PROMPT. PROFESSIONAL. PERFECTION.

Category Archives: Bacteria

Sanitizing and Disinfecting Air Ducts

Sanitizing, Deodorizing, and Disinfecting Air Ducts

Over time, the ductwork in your home becomes dirty, which in turn has a negative impact on the indoor air quality for you and your family members. The quality of indoor air in your home can have a substantial effect on the health of you, your family, and even your pets. Contaminated air ducts are a breeding ground for a number of things that can be hazardous to your health, such as mold, mildew, and other unhealthy debris that settle into the ductwork over a period of time.

Disinfecting Air Ducts Cleaning in NJ

Before and After of Air Duct Cleaning services in NJ

At DRX Duct Cleaning, not only do we offer air duct cleaning services by NADCA certified professionals, but we also offer Sanitizing and Disinfecting Air Ducts, as well as Deodorizing too. After your duct work is thoroughly cleaned using our unique process of negative pressure source removal, the next step is to sanitize the ductwork. DRX Duct Cleaning only uses EPA approved products that are both safe and effective. This allows us to provide the most thorough clean possible, while keeping the safety of you and your loved ones a top priority.

The process of sanitizing your ductwork works in a very similar fashion to applying a hand sanitizer to your hands—only this type of sanitizer is formulated for ductwork. The goal of the sanitizer is to eliminate any basic bacteria that we cannot see once we have eliminated everything that we can see (dust, debris etc). DRX Duct Cleaning uses an alcohol based sanitizer by a company called Simple Green. This sanitizer will help to deodorize, and kill bacteria, giving you and your loved ones a fresh start following your NJ air duct cleaning. If you have had recent water damage, mold, or an unusually large amount of contaminants are found in the ductwork of your newly purchased home for example, you may want to upgrade to a chlorine based disinfectant instead of the basic sanitizer.

DRX Duct Cleaning applies our sanitizer using a fogging device and negative air pressure that’s sourced from our vacuum trucks. For more information about sanitizing, deodorizing, or disinfecting the ductwork in your home, contact DRX Duct Cleaning today at (908) 755-2950.

Pets & Allergies

Many of us love our pets like (and occasionally like them more than) family. Unfortunately, pets take the blame for most allergies and about 10% of the population in the United States has some kind of allergy to animals.

Allergies to dogs and cats are among the most common pet allergies in the United States, with cats in the lead. Their frequent grooming habits release allergens in their saliva, dead skin cells, and shedding fur. This combination in the air can trigger everything from watery eyes to asthma attacks depending on the severity of your allergy. On the other hand, not all breeds of dogs produce the same allergens. There are many different types of coats, and breeds that shed less. There are even non-shedding breeds. To avoid the heart break of having to give up your beloved pet due to health reasons, it’s best to research many different breeds before committing to bringing your new furry family member home. Allergy shots are an option, but don’t fully eliminate the problem.

NJ Air Duct Cleaning CompanyOther pets that are less popular than cats or dogs also pose an allergy risk. Rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, and ferrets are just a few on the list. On the upside, these types of pets typically do not roam as freely throughout your home as a dog or cat would, so their allergens are slightly more contained. However, even when confined to a specific area, the allergen could still cause a reaction depending on your sensitivity. Food and bedding for these types of pets can also trigger allergy responses.

For some folks, even bird feathers and droppings can be problematic as they relate to allergies. Every time a bird preens and shakes out, it releases dander into the air that can produce an allergic reaction. Bird excrement may also contain bacteria that can trigger allergies, and potentially cause a buildup of mold in the cage – causing even more allergy response.

Don’t be discouraged if you are both an animal lover, and an allergy sufferer. You do not have to give up hope and resign yourself to getting a pet rock just yet. If you do suffer with pet allergies but chose to keep pets  in your home, taking a few smart precautions will go a long way when cleaning out a crate, cage, litter box, etc. If you are particularly sensitive, it’s a good idea to wear a protective mask to keep from inhaling allergens while cleaning your pet’s living space or laundering their sleeping quarters.  Be sure to vacuum and dust more frequently, and have an air duct cleaning every other year if you have multiple pets in the home. This will free your air duct system from any pet hair, dander, mites, expelled feathers, dead skin, etc. Occasionally, even the most well behaved cat may get curious and use your floor vents as a litter box! Dried urine and feces are very unhealthy to breathe in, regardless of if you suffer from allergies or not, and should be professionally cleaned immediately if you suspect this has happened.

