Chicago Air Duct Cleaning - Deals in Chicago, IL | Groupon

Full Duct Cleaning or Dryer Vent Cleaning from Duct Season (Up to 86% Off)

Technicians keep interior airspaces clean and healthy with HVAC sanitzers, duct cleaning, and dryer vent cleanings

Full Duct Cleaning or Dryer Vent Cleaning from Duct Season (Up to 86% Off)

Chicago

590+ bought

$250 $39

Air-Duct Cleaning with Option for Dryer-Vent Cleaning from Chicago Air Services (74% Off)

Techs purge ducts and dryer vents of pollutants such as fungus, bacteria, and dust mites

Air-Duct Cleaning with Option for Dryer-Vent Cleaning from Chicago Air Services (74% Off)

Chicago

320+ bought

$229.95 $59

$34 for $259 Worth of Services Chicago Supreme Ducts

From the merchant: Whole-House Air Duct Starter Pack: Unlimited Supply vents, 2 Returns, Dryer vent cleaning 21-point HVAC inspection

$34 for $259 Worth of Services Chicago Supreme Ducts

Chicago

20+ bought

$259 $34

21-Point Furnace or Air Conditioning Unit Check and Cleaning from Royal Air (55% Off)

$45 for a 21-pointair conditioning unit clean and check ($99 value)

21-Point Furnace or Air Conditioning Unit Check and Cleaning from Royal Air (55% Off)

Chicago

10+ bought

$99 $45

$45 for an Annual Air-Duct Cleaning for an Entire House from Pure Seasons Inc ($119 Value)

HVAC professionals thoroughly rid home air ducts of dust and allergens

$45 for an Annual Air-Duct Cleaning for an Entire House from Pure Seasons Inc ($119 Value)

South Itasca 20.5 mi

10+ bought

$119 $45

$39 for a Furnace Inspection and Tune-Up from SAI Heating & Cooling ($120 Value)

Technicians thoroughly inspect furnaces and ensure they are running safely and efficiently

$39 for a Furnace Inspection and Tune-Up from SAI Heating & Cooling ($120 Value)

Chicago

50+ bought

$120 $39

$39 for $280 Worth of Services us air duct cleaning chicago

From the merchant: we r offer ducts and vents cleaning , furnace and attic inspection , optional dryer vent cleaning .

$39 for $280 Worth of Services us air duct cleaning chicago

Chicago

2 bought

$280 $39

$35 for $269 Worth of Services Best Air Quality

From the merchant: Air Duct Starter Package: Unlimited Supply vents, 2 Returns, Dryer vent cleaning 21-point HVAC inspection

$35 for $269 Worth of Services Best Air Quality

Chicago

6 bought

$269 $35

$69 for Basic Air-Duct Cleaning with Furnace Inspection from Air Duct Cleaning Group ($230 Value)

Technicians rid ducts of built-up dust and dirt before checking dryer vents and furnaces for potential problems

$69 for Basic Air-Duct Cleaning with Furnace Inspection from Air Duct Cleaning Group ($230 Value)

Chicago

10+ bought

$230 $69

$99 for a Negative Pressure Cleaning Package from EM Duct Cleaning Chicago ($199 Value)

Dusty and dirty air ducts and dryer vents (side wall) are cleaned up with help from skilled techs

$99 for a Negative Pressure Cleaning Package from EM Duct Cleaning Chicago ($199 Value)

Chicago

30+ bought

$199 $99

$199 for Air-Duct Cleaning with AC and Furnace Inspection from Quality Duct Cleaning ($795 Value)

Technicians use HEPA filtration systems to clear air ducts and vents of airborne particles, including pollen, dust, and dander

$199 for Air-Duct Cleaning with AC and Furnace Inspection from Quality Duct Cleaning ($795 Value)

Chicago

140+ bought

$795 $199

$99 for Air Duct Cleaning for Unlimited Vents at Royal Air ($199 Value)

Air Duct Cleaning for Unlimited Vents

$99 for Air Duct Cleaning for Unlimited Vents at Royal Air ($199 Value)

Chicago

6 bought

$199 $99

HVAC Cleaning and Inspection from Clean Air Doctors (45% Off)

From the merchant: We will open and vacuum all supply vents under negative pressure and provide dryer vent cleaning and a furnace checkup

HVAC Cleaning and Inspection from Clean Air Doctors (45% Off)

Chicago

40+ bought

$179 $98

Air Duct and Dryer Vent Cleaning from Angels Duct Cleaning (Up to 68% Off)

Experienced technicians cleardirt, dust, and debris from ducts and dryer vents with professional equipment

Air Duct and Dryer Vent Cleaning from Angels Duct Cleaning (Up to 68% Off)

Chicago

30+ bought

$583 $189

Air-Duct and Basic Dryer-Vent Cleaning and Furnace Inspection from Angels Duct Cleaning (Up to 79% Off)

