Air Duct Cleaning Blog by Ductz of North Phoenix and Deer Valley

Calling all Phoenix Metro Property Management Companies!

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 16:57:38 -0500

Here is a great introduction video from one of our fellow franchisees - it really gives an excellent overview on what DUCTZ can do for you! Visit the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cg6lRLgNJGA&feature=related
and call us at 623-466-8625 to schedule your client's free, indoor air quality assessment.
Vince

Arizona DUCTZ Indoor Air Professionals Owner Stresses Importance of Indoor Air Quality When Spring Cleaning

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 21:37:12 -0600

Arizona DUCTZ Indoor Air Professionals Owner Stresses Importance of Indoor Air Quality When Spring Cleaning Glendale, AZ February 26, 2009 - The long winter months with closed up homes and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems working over-time can result in an optimal breeding ground for contaminants in the Arizona area. Come spring, many homeowners are eager to throw open the windows, scrub the floors and breathe fresh air, but what many fail to realize is that their indoor air may be preventing optimal cleanliness. In fact, indoor air quality is ranked among the top five environmental risks to public health, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Vince Divarco, owner of the local DUCTZ Indoor Air Professionals, advises residents of Arizona that spring is an excellent time to improve their indoor air quality.

According to Divarco, the following are steps that can be taken to improve indoor air quality during spring cleaning:

1. Change the air filter. According to American Lung Association maintenance is key when it comes to air filters, though many homeowners disregard the importance of this type of maintenance. Divarco strongly recommends strictly adhering to the manufacturer's guidelines regarding the frequency of changing or cleaning the air filter. If you can't remember the last time the filter was changed...then it's time to replace it.

2. Have your entire HVAC system inspected and, if necessary, cleaned. Multiple components of your HVAC system, including the ductwork, can trap contaminants and contribute to poor indoor air quality if not kept in proper working order. According to the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), if there is visible dust, dirt or debris within the ductwork, your HVAC system likely needs to be cleaned.

3. Hire a professional. Not all duct cleaning companies can or should be trusted. An HVAC system cleaning that is not done correctly can actually make a home's indoor air quality worse. DUCTZ Indoor Air Professionals, unlike many competitors, are licensed in Arizona to clean residential and commercial air duct systems, guarantees its work and adheres strictly to NADCA's rigid service standards.

"There's no better time than spring to have your HVAC system inspected and cleaned," said Divarco. "Clean indoor air provides for a cleaner home, and goes hand-in-hand with the spring cleaning initiatives that families already take annually."

To schedule DUCTZ service, please visit www.ductz.com or call Vince Divarco at 623-466-8625.

February is Dryer Vent Safety Awareness Month!!!

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 19:38:00 -0600

It's February! And like me, I'm sure the first thing you think of in February is your clothes dryer vent. (not...)

That's right it's Dryer Vent Safety Awareness Month. What you might not know is that according to the latest studies done by the US Fire Administration, each year clothes dryers are responsible for over 12,000 fires.

It's bad enough these fires cause $88 million in damages to property annually. However, the real tragedy is that dryer fires are to blame for an estimated 300 injuries and 15 deaths each year. The majority of these incidents occur during the coldest months of the year.

The number one cause of dryer fires is an excessive build up of lint. So, how can you possibly know when your dryer is becoming dangerous? Signs you may need dryer vent cleaning include:

· Loads of laundry taking longer than normal to dry
· Clothes not being fully dry after a normal cycle
· Clothes being hotter than usual after a drying cycle
· Condensation on the vent pipe

Some simple maintenance can greatly reduce the likelihood of you suffering the devastation of a dryer fire. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) provides the following recommendations to help maintain a safe dryer vent.

· Once a year have the lint cleaned out of the vent pipe
· Do not operate the dryer without a lint filter
· Clean the lint filter before or after each use
· Rigid or flexible metal vent pipe should be used (no vinyl)
· Avoid overloading the dryer
· Make sure the exhaust vent pipe is open and has no obstructions when the dryer is operating
· Never leave a dryer running when you leave home or go to bed

DUCTZ is trained and qualified to maintain your dryer vent. Hotels, nursing homes, apartment complexes, pet hospitals and countless home owners have trusted DUCTZ to clean their dryer vents.

