling how many children’s toys, old receipts, or previous owner’s pet hair has lodged itself in those tubes. When you first move in is always a good idea to consider duct cleaning. Calgary homes may not be shabby, but you never know what’s happened where you can’t see.
• You find that the air flow doesn’t feel right. As explained previously, the air system works in a cycle. Air is sucked from the return ducts into the furnace then pushed out. If hot air is not flowing through the vents properly, it may not be receiving enough air on the other end because of a blockage. Always check furnace air filters first, but if after replacement the flow is still weak, then you should look into duct cleaning. Calgary residents could find that buildup in the return ducts is decreasing the efficiency of the heating system, and a cleaning will certainly be less expensive than the misguided belief that the furnace itself needs repaired or replaced.
• You find water in your ducts. Moisture buildup within ducts can lead to mold issues, which can have severe health effects for you and your family. If you find water in your air system, it may be beneficial to have them cleaned as a safety precaution. If you find actual mold in your ducts, it is even more important that you have them cleaned of the mold or replaced right away. Make sure the entire air system is properly cleaned, and furnace air filters replaced. For the sake of air quality, however, make sure that no large scale spraying of biocides is performed in your home.

Now you understand why duct cleaning is so important, and have a better idea of when you should have it performed in your home. The best tool you have for ensuring the efficiency of your heating system and the safety of your family is knowledge—so be sure to educate yourself as much as possible on the operation and hazards associated with this system. It may not solve all of your air problems, but there’s certainly no risk when it comes to air duct cleaning. Calgary residents can only expect to move forward.

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In the winter season, increased indoor activities and our reliance on heating and appliances can raise the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) emission. And because it is a colourless, ordourless and tasteless gas, it is virtually impossible to detect without the presence of a carbon monoxide alarm. Steps should be taken to ensure that your home air is clear of CO.

• Have your home tested for carbon monoxide/gas leaks around gas furnaces
• Fireplaces, chimneys, vents, furnaces and fan systems should be professionally inspected and cleaned each year to maintain safe function
• Propane or natural gas stove tops or ovens should not be used to heat your home
• Avoid the use of a kerosene space heater indoors or in a garage
• Regularly clean the clothes dryer ductwork and outside vent cover for blockages such as lint, snow, or overgrown outdoor plants
• Install carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in your home to alert you to the presence of this deadly gas
• Make sure all members of the household are aware of what to do if the alarm should go off

This gas is also very poisonous, and exposure to low levels of CO over an extended period of time is just as dangerous as extreme exposure. Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning are often confused with those of the flu, and food poisoning.

The initial symptoms of low to moderate CO poisoning are similar to the flu, but without the fever. They include:

• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Light-headedness

High level CO poisoning results in progressively more severe symptoms, including:

• Mental confusion
• Vomiting
• Loss of muscular coordination
• Loss of consciousness
• Death

For more information on fire safety, visit the Alberta Emergency Management Agency website at www.aema.alberta.ca, or phone 780-422-9000 (toll-free in Alberta at 310-0000).

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What is Mold?

Mold is a living organism and considered a fungus. Unlike yeast, another form of common fungus which grows in single cells, mold grows in the form of mulitcellular filaments called hypae. It reproduces through the spreading of spores which are airborne. Spores can remain airborne indefinitely, and cling to any organic material. These include fur, wood, and carpet. Once it clings to a surface you may see a black and spotty look that is extremely unattractive. Mold likes dark and damp areas, and thrives at room temperature. Some people think mold needs a hot and damp environment to grow in, but it actually prefers room temperature. Exposure to mold can cause many serious health problems including allergic reactions, colds and coughs, and it may aggravate asthma and allergic rhinitis. For these reasons it is important to address mold problems before they affect your family’s health. If you have a family member with asthma or allergies, it becomes even more urgent.

How do I get rid of Mold?

There are a number of ways how to get rid of mold in your home.

• Hydrochloric Acid (HCl), also known as Muriatic Acid, is effective for removing mold on hard surfaces such as bathroom or kitchen tiles. Mix water and HCl in equal amounts and apply to the area that needs to be cleaned. Scrub the mold off with an old toothbrush or cleaning brush. Warnings for HCl include chemical burns on your hands, and irritation to your eyes and nose. Always use a mask and rubber gloves to protect your skin, eyes, and nose. HCl should be kept well out of reach of children and you should use it with great caution.
• Bleach water is a safer alternative to HCl. Mix bleach and water in equal amounts and follow the above steps. Use gloves and a mask for bleach since it can also cause irritation to your skin, eyes and nose. Personally I find HCl is more effective and less tedious, but bleach carries less risk of irritation.