Dust and allergens are cleared from ducts and dryer vents throughout homes before the furnace or air conditioner is inspected by techs

Air-Duct and Basic Dryer-Vent Cleaning and Furnace Inspection from Angels Duct Cleaning (Up to 79% Off)

Chicago

390+ bought

$538 $159

Dryer Vent Cleaning for One or Two Stories from Silva Contracting (Up to 54% Off)

Regular vent cleaning is essential to preventing lint buildup, extending the life of a clothes dryer by years

Dryer Vent Cleaning for One or Two Stories from Silva Contracting (Up to 54% Off)

Chicago

2 bought

$199 $99

$189 for Air-Duct Cleaning for Entire Single-Furnace House from Homeservicecorner.com ($399 value)

A technician comes to your home to remove pollutants, dust, and allergens from ducts throughout the home

$189 for Air-Duct Cleaning for Entire Single-Furnace House from Homeservicecorner.com ($399 value)

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Chicago Air Duct Cleaning - Deals in Chicago, IL | Groupon

Let Superior Air Duct Cleaning help you breathe healthier with our air duct cleaning services in Pittsburgh.

Put our powerful equipment to the test. Whether you need residential air duct cleaning or commercial air duct cleaning, our state-of-the-art vacuum trucks will capture dust, mold, and other allergens that linger deep inside heating and cooling systems. Superior Air Duct Cleaning has been removing this unhealthy build-up since 2000, so we have the experience necessary to help you achieve the highest level of air quality possible.

Put your mind at ease. Our free video inspection allows us to show you the contaminants lurking in your air ducts before any work is started. You'll know exactly what you're paying for.

Put your trust in us. Superior Air Duct Cleaning maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and has receivedseveral Angie's List awards. We are NADCA certified and committed to educating the Pittsburgh community on the importance of air duct cleaning.

If you are looking for air duct cleaning services in Pittsburgh or the surrounding areas, we would love to help you.

Call us today at (724) 847-9444 or visit our website to schedule an appointment.

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Air Duct Cleaning Pittsburgh | Air Duct Cleaning Business ...

Air Duct Cleaning NJ Company Offers World-Class Service

When we started Duct Dudes nearly a decade ago, we set out with the mission to offer our customers the absolute best work and customer service. We figured that in order to be the best, it would take commitment- so we committed to providing our customers with premier air duct cleaning NJ. Our service list may not be the longest one you have ever seen, but you can rest assured that our services will be some of the best you have ever experienced. If your home or business can benefit from any of our world-class duct cleaning services, please contact us today. Our friendly representatives can be reached toll free at 1-866-Dude-911.

While every job is slightly different, here is a look at our typical air duct cleaning process.

You will not find another regional duct cleaner that is as thorough, well-trained and well-equipped as we are. To schedule your thorough Duct Dudes residential ventilation cleaning, or to inquire about our HVAC inspection service, call 866-DUDE-911 today!

Click the links below for more information:

Original post:
Air Duct Cleaning NJ | #1 Air Duct Cleaners in NJ

June 01, 2017 5 Wade did a good job. Rajeshkumar, R - Ashburn, VA December 10, 2016 3.5 Technician's e Jerroy, O - Ashburn, VA October 03, 2016 5 The only issue I had was not receiving a call the day of the service from your dispatcher as promised. This has nothing to do with the technician of the service which was fine. I did receive a confirmation call the day before but the day off which was what I was told. Michael, M - Ashburn, VA August 18, 2016 4 I think they did a very good job. I will use your services again. Virginia, A - Ashburn, VA June 14, 2016 4.3 One of the vents was opened and was not closed again, what should I do? Nimesh, B - Ashburn, VA May 17, 2016 3.8 Air ducts were cleaned well, but the dryer vents were not. While they cleaned out the dryer vent from the outside, the back of the dryer was not disconnected to clean out the duct directly connecting to the dryer. I would like them to come back and complete the job. The clothes are still damp after hours of drying. Thanks. Neeta, B - Ashburn, VA May 13, 2016 5 John and crew were amazing! My parents will be also getting their dryer vent cleaned by them soon. Sara, S - Ashburn, VA April 05, 2016 5 John and crew are a great team, they gave us very understandable explanations, and did a wonderful job. We are very pleased with the job they did. We certainly recommend them. Raymond, H - Ashburn, VA March 01, 2016 5 I learned alot today Mary, S - Ashburn, VA October 06, 2015 5 Learned about duct cleaning from a great group of professionals Henry, W - Ashburn, VA September 24, 2015 5 The technician Travis P and his team performed the services exceptionally well. They are thoroughly professional Ashwani, S - Ashburn, VA August 19, 2015 5 Carlos was great. He explained everything before, during and after. Thx Myoung hun, S - Ashburn, VA August 15, 2015 5 Superb expertise and professional. Thank you Steve, S - Ashburn, VA August 06, 2015 5 Bernard was good, provided valuable knowledge and information air ducts and the furnace. Sirisha, N - Ashburn, VA July 29, 2015 4.5 I wish the representative on the phone explains what a vent is! Srinivas, G - Ashburn, VA June 09, 2015 5 Very informative, quick. Provided information on other duct cleaning services. Definitely would recommend this team! Keven, H - Ashburn, VA May 20, 2015 5 We appreciate the service provided today.It was on time and done perfectly. Srivalli, G - Ashburn, VA February 02, 2015 5 Service was Awesome! Dileep, S - Ashburn, VA November 18, 2014 5 Terrific service and great explanation of service performed! Thank you Sandeep, E - Ashburn, VA November 01, 2014 5 When you call to confirm the appointment, you should also confirm the service ordered i.e., "We have ten vents cleaned on a one unit system; you only have one furnace correct?". Our home has two furnaces/units and because this confirmation was not done, the technicians did not have enough hose on the truck to reach our attic unit. Pamela, H - Ashburn, VA October 27, 2014 5 The Technicians that performed the Dryer Vent cleaning were very professional, efficient and knowledgeable. Ghezal, G - Ashburn, VA October 08, 2014 5 I am very happy with the job. Ajay, K - Ashburn, VA September 19, 2014 5 Great work and thanks for following up Ruth, E - Ashburn, VA August 05, 2014 5 Technicians were prompt, very professional and very courteous. Fast and very efficient service. All was explained thoroughly. Because of this level of service, I will contact Sears for future services. Thank you. Colleen, C - Ashburn, VA July 31, 2014 4 I felt I was being "oversold" on other services...creating a FUD (fear, uncertainty, doubt).They did do a great job on cleaning the ducts. Laura, W - Ashburn, VA July 25, 2014 5 They were knowledgeable and efficient. Srinivasa, P - Ashburn, VA July 11, 2014 5 They were very knowledgeable & friendly. Explained everything in detail. Zahra, K - Ashburn, VA June 30, 2014 5 This was something that had to be done immediately. The first available appointment wasn't until a week and a half. The woman who did the scheduling, and the technicians, did everything they could to help us out. Thankfully, we were able to have your technicians come out the same day. Thank you. Jacqueline, S - Ashburn, VA June 14, 2014 5 Carlos Nunez and his crew were fantastic! I appreciated Carlos's patience with my questions. Tara, J - Ashburn, VA April 03, 2014 5 Thanks alot Elizabeth ann, R - Ashburn, VA February 06, 2014 5 Notning to improve. carlos Nunez and his team did a great job. Looks like the dust has decreased. he did a great job at explaining what they did and gave good recommendations that I was happy to accommodate. Almost sounded like he treated it as his own home. I appreciated the experience. Lars, C - Ashburn, VA December 28, 2013 5 Very thorough and detailed, great explanations and making sure customer is satisfied Saleem, H - Ashburn, VA September 13, 2013 5 Lee was very professional and knowledgeable about the services we received. He was also personable and a pleasure to work with! We would reccomend his services to neighbors and friends and would use him again down the road. Great guy, efficient help, and we can breathe easier knowing our air is clean! Thanks Sears! Scott, H - Ashburn, VA August 01, 2013 5 Awesome job! Madrinna, B - Ashburn, VA July 27, 2013 5 Travis did really a good job Srinivasa, T - Ashburn, VA July 24, 2013 5 great job! keep up the good work! Michael, B - Ashburn, VA June 27, 2013 5 Great professional team. Demonstrated great knowledge and expertise. Exceeded my expectations. Thank you. Arwa, S - Ashburn, VA June 12, 2013 5 Already recommended this tech to a neighbor! Woulnd't change a thing. Lorraine, L - Ashburn, VA March 20, 2013 5 John and his team were extremely professional, informative and very respectful of the house. I would highly recommend them to anyone. This is why I am using Sears for Carpet Cleaning and additional Services. Let alone, all my major appliances are Sears as well. Joshua, N - Ashburn, VA February 22, 2013 5 Technicians were very knowledgable and provided superior customer service. I would recommend Sears service to others. Steve, C - Ashburn, VA February 08, 2013 5 Promote John to CEO. Great service, friendly, and will be recommending him to neighbors. Wish all the Sears service people were this professional and efficient. Kelvin, B - Ashburn, VA December 27, 2012 5 The crew was very professional and timely. They left everything in order. Keila, L - Ashburn, VA November 19, 2012 5 arrived on timegreat customer satisfaction Tausif, K - Ashburn, VA November 13, 2012 5 Great job Pramod, C - Ashburn, VA November 03, 2012 5 Impressed with multiple notifications throughout day updating time of arrival. Very impressed with lead technician. Lisa, M - Ashburn, VA November 03, 2012 5 The service was great. Carlos is very knowledgable and courteous. Very much appreciated his services. William, K - Ashburn, VA October 09, 2012 5 Carlos and his team were very professional. Carlos explained the work to be done, completed the work in very timely fashion, and cleaned up my home after the work was complete. David, R - Ashburn, VA October 05, 2012 5 Carlos and his team were absolutely fantastic. All were completely professional. They took the time to clearly explain everything to me, and then did a very thorough job. They didn't leave behind even the tiniest trace of mess. I would definitely have them back, and would highly recommend them to neighbors and friends! Lisa, K - Ashburn, VA August 21, 2012 5 Douglas was professional and thorough. The crew was polite and careful about banging walls and furniture. We are very satisfied with the service we received. Lenora, F - Ashburn, VA August 06, 2012 5 well done, carlos and his crew were great. Aubaor, R - Ashburn, VA July 12, 2012 5 I appreciate such honest service. Kristen, M - Ashburn, VA June 22, 2012 5 Carlos Nunez was fantastic and really knew what he was talking about! Very personable and friendly! Would definitely work with him again! Rebekah, B - Ashburn, VA June 11, 2012 5 Robert's the man Megan, M - Ashburn, VA May 07, 2012 5 no improvements. Pamela, B - Ashburn, VA May 02, 2012 5 Very good service, would highly recommend to friends and family. Praveen, K - Ashburn, VA January 09, 2012 4 Sears sent 3 guys to clean one dryer vent. Two guys worked diligently. The third stood around and made jokes and laughed. If only 2 techs had been sent, the job would have been done exactly the same and Sears could have reduced the charge for this service (which was too high to begin with.) Junith, L - Ashburn, VA December 23, 2011 5 Try to make sure that you do not mark up painted walls. Monica, C - Ashburn, VA