If you notice any of the warning signs listed above or if you have not had your dryer vent cleaned in the past year, please call DUCTZ of North Phoenix and Deer Valley at 623-466-8625 to schedule a professional dryer vent cleaning service today. It's an inexpensive way to keep your loved ones and clients safe.

Happy Dryer Vent Safety Awareness Month from DUCTZ of North Phoenix and Deer Valley!

Summer is over - here comes the dust!

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:27:42 -0600

Every fall around this time of year the temperature inversions start outdoors. Basically, the inversion is a layer of separating warm and cold air that traps particulate and keeps it close to the ground (this is what causes the noticible "brown haze" that you see driving into many Southwest cities such as Phoenix or Tucson). Here is a good article from the Tucson paper talking about the outdoor air quality http://www.azstarnet.com/metro/266628.php .

While you are at it, check out our blog entry from earlier this year that talks about the relationship between indoor and outdoor air quality http://www.merchantcircle.com/blogs/DUCTZ.Indoor.Air.Professionals.623-466-8625/2008/3/Outdoor-air-mess-means-indoor-air-nightmare-/72419 .

DUCTZ of North Phoenix and Deer Valley is licensed by the Registrar of Contractors to clean residential and commercial duct work in the State of Arizona. In addition, we are members in good standing with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and certified by NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaners Association).

NADCA Says, "It's Healthy Lung Month -- Time to Vent"

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 14:16:26 -0500

PRESS RELEASE- WASHINGTON, DC October 10th, 2008 The HVAC Inspection, Maintenance and Restoration Association say that October is "Time to Vent" for homeowners and building managers. In other words, it's a good time of year to take the vent cover off of your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system and take a look inside to see how dirty the ductwork that brings the air to your lungs has gotten over the past year... Read the rest of the release here - good info for your home buying clients! http://www.merchantcircle.com/blogs/DUCTZ.Indoor.Air.Professionals.623-466-8625

Good Indoor Air Quality in Arizona Schools is Vital for Proper Learning Environment

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 19:58:35 -0500

Local DUCTZ Owner recommends ventilation system inspection as part of improving indoor air quality

Glendale, AZ, Sept 12 2008 - According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), poor indoor air quality has a negative effect on students nationwide, and could be affecting students in the Phoenix area.

The EPA reports that poor indoor air quality increases student absenteeism, decreases student and staff concentration and student performance, and raises the risk of indoor-air-quality-related health conditions such as asthma and respiratory illnesses.

As the new school year commences, Vince Divarco, owner of DUCTZ Indoor Air Professionals of North Phoenix and Deer Valley urges parents, teachers, and administrators in the Phoenix area to provide an optimal learning and teaching environment by seeing that measures are taken to improve the indoor air quality of schools.

According to the EPA, maintaining properly functioning heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems is an integral part to providing students with good indoor air quality. Coinciding with suggestions by the EPA, DUCTZ recommends taking the following measures to help improve the functioning of a schools' HVAC system:

Call a professional who specializes in HVAC system restoration to inspect the school's HVAC system for any elements that could aid in the deterioration of indoor air quality.
See that HVAC filters are changed on regular basis to prevent contaminant sources from entering the building.

"Improving our schools' indoor air quality benefits everyone involved," said Divarco. "Phoenix area parents should insist that their children's school has its HVAC system inspected before the beginning of every school year. It is an easy step that can benefit our students in a large way."

To schedule service for a school, business, or residential HVAC system please call Vince Divarco at 623-466-8625 or visit www.ductz.com.

DUCTZ of North Phoenix and Deer Valley is licensed by the Registrar of Contractors to clean and restore residential and commercial duct work in the State of Arizona. In addition, we are members in good standing with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaners Association).

Thank You!

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 23:03:09 -0500

We at DUCTZ of North Phoenix and Deer Valley would like to thank all First Responders on this Patriots Day 2008. We appreciate your dedication to our welfare and well being and we couldn't do this without you!

Thanks again from the Divarco family!

Vince

Why should I choose a NADCA member to have my air ducts cleaned?

