Do you need to have the HVAC ducts in your home cleaned? (DepositPhotos)

Duct cleaning has become popular in recent years, with commercial cleaning services popping up everywhere. But is the service worth it, or is it a scam? Heres some information to help you decide whether or not your home might benefit from having the HVAC ducts in your house cleaned.

Professional duct cleaning services use specialized blowers, vacuums, and brushes to clean out the supply, intake, and return ducts throughout your home. Duct cleaning should also involve a thorough cleaning of the air handler, registers, grilles, fans, motors, housings, and coils of the HVAC system.

Theres no research at present proving that routine duct cleaning improves the air quality or reduces dust in your home. There is, however, evidence that dirty heating and cooling coils, motors, and air handling units can make your HVAC unit less efficient.

While duct cleaning alone doesnt seem that necessary, there are cases where cleaning the HVAC unit and ductwork could be useful.

Due to growing concerns about indoor air quality, its easy to convince homeowners that their ducts need cleaning. But unless ducts are really dirty, theres no reason to clean them. The EPA takes a similar stance on the issue, recommending cleaning only if the ducts and HVAC unit are contaminated.

If done properly, duct cleaning doesnt hurt; but its not something that needs to be on your regular home maintenance list. You probably dont need to have your ducts and HVAC system cleaned unless:

Originally posted here:
Air Duct Cleaning: Scam or Worth It? - Today's Homeowner

The clothes dryer is found in almost every home. We use it weekly if not daily. Its main purpose is to take the heat and moisture out of your 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.

There is much more to it than meets the eye and you can potentially have a house fire if you are not aware of how to clean your dryer vent thoroughly Cleaning the exterior dryer vent is not the same as cleaning the lint catch or screen inside the dryer.

The dryer vent is an exhaust pipe that vents hot air to the outside. Vents can go long distances and are generally installed with bends. The bends create places where lint can collect, and birds can nest. It important to keep the vent clean and properly maintained, said Rebecca Derendal, owner of Arizona Chimney & Air Ducts, a Rosie-Certified Partner.

The clothes dryer is found in almost every home. We use it weekly if not daily. Its main purpose is to take the heat and moisture out of your 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.

There is much more to it than meets the eye and you can potentially have a house fire if you are not aware of how to clean your dryer vent thoroughly Cleaning the exterior dryer vent is not the same as cleaning the lint catch or screen inside the dryer.

The dryer vent is an exhaust pipe that vents hot air to the outside. Vents can go long distances and are generally installed with bends. The bends create places where lint can collect, and birds can nest. It important to keep the vent clean and properly maintained, said Rebecca Derendal, owner of Arizona Chimney & Air Ducts, a Rosie-Certified Partner.

A dirty and full dryer vent can cause:

Appliance Inefficiency: the dryer will run longer than necessary.

Wear and Tear: A dryer taking twice as long to dry clothes will cut its lifetime in half and lead to expensive repairs.

Carbon Monoxide: Gas dryers that are not exhausting correctly can cause carbon monoxide in the home.

Obstructions: Nests, dryer sheets, and pieces of clothes tangles with lint blocks the vent.

The most serious consequence of not keeping the dryer vent clean is fire and property damage. A dirty dryer and/or vent can ignite as a result of overheating and overworked safety controls.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration:

2,900 home clothes dryer fires are reported each year and cause an estimated 5 deaths, 100 injuries, and $35 million in property loss.

Failure to clean the dryer (34 percent) is the leading cause of home clothes dryer fires.

More home clothes dryer fires occur in the fall and winter months, peaking in January.

The Consumer Product Safety Commissions safety report, Overheated Clothes Dryers Can Cause Fires, recommends to check the dryer vent and exhaust vent periodically to ensure that exhaust air is completely escaping.

Every vent is installed differently. It can depend on the length of the vent, how many turns and how often the dryer is used every week.

If you use a professional dryer vent cleaning service, there are several different applications depending on how your dryer is situated. The most common technique is with the help of the blower motor and flexible extension rods with a bristle brush on the end. The rods easily navigate several 90 degree turns in your vent line, according to Arizona Chimney & Air Ducts.