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Air Duct Cleaning & Dryer Vent Cleaning by Sears | Ashburn, VA

One of the most important reasons to have your air ducts cleaned is to improve the quality of your indoor air. According to NADCA, the average six-bedroom home creates approximately 40 pounds of dust that is circulated through your air vents every year. Your HVAC system is your homes way of breathing; it takes air in and exhales it back out.

Every day living, from you, your kids, and especially your pets, causes a significant amount of pollutants and contaminants that make their way into your air conditionings ducts. You can expect to find cat dander, dog hair, dust, and even chemicals being circulated throughout your house every time your air conditioner runs. In fact, when impurities make their way into your AC unit, they will be re-circulated anywhere from five to seven times a day. As this occurs, filth and grime builds up inside your ducts and contaminates the air you breathe.

Having contaminants and pollutants built up inside your air conditioning system doesnt necessarily mean that you are breathing unhealthy air; however, there is a serious concern for individuals with respiratory and other health conditions who inhale impurities. In effort to keep your indoor air quality as clean as possible, we recommend that you have your ducts professionally cleaned every two to three years.

98%

Of dangerous pollutants are too small to be removed by a standard HVAC system.

Source: CosaTron.com

See what real customers have to say about A-Z Air Duct Cleaning!

I moved into a home in Gilbert that looked like it hadnt been cleaned in 10 years, and was scared of what might be in the ducts after seeing the layer of grunge on the air filter. I called A-Z immediately to take care of that. Mike and Jacob arrived on time, and set to work. They were engaging and didnt mind my questions. They showed me before and after pictures of the vents, cleaned everything thoroughly, including vent covers and cleaned up beautifully. In short, they did a fabulous job and were very engaging to work with.

I just had service and couldnt be happier. Its been awhile since I gave someone a review so here it is. Pros- Account setup and request for service was EASY, the had AVAILABILITY for the time slot I required. Technicians, (Dainen & Joe) sent email as the dispatch had stated when they were en route to my address. Dainen & Joe showed up ON TIME, they were POSITIVE, PERSONABLE, FRIENDLY and I felt comfortable with them in my home and around my family. They WORKED HARD and my DUCTS ARE CLEAN. They look new.

Mike and Sean just came by for our annual duct cleaning and, once again, I could not be happier with their service. They were prompt, professional, and even helped fix an issue with a loose vent cover (the plaster where the screw goes in had been stripped). The fee is the cheapest weve ever found since shopping around two years ago, but this is one case in which you dont get what you pay for, you get far more. We plan to stick with the company every year for the next 27 years of our mortgage and would gladly recommend them.

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According to the EPA, the average home accumulates as much as 40 pounds of dust per year. Dust is full of more than dirt, containing everything that is in the air surrounding you. In fact, the air you breathe can cause allergies, asthma, and even make you ill.Learn More

Air Sealing is among the least understood options for your overall home HVAC efficiency. This is another effective way to protect your investment in your HVAC unit, as well as protect your air ducts and improve indoor air quality. Ultimately, this will lead you to a cleaner, less polluted home.Learn More

The Air Scrubber Plus air filtration system with ActivePure technology actively cleans the air of your home without effort on your part. This technology is proven to remove up to 99.9% of the harmful contaminants in your home using Certified Space Technology developed by NASA.Learn More

Watch the video to discover why for yourself!