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 22:40:48 -0500

I was asked by a consumer yesterday why it is important to have their home services done by a NADCA certified Indoor Air Quality company. Here is the response I gave her (from the NADCA website):

NADCA Members have signed a Code of Ethics stating they will do everything possible to protect the consumer, and follow NADCA Standards for cleaning to the best of their ability. Air duct cleaning companies must meet stringent requirements to become a NADCA Member. Among those requirements, all NADCA Members must have certified Air System Cleaning Specialists (ASCS) on staff, who have taken and passed the NADCA Certification Examination. Passing the exam demonstrates extensive knowledge in HVAC design and cleaning methodologies. ASCS's are also required to further their industry education by attending seminars in order to maintain their NADCA certification status. (View our Code of Ethics here: http://www.nadca.com/consumerinformation/codeofethics.aspx )

DUCTZ of North Phoenix and Deer Valley is licensed by the Registrar of Contractors to clean residential and commercial duct work in the State of Arizona. In addition, we are members in good standing with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaners Association).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thu, 08 May 2008 22:16:45 -0500

Asthma Awareness Month Spawns Healthy Advice from Glendale Business Owner

Glendale, AZ, May 8^th, 2008 - May is Asthma Awareness Month according the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Vince Divarco, owner of the Phoenix Valley-wide DUCTZ Indoor Air Professionals business, is taking this opportunity to educate Valley residents on the importance of clean indoor air in relation to this serious condition. The EPA states that asthma sent nearly 2 million Americans to the emergency room in the year 2000, and according to the American Lung Association (ALA), poor indoor air quality can aggravate allergies and asthma, and can be up to five times as harmful as outdoor air pollution. Additionally, the ALA cites heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems as a frequent source of the indoor air pollution that can aggravate asthma.

Divarco recognizes the severity of this lung disease and suggests ways to reduce your home's asthma triggers and improve the indoor air quality.

Do not smoke indoors. According to the EPA, secondhand smoke is particularly dangerous to those who suffer from asthma.
Keep your home dust-free. When dusting, the EPA suggests using a damp cloth and making sure all allergy and asthma sufferers have left the area.
Have your HVAC system inspected and, if necessary, cleaned. Mold can trigger asthma attacks for those who are sensitive to it, and if there is substantial mold growth inside the air ducts or other HVAC components, the EPA recommends having the system cleaned. In doing so, make sure to identify and eliminate the source of the mold growth so as to prevent reoccurrence.
Hire a professional. Not all HVAC cleaning companies can or should be trusted. An HVAC system cleaning that is not done correctly can actually make a home's indoor air quality worse. DUCTZ Indoor Air Professionals, unlike many competitors, guarantees its work and adheres strictly to the National Air Duct Cleaners Association's rigid service standards.

"Asthma is a serious condition that deserves the national attention Asthma Awareness Month provides," said Divarco. "As indoor air professionals, my technicians and I are trained to help consumers improve the quality of their indoor air so that triggers of this disease and many others may be reduced or eliminated."

To schedule DUCTZ service contact Vince Divarco at 623-466-8625 or visit http://www.ductz.com/.

About DUCTZ:

DUCTZ was ranked by Entrepreneur Magazine as the number one duct-cleaning franchise, and 13th top new franchise for 2008. The expertise of DUCTZ reaches beyond simply cleaning air ducts to maximizing overall indoor air quality and providing for a healthier living environment. DUCTZ is headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan with franchise locations nationwide, and is a member of the National Air Duct Cleaner's Association. To improve the indoor air quality of your home or business and create a healthier living environment, please call 1-877-DUCTZ-USA (1-877-382-8987) or visit online at http://www.ductz.com/ .

# # #

Contact:

Vince Divarco

623-466-8625

ductz-arizona@cox.net

Overheated Clothes Dryers Can Cause Fires (from the Consumer Product Safety Commission)

Mon, 05 May 2008 00:26:58 -0500

I was asked a couple of days ago to provide some additional info for a customer that wanted to have her dryer vent preventive maintenance done - She wanted it done, her husband did not.) Here is the document from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Vince

CPSC Home > Publications > Current

Consumer Product Safety Commission

Overheated Clothes Dryers Can Cause Fires

CPSC Document # 5022
Updated June 2003
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that in 1998, clothes dryers were associated with 15,600 fires, which resulted in 20 deaths and 370 injuries. Fires can occur when lint builds up in the dryer or in the exhaust duct. Lint can block the flow of air, cause excessive heat build-up, and result in a fire in some dryers.

