Tag Archives: cleaning

Why & When to Get Your Ducts Cleaned

How often do you think about cleaning your ducts cleaning for your home in Hunterdon County? There are a bunch of home maintenance routines that homeowners should follow, and part of this is air ducts cleaning. While many homeowners know their air ducts need to be cleaned on a regular basis, not many know when or how often to do it. Before we go over that, let’s go over what air duct cleaning actually is and how it can benefit you.

Why Air Duct Cleaning is Important:

Air duct cleaning helps in removing debris and dirt from the air duct system. This debris and dirt includes mold, mildew, insect droppings, vermin, dust from any recent construction, or other items that may get stuck in the air ducts like paper clips, pet food, and so on. Once you have your air ducts cleaned, your air system will work more efficiently.

How Often Should You Clean Your Ducts?

The NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaning Association) suggests that vents and ducts should be cleaned once every three to five years. However, there are other factors too that may influence how frequently your ducts need a cleaning, including what the homeowner prefers. The NADCA further suggests that the air ducts need to be cleaned more often if you have pets or smokers at home, or if any member of your family suffers from chronic lung problem or any allergy.

When to Clean Your Air Ducts:

Though the recommendation for the frequency of air duct cleaning varies, there still are certain circumstances under which the NADCA suggest the air ducts need to be cleaned. So, you must consider cleaning the ducts before you move into your new home because you do not know the last time the previous homeowner had this job done, or if the homeowner had any pets, recent renovations, or if there were any smokers present. A cleaning should also be considered if the HVAC system has experienced any water damage, if there was any pest infestation, or if mold has been detected in the home.

Signs You Need Clean Your Ducts with DRX Air Duct Cleaning Services:

At times, your ventilation system itself will help you know that it is time you have your vents and air ducts cleaned. As per the EPA, if you see a “poof” of dust coming from your vents when you start your air system then it is time for the ducts to be cleaned.

Your furnace filters will also remind you of the cleaning process. If you notice a lot of dust present around the filter, then it indicates that dirt is being circulated through the system and thus you need an immediate cleaning.

Lastly, if you notice insects or rodents moving in and out of your ventilation system, then you need to get the entire system cleaned so that you can get these pests not only out of the system but also out of your home.

Make sure to look for these signs and get your air ducts cleaned on a regular basis, as it is only then that you will keep your system operating the most efficiently.

Looking for the Best Hunterdon County Duct Cleaning Contractor?

DRX Duct Cleaning in North Plainfield and Bridgewater, NJ is a certified & licensed company by the NADCA and IAQA. Hiring an ASCS certified air duct cleaning New Jersey contractor is the #1 thing you should consider before calling any company! Our North Plainfield and Bridgewater, NJ air duct cleaning business provides residential, commercial, & industrial air duct cleaning services. We also offer exhaust ventilation cleaning and mold remediation for HVAC systems too! Service area include towns in the Hunterdon County duct cleaning, NJ area such as Clinton, Pittstown, Tewksbury, Whitehouse Station, Green Brook, Watchung, Bridgewater, Kingwood, Montgomery, Bedminster, Bernardsville, Branchburg, Califon, Flemington, Bethlehem, Lebanon, Readington, Somerset, and many more throughout New Jersey. For more information on our air duct cleaning or other services, call us today at 908-755-2950 or visit our website.

NJ Air Duct Cleaning

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Central Humidifiers – What are the Pros & Cons?

Central humidifiers are built right into the heating and air conditioning system. They are designed to humidify your home by releasing a fine water vapor. While humidifiers are very useful, they do have the potential to make you quite ill if you do not maintain them properly.

Humidifiers are great at providing relief from dry skin, dry sinuses, bloody noses, and other respiratory ailments that are sometimes attributed to lack of moisture in the air. However, if not properly cleaned, dirty humidifiers can become a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. Be sure to consult your doctor before installing or using a central humidifier if you have asthma, allergies or any other respiratory health conditions.

Always follow manufacturer’s guidelines when setting humidity levels, as well as instructions for properly cleaning the humidifier. Your HVAC professional can also help guide you in proper use and maintenance of your unit. Here are a few tips for maintaining the cleanliness of your humidifier:

  • Always shut off the water supply before cleaning the drum and tray. Do this at least once monthly.
  • Inspect the float assembly for scale. Scale on the float can potentially cause leaks. Clean or replace.
  • Examine the area around your system for wetness, as this is an indication of a leak.
  • Clean or replace sponges or filters.
  • Always turn off the water supply during the summer months & clean and drain the drum and tray. If you have air conditioning, there could be a metal knob on the humidifier to block the air flow.

