What is a Green Cleaning Product?

There are many brands which boast their products as environment friendly, but are they actually what they claim? That is for the consumer to decide. Looking at the positive aspect, we can easily assert that shopping stores are loaded with environment friendly cleaning products however we are often left wondering which one to pick from the heap. Most of these products would have terms like ‘green’ or ‘environment friendly’ or earth picture on it still there are no standards or guidelines defined for labeling the product as green. As a result any manufacturer can term his product as green. One exclusive US nonprofit organization – Green Seal, has developed comprehensive standards for such certification, ironically none of the manufacturers have sought this assertion as of now. In nutshell we can say that it is for the customer to think and make a suitable choice while choosing a green cleaning product.

Homemade Green Cleaning Products

It is a daunting experience to buy an item without having complete knowledge or trust on it. Since none of these green cleaning product follow the standards, to prepare your own green cleaning agents at home is a far better choice both from environment and monetary point. Some of the most common ingredients required for preparation are borax, baking soda, white vinegar, olive oil and washing soda etc. Most of these items are generic and there are wide chances that they may be already available in your house. These items are easy and effective in use, saves you from toxic chemicals which adversely affect the environment.

Commercial Green Cleaning Products

However if you are still picking a commercial green cleaning product then you should opt and use them wisely, bearing in mind the false claims of ‘Green’. Here are few tips:

• First, while using a disinfectant we should not forget that they are harsher cleaner. They sterilize the surface and so can be harmful if not applied adequately. Pick hydrogen peroxide bleach instead of chlorine or oxygen bleach as this does not contains harmful chemicals and can be certified as green cleaner.
• Secondly, choose for brands which enlist all the ingredients used in manufacturing of green cleaning products on the package. This would help you in opting for product which is most environments friendly.
• Third but most important, is to restrain using products which are toxic in nature, as these may harm the environment and your personal health to a great extent. These products are most tempting as they give best result as far as cleaning is concerned but should be judged according to their damaging side effects too.

Above are some tips for cleaning your home in healthy and green way. Saving our environment and health is becoming the prime most concern for all individuals. Green home cleaning is a tiny but important step in balancing and preserving our nature. Air duct cleaning, furnace cleaning, chimney cleaning and dryer vent cleaning are all forms of green cleaning since there are generally no chemicals used in any of the cleaning processes. Referred to by duct cleaning companies as source removal, duct cleaning is a means of extracting dirt, pet dander, construction debris and other microbial organisms from the heating and cooling systems of both businesses and homes.

A good second step might consist of a combination of education and communication in regards to an air quality management program. When everyone from building owners, company executives, maintenance personnel and the rest of the staff fully understand the importance of indoor air quality a solution is more likely to be found.
In addition to recognizing the problem and getting everyone involved, combinations of the following measures may also prove helpful:

Filtration and good ventilation:

One cost-effective means of reducing indoor pollutant levels, is increasing ventilation rates and air distribution . Heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems must be designed to meet ventilation standards in local building codes. The system should also be operated and maintained to ensure that the design ventilation rates are attained. The HVAC system should be operated to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard 62-1989. The HVAC equipment should also be maintained according to the manufaturers reccommendations. If there are strong pollutant sources, air may need to be vented directly to the outside. This method is especially recommended to remove pollutants that accumulate in specific areas such as restrooms, copy rooms, and printing facilities.

Clean-up of known pollutants:

When practical, the most effective approach to solving a known source of an indoor air quality problem is in the removal or modification of the pollutant source. Steps to achieve this might include:

• Routine maintenance of HVAC systems
• Replacing water-stained ceiling tiles and carpets
• Banning smoking or providing a separately ventilated room
• Venting contaminant source emissions to the outdoors
• Using and storing paints, solvents, pesticides, and adhesives in closed containers in well-ventilated areas
• Using those pollutant sources in periods of low or no occupancy
• Allowing time for building materials in new or remodeled areas to off-gas pollutants before occupancy.

Indoor air cleaning:

Air cleaning has some limitations, but it can be a useful addition to source control and ventilation. Air filters are only effective at removing some, not all, of the pollution. Air duct cleaning and a thorough cleaning of all the HVAC components with in the ductwork has also proven helpful. Application of a mild sanitizer should also be considered during the cleaning process.