To help prevent fires:

Clean the lint screen/filter before or after drying each load of clothes. If clothing is still damp at the end of a typical drying cycle or drying requires longer times than normal, this may be a sign that the lint screen or the exhaust duct is blocked.

Clean the dryer vent and exhaust duct periodically. Check the outside dryer vent while the dryer is operating to make sure exhaust air is escaping. If it is not, the vent or the exhaust duct may be blocked. To remove a blockage in the exhaust path, it may be necessary to disconnect the exhaust duct from the dryer. Remember to reconnect the ducting to the dryer and outside vent before using the dryer again.

Clean behind the dryer, where lint can build up. Have a qualified service person clean the interior of the dryer chassis periodically to minimize the amount of lint accumulation. Keep the area around the dryer clean and free of clutter.
Replace plastic or foil, accordion-type ducting material with rigid or corrugated semi-rigid metal duct. Most manufacturers specify the use of a rigid or corrugated semi-rigid metal duct, which provides maximum airflow. The flexible plastic or foil type duct can more easily trap lint and is more susceptible to kinks or crushing, which can greatly reduce the airflow.

Take special care when drying clothes that have been soiled with volatile chemicals such as gasoline, cooking oils, cleaning agents, or finishing oils and stains. If possible, wash the clothing more than once to minimize the amount of volatile chemicals on the clothes and, preferably, hang the clothes to dry. If using a dryer, use the lowest heat setting and a drying cycle that has a cool-down period at the end of the cycle. To prevent clothes from igniting after drying, do not leave the dried clothes in the dryer or piled in a laundry basket.

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Send the link for this page to a friend! Consumers can obtain this publication and additional publication information from the Publications sectionof CPSC's web site or by sending your publication request to info@cpsc.gov.

"I see dust bunnies - they're EVERYWHERE! "

Fri, 02 May 2008 21:46:24 -0500

Are your dust bunnies multiplying like, well, bunnies? I had a question yesterday from a home owner that was concerned about the dust in her home. "Every day that I dust..." said Mrs. Homeowner "...I see more and more dust bunnies. Please help me, DUCTZMAN!" (Ok, I made that last part up...) Believe it or not, the dust load in a home CAN be reduced but it takes some work. As Indoor Air Quality experts, we always recommend the following:

1. Start at the top and work your way down. Dust likes to hide on picture frames, door frames, curtain valances. KNOCK IT DOWN!

2. Hit 'em hard in the middle. Wipe all windows, doors, fake plants (I hate these...), lamp shades, etc... Clean the furnture (wipe hard woods, vacuum upholstery).

3. Hit the deck! Mop all floors, clean all carpets and rugs, especially those dark places that dust bunnies like make more dust bunnies. You know Dad's favorite chair that hasn't moved since the Bears last won the Super Bowl? Move it, and clean underneath. Vince's note: Don't be surprised about what you see (read the title above again...!)

If the horror story above sounds like your home, call DUCTZ today at 623-466-8625 or visit our website at http://www.ductz.com/ to schedule your Indoor Air Quality audit (we'll show you how to conquer your fear of dust bunnies and clean your ducts too!)

America's Most Polluted Cities Revealed...

Fri, 02 May 2008 21:40:07 -0500

The American Lung Association has designated Pittsburg, PA the most air-polluted city in the U.S. - not a great distinction to achieve. You can read the ABC news article in its entirety here:

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/Weather/Story?id=4758772&page=4

While you're at it, you can check to see where your city is by clicking here:

http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=22542

If you would like to know what you can do to improve your INDOOR air quality call the DUCTZ professionals today at 623-466-8625 or visit our website at http://www.ductz.com/

3 surefire ways to reduce your electric bills this summer from DUCTZ!

