Even if you have heard of sick building syndrome, you may think this is something relegated to public facilities and commercial offices. However, the truth is that this affects home interiors as well. What actions do you need to take if this happens to your home? 

What Is Sick Building Syndrome in Snohomish?

Sick building syndrome is severe enough that the condition is recognized by the EPA. This is a syndrome where illness among the occupants is linked to the building. The exact causes may differ, but cases are usually due to the interior containing excessive levels of airborne contaminants, such as dust mites, pollen, and mold. Occupants may experience respiratory illnesses that include coughing, runny nose, ad teary eyes. They may also report feeling lethargic.

Implications

In the work sphere, the syndrome leads to $60 billion in lost productivity annually, according to the EPA. Most people ultimately spend more time in their homes than in their workplaces. This can make residences a source of illness as well.  Continue Reading →

Summer is now here. With the sunny weather, you’re probably not going to be using the furnace any time soon. This makes it the ideal time to schedule maintenance so that it’s ready by the following fall and winter. Here are some summer furnace maintenance tips to keep in mind during this season.

1. Turn Off the Pilot Light

Most modern furnaces activate the burners via an electronic switch. However, older models use a pilot light. When left on, the pilot light creates excess heat in the home interior; it also stresses the appliances. Refer to the user’s manual to find out how to turn the pilot light off.

You should also completely switch off the gas supply to the furnace altogether. This prevents gas buildup from accumulating in the furnace’s interior.

2. Clean the Furnace

Even when the furnace is off, dust can still collect inside the unit. This can inhibit airflow by the time you begin using the appliance the following fall. All the excess dust and debris can also be a fire hazard. Summer is the ideal time for furnace cleaning.

3. Replace the Air Filter

Mold has been known to grow inside the furnace. This can lead to serious sanitation issues. When you turn on the furnace, this can blow polluted air into the home interior and into areas like the carpet and furniture. To minimize mold growth, check the furnace’s air filter and replace it if it’s dirty. Replace it now; don’t wait until fall or winter.

Schedule Summer Furnace Maintenance in Tacoma

Now is the time to manage your furnace while it’s not in use. Contact Aurora Edmonds Furnace Cleaning to make arrangements for summer furnace maintenance. This is also a good time of year to schedule fireplace cleaning, while the fixture is also not in use.

Summer Furnace Maintenance in Tacoma

Serving Seattle, Tacoma, Everett, Bellevue, King County
and South Snohomish County

Posted on June 22, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

We receive an uptick in calls during the summer or late spring. After all, this is the season of maximum AC use. With spring coming to an end, now is a good time to get a head start and make arrangements for summer duct cleaning.

Why Summer Duct Cleaning Matters in King County 

HVAC use tapers down at the end of winter and resumes at the onset of summer. During the time in between, dust buildup occurs in the air ducts. This includes contaminants like outdoor pollen, which is circulated indoors when the AC comes on.

Even minor dust buildup can significantly inhibit airflow, forcing the AC to exert more energy. This increases power use and leads to HVAC wear and tear in the internal components.

How Dirty Is an Uncleaned Air Duct?

The dirtiness comes down to when the ducts were last cleaned, if ever. The average homeowner spends between 60% and 90% indoors. This means you spend the majority of the time exposed to recirculating contaminants. 

This is especially worrisome because some estimates suggest indoor air is about 70% more polluted than outdoor air. Many illnesses like respiratory issues are linked to indoor conditions. 

We recommend an air duct cleaning at least once every two years. This should also include professional carpet cleaning because the fibers can also trap pollutants, such as pet dander and cigarette smoke.

Clean Your Home This Summer

When we say clean your home, we’re talking about sanitary cleaning that removes the invisible harbingers of disease and illness. Schedule summer duct cleaning with other essential services like furnace cleaning for an overall cleaner interior. Get all of the above cleaning done by contacting Aurora Edmonds Furnace Cleaning. 

