Tag: HVAC service

Mold Removal – How to Get Rid of Mold in Your Home

Sonny Lawrence

Like an unwanted house guest, mold can be difficult to remove. Most cleaning products only provide a temporary fix.

Mold Removal Salt Lake City is a multistep process that involves identifying and eliminating the cause of the mold growth. Before the professionals arrive, you can prepare your home for mold removal by taking a few precautions.

Mold is insidious and will cling to anything moist, including walls, ceilings, carpeting, paper, and furniture. It can also infiltrate drywall and other porous materials, destroying them as it grows. It needs only two elements to grow — a food source (organic material like cotton, leather or wood) and moisture. Even a small amount of water left in a shower drain, condensation from faulty windows, or a leaky roof can be enough to start the growth process. Mold can cause several health problems, especially for those who are sensitive to it or have weakened immune systems.

It’s important to take action as soon as a mold problem occurs. The longer you let it go, the more it will spread and the harder it will be to get rid of.

The first step in mold removal is to stop the growth by removing any water and moisture sources. Check the affected area for pipes or other water and moisture issues, dry all items as quickly as possible and clean any non-porous surfaces that are affected by mold with soap and water. Follow the instructions on any cleaning products you use, as they will vary. Porous materials that are infested with mold should be discarded, as they will not be able to be thoroughly cleaned and may contain hazardous spores.

If you’re planning to do the cleanup yourself, it’s important to wear personal protective equipment, such as rubber gloves, safety glasses and a mask rated to filter out mold spores. The very act of interacting with mold disturbs its spores and sends them into the air, where they can cause allergic reactions in some people. If you’re not comfortable handling the job yourself, call in the professionals.

Make sure your remediation team follows all appropriate guidelines and regulations, such as those of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists or the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification. In addition, they should carry liability insurance specifically covering mold cleanup and restoration. They should also have experience with the particular type of mold you’re dealing with and understand how to deal with it effectively.

Identifying the Source of the Moisture

Mold grows in damp environments, and it thrives on spores that are released into the air. The spores can be found in house dust, on fabric, and in furniture. They can also be ingested, leading to several health issues, including allergies and respiratory problems. Mold growth can be prevented by controlling moisture indoors.

The first step in identifying the source of the moisture is to do a visual inspection of the area. In addition to the obvious stains and discolorations, look for signs of moisture that are less obvious, such as warped wood and sagging floors. The source of the moisture may be a result of leaks, condensation or flooding.

Once the problem has been identified, a professional should be hired to conduct a thorough inspection and provide recommendations for remediation. The professional should be certified by a recognized mold remediation body and have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as environmental science, biology or horticulture.

It is also important to use the right cleaning products for a particular mold infestation. Some products are intended for surface mold, while others are specifically designed for deep-seated infestations. Eco-friendly options are available, as well, that can be used safely without compromising the integrity of the affected surfaces or the health and safety of the occupants.

In many cases, a professional will recommend the removal of porous materials and items that have been damaged by the mold, such as carpeting, clothing, plaster and drywall. This will help to prevent the spread of mold spores and other contaminants.

It is essential that the appropriate protective gear be worn when conducting a mold removal project. This includes a respirator mask, gloves and goggles. Inhaling mold spores can cause respiratory problems, and skin contact can lead to allergic reactions and rashes. It is also important to wear disposable clothing, as removing mold can be messy. This will minimize the amount of spores that are transported to other areas of the property and into the home or business of the person performing the work.

Killing the Mold

Molds need two elements to thrive: moisture and a food source. Mold spores can live deeply inside items, including wood and the cellulose in plasterboard, making it hard to kill all of them with bleach or peroxide. Plus, even if you wipe away all the visible spores, the hidden roots can survive and come back.

That’s why it’s important to find and eliminate the root cause of the problem. It’s also why cleaning and dusting your home regularly is so important. Keeping organic material from building up helps prevent the formation of mold and mildew.

Once the source of the problem is taken care of, it’s time to deal with the mold itself. You can start by using a bleach solution. A solution of one part bleach to three parts water is typically effective. This will remove both the spores and the color from the wall. Be sure to wear appropriate safety equipment, including gloves, eye protection and a mask, as you work to avoid breathing in the spores.

If the mold is still there after cleaning, you can try sanding. This will usually make the area safe enough to return to, but if it’s still there after that, you may need to use a commercial-grade antimicrobial spray. This will kill the spores and sterilize porous materials like wooden wall studs.