Once the dirty air is inside the air ducts, residue and other contaminants build-up inside the ductwok. Over a period of time both organic and inorganic dust accumulates and may become a breeding ground for various microbial viruses and diseases. This build-up of contaminants inside the air ducts also contributes to the inefficiency of the HVAC system. With a lower rate of air flow through the buildings air ducts than the buildings original design, spread of these microbial organisms is hastened.

In addition to air duct cleaning, many companies consider the source of the contaminants, and additionals steps which might be taken to reduce indoor and outdoor pollutants. Some of the steps to consider might include:

• Outdoor air evaluation
• Indoor air evaluation
• Evaluation of all chemicals stored and used in the building
• Contaminents and by-products created in the production of the product or service
• How often the indoor air is recirculated
• HVAC Filtration

Although air duct cleaning by itself is seldom the solution, experts agree that not cleaning the ductwork would only hamper any of the other steps taken towards creating a healthy building environment.

Outdoor air sources:

Outdoor air which enters a building may also be a source of indoor air pollution. Pollutants from vehicle exhausts, plumbing vents, and kitchen and bathroom exhaust vents may enter the building through air intake vents, windows, and other openings. Combustion by-products can also enter a building from a nearby chimney or automotive garage.

Indoor air sources:

Pollution typically comes from sources inside the building. Adhesives, upholstery, carpeting, copy machines, manufactured wood products, cleaning agents and pesticides may emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including formaldehyde. Research shows that some VOCs can cause chronic and acute health effects at high concentrations, and some are known carcinogens. Low to moderate levels of multiple VOCs may also produce acute reactions in some individuals. Environmental tobacco smoke and combustion products from stoves, fireplaces, and unvented space heaters all can put chemical contaminants into the air. Indoor air pollution can also come from synthetic fragrances in personal care products or general cleaning and maintenance products

Biological contaminants:

Pollen, bacteria, viruses, and molds are examples of biological contaminants. These microbial agents can breed in stagnant water which has accumulated in humidifiers, drain pans, and dirty air ducts, or where water has collected on ceiling tiles, insulation, or carpet. Biological contaminants can cause allergic reactions, fever, chills, cough, chest tightness, muscle aches. Legionella, an indoor air bacterium, has caused both Pontiac Fever and Legionnaire’s Disease.

Inadequate ventilation:

Because of the oil embargo of the 1970s building designers tried to make buildings more airtight to improve energy efficiency. With less outdoor air ventilation, indoor air was recycled over and over. Energy savings were realized at the expense of stagnant air. These reduced ventilation rates have been found to be, in many cases, inadequate to maintain the health and comfort of building occupants.

Problems frequently, result when a building is used or maintained in a manner other than its original design. Sometimes poor building design or occupant activities result in indoor air problems.

Sick Building Syndrome may also increase absenteeism and reduce worker productivity.
What Are some of the Symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome?

Symptoms associated with acute discomfort are the common complaints of the building occupants. Symptoms include, but are not limited to: headaches; eye, nose, and throat irritation; a dry cough; dry or itchy skin; dizziness and nausea; difficulty in concentrating; fatigue; and sensitivity to odors. While no clinical diagnosis of disease, or contaminant can be determined as the cause of the symptoms, most of the occupants feel relief soon after leaving the building.

So what are the culprits that are causing to pollute your home environment and giving rise to many health related issues like severe allergies? Here are few of the leading causes to name just a few:

• Dust
• Pollen
• Allergens
• Pet dander
• Dust mites
• Harmful bacteria
• Viruses
• Pet odor removal: dog, cat, etc.
• Mold / mildew removal
• Cigar / cigarette smoke

Of course your systems are equipped with the traps and filters that are meant to get rid of these pollutants along with performing the core functions they are meant for. But whom to blame for if you still encounter allergic problems and especially when it gets worse if home is the place you spend most of your time??? The one word answer to the thought provoking question is ‘you’ – Yes, as a home owner it is your duty to know all the potential hazards to your family. Though all systems come with filters, claiming to purify air to a level of no contaminants at all, this is not the case when it comes to reality. Many of these allergens remain in the air with many others to accumulate at the trap and filter and clog the ducts causing the system to stop working at all at one point. Such filters need to be cleaned on regular basis in order to ensure the air you breathe in is free of pollution. The phenomenon is of more important if you are living in an area that is highly polluted or where construction is going on but it holds the crucial value if some of the family member is already suffering from allergy or showing sign symptoms of allergy. Research says dirty duct systems are main reason behind many of the allergic reactions. It may be sneezing, runny nose, breathing difficulties, coughing, asthma or skin inflammations; intensity varying from mild to severe.