As the demand for air duct cleaning has increased, so has the number of companies willing to offer their services. Yet, not all companies are ready to tackle the issue of air duct cleaning head on.Learn More

A good air duct cleaning company is one that makes use of the right tools for the right job. As there are a number of tools that are used for HVAC Cleaning, the challenge is being able to choose the right one for the job.Learn More

Getting your air ducts cleaned can be costly. But the fact that it is costly, doesnt by any stretch of imagination mean that you should let your air ducts stay dirty and contaminate the air that you breathe.Learn More

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Air Ducts & Dryer Vent Cleaning in Phoenix, AZ | A-Z Air Duct

Headquartered in Garner (Raleigh Suburb), North Carolina, Effect Energy provides technical consulting and certification services for residential and commercial construction to builders, architects, developers, and homeowners in North Carolina and the surrounding areas.Effect Energy provides residential clients with a range of services for both new and existing properties. Using energy efficiency, water efficiency, indoor air quality, waste and resource management and environmental impact as our guiding principles, we can provide sensible and cost-effective solutions to meet your energy management and sustainability requirements. We offer independent inspection and testing of new or existing homes in order to provide RESNET's home energy rating. Effect Energy provides (as applicable) the following:* Measurements and takeoff of existing homes to ensure accurate input values* Verification of designs on new homes to ensure predefined efficiency standards will be met* Inspection of the initial framing during construction* Thermal enclosure inspection to be performed after insulation and prior to Sheetrock* Final inspection (building envelope leakage test/HVAC system leakage test)* Final product folder, including certificate, diagnostic summary, label, window sticker, maintenance and sustainability information and congratulatory letter We offer independent inspection and testing of new homes in order to meet Energy Star's qualification requirements. Effect Energy provides the following:* Verification of designs to ensure that Energy Star efficiency standards will be met* Marketing material* Training where required* Inspection of the initial framing during construction* Thermal bypass inspection to be performed after insulation and prior to Sheetrock* Final inspection (building envelope leakage test/HVAC system leakage test)* Final certification, including Energy Star certificate, diagnostic summary, label, window sticker, maintenance and sustainability information and congratulatory letter* Data tabulated for display of accountability and continuous improvement We also offer independent inspection and testing of new homes in order to meet NAHBGreen's qualification requirements. Effect Energy provides the following:* Verification of designs to ensure ENERGY STAR efficiency standards will be met (one integral facet of green building)* Marketing material* Training where required* Notification of scheduled rough and final Inspection to NAHBGreen* Inspection of the initial framing during construction* Thermal bypass inspection to be performed after insulation and prior to Sheetrock includes verification and confirmation of points* Final inspection (building envelope leakage test/HVAC system leakage test) and complete the final verification report* Final certification, including NAHBGreen and Energy Star certificate, diagnostic summary, label, window sticker, maintenance and sustainability information and congratulatory letter* Data tabulated for display of accountability and continuous improvement We do comprehensive energy evaluations of existing homes to ensure clients are given an independent expert assessment of their unique situation. Effect Energy provides customized evaluations to meet specific needs that include, but are not limited to, the following:* Building science basics (class is conducted during evaluation)* Building envelope leakage testing (blower door)* HVAC system leakage test (duct tester)* Site evaluation (11-point inspection)* Comprehensive report We do comprehensive energy retrofit of existing homes. Effect Energy provides customized retrofit measures to meet specific needs that include, but are not limited to, the following:* Sealed crawlspace* Radiant barrier* Insulation remediation* Duct sealing/replacement* Duct cleaning* Water heater and pipe insulation* Complete air sealing* Complete lighting remediationOur mission is to promote and provide excellent viable solutions for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainability, servicing both residential and commercial industries.

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The 10 Best Duct Cleaning Services in Greensboro, NC 2017

If you touch museum interactive screens, wash your hands afterward. Thats what experts say in an era when museum visitors are increasingly encouraged to handle iPads and other interactives. Staffers tend to clean those daily at best, although researchers have found that digital screens may harbor more bacteria than toilet seats.

There are plenty of documented cases of infections likely being transmitted by objects, such as rails, phones and clothing, says Jonathan Eisen, a microbiology and immunology professor at the University of California at Davis School of Medicine.

Many overestimate the risk of contracting germs by touching pathogen-rich communal objects, but it is important to realize it is not zero, Eisen says. After swiping a screen, museum visitors should wash their hands with soap and water before touching their mouths, eyes or noses. They should also avoid touching their organs directly to the screens.

That is, dont lick the museum iPad or screen, Eisen says.

Parents might want to avoid having young children who cant help touching their eyes, noses or mouths touch germy objects. During flu season, maybe museums should wash shared objects more often than otherwise, Eisen says.

Christopher Mason, an associate professor at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York who has studied subways and high-trafficked public spaces in dozens of cities, is less concerned. You are effectively just shaking hands with more people, he says. And Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institutes of Healths National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, cautions about driving yourself a little bit to anxiety worrying about things like hotel door knobs.