Finally, if the mold is still present, you can hire a professional to do mold remediation. This will involve spraying an EPA-approved biocide on the affected area to eradicate the mold. It’s a two-step process because they’ll also need to clean the area and treat any non-porous items, like metal or tile, to ensure that the mold doesn’t come back. Once the area is cleaned and treated, they’ll also use an ozone machine to sterilize the air. The ozone will also kill the spores and help to re-establish a clean, healthy environment. You’ll then be able to return to your home and feel confident that the mold is gone. You can also ask for regular health checks after the treatment to make sure the mold spores haven’t caused any health problems.

Remediating the Area

Mold is a type of fungus that can grow in almost any environment that has enough moisture, food, and space. It is most often found in areas that get frequent condensation, such as bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and attics. Mold can be a very serious health risk, especially for individuals with weak immune systems or breathing problems like asthma. If left untreated, it can grow to the point where it is affecting indoor air quality and even structural damage. To prevent mold from occurring, it is important to make sure there is proper ventilation in moisture-prone rooms and to fix any leaks or water damage immediately.

The first step in mold remediation is to have a trained professional assess the situation. They will determine how far the mold has spread, what kind of damage it has caused, and how much work will be needed to get it under control. This can range from simply cleaning up the visible area of spores to completely demolishing walls and other structures that have been compromised.

Once the inspection is complete, the restoration company will start to clean. This will involve using various chemicals to remove all of the spores from the affected surfaces. They may also use a variety of different tools to scrub and wipe the surfaces. For more stubborn spots, a mold inhibitor coating can be applied to the surface after it has been thoroughly cleaned.

A final moisture, odor, and environmental test is usually performed to ensure that the space is back to a normal fungal ecology level before clearance can be given. Once this has been completed, the containment and protective coverings will be removed, and items that were saved can be placed back in place.

Trying to remove a small patch of mold yourself without eliminating the source of the moisture is usually a waste of time. It will simply come back as soon as there is more moisture in the area. Instead, it is best to hire a certified mold remediation specialist to get the job done quickly and correctly. They will be able to prevent future mold growth by fixing the source of the moisture and implementing proper ventilation. They can also recommend any necessary repairs and help you choose the right materials for your home.

How to Prevent AC Repair

Sonny Lawrence

A well-functioning AC unit is essential to home comfort. However, it is not immune to breakdowns. HVAC maintenance is essential to preventing breakdowns and minimizing their impact.

If your AC system isn’t producing cold air or making loud noises, there could be an issue with the cooling cycle or a faulty component. The good news is, many of these issues can be resolved with simple AC Repair.

Dirty evaporator coils can cause a variety of AC problems, including low cooling power, uneven heating in homes and offices, and increased energy bills. Fortunately, this is a problem that can easily be prevented with routine cleanings and proper installation practices.

The evaporator coil in your air conditioning unit is responsible for dissipating heat, so it’s no surprise that this part of the system is susceptible to clogs and other issues. The simplest reason for this is simply a build-up of dust and dirt, but there are other potential causes as well. These include poor installation and lack of regular maintenance.

When dust and dirt accumulate on the evaporator coil, they create an insulating layer that inhibits heat transfer. The cooling process is hindered, and the system will have to work harder and longer to achieve the same results. This is a sure sign that the evaporator coil needs to be cleaned.

In addition to reducing efficiency, dirty coils can also lead to an increase in moisture inside your air conditioner. This moisture serves as a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and other microorganisms that affect indoor air quality. It can also clog the coil fins, further impeding heat transfer and lowering cooling efficiency.

If you notice any of these symptoms, the first thing to do is turn off your AC and unplug it from the power source. Next, use a can of compressed air to blow away any large particles of debris from the coil surface. You can also clean the fins with a soft brush to remove any built-up dirt and grime. Just be careful not to damage the delicate coil fins with too much pressure.

If you don’t feel comfortable opening up your AC unit, you can call a professional. An experienced HVAC technician can inspect the unit and determine if the evaporator coil is dirty. They can then perform the necessary cleaning and maintenance to ensure your air is clean and conditioned. They may also recommend replacing the air filter to help prevent future build-up, as well as checking the refrigerant level to make sure it’s at the correct level.

Failed Contactor

There’s a lot of electrical circuitry in an air conditioning system, and even the smallest failure of a single component can cause an entire system to fail. There are some components that are more likely to experience problems than others, and two of these are the capacitor and contactor – an electrical tag team that work closely together to power up your AC.