Annual Duct Cleaning Recommended by Experts

It is highly recommended to clean air ducts on regular basis. Experts advise to go for a professional clean up session on annual basis; it will not only keep your family safe and healthy but also saves you from many potential losses like high electricity bills and elongated life span of the system! Schedule Minneapolis Duct Cleaning today and start breathing allergy free air.

• In Minneapolis call: (612) 234-4117
• In St. Paul call: (651) 653-4704
• In the Sout West Metro call: (952) 513-4353

First, because it isn’t practical to use water, there are really only 3 ways to clean your duct work:

1. Replace all your existing ductwork. (not very practical, and very expensive)
2. Brush and vacuum the inside of your air ducts.
3. Blow the dust out of your air ducts into a vacuum.

Since replacing ductwork is generally not very practical for most people, the first option is most likely out of the question. So that leaves the brush and vaccum method also known as Rotobrush cleaning, and the blow and vacuum method. But first, you need to understand that whichever type of air duct cleaning method you decide on, will be better than doing nothing at all.

The Rotobrush air duct cleaning method:

Imagine a portable shop vac with a soft bristled brush attched to a spining cable, which runs inside the vacuum hose. As the duct cleaners feed the vacuum hose and brush through the air ducts, a tornado-like effect is created. The brush loosens up the dirt, hair and microrganisms, while the vacuum removes it from your air ducts. The brush polishes the inner walls of the duct work to “like-new” condition. Follow the link to watch the Rotobrush air duct cleaning video.

The high pressure air-wash cleaning method:

A truck-mounted industrial vacuum is attached to the furnace. With all register vents covered, highly compressed air is blown through the air ducts. Often referred to as an “air-wand” or “air-snake”, this tool is fed through each vent, blowing the dust into the main supply line. Once all the duct lines have been blown clear, another air-wand with a reverse nozzle, resembling a hook, is fed to the end of both the hot and cold air supply lines. The dust is then drawn backwards to the vacuum.

To help illustrate the two methods of air duct cleaning, think of an automated car wash. Some carwashes only use high pressure water, while others have brushes or hanging rags. If you have a really dirty car, you have perhaps noticed that only spraying water on your car is not very effective. However, if your car is fairly clean, this type of carwash might suit your needs just fine.

The same is true with air duct cleaning. If your duct work was just cleaned last year using the rotobrush technique, the high pressure air-wash method might get your ductwork clean enough. If it has been a while since your last air duct cleaning, or if you are uncertain how long it has been, you might wnat to use the Rotobrush air duct cleaning method.

The important thing to remember when it comes to air duct cleaning is YOU should make the decision.  Make the choice without feeling pressured one way or the other. While some people clean their carpets every spring and again in the fall, others clean them only when they seem dirty. You might want to consider applying the same approach to air duct cleaning.

So why the huge disparity in prices? The answer lies somewhere between homeowner preferences and business marketing practices. For example, someone who is a very clean person that has just purchased an old home from a party that had several pets, may not care about the price. On the other hand, someone that just wants to get their ductwork cleaned because their neighbor just had it done, might only want to pay a minimal amount. Residential air duct cleaning companies know this and will base their marketing around it.

So what are the different methods? The most common are:

– Rotary vacuum brushing, with camera
- Rotary vacuum brushing
- High-pressure air washing

Rotary vacuum brushing If you or someone in your home suffers from severe allergies, you might want the re-assurance which using the camera can give you. You will know for certain that all dust, debris and grime have been removed. But be prepared to pay a price! This method is very time consuming so the technicians will not be able to see as many customers per day. Typically, these folks will come out and give you a bid. You might want to consider at what point it is better to just replace the old air ducts with new! High-pressure air washing The air-wash method is very quick and very affordable. But will it be effective enough in removing caked-on grime? Most likely not. What if you have a newer home with new duct work which still has factory-processing oils inside it? Conversely, if you just had your air ducts cleaned last year, it might not be necessary to have such a thorough job done this time. These are questions only you can answer. If you are an extremely tidy person (have you been called a neat freak before?) you might be most comfortable with the camera method. Or, if the ductwork was recently cleaned, you may prefer the high-pressure air-wash method. Most people are somewhere in between. If the company you hire is reputable and you can trust the duct cleaner to do a good job, you might want to consider using the brush cleaning method (minus the camera) first. Later, once all air ducts have been brushed, you can switch to the lower cost air-wash method.

