Category Archives: air duct cleaning nj

Apr '20

Are You Ready for Spring Allergies?

Ah, Spring. The birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming, and the allergy sufferers are flocking to the drug stores and buying out all the antihistamines on the shelves. As much as we are ready to welcome winter’s end, those of us with allergies are dreading the yearly plague of itchy noses, watery eyes, and sneezing! There are a few things we can do to prepare, but eliminating our exposure to pollen is essentially impossible.

Here are a few things you can do:

As tempting as it may be to crack open all the windows and leave the doors open, don’t do it! Keep them closed to minimize exposure to allergens.
Be sure to vacuum your home frequently! Vacuuming floors, rugs, furniture, even your mattresses and pillows with a HEPA filtered vacuum is recommended.
Pollen sticks to fabric like velcro. To avoid spreading it through your home, change your clothes as soon as you get inside. You may even want to bag the clothes before bringing them to the laundry area depending on the severity of your allergies. Also, leave shoes in the foyer so you do not track the pollen onto your floors and rugs.
If you typically shower in the morning, try switching it up and showering before bed to avoid transferring pollen to your blankets and pillows.
Be sure to change furnace filters frequently. Use a pleated filter with a high MERV rating. Spending a little more on a high quality filter it worth it.
Do mold inspections because mold can set off allergies as well. The top places to uncover mold is in bathrooms, kitchens, basements or anywhere there may be leaks, or propensity for humid conditions.
Remember to clean and shut off the humidifier if you have one attached to your furnace.
Limit outdoor activity when the pollen count is at a high. (Typically between 5:00 AM – 10:00 AM) Pollen counts are always high on windy days, and hot dry days have a higher pollen count as well.
Check the local weather app or weather station for an air quality report before planning your day.
Schedule an appointment to have your air ducts cleaned and sanitized. This will remove pollen, dust, dust mites, mold spores and other allergens from your air ducts.

Looking a Great Company for Air Duct Cleaning in Central NJ?

DRX Duct Cleaning has been in business for over 10 years proudly serving the greater NJ area. Our staff has combined over 75 years of experience in the air duct cleaning and HVAC industry. Additionally, not only are we NADCA members, but we guarantee an NADCA certified technician on site at every job, every time, no exceptions! For more information or to schedule an appointment with the most exclusive air duct cleaners in NJ, contact us at (908) 755-2950 today.

NJ Air Duct Cleaning Home Page

Apr '20

What are the Benefits of Cleaning My Commercial Office Building?

There are lots of reasons why commercial office buildings should be cleaned. Perhaps the most important reason is the health of the employees who work there. We spend the better portion of our day at work, so a healthy work environment is vital to our overall health and well-being.

Did you know there is something called Sick Building Syndrome? Sick Building Syndrome is a real health condition that occurs when occupants of a building start to experience health issues directly related to the air quality within that building. This can reduce work efficiency and increase absenteeism. The situation can be widespread, or contained in a specific area of the building. Employees may experience headaches, nausea, eye, ear, nose, or throat irritation, dry coughing, itchy skin and other troublesome symptoms. With Sick Building Syndrome, symptoms are typically reduced or completely alleviated after leaving the building.

There are a variety of factors that may contribute to Sick Building Syndrome, but we will focus on the ones that are caused by contaminants within the duct work of the building. These include dust, bacteria, pollen, rodents and rodent droppings, fungus, and molds. Additionally, if air ducts were not covered properly during renovations, there may also be sawdust, sheet rock dust, or other construction debris present within the duct system.

The presence of visible dust or mold on vent covers themselves is not only unsightly, but also unhealthy. Furthermore, it presents as unprofessional, especially to clients that may visit your location.

Having a proper professional commercial air duct cleaning and sanitizing the ductwork throughout your building at least once every three years will greatly reduce the risk of Sick Building Syndrome. Additionally, it will help your HVAC system work more efficiently. More importantly, it will show your employees that you care about their well-being, and it will keep your workplace looking professional and well maintained, free of both unsightly and unhealthy hidden contaminants.