Over time, all humidifiers can build up deposits that can become very difficult to clean and remove. This can encourage growth of bacteria or mold. You may wish to consider replacing older humidifiers.

Looking for the Best Company for NJ Central Humidifiers & Installation Services?

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.

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How Do I Prevent Birds from Nesting in My Dryer Vent Exhaust this Spring?

It’s spring. The birds are chirping and it sounds so pretty…. As long as it’s not coming from inside your dryer vent! Birds can cause serious issues when it comes to dryer vents and exhaust fans. Unfortunately, they also tend to return to the same place year after year, so keep reading to find out how to keep them from setting up shop in your dryer vent!

Open dryer vents are a perfect environment for birds to nest in. They use the excess lint to pad their nests, and the warmth of the dryer makes it extra cozy for them. While they’re busy creating warm temperpedic nests for themselves, they’re also creating a dangerous fire hazard for you and your loved ones!

Dryer Vent Cleaning in Central NJBirds will typically create their nests at the opening of the line, but sometimes they can be lodged deeper. Blockages caused by these nests are common. Also, if the bird becomes deceased inside the line, it is very unhealthy. How can you be sure whether or not you have a nest? Take a look at the outside vent cover. If straw, twigs, leaves and lint are visible, this could be a sign. Your clothes may also take longer to dry, indicating a blockage. The final and most apparent sign may be hearing the bird chirping.

The line must be completely cleared, thoroughly cleaned, and sanitized after the blockage is removed. You should consider a cage placed externally on the outside of the vent to prevent birds and small animals from re-entering the line once the cleaning is complete. This should only be handled by a professional, as improper installation or blocking the ventilation can also be a dangerous fire hazard.

Looking for the Best Company for Dryer Vent Cleaning in Central NJ?

Call DRX Duct Cleaning to set up a dryer vent cleaning and to have a proper cage installed. Be wary of so-called “professionals” who may use improper equipment or not thoroughly clear your vent.

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.

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How Do You Clean A Chimney?

Chimney Cleaning Services on Roof of Home & Working

Learn More About our Chimney Cleaning Service

Your chimney isn’t just where St. Nick makes his way down on a cold winter’s evening, it’s where warmth and fire can spread into the rooms of your home. Yet beyond the cozy comfort of a fire, a chimney is a home system that needs to be checked up on just like any other system of the home. With fire comes soot, ashes and other components that need maintenance and our chimney cleaning services to periodically be incorporated into the home maintenance routine. It’s in this way that your chimney can be kept in proper working condition without causing harmful toxins from infiltrating the house or damaging other areas of the home systems. Chimney cleaning is essential in maintaining the health and safety of any home systems. Here is some helpful information that can prove essential the next time you require chimney cleaning.

How often should you have your chimney cleaned?

Chimney cleaning can vary in timeframe dependent on how often you use your chimney. What’s more, even if you don’t use your chimney often there can be other occupants such as squirrels, birds or raccoons that could be nesting and creating debris in it. The bare minimum chimney cleaning according to the National Fire Protection Association should be once per year as this can correct any unnatural clearances, check for deposits, cleanliness duties and bring up any needs for repair. According to the Chimney Safety Insitute of America fireplaces or chimney cleaning should occur when ⅛ inch of sot buildup is seen in the flue and chimney system. As of such, even if the build-up is less then ⅛ inches if any glaze is seen chimney cleaning should still be done. This is because of the fact that any buildup of soot or creosote can spark a chimney fire. With heavy use fireplaces, you can expect such cases of gallon buckets of material being removed, that’s why it’s important to know of your chimney use and how that affects soot and creosote buildup to unsafe levels.

What dissolves creosote?

Creosote naturally forms from the burning of wood from a fireplace or wooden stove. This substance can build up in chimney flies which leaves a potential for chimney fires. It’s therefore essential to remove buildup at least once a year. One way to do this is to burn aluminum cans in hot fires which can loosen creosote so it flakes and falls down into the fireplace or firebox. Although this is a good method it doesn’t clean the creosote off fully and a chimney brush will still be needed to ensure cleanliness.

Do chimney cleaning logs really work?