Summer Duct Cleaning in King County

Serving Seattle, Tacoma, Everett, Bellevue, King Countyand South Snohomish County

Posted on May 22, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Dryer fires account for 15,000 home fires annually in North America. Often, this is due to backed-up dryer vents. This makes dryer vent cleaning all the more important. Homeowners should also be aware of potential clothes dryer mistakes near Bellevue. These mistakes exacerbate damage and increase the risk of a fire.

1. Drying the Wrong Items

Prior to throwing clothes in the dryer, check all the pockets in your garments to confirm they’re empty. Small items like coins and pens can get lodged in the dryer and lead to a fire. Furnishings like rugs and doormats are also not as dryer-friendly as you may think. It’s better to air-dry these items.

2. Ignoring the Dryer Sensor

Modern dryers have a moisture sensor that keeps clothing from over-drying. You should occasionally wipe the sensors. Over time, residue can accrue over the lens and erode the sensor’s ability to detect that the clothes are fully dried. Using dryer sheets especially leads to residue buildup over the sensors.

3. Not Cleaning Around the Dryer

Keep the dryer surroundings clean. This is crucial because the dryer draws air from the immediate vicinity. If there are lint and other debris, the dryer will suck these particles into the system and possibly cause an obstruction. Make a habit of regularly vacuuming the area. You should also refrain from storing bleach and detergent right next to the appliance.

4. Ignoring the Dryer Vent Pipe

Lint slowly accrues inside the dryer vent pipe and can impede airflow. This leads to increased heat and elevates a fire risk. Have a technician clean the dryer annually.

Avoid Clothes Dryer Mistakes for Improved Home Safety Near Bellevue

As we near the summer, make this the time of year to conduct air duct cleaning and furnace cleaning in addition to dryer maintenance. Avoiding these clothes dryer mistakes near Bellevue will keep the appliance operating smoothly and optimally. Get in touch with Aurora Edmonds Furnace Cleaning for professional HVAC cleaning.

Avoid Making Clothes Dryer Mistakes Near Bellevue

Serving Seattle, Tacoma, Everett, Bellevue, King County,
& South Snohomish County

Posted on April 22, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

An appliance fire can happen out of the blue and can be an extremely precarious situation. What should you do in the event of a dryer fire in your Snohomish home? Learn how to appropriately respond.

The Dryer Is on Fire; What Do I Do?

First, know what you should NOT do. Your instinct may be to open the dryer door to find out what’s going on. However, if there’s smoke coming from the dryer, the handle may be extremely hot. Opening the door may also send a rush of smoke into your face. The smoke carries chemical residues from burning plastic and can be harmful if inhaled.

If you see smoke but no fire, unplug the dryer. Slowly open the door using a towel or kitchen mitten. If there is a small fire, put it out using a dry chemical fire extinguisher. You should keep one of these in the washer/dryer room for emergencies. You should also store a fire blanket in the room. Use it to smother fires.

When to Evacuate

If the dryer is fully engulfed in flames, then evacuate all occupants and pets right away. Once everyone is accounted for, call 911 or have a neighbor make the call for you. Do not waste time grabbing any belongings other than your mobile phone. Even if you’re able to extinguish the fire, you should still call 911. There may be smoldering inside the dryer that can cause the fire to return.

Prevent Dryer Fires Near Snohomish

Schedule an annual dryer vent cleaning to minimize a dryer fire. Lint is flammable and can abruptly ignite. The yearly maintenance should also include furnace cleaning and air duct cleaning. You can get all of this done in a single visit from a professional technician. Start by making an appointment with Aurora Edmonds Furnace Cleaning.

Dryer Fire Prevention Near Snohomish

Serving Seattle, Tacoma, Everett, Bellevue, King County and South Snohomish County

Posted on March 22, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

A clean air duct is essential for good-quality indoor air. However, you can rid the home of further contaminants by incorporating indoor plants. Plant air purification is something every homeowner should consider. Learn why this is a good household practice and which plants are ideal.

Plant Air Purification in Seattle; How It Works

Leaves have pores that absorb gasses. It’s how plants breathe as part of the photosynthesis process. Aside from absorbing carbon dioxide, they also absorb harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and benzene. This is known as phytoremediation, and it’s something more homeowners are taking advantage of for promoting cleaner air.