Choose the Best NJ Commercial Air Duct Cleaning Company!

It is imperative to choose the right company when taking on the large task of a commercial cleaning. Without the proper equipment, and certified professionals who are trained thoroughly in the use of that equipment, you risk the job being done improperly. DRX Duct Cleaning has been in business for over 10 years proudly serving the greater NJ area. Our staff has combined over 75 years of experience in the air duct cleaning and HVAC industry. Additionally, not only are we NADCA members, but we guarantee an NADCA certified technician on site at every job, every time, no exceptions! We use powerful commercial grade equipment, truck powered vacuums, and our techs have a wealth of knowledge, and experience where it counts! For more information or to schedule an appointment with the most exclusive air duct cleaners in NJ, contact us at (908) 755-2950 today.

NJ Air Duct Cleaning Home Page

Feb '20

What Causes Indoor Air Quality to be Poor?

air conditioner cooling fresh system saving energy with clear blue sky background

Learn More About IAQ

The interior of your home or business can run into many issues along the line. Perhaps something that isn’t put in the forefront as much with routine check-ups can be indoor air quality. Yet indoor air quality is an essential thing to keep up with as it can affect the health and behavior of occupants inside. Read below to see how indoor air quality may be affecting you and see what strides can be made to improve upon it. As with anything, be sure to contact a professional if you’d like more in-depth information or recommendations more specifically made to your property.

What causes poor air quality?

Poor air can stem from a variety of reasons yet some common things that can cause it can be an accumulation of the following or stand-alone. Such things can be cigarette smoke, dust mites, mold and mildew, pet dander, household cleaning products. polyurethane, PBB, PCB, formaldehyde, and insects.

How can I improve overall air quality?

IAQ can be improved by a combination of several methods. It’s important to remember that your property has many systems, appliances, materials and even decor and furniture which can affect the air you breathe. (There are VOCs volatile organic compounds found in paints and furniture materials.) Some things that can help improve indoor air quality can start with your AC filters, ideally, these should be cleaned every 1-3 months or every month if there are smokers and pets. Another thing that can often be forgotten is to check your air ducts, the air ducts themselves are basically tunnels that deliver the warm and cold air across the property to vents. Now with humidity and dust, there can be certain things like mold and other contamination that can form inside them which can affect the overall indoor air quality. It’s safe to have your ducts checked at least every 1-3 years or as recommended by your HVAC professional.

What are the symptoms of bad air quality in the home?

Poor indoor air quality can cause some symptoms to emerge and in some cases, those who don’t have allergies or asthma can develop them with exposure over time. Some people may experience certain symptoms over others yet commonly you can experience coughing, sneezing, shortness of breath, headaches, sinus congestion, dizziness, fatigue, and dryness or irritation of the eyes, nose, skin, and throat.

How do I get the best indoor air quality?

You can choose to implement professional services or impart some DIY endeavors that can easily be incorporated into your home to improve indoor air quality. An obvious way to cut indoor air quality is to maintain a cleaner home which not only helps with hygiene but can greatly cut dust, animal dander, mold and mildew from the equation. If you’re using household products with exasperating chemicals, make sure to ventilate the area by cracking the window or opening a door. In general, letting fresh air in is a good way to circulate bad air out. You could also invest in an air purifier, just be sure to keep up with filter changes. The same can be said with filters in your greater HVAC system.

How do I disinfect the air in my house?

Disinfecting your home can be done without chemicals fairly simply. It can be as simple as letting fresh air in or keeping houseplants. Some houseplants may even pull away from certain toxins from the area as seen with spider plants which are typically placed at bedsides for fresh air. You can also clean with nontoxic chemicals that can take away from less than ideal cleaning experiences. What’s more, essential oil diffusers or beeswax candles can be a great alternative to candles that have certain ingredients that aren’t best to breathe in.

The most common dangerous domestic pollutants we can find in our homes - concept image

What are the 4 major indoor air pollutants?