Looking for an Excellent NJ Air Duct Cleaning Company?

DRX Duct Cleaning is frequently called by new homeowners to perform air duct cleaning where the prior homeowner had pets, and by realtors attempting to sell homes where the prior owner had pets. In cases like these, the duct work needs to be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized – preferably with an antimicrobial. All filters should be replaced, and the coils inside your air handle should also be cleaned and sanitized. So whether you just moved in, or you’re trying to move out, air duct cleaning is a vital component to homeownership, and resale – especially where pets are involved.

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

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!

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.

Having an Allergic Reaction? There Could be Mold in Your Air Ducts!

Air conditioner system with dirt

Symptoms of Allergic reaction caused by Indoor Air Pollution:

  • 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

Are you or any of your household members suffering from any of the symptoms
listed above?

A majority of people are exposed to mold every day without experiencing any side effects.
However, people that already have preexisting mold allergies can have a reaction if they are
subject to an abundant amount of mold; with symptoms such as wheezing, rashes or hives,
itchy eyes, and respiratory failure. “One out of every six allergy sufferers’ symptoms can be
directly linked to the mold in air ducts.” cited from a 2005 study organized by the National
Institutes of Health in Total Health Magazine.

How to Avoid Mold Growth in Your Air Ducts

As you can see, the air ducts in your home are the biggest culprit. When the air conditioning system
cools down your home it leaves remnants of water inside causing a perfect environment for microbial
growth.

The EPA advises that you should have your ducts cleaned if there is noticeable mold growth on
the surface of your ducts, but there are many areas of your HVAC system that are not easily
visible. In order to bypass mold growth in your HVAC system, you must diminish origins of
moisture and have your air ducts cleaned as needed.

Eliminating and Preventing Mold in Air Ducts

  • 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 “recirculate” – 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.

Schedule Your Air Duct Cleaning Today!

Is it time to schedule a cleaning for your home’s air duct system? Seasonal cleaning could help you prevent an unpleasant allergic reaction. Give the DRX DUCT LLC team a call today at (908) 755-2950 to schedule your air duct cleaning in North Plainfield and Bridgewater, NJ. You’ll enjoy cleaner air in no time!

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.

Will Duct Cleaning Remove Mold in Air Ducts?

mold in air ducts

If Moisture Gets Into Your Duct work, It Can Lead To Mold Growth.

Both home and business owners know that mold in air ducts or around the home is a serious issue within their property. Mold is started from spores which can be carried through doors, windows, and even your ductwork to inside your building and, given the right environment, can grow, leading to health issues for all of those within the building. Minimizing and eliminating mold at the first sign is important, which is why it is so important that businesses and homes have regular duct cleaning services. Ducts can be affected by many things and since they carry spores throughout the property may have some mold spores within them as well. If any moisture gets in the system, given a change of temperature or even a roof leak which can create a lot of damage in a short time and may seep into the ductwork itself, it may allow the mold to grow. Duct cleaning can reduce and stop mold in its tracks, removing the spores and even any growing mold from your system.

How Often Should You Clean the Air Ducts?

While getting regular air duct cleaning is the best thing to do, you may wonder how many times you really need this service. The number of times you may need cleaning will vary upon your needs, but a good rule of thumb is that any time you move, having the ducts cleaned is imperative. This will ensure any pollutants, dust, and even mold in air ducts is handled before you move into your new home or business. After this, the average for air duct cleaning is as needed, such as in the event of high pollen or if mold is discovered within the property, with an average of three years between cleanings. This will ensure your property maintains good quality indoor air and keeps the mold in air ducts at bay.

Why Get Your Ducts Cleaned?

A good cleaning will do more than just get rid of mold in air ducts! Over time, ductwork can get dirty. Because it passes so much air through it, it also inherently passes particles of dust, dirt, pollen, and more, which can land in the ducts and build up over time. These can be particularly harmful to individuals in your home or business. A good cleaning can handle these, returning quality to your indoor air and preventing health issues. Once all of these damaging particles are removed from your system you may even notice increased efficiency from your heater or air conditioner, as it will have fewer contaminants to contend with. This means that you will save on money during the intense seasonal shifts.

Commercial and Residential Duct Cleaning

Getting started on an air duct cleaning today can ensure you have a future with quality air conditioning and air quality. DRX DUCT LLC is here for you, providing you with services to get your ductwork back in top shape and even eliminate mold in air ducts! We are always ready to get to work on your home or business system in North Plainfield and Bridgewater, NJ. Give us a call at (908) 755-2950 today!