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 23:15:35 -0500

With the price of gas rising with the temperature, our customers are always asking us how they can save on their electric bills (crucial in the Arizona heat!) At DUCTZ, we recommend the following 3 energy saving tips for almost immediate savings!

1. Change your A/C filter regularly! When it gets clogged it impedes air flow and makes your system work harder (see my "filter, schmilter..." blog posting.)

2. Have your coil cleaned while you are at it! Phoenix air is full of particulate - this is especially crucial for those rooftop mounted residential and commercial units. Blocked coils are unhappy coils!

3. Do yourself and your home a favor and clean your dryer vent! Not only will this reduce the fire danger of a clogged vent, but like the examples above, a dryer has to work much harder when the vent is blocked. A clear vent allows the dryer to work as designed, uses less heat (and energy) to dry, and reduces wear and tear on the equipment (a DOUBLE savings!)

Remember, your AC unit and dryer are two of the biggest energy hogs in your home. Call us today at 623-262-3614 for your free Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) audit and we can help you get through the summer with a little less hot air (at least inside...!)

Vince - DUCTZ

What do you mean, you have birds in your ducts?

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 09:24:40 -0500

A customer called me the other day and said she thought she had a dead "little" bird in her duct work. When asked how she knew, she said that there was a pretty nasty smell and every so often "...a small puff of feathers would come out of the vent". Well, besides the obvious issue of how did the birds get into a closed system, dead birds are nasty to clean and could present health hazards. Upon further inspection, we found the 1 dead "little" bird with 3 of his closest feathered friends (also expired), then the fun started. Yes, not only were there 4 dead ones in there, but 3 alive and kicking pigeons as well! They were happy to be sprung out of birdy prison but not happy to come with me!**

As I have said in past blogs, always call a LICENSED professional to take care of your in home issues - not only did we remove the flying (and not so flying...)critters, but we identified problems with the attic (not properly sealed) and the HVAC system to be fixed by the home owner. Yes, we may be DUCTZ, but we remove ALL birds!

**Management note: No birds were harmed in the making of this blog!

Run for your lives - the Killer Bees are coming! "the sequel"

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 18:19:31 -0500

A blog entry by Sandy Noll in Woodinville, WA reminded me of the original blog I intended to post (you can see her blog at http://activerain.com/blogsview/466049/Brown-Recluse-Spider-Bites ). It is very important as home owners to handle venomous critter issues before they become a problem. In the case of bees here in the Southwest, some courts have found homeowners liable for wild hives on their property that cause damage and injury to adjoining properties and homeowners (although the jury is literally out on the definitive answer...) Be a responsible neighbor and call a professional right away to provide a solution to your bug challenge. The company we chose was out quickly and took care of our problem - without a doubt, we would have made it worse if we tried to solve it ourselves. Since I have had a few inquiries about who I used, I do have permission to tell you. If you have a bee problem, call Paul at Desert Sky Pest Control in Glendale (send me a comment and I will respond by email - trying to prevent the dreaded "red X")

Vince - DUCTZ

623-466-8625

Run for your lives - the Killer Bees are coming!

Sun, 06 Apr 2008 18:01:52 -0500

As is usual in my life lately, I was just about to write about the importance of checking for bees, wasps and hornets when I discovered a swarm of bees on MY house. Yes, sports fans, I was busy trying to coax my lawnmower into mowing the front yard just a tad shorter for summer so that the Bermuda would come up (a favorite spring pastime in Arizona) when I heard a loud and angry collective buzz from the Ficus tree above my head. Upon further review, I discovered a swarm of very angry bees swarming on the corner of my eaves, likely getting into my attic (I hope not...). My son threw caution to wind as he yelled BEEEEEEEEEES! and ran for our front door. Now the cool thing (if there is one) is that they are swarming right at a corner window so we can observe them from the safety of our castle. I found a good article that describes the do's and don'ts of dealing with bees, but the best advice is:

1. DON'T MESS WITH THEM!

2. CALL A PROFESSIONAL TO DEAL WITH THEM!

Read the article for more detailed info:

http://www.desertusa.com/mag98/sep/stories/kbees.html

By the way, if you ARE a professional pest control agent, give me a call! My dogs can't use the inside toilet (I've tried, God knows I tried...) so they will have to go out eventually!