Asbestos
Biological Pollutants
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Formaldehyde/Pressed Wood Products
Lead (Pb)
Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
Pesticides
Radon (Rn)
Indoor Particulate Matter
Secondhand Smoke/ Environmental Tobacco Smoke
Stoves, Heaters, Fireplaces, and Chimneys
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

How can I check the air quality in my home?

Indoor air quality can be checked with air quality monitors which check levels of allergens, dust, humidity and chemical pollutants in the home. Natural gas detectors can also be added for gas leak detection and can detect not only carbon monoxide but other types of gas as well.

What instrument measures air quality?

Air quality can be measured by an air quality meter such as the PCE-RCM 15 which is specifically designed to monitor indoor air quality. This meter measures the parameters for humidity, formaldehyde, temperature, PM1, PM2.5, PM10 and TVOC.

What is unhealthy air quality?

An AQI stands for air quality index and can go up to a reading of 500 with 301-500 readings considered as “hazardous.” “Unhealthy” air is read as an AQI of 151-200 and the reading of 101-151 can still be considered “unhealthy but for sensitive groups.” With the “unhealthy” reading everyone can experience adverse health effects.

Contact A Professional HVAC Company For Assistance

A good way to cut poor indoor air quality from its source is to have an HVAC professional conduct air duct cleaning or change your filters for you. Here are also some tips regarding air duct cleaning 101 that may prove useful to you. Improving indoor air quality is essential in maintaining the health of the occupants inside your property. Contact a professional today to learn more about what efforts an be made to improve it for the better.

If you require assistance with indoor air quality in North Plainfield and Bridgewater, NJ call (908) 755-2950 with DRX DUCT LLC!

Oct '19

How do you know if your air duct needs cleaning?

Quality Duct Work Cleaning

As a business owner, you have enough concerns from day-to-day business, customers, employees, and more. If that business is a manufacturing plant or has a warehouse, you have extra concerns about the air inside your business. So, another task for you is to find a company that does commercial air duct cleaning services.

Finding a business that offers commercial air duct cleaning services will clear the debris and dirt that collects daily. Even if you have a cleaning staff that wipes things down each evening, the debris and dust particles get sucked into the HVAC ventilation system. This is the air that your customers and employees are breathing all day.

There are many benefits to expect by hiring a commercial duct cleaning company:

Improved Energy Efficiency: As a business owner, you don’t want to spend more money than necessary on utilities. When the HVAC becomes clogged with debris, dirt, and dust. It is working harder to cool or heat the building, and that adds up on the electric bill. By having your HVAC system and vents professionally cleaned regularly, it will help reduce your energy expenses.
Offensive Orders Eliminated: The debris, dirt, and dust that collect in your HVAC system are just part of what can collect in there. When an employee burns popcorn or a process of your manufacturing emits odors, they get stuck in the vent system. This will float through the air of the entire building, making it unpleasant for everyone, including your customers. A professional air duct company will have the needed commercial duct cleaning equipment to thoroughly clean the vents that will eliminate the odor and the source causing the odors.
Stop Mold Growth: HVAC systems are notorious for collecting organic substances that mildew and create mold. If left unattended, the mold will feed on itself and grow. A professional commercial air duct cleaning company will remove the debris, dirt, dust, and other objects that create the mildew and mold.

What is the best duct cleaning method?

The following are the three most common methods for commercial air duct cleaning:

Air Sweep – Also referred to as Power Vacuum, is the most expensive process and the most meticulous method. Of the three methods, this one does the best job by carefully removing dirt.
Point of Contact – This process is less expensive and safer for the air ducts and vents than the above-mentioned process, although it uses a vacuum with a spinning brush, it is not as thorough.
Source Removing – Of the three methods, it is the most common for air duct cleaning. It is a mechanical agitation that loosens the debris, dirt, and dust, safely extracting it entirely.

Is duct cleaning messy?

Yes, the commercial air duct cleaning process is characteristically messy. It is important to clarify the company you hire takes the preventive steps that will prevent any debris, dirt, and dust from escaping throughout your office. This should include covering their shoes, themselves, and the flooring.

Does duct cleaning remove mold?