Best Plants for Indoor Air Purification

Let’s look at the best plants that act as air purifiers. 

• Garden Mum: NASA recommends this plant for its air-purifying abilities. It’s also inexpensive and available at most lawn shops. Garden mums remove indoor pollutants, such as ammonia and xylene.
• Dracaena: With roughly 40 varieties, you’ll discover one that’s compatible with your home. This plant removes impurities, such as formaldehyde and trichloroethylene. 
• Peace Lily: The peace lily has strong purification properties despite its petite stature. While it minimizes harmful pollutants, it does emit pollen. You should stay away from this one if you’re prone to allergies.
• Aloe Vera: This plant is beloved for its aloe, a gel-like substance with dozens of medicinal uses. While typically an outdoor plant, you can bring it inside for air-purifying benefits. 

We Restore Air Quality

Plant air purification is one way to promote cleaner indoor air. However, this method alone usually isn’t enough. Additional methods like carpet and furnace cleaning all contribute to cleaner air since those items can hold onto contaminants. Contact Aurora Edmonds Furnace Cleaning to get started and maximize the removal of unwanted pollutants.

Plant Air Purification in Seattle

Serving Seattle, Tacoma, Everett, Bellevue, King County and South Snohomish County

Posted on February 22, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Homeowners often wonder what’s the ideal frequency for cleaning the dryer vent. This is difficult to answer because there are multiple variables, one of which is the dryer vent length. This will partly dictate how often you need to have a professional vent cleaning.

How Long Is Your Dryer Vent?

Homeowners often assume the longer the dryer vent the more often it needs cleaning. A longer vent means more inner lining to clean, doesn’t it? Believe it or not, the inverse is true. That is, shorter vents require more cleaning. Shorter vents also tend to be narrower, making the unit more prone to backups. It also forces the dryer to work harder to push out the backed-up lint.

Typically, we suggest a cleaning annually. However, if you have a shorter vent, then two to three times per year is best. No matter the length, if you notice the clothes are not drying adequately after a full session in the dryer, then there may be an obstruction. This calls for a professional inspection.

Ultimately, the cleaning interval depends on the vent length, how often you use the appliance and the size of the load.

Dryer Vent Length Requirements Near Everett

The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) establishes length requirements for dryer vents. The length cannot be more than 25-feet; it should also be as straight as possible. If there is a 90-degree angle in the vent, then it shouldn’t be more than 20-feet. The InterNACHI doesn’t have a minimum length requirement.

We Make Your Dryer Duct Free of Lint

No matter the dryer vent length, too much lint poses a fire risk. However frequently you schedule a dryer vent cleaning, we suggest doing it in conjunction with an air duct and furnace cleaning. Start by contacting Aurora Edmonds Furnace Cleaning for an initial assessment of your dryer vent.

Do You Have the Right Dryer Vent Length Near Everett?

Serving Seattle, Tacoma, Everett, Bellevue, King Countyand South Snohomish County

Posted on January 22, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Dirty air ducts aren’t something homeowners typically think about. After all, the ducts are out of sight, so it’s out of mind. However, dirty interior ducts are a primary cause of illness in the home. Find out how this may be contributing to the common cold and flu.

What’s in the Air Inside the Home?

Let’s begin by examining some everyday indoor contaminants and their origins. Pollutants don’t always get into the interior from the outdoors. 

• Pet dander
• Volatile organic compounds from old paint
• Carbon monoxide from gas stoves
• Emissions from electronic casings
• Mercury fumes from broken non-LED bulbs 

These impurities can accumulate within an air vent and later blow into the rooms when the air conditioner or furnace is switched on.

Illnesses from Filthy Vents

In most instances, homeowners will experience an allergic reaction and go through the typical symptoms, such as coughing, nasal congestion, and watery eyes. Sinus infections are especially common since the airborne contaminants will enter your nasal passage, causing inflammation. If you have sensitive skin, the pollutants may cause all sorts of dermal maladies like rashes and hives.