How To Tell If There Is Mold Growth In Your Building

Mold growth is common in houses and businesses. Often on shower curtains, bathroom tile walls, and in kitchen drains, mold and mildew are anywhere there is water. Oftentimes, mold growth is hidden inside walls from leaks or any place where moisture just sits, giving plenty of food for mold to live on and grow. Some molds can be toxic, but all can produce unpleasant symptoms. Here are some ways to tell if there is mold inside your building:

Mold Growth In Your Home Or Business Can Produce Allergy-Like Symptoms

Mold Growth In Your Home Or Business Can Produce Allergy-Like Symptoms

How To Detect Mold Growth

A Musty Smell

You know when you have left dishes in the sink for too long and they start to smell? That’s mold. That type is easily to notice and clean, but if there is a musty smell in the basement or coming from the walls, then there is a leak from a broken pipe.

Physical Symptoms

Sneezing, trouble breathing, irritated eyes and skin, and runny noses are caused by mold spores floating in the air. Toxic mold can cause headaches, trouble concentrating, memory loss, and dizziness. Find the source of the mold, get it removed, and watch as your ailments instantly disappear.

The most common form of a large amount of mold growth is from water leaks in your HVAC or waterline piping systems. The technicians at DRX DUCT LLC offer commercial duct cleaning to help clean out vents of mold and spore growth. DRX Duct Cleaning has been specializing in commercial air duct cleaning services in NJ for over 25 years. If you think your building is suffering from poor indoor quality, give us a call and we will be more than happy to perform an inspection and determine if air duct cleaning and HVAC remediation may be necessary to cure your building’s healthy! Call us at 908.755.2950 for mold growth removal in North Plainfield and Bridgewater, NJ.

How Can I Prevent Mold Growth in My Home?

How Can I Prevent Mold Growth In My Home

Tips On How You Can Prevent Mold Growth.

There are many things you can do to reduce and prevent mold growth in your home. The best way to keep on top of things is through routine maintenance and cleaning. This way, in the event that something does happen, you will be more aware of when it happened, catch it before it gets out of hand, and possibly be able to pinpoint the root cause. Below are some suggestions on how to do this from your basement all the way to your attic.

• Many basements are damp and humid. This is an ideal environment for mold growth. Purchase a dehumidifier. Be sure to carefully follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning it, and remember to empty it daily.
• Add drain gutters to your drain pipes and make sure the water is diverted at least 5’ from the foundation of your home.
• Be sure your clothes dryer is properly vented. The dryer needs to be vented to the outside in order to properly control the amount of humidity in your laundry space.
• Seeing condensation on windows can be a clue of humid conditions in your home. The seal on the window could have been compromised, causing moisture to get inside. Should this be the case, it must be corrected ASAP.
• Examine your walls for wet streaks, spots, or stains. This could be an indication of a hidden leak which can lead to mold growth. Any wet spot should be thoroughly investigated.
• Use a flashlight to inspect underneath your kitchen and bathroom sink for leaky pipes. If you find any signs of leaking water, schedule your plumber to come out ASAP.
• Mold growth in bathrooms is very common. Be sure to turn on the exhaust fan, or open the window every time you shower. Be sure the exhaust fan is properly installed and venting outside your home, not into your attic.
• Keep floors, walls, ceilings, and furniture dry. If something does become wet, try to dry it out within 24 -48 hours. (This is the generally accepted time frame for mold growth after water intrusion.) Discard any furniture items that could not be dried.
• Use your kitchen exhaust fan to remove excess humidity created when cooking and washing dishes. Make sure your fan is properly installed to exhaust outside your home.
• On a low humidity day, open some windows and doors to allow fresh air to flow in.
• Roof leaks will leave stains on the ceilings and occasionally on walls. You may notice a dark spot or paint peeling. Do not simply paint over the stain. Uncover the cause and make the necessary repairs before it gets out of hand.
• Peek in your attic a few times a year just to be sure, even if you do not see any water marks on your ceiling.

Mold can also grow in your furnace and AC coils. Having your air ducts and coils cleaned every 2-3 years is a good idea to prevent any surprises. If you schedule a dryer vent cleaning with DRX at the same time as your air duct cleaning, you’ll also save money! We’ll also include free sanitizer. Call us today at (908) 755-2950 for air duct cleaning NJ.