A common complaint in the workforce is mold present in the HVAC system, and it is a sneaky thing to get rid of. Not only does it grow, but it proliferates, making your customers and employees sick. A professional commercial air duct cleaning company should use a disinfectant specifically labeled for HVAC by the EPA. This disinfectant cleans nonporous surfaces of any moisture, mold and other debris and dirt.

Does duct cleaning remove the smell?

Regardless of what the nature of our business is, the air ducts in the office and warehouse will collect debris, dirt, dust, and odors. These odors may be coming from chemical solutions that are used in the plant. Professional commercial air duct cleaning will eliminate old toxins that resurface as well as any new toxins that your company is placing in the air.

Professional commercial air duct cleaning will reduce the airborne pathogens that are causing your customers and employees to respiratory distress. For employees that have a sensitivity to airborne objects like pollen, minimizing asthma triggers or allergy attacks.

How long should duct cleaning take?

On average, a commercial air duct cleaning service can provide a proper and thorough cleaning that can take two to four hours for a single system with ten to fifteen vents. There are factors that can affect this, such as any repairs or replacement of parts like vents.

Is duct cleaning a waste of money?

A professional commercial air duct cleaning every 5 to 7 years is not a waste of money for any business. Clean HVAC duct systems provide your place of a business clean air for our customers and employees. Your employees will have a better work record with less sickness by removing the mold and mildew and keep it from spreading further.

The results from hiring a professional commercial air duct cleaning company will give your business clean, pure air for customers and employees to benefit. As mentioned earlier, having this service performed every 5 to 7 years is strongly recommended by the NADCA. Call (908) 755-2950 today for your air duct cleaning in North Plainfield and Bridgewater, NJ.

Jan '19

Dealing With Squirrel Damage to Your Home

Squirrels are creatures that can be cute until they directly affect your home’s wear! They are naturally opportunistic scavengers that are always prepared to take the necessary measures required for food and shelter. Unfortunately, if they see the opportunity arise, they can also take residence in your home! It’s not unheard of to see a nest of birds in your gutters or eaves, with squirrels however you may find them in any nook or cranny of your home that has an opening. If they are in your attic or other places in your home where it can affect your home systems, squirrel damages may cause you problems.

Does homeowners insurance cover squirrel damage?

Generally speaking, standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover rodent damages or removal. However, if you carry comprehensive insurance you probably are covered. Depending on the company you’re with, if damages are unexpected and sudden, repairs can be covered versus if it has occurred gradually over time (in which case they wouldn’t be.) If you undergo regular annual home inspections as recommended, you’ll be able to spot signs of damages earlier on.

What does squirrel damage look like?

Squirrel destruction to homes can range from exterior to interior damages that can affect your home’s structural make-up or systems.

Here are Signs of Squirrel Damage to Homes:

Chewed up fascia boards
Chewed attic insulation
Chewed wires
Exterior or interior damages such as holes or tears indicating entry points
Wood chips in unexpected places
Torn shingles (Shingle Roof Repair)
Odors of urine, feces or dead animal
Rotting floorboards, siding or drywall
Unexpected damages to personal property
Torn up gardens or damaged bird feeders

Are squirrels dangerous?

Squirrels can carry diseases in their urine (Leptospirosis,) feces (Salmonella bacteria), and ticks (Lyme Disease) that can be detrimental to human health. Rabies is also a possibility for all rodents. Finally, the risk of Tularemia can come about from handling sick or dead animals.

As far as immediate dangers from squirrels, if they have rabies they may be more aggressive. Generally speaking, a bite from a rabies-infected squirrel won’t transmit the virus to a human but it can transmit it to your pets.

Can squirrels chew through walls?

Squirrels have a chewing drive due to their teeth that never stop in their growing process, that’s why they always need to be chewing on something in order to grind them down. When a squirrel gets stuck in a home and they are not finding sources of food, they will chew on anything in its way (besides harder material like metal) to get what they want. That being said, tearing through the inside of a sturdy wall from one side directly to the outside can be a feat. If there are already vulnerable areas such as cracks or holes, it would be easier for them to chew around it and make an opening for them to crawl through. They can also chew around plumbing vents, chimneys, ridge vents, shingles and ducts (Duct Cleaning.)