You can get around all of this by just washing your hands as frequently as you can, Fauci says. Im sure theres a finite risk, probably extremely small.

But even slight risks are scary, notes Neal Johnson, chair of the American Alliance of Museums media and technology professional network and senior digital projects manager at the Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin.

Nobody wants to be responsible for spreading the next epidemic, he says.

At the Newseum in Washington, everything is wiped down especially the current virtual-reality Berlin Wall interactive display, says Scott Williams, the chief operating officer. Museums know most visitors arent going to want to put something on their ears unless its been insanely cleaned, he says. (Williams keeps wet wipes at his desk and cleans his phone constantly.)

During flu season, the Newseum washes devices that visitors handle on a daily basis, Williams says. Thats also the policy at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, the International Spy Museum and the National Building Museum. At the Smithsonians museums, there is nothing special about the way we wipe screens, spokeswoman Linda St. Thomas says. Its the same as you do at home.

Visitors to the National Museum of Natural History can handle about 50 interactive screens, says Elizabeth Musteen, chief of exhibit production. The museum uses screens where necessary to tell certain stories, as in the ocean chemistry display. If you say the words ocean chemistry visitors are like, Im on vacation! she says.

Musteen, who has worked at the museum for 21 years, often sees parents pull children away from interactives. People cant resist touching a screen, she says. And some are so conditioned to touch screens that she sees them touch non-interactive displays.

About 30percent of the museums 7million visitors each year tend to interact somewhat with touchable screens, she estimates, and about 10 percent use them for long enough to gain significantly meaningful experiences. Thats 700,000 people each year touching screens, which Musteen says are typically cleaned every morning.

We do try to mitigate the germ issue, she says. I think a lot of people dont think about it, like they dont think about trying on a pair of sunglasses at Target.

Musteen has asked her young children not to put their heads in those viewing stations at other museums. But when there was a flu outbreak and she and colleagues worried that theyd have to restock hand sanitizer dispensers regularly at the museum, that proved unfounded.

The cynics among us thought theyd be empty every 30 minutes, but they werent, Musteen says. When the museum opens its May 2018 exhibit Outbreak, there will be touch screens and hand sanitizer dispensers, she says.

At the National Gallery of Art, acoustiguides are cleaned after each use, and the media team cleans exhibition touch screens during daily rounds, with thorough cleanings weekly as needed, spokeswoman Anabeth Guthrie says.

Building Museum staffers clean iPads daily with wipes we get from Staples, spokeswoman Emma Filar says. Workers are directed to keep an eye on surfaces like iPads to clean as needed during the day and they talk to materials manufacturers about how to clean objects in exhibitions, such as its 2015 installation The Beach and its current Wright on the Walls show.

At the Capitol Visitor Center, the maintenance staff cleans screens every evening, and we have Purell stations around the building, says Laura Trivers, a spokeswoman.

The Spy Museum staff hasnt had great luck with iPads and recently retired a display, says youth education director Jacqueline Eyl. People want an experience thats unparalleled in everything they do today in their leisure time, especially with ticket prices, she says.

Eyl is skeptical of virtual reality interactives in museums due to germs. I dont want to have to clean the goggles, she says. The headphones are kind of use at your own [risk]. ... Theres a certain grodiness that you have to think about with high visitation and germs.

Changes in cleaning routines during flu season havent come up at the museum, which has an enclosed air vent through which visitors crawl. I suppose maybe they should, Eyl says.

Johnson, of the Austin museum, is less concerned about VR displays. When he goes to trade shows, Johnson often sees the people running virtual reality stations conspicuously wipe helmets after each use. Ive never heard anybody else worry about it until now, he says.

At this years South by Southwest conference, which was dominated by virtual reality, that wasnt the case. I didnt see a single wipe down in between uses, and I didnt see anybody who cared, he says.

But germs have the Newseums Williams wondering if museums should encourage visitors when possible to download extra content onto their phones. That way, theyre using their own devices, he says.

Several museums staffers questioned the practicality of cleaning screens after each use, but thats just what happens with bleach-free Lysol or Clorox wipes with the iPads that the Detroit Institute of Arts staffers hand out to visitors at the museums Rivera Court. And with other tools, spokeswoman Christine Kloostra says, attending staff is known to periodically clean those devices in the midmorning or afternoon downtime.

Read more:
Can high culture make you sick? - Washington Post

The National Air Duct Cleaners Association launches a consumer campaign to protect homeowners from scams

MOUNT LAUREL, N.J (PRWEB) August 10, 2017

The Federal Trade Commission estimates that Americans lost more than $4 billion to fraud and scams during the last five years. To combat scammers and fraudulent companies taking advantage of unsuspecting homeowners within the growing air duct cleaning industry, NADCA developed an anti-fraud task force, which established the Breathing Clean initiative.