Vince "the Killer Bees are coming!" Divarco

Ductz - 623-466-8625

Dryer vent lint sparks blaze in Georgia

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 17:23:51 -0500

Here is a short (and timely) news article about a clogged dryer vent causing a fire in Georgia. Do yourself (and your renters if appropriate) a favor and clean out your dryer vent once a year!!!!! How much is piece of mind (and protection of your investment) worth to you?

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,346611,00.html

Call us today if your dryer is taking too long to dry a load, or if it has been more than a year since your last cleaning service. If you own an apartment or a series of residences where the dryer is used constantly, then you REALLY need our service - you never know what a renter or tenant will put into a dryer - and it always ends up in the vent. Don't let this sad story happen to you - see my earlier blogs for more info. Call me or send a quick comment and I will help you find a local DUCTZ Indoor Air Professional in your area. If you need pictures to convince someone, let me know and I will forward some of our worst to you.

Vince - DUCTZ of North Phoenix and Deer Valley

623-262-3614

News article from the American Lung Association

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 15:42:10 -0500

I was going to write about the effect animal waste (and general mess) has on indoor air quality, but the American Lung Association just keyed me in on a breakout of histoplasmosis in Iowa, ironically afflicting members of the ALA themselves. This is an extreme case, but highlights the dangers of bad indoor air quality on one's health. Without knowing all of the details, it seems the precautions were less than effective at abating the spread of contaminants in the building in question.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/03/31/ap/health/main3984204.shtml

We at DUCTZ do lots of post-remodel system cleanings in both homes and in businesses. If you ever come across something like this in your residence or work call your local envornmental and restoration companies before you preceed.

Vince - DUCTZ

623-262-3614

Outdoor air mess means indoor air nightmare!

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 09:29:42 -0500

http://www.runningoutofair.com/

Here is a great website (and a flash video) that talks about the air quality problems in Maricopa County - remember as you watch this is that all of the particulates and pollution that are in the outside air are concentrated many times over in your home:

Air Duct Cleaning Facts

EPA claims indoor air has been found to be up to 70% more polluted than outdoor air (EPA)
Children are more likely than adults to be affected by polluted indoor air (Dept. of Consumer Affairs)
The average 6 room house collects 40 pounds of dust a year (Discover Magazine)
Air ducts have more germs than a chicken coop (American Lung Association)
A build up of 0.42 inches of dirt on a heating or cooling coil can result in a decrease in efficiency of 21% (EPA)
9 out of 10 heating, ventilating, air conditioning systems failures are caused by dust and dirt (Louisiana Coop Extension Service)

Still trying to figure out what YOU can do? Take a look at the website, make personal changes, and call DUCTZ at 623-262-3614 or visit our website at http://www.ductz.com/ to schedule an Indoor Air Quality inspection and service today

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 20:06:13 -0500

Arizona DUCTZ Indoor Air Professionals Owner Stresses Importance of Indoor Air Quality When Spring Cleaning

Glendale, AZ March 25, 2008 - The long winter months with closed up homes and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems working over-time can result in an optimal breeding ground for contaminants in the Arizona area. Come spring, many homeowners are eager to throw open the windows, scrub the floors and breathe fresh air, but what many fail to realize is that their indoor air may be preventing optimal cleanliness. In fact, indoor air quality is ranked among the top five environmental risks to public health, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Vince Divarco, owner of the local DUCTZ Indoor Air Professionals, advises residents of Arizona that spring is an excellent time to improve their indoor air quality.

According to Divarco, the following are steps that can be taken to improve indoor air quality during spring cleaning:

Change the air filter. According to American Lung Association maintenance is key when it comes to air filters, though many homeowners disregard the importance of this type of maintenance. Divarco strongly recommends strictly adhering to the manufacturer's guidelines regarding the frequency of changing or cleaning the air filter. If you can't remember the last time the filter was changed...then it's time to replace it.
Have your entire HVAC system inspected and, if necessary, cleaned. Multiple components of your HVAC system, including the ductwork, can trap contaminants and contribute to poor indoor air quality if not kept in proper working order. According to the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), if there is visible dust, dirt or debris within the ductwork, your HVAC system likely needs to be cleaned.
Hire a professional. Not all duct cleaning companies can or should be trusted. An HVAC system cleaning that is not done correctly can actually make a home's indoor air quality worse. DUCTZ Indoor Air Professionals, unlike many competitors, are licensed in Arizona to clean residential and commercial air duct systems, guarantees its work and adheres strictly to NADCA's rigid service standards.