How do you get rid of squirrels naturally?

The best squirrel repellents are irritation (like offensive odors) or taste based. A natural squirrel repellent for example, can include diced chili peppers with added water in a spray bottle. The capsaicin in the pepper will create a burning sensation around the nose and mouth much like it does to humans. Spray it around your home and for upkeep make sure to spray it after it’s been raining. Another option can be dropping peppermint oil onto cotton balls or placing peppermint plants around your garden or home. Lastly, mothballs placed in wire mesh or nylon stockings around affected areas are great repellents too.

Squirrel Prevention

Remove food from your yard as that is the likely attraction.
If you have a bird feeder, squirrel proof it.
Place bird nets, chicken wire and fence stakes around plants they like to eat.
Seal any openings around your home with caulk and steel mesh wire.
Fill or cover roofing gaps with sheet metal flashing and a new shingle.
Make sure there are metal hardware clothes firmly behind and around the edges of soffits, gables, power vents and caps on chimneys gables, soffits, and power vents in the attic.

Squirrels naturally like to stick around environments where there is constant availability of food or shelter. As long as you take basic upkeep measures around your home or undergo home inspections, you’ll be able to prevent a squirrel infestation and the subsequent squirrel damages that come with it!

If you require duct cleaning in North Plainfield and Bridgewater, NJ call (908) 755-2950 with DRX DUCT LLC! If you want to remedy or prevent squirrel damages through your ducts or vents, this is a great option for you!

Nov '18

Professional duct cleaning company

Why should you hire a Professional?

To ensure the health of inhabitants and the stable operation of the HVAC unit in your home, duct cleaning is crucial. Duct cleaning is associated with cleaning both the heating and cooling systems in your home; which includes air ducts, diffusers and grilles, cooling coils, heat exchangers, drip pans, fan housing and motor, and the entire air unit.

Most times the constituent parts of your HVAC system eventually will become polluted with debris, dust particles, and other foreign matter. Mold growth will flourish with even the slightest existence of water, thus allowing spores to be discharged into the air that you are breathing in- some spores will irritate allergies to anyone exposed.

You will receive countless offers from non professional companies out there. It is in your best interest to hire a company that is NADCA certified. Do not go with a company just because they are the cheapest. The idea is to get your money’s worth with a company that will get the job done according to industry standards. Professional duct cleaning is an extensive cleaning to ALL segments of your HVAC system using high end technology. Using a NADCA certified professional ensures that you are in the right hands and the job will get done perfectly the first time.

When do you need to clean Your Ducts?

You want the indoor air quality in your home to be at the top notch of the scale. Once you start noticing abnormal dust build up and can visibly see growth of mold/dust on your vents it is time to contact a professional. There are also parts of the HVAC unit that are not visible or accessible, so its advised that you contact a professional to assure you that your HVAC unit is the cleanest it could possibly be.

Keep in mind that getting your air ducts cleaned is also done as a precaution to having any issues with the performance of your HVAC system. Do not wait until problems arise before you get your air ducts cleaned. Its fundamental to have the system serviced as required, if not you could incur a lot of charges that could have been avoided.

Outstanding Duct Cleaning Services:

In order to attain the best professional duct cleaning service out there- again, make sure the company you choose is a NADCA certified company with a history of exceptional work. Check reviews and referrals from other customers. Also, be sure to ask whether a NADCA certified technician will be present in your home at the time of service. You want a company that is not going to overcharge you while also guaranteeing a job up to par with industry standards. Ultimately, seek out a company who has your best interest at heart.

Aug '18

Are Your Dirty Ducts Making You Ill?

Symptoms of Dirty Ducts & Indoor Air Pollution:

We Provide Professional Duct Cleaning fort Dirty ducts You Can Depend On.

Duct Cleaning Dirty Ducts Can Improve Your Home’s Air Quality, Eliminating Some Allergy and Bronchial Issues.