Although chimney cleaning logs carry a chemical catalyst which can reduce early stages of creosote buildup of up to 60% with repeated use, they won’t magically clean and clear out the build-up of your chimney. Soot and creosote build-up will still need to be cleaned. 

Three Stages of Creosote Buildup

There are three stages of creosote build up that can affect the level of difficulty in cleaning it up. The first stage involves flaky soot that is easily removed with a chimney cleaning brush. The second stage involves more passage of time when flakes harden to tar which will need to be removed with specialized rotary tools. The final or third stage involves the creosote turning into a tar-like glaze that in most cases will require replacing the chimney liner.

Worker on Roof Repairing Brick for Chimney Cleaning Services

Chimney Cleaning Steps

  • Get the right cleaning tools.
  • Get special brushes for the firebox.
  • Spread a tarp to minimize mess, tape it around the hearth.
  • Create an opening and insert a vacuum into the tarp. 
  • Vent vacuum to the outside.
  • Brush the flue & relevant areas.
  • Run the vacuum to collect fall out.

Will a chimney fire burn itself out?

A slow burning fire may occur with your chimney and burn itself out yet this can be a danger as they aren’t as loud as free burning fires which sound like an airplane or other loud blazing noise. With a slow burning fire, you can still cause damage to your property as they still burn at high temperatures that can cause structural damage and catch on to flammable objects in your home.

How much does it cost to have your chimney cleaned?

A basic chimney cleaning or sweep can average $150-$250. Factors that can affect pricing can include the condition that your chimney is in, the type of chimney you have, if you have creosote buildup or if there are nesting/dead animals inside.

Contact A Professional For Assistance

When you’re in need of North Plainfield and Bridgewater, NJ chimney cleaning services than rely on DRX Duct Cleaning for chimney cleaning and inspection. Only through the help of a professional will you be able to have your chimney cleared of any potential dangers with your safety in mind. It’s important to realize that although some chimney cleaning equipment is available to the public only a professional will be able to determine if any build up or problems in your chimney would call for chimney cleaning and repairs. Learn more about Fireplace and safety tips & resources for homeowners. Chimney and venting certifications for industry professionals.

If you’re interested in chimney cleaning in North Plainfield and Bridgewater, NJ call (908) 755-2950 with DRX DUCT LLC!

How Do You Know When It’s Time to Clean Your Chimney?

Upmarket living room interior with a blazing fire, recessed overhead lighting, modular comfortable sofas and a trophy mounted on the chimney alongside a glass patio door

How Much Does It Cost to Have Your Chimney Swept?

Do you have a fireplace in your home? If you do and use it with some measure of frequency, you’re going to want to acquire some basic maintenance skills. Treating this important foundation structure properly is key to house maintenance. According to a survey of almost fifteen thousand nationwide homeowners, the average chimney sweep cost is approximately $228. This average is based on an average of numbers, with the price vacillating between $125 and $332.

If you have a wood fireplace, it is highly advisable that you keep regular maintenance. Build-up from years of neglect could total as much as $800. While using a wood-burning fireplace in the winter can lower your electric bills, smoke in the stack leaves remnants of ash and carbon residue. This residue needs to be extracted at least annually because it can lead to chimney fires, carbon monoxide leaks, and a troubling lack of airflow.

Is it Safe to Clean Your Own Chimney?

When safety precautions have been put in place, and with a repertoire of handy knowledge, a safe cleaning can be accomplished. It is advisable to clean your chimney in the fall, before the burning season begins. Whether or not you choose to undertake chimney cleaning in Bridgewater, NJ yourself is ultimately up to you. There are a series of considerations to take under advisement. First of all, never clean your chimney with an active fire. The chimney should be cool, and no fire should be present. Also, wear protective eye and mouth gear, such as a dust mask. This is because you do not want to breathe in these pollutants. DRX Duct Cleaning has the correct tools to get this job completed successfully.

Do Chimney Sweeping Logs Really Work?

Creosote is the name of the filmy residue that is deposited in a flue by burning wood. When a sweep commences, creosote is the substance that needs to be removed. Creosote is a huge fire risk. Creosote sweeping logs are available on the shelves of many big-box stores. You may be wondering, as a consumer, if these logs really work. The verdict is in: yes, creosote logs work, but only up to a point. Creosote sweeping logs dry up the creosote in the fireplace. Once the creosote dries up, soot particles naturally fall into the fireplace. Burning a creosote log makes the next fire safer, and the next chimney sweeping easier.