The contactor is the component that controls the flow of electricity to the compressor and condenser fan motor in an air conditioning unit. The contactor can get stuck in either the open or closed position, resulting in your AC running nonstop (even when your thermostat is set to “off”).

If you suspect that your contactor has failed, you should start by turning off the power to your AC. This should be done at both the thermostat and breaker box to prevent shock risks.

Next, remove the cover from your outdoor unit to expose the wiring connections. You should find a small, black rectangle that looks like a drawbridge that opens and closes to make or break power supply lines. The contacts within the contactor are connected by metal strips that allow the current to pass through – these can wear down or become welds over time, causing the contacts to fail.

A failing contactor can also produce a rapid clicking noise as it rapidly tries to engage and disengage. This can also lead to visible signs of overheating or a burnt smell, alerting you that it’s time for a replacement.

The arcing that occurs when the contactor fails to engage or disengage causes heat to melt cable insulation and even weld your contactor’s metal contacts together. As a result, your contactor might be visibly damaged, or you may notice that the plastic coating has melted away. In addition to these visual indicators, your contactor might also sound distorted or buzzy when it is defective. These sounds are due to the failure of your AC contactor’s contacts, and they can cause the entire unit to fail. You should call a professional immediately to replace your AC contactor if you hear these sounds.

Failed Blower Motor

Your blower motor is an essential part of your air conditioning system, circulating heated or cooled air throughout the entire home. If it is failing, your system won’t operate as intended. A common sign of a failing blower motor is weak airflow from your home’s vents. This may indicate that the motor is clogged, needs a new capacitor, or is nearing the end of its life. A licensed HVAC technician can determine if this is the case and recommend an appropriate repair solution.

Unusual Noises

Another sign that your blower motor is beginning to fail is unusual sounds that it makes while running. You might hear squealing or rattling noises, which could indicate that the bearings are getting worn out and need to be replaced. A loud banging sound may also occur if something inside the blower is loose or broken. In any event, these sounds should be investigated as soon as possible to avoid a more serious problem in the future.

Increasing Energy Bills

If your electric bills are suddenly higher than usual, it’s possible that the blower motor is struggling to circulate enough air and overheating. The motor uses a lot of power to function, so overheating can cause it to shut down until the motor cools down. This can be very expensive, especially if the motor is at the end of its life and isn’t functioning well.

Before attempting any repairs on your blower motor, it’s important to turn off the power supply to the unit to prevent injury or damage. The best way to do this is to find the red reset button, which is usually located on the back of the blower motor and will pop out if you push it. Once you’ve done this, you can remove the cover and let the blower motor cool down to a safe temperature. From there, you can inspect the motor for signs of wear and tear. If you see any, consider replacing the capacitor or lubricating the bearings to get it back in working condition. The blower motor is an essential component of your air conditioning and heating systems, so it’s important to keep it in good condition to ensure that your home is comfortable all year round.

Failed Thermostat

Thermostats are an important piece of equipment that help your AC and heater function properly. However, like any other electrical device they can break down from wear and tear or from a failure due to a variety of issues. It can be frustrating when your thermostat breaks down, especially in the middle of a hot summer or cold winter. But before you call for AC repair, there are a few things you should try. First, make sure the batteries are fresh. This is a simple task that takes less than a minute. Then, if the display on your thermostat is dark or blank, check the circuit breaker to see if it has been tripped. If it has, simply flipping it back on may fix your problem.

You should also clean your thermostat regularly to prevent dust and dirt from causing problems. To do this, turn off the power source and remove the cover. Then, using a brush or compressed air, clear any dust or debris from around and inside the thermostat. It is a good idea to perform this once a year. Another way to keep your thermostat from malfunctioning is to schedule regular furnace and air conditioner maintenance visits. During these visits, your certified technician will test the wiring connections and catch any signs of wear or damage to your thermostat that could lead to a failure.

Faulty wiring is a common cause of thermostat failure. If the wires connecting the thermostat to your HVAC system are loose, dirty, or disconnected, they won’t be able to communicate. Thermostats also tend to get worn out over time, especially if they are exposed to excessive wear or a lot of power surges.

A failed thermostat can cause your HVAC system to short-cycle, which can increase your energy bills and reduce your comfort. If your thermostat isn’t working the way it should, contact SuperTech and we will help you resolve the issue. We have a team of trained and experienced technicians that can diagnose the problem, offer technical solutions, and help you save money and stay comfortable all year round.