Prevention

When spring arrives, the indoor air can get really bad. While it’s still winter, we suggest an air duct cleaning from a professional. This removes all the pollutants that have accrued over the years. You may also want to invest in a portable dehumidifier. This prevents the air from getting too humid, thus offsetting the growth of mold inside the ducts. It’s also a good idea to regularly steam clean the carpet, since airborne pollutants can eventually settle onto the carpet fibers.

We Treat Dirty Air Ducts in Tacoma

As winter approaches, now is a good time to make arrangements with Aurora Edmonds Furnace Cleaning. We’ll address the dirty air ducts in your home as well as perform additional services, such as dryer vent cleaning and fireplace cleaning.

We Clean Dirty Air Ducts in Tacoma 

Serving Seattle, Tacoma, Everett, Bellevue, King Countyand South Snohomish County

Posted on December 22, 2021 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Though it’s not that common, some homes in and around King County do have the laundry room situated on the second floor. If this is the case, the home likely has a rooftop dryer vent. This makes maintenance more challenging.

Rooftop Dryer Vent Inspections Near King County 

Maintaining a dryer vent on a rooftop is more or less the same as when the unit is at ground level. However, more precautions are required. After all, the inspector has to get and move around the roof. This is why we advise against DIY cleaning. 

The contractor scales the roof and evaluates the vent. This is done by running the unit on air-only and verifying all connections are in good order. If there are blockages, then the air shuttling out of the rooftop vent is drastically inhibited.

The Cleaning Process

One of our methodologies includes using a reverse-blowing air ball that we apply into the duct. Employing an air trigger, the air ball cleans the vent interior lining, including the damper and hood. This blows out the lint in hard-to-reach spots like the inner hood surrounding the damper. The lint often becomes lodged as it hardens upon exposure to cold weather. Once the lint loosens, swaths of lint balls begin discharging and fall to the floor, which you can then easily sweep up. 

For a complete cleaning, a professional cleaner needs to access the roof. From the ground, you can only remove some amount of lint and certainly not all of it.

We Perform Dryer Vent Cleaning

Regardless of where your dryer vent is located, leave it to Aurora Edmonds Furnace Cleaning for a thorough cleaning. We also suggest using this cleaning appointment to take care of other maintenance needs, including air duct and fireplace cleaning.

Rooftop Dryer Vent Maintenance Near King County

Serving Seattle, Tacoma, Everett, Bellevue, King Countyand South Snohomish County

Posted on November 22, 2021 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

With fall here and winter not far off, many homeowners are looking for cost-effective methods to keep the home nice and warm. One hack some residents are resorting to is a closed heating vent for the main living quarters and personal bedrooms. Is this really effective at warming the home while saving money?

The Idea Behind a Closed Heating Vent Near Bellevue

Here’s how this DIY trick supposedly works: sealing the vents in unused rooms causes the air to be redirected towards the rooms that are occupied. The idea is that when the air runs into a closed vent, it reverses direction and is re-shuttled to rooms with their vents opened. Homeowners will seal vents by taping a piece of cardboard over the vent. Unfortunately, this trick doesn’t improve home heating.

The Truth About Sealing the Vents

If the HVAC is in peak operating order, then this method may work to a small degree. The reality, though, is that most residential HVAC systems have openings and cracks in the air ducts that lead to air leakage. Any heat from a furnace that’s redirected will escape through these openings before they reach any rooms with an open vent.

Here’s another point: even if the vent is sealed, the room still has other openings, such as the space under the door. The room will use this opening to suck air from sections of the home with an opened vent.

The truth is that HVAC systems work most efficiently when the air is evenly spread out over the home. You can’t receive additional air and heat by sealing the vents in unused rooms. The air has a natural tendency to rebalance itself in an interior space. Sealed vents may just lead to hot and cold spots.

We Restore Air Flow Consistency

If you suspect heating discrepancies in your home, contact Aurora Edmonds Furnace Cleaning. Fall is the ideal season for furnace and dryer vent care. The lesson here is that a closed heating vent is not the way to go for improved airflow.

Exposing the Truth About a Closed Heating Vent Near Bellevue

Serving Seattle, Tacoma, Everett, Bellevue, King Countyand South Snohomish County

Posted on October 22, 2021 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business