The goals of the Breathing Clean campaign are to:

Educate homeowners about the benefits of air duct cleaning and the importance of hiring a NADCA member company to perform the services.

Be a resource to homeowners, providing helpful information including tips for hiring a reputable air duct cleaning company and easy-to-understand instructions for making sure the job is done right.

Provide NADCA members with tools that will help with communicating to current and potential customers.

"Cheaper isn't always better and if deals seem too good to be true, they probably are," said Mark Zarzeczny, Certified Air Systems Cleaning Specialist (ASCS) and Chair of NADCA's Anti-Fraud Task Force. "NADCA members follow a higher standard and when done correctly, HVAC cleaning can be very beneficial."

As the leading authority in the field, NADCA developed a standardthe ACRfor the assessment, cleaning and restoration of HVAC systems, consisting of practical, industry-backed information for guiding the cleaning and restoration of HVAC systems to a specific level of cleanliness and evaluating and verifying the cleanliness of system components.

"By hiring a NADCA member to perform air duct cleaning and HVAC system cleaning services, you know you're hiring someone who pledges to follow the ACR and NADCA's Code of Ethics," added Zarzeczny.

To get started, NADCA encourages homeowners to visit breathingclean.com to watch videos and browse resources such as the homeowner's guide for proper cleaning methods. You can also find a NADCA-certified professional near you at nadca.com/find-a-professional.

About Breathing Clean:Breathing Clean is an initiative developed by NADCA, the National Air Duct Cleaners Association, created as an extension of the association's Anti-Fraud Task Force. For helpful tools and tips for hiring an air duct cleaning company, visit breathingclean.com and follow Breathing Clean on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

About NADCA: The HVAC Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Association, otherwise known as the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) was formed in 1989 as a non-profit association of companies engaged in the cleaning of HVAC systems. NADCA's mission is to represent qualified companies engaged in the inspection, maintenance and restoration of HVAC systems, promote source removal as the only acceptable method of cleaning, establish industry standards for the association, and assist NADCA members in providing high quality service to their customers. With over 1,200 members, NADCA is made up of a diverse group of HVAC industry professionals, including air systems cleaning specialists, mold remediators, and HVAC inspectors. To learn more, visit http://www.nadca.com

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Media Contact: Caitlin McWilliamsMarketing & Communications Manager856-642-4218cmcwilliams(at)AHredchair(dot)com

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NADCA Reminds Homeowners That Cheaper Isn't Always Better ... - Benzinga

By Tim RobbFrom the August 2017 Issue

You likely hear the term indoor air quality (IAQ) frequently when it comes to facility management, but do you recognize exactly what this means for building occupants and the overall bottom line? IAQ refers to air quality within and around buildings and structures, commonly as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 90% of our time is spent indoors. Now think about the occupants in your buildings and imagine invisible pollutants, debris, and bacteria in the air and how those can impact their health.

Facility managers face a lot of pressure when it comes to maintaining IAQ and implementing proper practices and prevention measuresand for good reason. The impact of poor IAQ hits on many factors important to facility management. Two to focus on include the health and safety of occupants and a buildings energy efficiency.

There are immediate and long-term health effects from poor IAQ. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) states these can range from minor irritations, such as headaches and dizziness, to serious issues such as respiratory diseases, heart disease, and cancer.

A big contributor to the increased pressure on facility managers is the recent deadly outbreaks of Legionnaires disease throughout the country and the approval of ASHRAE Standard 188-2015. The disease is caused by Legionella bacteria that can grow within a buildings water system and spread via droplets of water in the air. Cooling towers are one of the more common sources of Legionella. And while cooling towers are primarily located outside, the CPSC says the contaminants can enter a building through ventilation systems, door openings, windows, and other similar areas. The ASHRAE standard puts a greater amount of responsibility on facility management to take proper steps to inspect and maintain systems to minimize the risk of Legionnaires disease.

Bjarne Olesen, chairperson for the International Center for Indoor Environment and Energy in Denmark and 2017-18 ASHRAE president, conducted a study that indicated that limiting pollution sources and making improvements to air quality can increase employee performance by 5% to 10%. A study by William Fisk with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that reducing Sick Building Syndrome (allergies, asthma, and respiratory issues) by 20% to 50% could result in savings between $10 billion and $100 billion nationwide through prevention of productivity loss, sick days, and costs for medical care.

Many things influence the quality of indoor air including deteriorating building materials and outdoor sources, but one common cause (and one more easily maintained) is a buildings central heating and cooling system. Proper maintenance and upkeep of HVAC systems can go a long way to improving IAQ. The good news is, by performing routine maintenance and cleaning on heating and cooling systems, you can reduce the risk of indoor air pollution from certain sources, while also keeping equipment running efficiently.

Here are some best practices for maintenance teams to use to take steps toward improved indoor air quality.

Coil cleaning: Dirty coils waste energy and money. Without proper cleaning, air conditioning coils in the air handlers can become breeding grounds for mold and mildew growthboth of which are large contributors to poor IAQ.