• Baking soda and vinegar is one of the safest method. Mix baking soda and vinegar in equal amounts, and apply with an old toothbrush to scrub off the mold. This method is best for use on wooden areas since the paste clings to the surface.

How can I Prevent Mold Growing in My Home?

The most important thing to remember about mold is that it spreads through spores in the air. It likes damp and wet areas, so always dry off surfaces in your bath and kitchen and clean them regularly. Use a cleaner specifically for tile and hard surfaces to ensure you get all of the dirt, grime and mold spores off of them. You may want to invest in an air cleaner with a mold filter, or install special mold filtering furnace and air conditioner filters. This will help keep the mold spores out of the air. Like the old saying, “cleanliness is next to Godliness”, and a clean house is synonymous to a mold free home.

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Western Canadian Furnace Company Located at #8, 4539 6 St. NE, Calgary, AB T2E 3Z6 www.westcan4u.com

Furnace & Duct Cleaning Calgary and Furnace Repairs

We specialize in Furnace & Duct Cleaning Calgary, Furnace Repairs, HVAC System Sanitization, Dryer Vent, Vacuum Flow, Fireplace & Chimney Cleaning, Humidifier, Filters, Dampers, Purifiers Installations.

Furnace & Duct Cleaning Calgary source: http://www.westcan4u.com

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I’ve noticed that many people are actually hesitant to put plants into their homes. Reasons differ from “I’m allergic to pollen, and I’m afraid putting plants in my house could trigger my allergies” or “placing plants in the house could attract insects” to “the plant might die from lack of sunlight.” Though allergies and insects are important considerations, they are issues easily avoided. Improving indoor air quality becomes even more important for those that suffer allergies, so remedying these issues and finding a way to keep indoor plants may be even more advantageous. There are also some general psychological and emotional benefits to keeping plants. Rooms in your house will appear a bit fresher, energized, and a bit more like home. For me, indoor plants come to represent the familiarity of home, but even if you spent your entire life in the concrete jungle there are some incredible benefits. Even a mere plant can give you a sense of satisfaction in nurturing and caring for it. Enhanced environment reduces stress and relaxes as well, making your space overall healthier—in all aspects of the word.

So how does one go about eliminating these issues to find the freedom to have house plants? For those who are allergic to pollen or asthmatic, choose plants that don’t have flowers like palms or cacti. It is the flowering plants that usually exacerbate allergic or asthmatic conditions, due to the pollination process.  As for the dust that may come from the soil in the flower pots, you  may use an electrostatic filter that filters up to 90% of dust circulating inside your home, or air purifiers as well. For those who are afraid that plants might attract insects remember this: in my experience, having crumbs of food on the floor has a much greater chance of attracting insects than having plants in the house. If you are worried that indoor plants will die inside the house due to lack of sunlight, there are a few different solutions. Regularly cleaning your home—including both high traffic and spill areas like the kitchen, as well as more discreet areas like air ducts and basements will stave off insects, reduce the buildup of allergens, and reduce the likelihood of mold growth.

Making sure to position plants in direct sunlight through windows, or placing them outside once or twice a week will keep them healthy. Plants don’t die right away if not seen by the sun for a few days, but do take note of the signs when you need to take them out. Yellowing of the leaves and wilting are sure signs that your plants are dying and need to be repositioned. There are also many varieties of plants that require less sun than others. Look for those that require minimal sunlight if the layout of your home is not conducive to your plants. Be sure to educate yourself on how often the plants you choose need watered, as it will vary by variety. With the right approach, anyone can keep household plants effectively, and without causing significant allergic reactions.

With the smallest changes, you can go to dramatically improve your indoor air quality within your space, providing a better atmosphere for the health of you and your family. With a combination of proper home maintenance, servicing of your HVAC system, regular cleaning, and a great assortment of houseplants, you will be on your way to breathing right—and a little bit closer to the lush green that we so often miss in our day to day life.

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