Modern living room with fireplace and a view to the coast

How Often Should You Sweep Your Chimney?

this really depends on how often you use your chimney. The job of the chimney sweeper is to remove soot, built up creosote from your chimney liner, firebox, smoke chamber, and damper. Even if you only have minimal use of your fireplace, you should get an annual chimney inspection to make sure that all your systems are in working order. The National Fire Protection Association states that, “fireplaces shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary.”

The CSIA, Chimney Safety Institute of America, has a more specific requirement, stipulating that fireplaces should be cleaned when there is an eighth of an inch of soot build-up found.

Common Issues

While it may not seem necessary to clean your chimney often, expect the following issues if you don’t:

  • Birds, squirrels, and raccoons making your chimney a makeshift home.
  • Blockages caused by branches, leaves, and outside debris. These blockages can cause critical problems.
  • Creosote possibly igniting a fire in your chimney due to the presence of build up.

Once again, creosote is a dangerous substance containing a high percentage of soot. The first layer of creosote can be removed with a chimney brush. If your chimney catches on fire, it is not a stretch for that fire to spread to your home, and for further damage to occur.

Metal roofing practically eradicates the chance of your roof catching on fire. Consult with a local, trusted roofer to begin a conversation to see if you would benefit from a metal roof.

What is Your Chimney Made Of?

In order to find out what it’s made of, let’s first diagram what kind of fireplace you have. There are two main types of fireplaces – masonry fireplaces and factory built fireplaces. A masonry fireplace possesses a firebox built of individual, generally yellowish firebrick, with a brick chimney above the roof. A prefab, or factory built fireplace generally has a firebox of cast refractory panels and generally speaking there is some metal visible in the room around the firebox.

Masonry composites are primarily made of brick and mortar. They usually have some sort of internal liner to protect the flue from damage. In factory made chimneys, the flue is made completely out of metal, and resembles a pipe or tube. This liner can be made out of clay tiles, aluminum or steel, or a cast-in place material.

The Flue

A flue is a duct, pipe, or opening that conveys exhaust gases from a fireplace. Flues can also transmit gases from a furnace, water heater, boiler, or generator to the outdoors.

How Do I Clean My Liner?

Cleaning a liner is a time-consuming process, but can be done. The first thing you need to do is remove the rain cap. Next, you will select the proper size nylon, poly, or natural bristle chimney brush to clean the liner. You will need to make sure that the brush head passes throughout the complete length of the liner, including the connectors, terminals and tees. Next, you will need to connect the cleaning brush to the end of the cleaning rod. Insert the brush down the flue from the top of the chimney. Guide the chimney brush up and down the flue.

You will want to add more cleaning rods to extend further down the chimney. After sweeping, use a shovel to remove the ash and creosote that has fallen from the flue.

The Brush

When choosing a brush for your fireplace, be sure to select a brush that fits accordingly with the size and dimension of your fireplace. The material of a chimney brush is usually composed of metal wire or polypropylene, and will suit the masonry or factory built origin of your fireplace. For masonry chimneys, metal wire brushes will be the ideal instrument for chimney cleaning. Likewise, for factory built chimneys, polypropylene, which will not be too harsh on the metal liner.

If you live in the North Plainfield and Bridgewater, NJ area, consult the professionals at DRX DUCT LLC for all your chimney needs. Call (908) 755-2950 today!

3 Reasons to Schedule Fireplace Chimney Cleaning

Chimney Sweep Standing on Roof of Home & Working

Chimney sweep standing on roof of home working

Fireplaces can be a wonderful luxury in modern homes, but they can also be incredibly dangerous if not properly maintained. One important part of maintaining the integrity of your fireplace is regular Fireplace Chimney Cleaning. Now that winter has passed and the weather is starting to get warmer, it is a great time to consider hiring a professional to clean your chimney. If you would like to schedule chimney cleaning in your home, contact the staff a DRX DUCT LLC. We are here to make sure the air quality in your home is the best that it possibly can be.

Benefits of a Fireplace Chimney Cleaning

There are many reasons to make sure your chimney is cleaned regularly. Here are some of the main reasons why this is such an important part of your home maintenance.