• Worsening asthma, allergies, and other respiratory problems
• Headaches & nausea
• Shortness of breath
• Sinus congestion, sneezing, and coughing
• Eye, skin, nose, and throat irritations
• Memory loss, dizziness, fatigue, and depression

As reported by a 2005 study regulated by the National Institutes of Health and cited in Total Health Magazine, the most frequent home allergens deriving from dirty ducts are seasonal pollen, mold, dust, dust mites, animal dander, and chemicals including formaldehyde, capricious organic compounds, traditional paint and finishes, and perpetual fabric treatments.

Fun Fact: One out of every six allergy sufferers’ symptoms can be directly linked to the pathogens & fungus found in their air ducts.

NADCA notes that it helps to think about the HVAC system in your home as the lungs, breathing in and out air. Also, if your ducts look dirty, they probably are. NADCA further goes on to explain that in a regular 6-bedroom house about 40lbs of dust is generated every year. All this dust is being pulled into the lungs of the home and blown back out into the home, on average, about 7 times per day.

You should have your air ducts professionally cleaned every couple of years. More frequently depending on if you are a smoker, have any pets, or if you are having any construction done in the home; dust and other particles from the work can get into the system. You can always check the inside of your vents by sticking your phone or camera inside and take a picture with the flash on. If it looks dirty, then it probably is. Make sure to visit the NADCA website and look for a certified technician close to you.

IN ORDER TO EVADE THE HEALTH HAZARDS CAUSED BY UNHEALTHY AIR:

Get your HVAC system checked out by a NADCA certified company- Having the ducts cleaned by a NADCA certified company ensures that you will have your ducts cleaned by industry standards.
Set your air conditioning system on “recirculation”– By doing this, your system will extract most of the mold & pollen from your home.
Consider having hardwood floors or tile in your home as opposed to carpet-
Before entering your home take off shoes or wipe them thoroughly before entering.

Jul '18

New Furnace, Clean Ducts!

Air Duct Cleaning Comes with Serious Benefits Across Multiple Areas.

The average homeowner replaces their furnace about every 10-15 years. Most times the last time the furnace was replaced was also the last time an air duct cleaning was done.
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), you should see about having an air duct cleaning if:

If you can visibly see mold growth inside air ducts or other parts of the system, such as the vents.
The air ducts are riddled with insects or rodents.
Dust and debris are clogging the ducts while being released into your home.

Most times you cannot see dust and debris that is being blown into your home with the bare eye. When a contractor comes in and replaces the furnace, he is not replacing any of the ductwork, therefore anything that was captured inside will remain inside. Another thing to keep in mind is that the new furnace might blow out air differently than the old one, forcefully pushing air and debris when it is turned on for the first time, which is why you should clean the air ducts prior to turning the new furnace on.

Benefits of Air Duct Cleaning NJ

According to NADCA, pollutants in our home are recycled throughout the HVAC system and are distributed back into the home up to 7 times per day. Because of this, an accumulation of contamination materializes in the ducts. Having dirty ducts does not automatically mean that the air in your home is unhealthy. However, it can contribute to irritating allergies, cause serious problems for individuals who have respiratory health issues, or autoimmune disorders.

The average American spends around 90% of their time indoors. To reduce dust and improve the air quality in your home be sure to have an air duct cleaning as necessary.

Plus, as a report by the US Department of Energy up to 30% of the energy used to run the HVAC system is wasted. Pollutants in the HVAC system can cause the system to not run properly and can even shorten the life of the system as well. A clean system will maintain your desired temperature with ease.

Things to Expect from an Air Duct Cleaning Service Provider

If you decide on getting your air ducts clean, your service provider should:

Stay in compliance with the NADCA standards.
Handle the ductwork with care. (Reinsulated and seal any access holes that were made at the time of service.)
Preserve the carpets and furniture in your home.
Use a high-efficiency particle air (HEPA) vacuum.

One last thing: Do not forget to clean your dryer vent! A dryer vent cleaning will clear out any lint or dirt that gets trapped inside over time. Although it is often overlooked, it is a crucial step in the maintenance of your home.

PROMPT. PROFESSIONAL. PERFECTION.