To schedule DUCTZ service, please visit http://www.ductz.com/ or call Vince Divarco at 623-466-8625.

'Tis the season...for Arizona brush fires

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 13:03:03 -0500

There was a good article in the local paper today about the brush fire in Avondale - while it only burned about 200 acres or so, it put up a LOT of smoke and ash. Spring flowers and growth turn into summer fire fuel. If your house does happen to be in the path of the smoke from a brush fire, there are a couple of things you should tell your clients to do (If you are like me, I am always looking for a reason to get in front of my current and potential clients):

1. Close your windows - smoke and ash outside is bad enough, but it is worse when it gets into the house.

2. Turn your AC or Swamp Cooler OFF - this will prevent any soot in the air from getting into the system, and will allow for an easier clean up.

Vince - Ductz of North Phoenix and Deer Valley

623-262-3614

Kilter, shmilter how often should I change my filter?

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 22:59:32 -0500

Ok, a funny title for a not so humorous task. Most homeowners know that they should change their filters regularly but fail to do so. Why not, you ask...? (Top 5 responses):

1. "The filter is too high in the ceiling or wall."

2. "It is too much bother to go to the local hardware store."

3. "Didn't I just change it?"

4. "I don't know what size I need."

5. (My personal favorite) "It looks clean from down here!"

Really, the majority of the dirt in your air system is in the return (filter) side of the duct work - most of this dirt gets through or past the filters because they are dirty and clogged. Once the dirt gets up there, it is an almost unobstructed trip through the ducts and through your house. Do yourself (and your home...) a favor - change your filters often (every couple of months or so, more often if you have a lot of dust), and check the duct above the filter. If it is looking dirty (and I'm guessing it will) call DUCTZ for a free home quote - your home will be happy you did!

Vince - DUCTZ of North Phoeniz and Deer Valley

623-262-3614

Speaking of weeds, whose job is it anyway?

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 18:09:23 -0500

The subject of my blog entry for today WAS going to be controlling the outdoor environment to improve indoor air quality, but I got off on a tangent as I got to the subject of weeds. With the increase of foreclosures in Arizona (and Glendale in particular) whose job is it to clear those weeds? In my neighborhood, all you have to do is drive around and look for the weeds to find the foreclosed homes. Some of the yards of these once immaculate homes are now overwhelmed with weeds. Who is responsible to clean them up? The former home owner (I don't think so), the HOA (again, I don't think so) or the bank/lien holder? We were servicing a home just Friday when this subject came up. This has got to be a widespread problem here in the valley, and I would love to get some suggestions or solutions to address this issue.

Thanks.

Vince Divarco - DUCTZ of North Phoenix and Deer Valley

623-466-8625

Visit our website at www.ductz.com

How to pick a licensed contractor from the AZ Registrar of Contractors

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 09:39:08 -0500

Great (and very timely) info from the Arizona Registrar of Contractors site - pass the link below to any of your customers getting ready to do those home improvements ('tis the season, of course...)

http://www.azroc.gov/media/RecoveryFund/Video4X.html

Scammers prey on the lack of knowledge that most consumers have when it comes to home improvements - help your clients (and yourselves) by showing them where to get the information in your markets.

Vince Divarco

DUCTZ of North Phoenix and Deer Valley

623-466-8625

DUCTZ teams with Designing Spaces TV show!

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 18:41:02 -0500

Check out the recent short spot that was produced by DUCTZ Indoor Air Professionals and HGTV's Designing Spaces TV show. This short gives a very basic view on the hows and whys of air duct cleaning and Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). Click on the link below, and feel free to forward it to any of your clients that are thinking of getting the service done!

http://video.o2mediainc.com/videolib/2007/qrm/21186/index.html

Hopefully this post does not rate the dreaded "red x"