It Allows For Proper Ventilation
Fires produce smoke, carbon monoxide, and other harmful gases. If the chimney is blocked, these gases won’t be able to get outside your home and instead will fill your living room. This could have dire consequences for your and your family.

It Improves Overall Safety
Over time creosote and other debris can build up in your chimney. If it isn’t removed on a regular basis, it can create a fire hazard for your home. Regular chimney cleaning allows you to protect your home and family.

It Extends the Life of Your Chimney
Your chimney and smokestack can wear out over time. A regular chimney cleaning and inspection can help pinpoint problems and get them fixed before they cause significant damage and you have to get the whole chimney rebuilt.

If you have questions about the condition of your chimney or would like to schedule an appointment for chimney cleaning in North Plainfield and Bridgewater, NJ, call our staff at (908) 755-2950.

Dampers, What Are they And What Should I Do With Them?

What Are Dampers And What Should I Do With Them?

Learn What Dampers Are and What To Do With Them.

A lot of air ducts systems contain dampers within the duct work. The purpose of the dampers is to control air flow, which in turn affects the temperature in the room. Rooms that either face the sun, or contain a lot of windows may need more AC in the summer, but less heat in the winter. A room with minimal to no sun exposure may need more heat, but less AC. This is where the dampers do their work.

Dampers are usually found where the main trunk line connects to the supply duct. (ductwork that supplies air to various areas of your home). You will see a lever that can be turned to adjust the position of the damper. You’ll want to turn this to a fully open position. If your dampers need to be adjusted seasonally, you may find it helpful to use a marker and mark the ductwork with what position the lever is in and mark its position optimal flow. It is also a good idea to write which area of your home this particular duct services.

Once the damper is open, go to the room it services (be sure the register or vent is fully open) and check the air flow. If you feel it is sufficient, leave the damper in this position. If it is a particularly sunny or warm space, you might want to adjust the damper. Repeat this process throughout your home until you have achieved your desired air flow.

Also, remember not to close off the dampers on your vent covers as they are the breathing point for your system. Restricting air to and from the furnace could put a heavy workload and increase pressure on your HVAC system!

If you need air duct cleaning in New Jersey, call DRX Duct today at (908) 755-2950 for a NADCA certified technician.

Is The Indoor Air Quality In My Child’s School Safe?

Is The Indoor Air Quality In My Child's School Safe?

Find Out What You Can Do For Your Child’s Schools Indoor Air Quality.

Between before school care, after school care, clubs and sports activities, weekend programs, and other outside groups that may also use the school, most school buildings are in use at least 12 hours a day, 6 days a week. Janitors can be seen hard at work mopping and sweeping floors etc, but what about the areas they can’t clean? With all the traffic in and out, you may wonder how they keep their air quality clean. Is there any system in place to assure you that the furnaces, air ducts, ventilators and AC units are cleaned regularly? How can you be sure your child is not breathing in potentially harmful particles in large amounts such as dust, mold etc, or that the same germs are not circulating over and over again? What about renovations? Have the floors been sanded in the gym recently? Were any old floors in the school torn out and replaced over the Summer? Have there been any additions onto the school? Those types of construction debris could be lurking in the system, too.

Have you noticed your child doesn’t feel well after coming home from school, or their asthma flares up while at school? Every child deserves a safe and healthy environment to learn in. They should not feel anxious that they may have an asthma attack or feel ill while trying to concentrate and learn.

So, what can you do about it? According to HEALTHYSCHOOLS.ORG, “There are 130,000 public and private schools enrolling 55 million children and employing 7 million adults…. The EPA reports that ½ of all schools have problems with indoor pollution. This contributes to rising asthma cases, absenteeism, concentration, and headaches…” School officials take these types of matters very seriously. Contact the school principal or superintendent and ask what is being done to maintain the indoor air quality at your child’s school. You may consider writing a letter or bringing your concerns to the PTA to address. These types of things will not be overlooked.

DRX Duct Cleaning has performed commercial air duct cleaning in schools across New Jersey. We have state-of-the-art equipment, along with the necessary education and training to properly execute a cleaning on this scale. It is VITAL that a NADCA certified air duct cleaning company is chosen for this type of work! DRX Duct cleaning is not only a NADCA certified company, but we guarantee that a NADCA certified technician will always be on site. We have the knowledge necessary and experience where it counts to get the job done right. Call us today at (908) 755-2950 to ensure your child’s school’s indoor air quality is clean with air duct cleaning.