Certainly, brushing with or without a camera, or simply using the high-pressure air-wash method is better and healthier for you and your family than doing nothing at all. Either way, you will have peace of mind, knowing that decaying pet and rodent hair and excrement will not be blowing around your house. As one company says; ‘If it’s in the air, it will soon be in your lungs’.

- What is your definition of “need”? We all know someone that lives in a filthy house, while another lives in an immaculate home. So, the dirty person may never “need” to have their air ducts cleaned. On the other hand, a tidy person might want their ductwork cleaned annually.

- You have heard the old adage “out of sight, out of mind”. Many people are unaware of what is in air ducts. Or they may feel that what is down in the air ducts can just stay there. After all, there is dirt underneath the house too, so how can you get away from it.

- What is the definition of clean? One family will have their carpets cleaned every Spring and every Fall. The next family will have their carpets cleaned only when stains are visible.

- Has anyone in their household ever suffered from allergies or other respiratory problems? This could be a huge factor. People who do suffer from allergies will tell you it is worth every penny to have air ducts cleaned annually.

So, consider the source. Is the person that says this neat and tidy? How often do they clean their refrigerator, stove, windows, drapes, etc. Are they well informed about HVAC systems? Do they gauge the condition of the entire duct work by what they see at the registers?

But wait, the man that cleaned my furnace said I never needed to clean my air ducts. Remember, he knows how to maintain furnaces, but would you trust him to tell you at what intervals you should wash your floors? Most likely not. He is simply telling you that from an equipment point of view, it is unnecessary. He might be right, but just remember he is in the business of repairing furnaces.

Which group do you identify with? When it comes to cleaning air duct work, there really are no guidelines. So, clean your air ducts when you think they should be cleaned.

Air duct cleaning is all about cleaning and maintaining the components of your heating and cooling system. Typical heating and cooling systems are composed of the following:

• Supply and Return Ducts
• Heating and Cooling Coils
• Fan Motors
• Fan Housing
• Air Handling Unit
• Heat Exchangers
• Registers
• Condensation Drip Pans

Indoor Air Can Harm Your System

The heating and cooling system in a house is prone to all sorts of pollutants that are present inside the house as the system draws inside air through the duct work from all the corners of the house. If not cleaned on regular basis these systems’ components get contaminated with dust, dirt, dirt mites, pollens, per dander, microbial growth including harmful bacteria, fungus and virus which then can be spread all across the house thus polluting the air you breathe in.

These pollutants not only slow down your heating cooling system over time but also pose dangers to your health and also put your hard earned cash at stake. You may not even know how badly these components are affecting your HVAC (heating ventilatin and air conditioning) system utilizing more energy, which shows up with an exorbitant electricity and or fuel bill. If you ignore the importance of routine duct cleaning your system may fail all together and it could be primarily due to these household pollutants. And if you are living in an area that is subjected to severe environmental conditions, neglected air ducts should be an area of great concern to you as dirty air ducts are found to be root cause of many respiratory diseases and allergy symptoms which oftentimes complicate allergies, asthma, rhinitis, conjunctivitis and dermatitis etc.

Clean Your Heating Cooling System Regularly

According to experts your air ducts should be cleaned on regular basis depending upon the usage of these systems, health of the occupants, smoking habits, pets owned and even weather conditions. An expenditure of a few hundred dollars may feel burdensome but most homeowners feel it is well worth the cost. Usually air duct cleaning services range from $100 to $300 depending upon the level of service the duct cleaning company offer, size of heating and cooling systems, climate of the area you reside in and the level of pollution indoors. Do a cost benefit analysis and you will see the benefits are manifold the cost you pay for air duct cleaning. It will reduce your electricity bills; increase the efficiency of the heating and cooling system thus enhancing its life span and above all will keep you and your family healthy and safe. Now might be a great time to get your air ducts cleaned. Call 612-234-4117 to get on the duct cleaning schedule now to find out wha’s is in your air ducts.