Air duct cleaning: Dirty ducts can be a common cause of indoor air pollutants. Because duct surfaces are hidden from view, these are easily forgotten and can accumulate dust, pollen, mold, and more. These in turn can collect on coils and recirculate. Much like dirty coils, dirty ducts can cause the system to run longer which raises energy costs. A thorough duct cleaning every three to five years will keep your system in great working condition. There are several tools for duct cleaning including vacuums, agitation devices, and duct isolation equipment.

Cooling tower cleaning: Cooling towers are used to cool water in air conditioning systems, but they are also a breeding ground for Legionella and other bacteria. Infected towers can spread bacteria into facilities through ventilation and entrances. Many facilities dont equate the direct connection between IAQ and tower maintenance, and the importance of keeping a cooling tower maintained regarding the energy efficiency of a buildings cooling system. Inspecting cooling towers monthly helps prevent sediment, scale, and slime buildup; if these residues are found during inspection, they can be easily cleaned with tower vacuums to avoid shutting down or draining the system.

Cooling tower water treatments: When it comes to cooling towers, water treatment is very important in supporting system efficiency and good indoor air quality. Simply put, cooling towers are big air scrubbers. Outside air that is drawn into the tower is contaminated with pollutants, which then build up causing conditions for bacterial growth. Throughout the cooling system, the pollutants are precipitated out of the water and are dispersed into the air, or adhere to chiller tube walls, leaving a breeding ground for organisms and bacteria if not properly controlled. Chemical water treatments can protect against these issues helping manage scale, corrosion, and controlling growth of harmful bacteria that can, in advanced cases, cause serious health implications such as Legionnaires disease.

Filter replacement and selection: Air filters are often the first line of defense in protecting indoor air from outside pollutants. Its important to select the appropriate air filter for the system. Most filters have a MERV rating, which stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. This rating is measured from 1 (the lowest) to 16 (the highest) and can be a great indication to the quality of the filter you choose. Filters with MERV ratings between 14 and 16 are recommended.

Chemicals review: It is important to follow EPA and OSHA guidelines and restrictions when using chemical treatments for cooling towers, as well as referring to SDS sheets and following all safety procedures. Make sure the chemicals used have been scientifically tested and are labeled for the specific cleaning process being performed. It is also important to check that these chemicals work effectively to protect the indoor air from contamination. Simple chemical disinfectants like chlorine are insufficient to fight against bacteria and pollutants.

When it comes down to it, facility executives and their teams are at the forefront of costs savings and occupant safety. Through proactive maintenance of HVAC systems, occupant health and productivity along with energy efficiency can be expected to benefit.

Robb is vice president of marketing and strategic business development for Goodway Technologies, a Stamford, CT-based manufacturer and global distributor of maintenance solutions for systems, plants, and facilities.

Do you have a comment? Share your thoughts in the Comments section below or send an e-mail to the Editor at [emailprotected]

A BOMI-accredited session onNext Gen FMwill be held at the inaugural Facility Executive Live!, a new one-day conference presented by Facility Executive magazine on October 3rd in Chicago.Click here to learn more.

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Concerned With Poor IAQ? - Facility Executive Magazine

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What are the biggest wasteful buys that you "probably" don't need? Kevin Brasler, Chicago Consumers' Checkbook's executive editor, broke it all down WGN Morning News Tuesday.

First on the list --air-duct cleaning. Brasler admits that air-duct cleaning is actually unnecessary unless you have a more serious problem, like mold.

"It's nonsense. The little independent research that has been done on air-duct cleaning shows that actually stirring up that dust can worsen your home," he said. "Most of us just don't need to do it."

Amazon Prime, dry-cleaning, and fitness trackers were also a part of the tally. According to Brasler, most people pay for Amazon Prime for the free 2-day shipping benefit. However, since anything over $25 qualifies for free 2-day shipping, the annual $99 membership cost might not be worth spending.

Dry-cleaning is equally as wasteful. Unless your clothing specifies "dry-clean only," other garments can likely be hand-washed or machine-washed, he said.

As for fitness trackers, Brassler recommends just using your smartphone, as the two devices often do the same exact thing.

"I found that when I'm hiking, my iPhone does just as good a job as any other fitness tracker in terms of keeping track of miles," said Brasler.

The next one might be a shocker... it certainly was for WGN's Robin Baumgarten! According to Brasler, certain medical tests and procedures are actually unneeded.

"Not all of them, but experts are finding that about 30 percent of the medical tests and procedures that we buy these days are wasteful," he said. "There's actually a fairly new initiative called 'Choosing Wisely...they're trying to educate people about how you know a lot of these tests are just unnecessary."

To check out Brasler's "50 Things You (Probably) Shouldnt Pay For," go to theChicago Consumers' Checkbook website!

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5 things you (probably) shouldn't pay money for - WGN-TV