This is on a rotor system, so the spin action of the brush really gives the vent a thorough cleaning. The technician will move the rod/brush in and out repeatedly until the vent is clear of lint and obstructions.

The most common way is done from the outside, which keeps your home spotless. This is an extremely effective method to give your dryer vent a clearer passage for the moist hot air to move through.

If you are going to clean the vent yourself, the Consumer Protection Safety Commission recommends the following steps:

Clean the lint screen/filter before or after drying each load of clothes.

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 a rigid or corrugated semi-rigid metal duct. Most manufacturers specify the use of such metal ducts, which provides maximum airflow. Metal flex ducting is a must as flexible plastic or foil type duct can more easily trap lint and are more susceptible to kinks or crushing, which can greatly reduce the airflow.

Make dryer vent cleaning a regular part of your home maintenance!

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.

Rosies Safety Tip: Do not leave your house while the dryer is running. A fire could easily ignite in the few minutes you are away from home.

For more do-it-yourself tips, go to rosieonthehouse.com. An Arizona home building and remodeling industry expert since 1988, Rosie Romero is the host of the syndicated Saturday morning Rosie on the House radio program, heard locally from 8 to 11 a.m. on KNST-AM (790) in Tucson and from 7 to 10 a.m. on KGVY-AM (1080) and -FM (100.7) in Green Valley. Call 888-767-4348.

Continued here:
Rosie on the House: Cleaning dryer vents more than you think - Green Valley News

(Arizona Chimney and Air Ducts Photo)

The clothes dryer is found in almost every home. We use it weekly if not daily. Its main purpose is to take the heat and moisture out of your 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.

If you are wondering why this article is so long keep reading! There is much more to it than meets the eye and you can potentially have a house fire if you are not aware of how to clean your dryer vent thoroughly!

Nope, that is not what we are talking about. Cleaning the exterior dryer vent is not the same as cleaning the lint catch or screen inside the dryer.

The dryer vent is an exhaust pipe that vents hot air to the outside. Vents can go long distances and are generally installed with bends. The bends create places where lint can collect, and birds can nest. It important to keep the vent clean and properly maintained, said Rebecca, owner, Arizona Chimney & Air Ducts, a Rosie-Certified Partner.

A dirty and full dryer vent can cause:

Appliance Inefficiency Because the dryer will run longer than necessary. Wear and Tear A dryer taking twice as long to dry clothes will cut its lifetime in half and lead to expensive repairs. Carbon Monoxide Gas dryers that are not exhausting correctly can cause carbon monoxide in the home. Obstructions Nests, dryer sheets, and pieces of clothes tangles with lint blocks the vent.

The most serious consequence of not keeping the dryer vent clean is Fire and Property Damage. A dirty dryer and/or vent can ignite as a result of overheating and overworked safety controls.

(Arizona Chimney and Air Ducts Photo)

According to the U.S. Fire Administration:

2,900 home clothes dryer fires are reported each year and cause an estimated 5 deaths, 100 injuries, and $35 million in property loss. Failure to clean the dryer (34 percent) is the leading cause of home clothes dryer fires. More home clothes dryer fires occur in the fall and winter months, peaking in January.

A proper annual dryer vent cleaning should include a visual inspection to make sure it is visibly sound, said Rebecca.

The Consumer Product Safety Commissions safety report, Overheated Clothes Dryers Can Cause Fires, recommends to check the dryer vent and exhaust vent periodically to ensure that exhaust air is completely escaping.

Every vent is installed differently. It can depend on the length of the vent, how many turns and how often the dryer is used every week, said Rebecca.

If you use a professional dryer vent cleaning service, there are several different applications depending on how your dryer is situated.

The most common technique is with the help of the blower motor and flexible extension rods with a bristle brush on the end. The rods easily navigate several 90 degree turns in your vent line, said Rebecca.

This is on a rotor system, so the spin action of the brush really gives the vent a thorough cleaning. The technician will move the rod/brush in and out repeatedly until the vent is clear of lint and obstructions.

The most common way is done from the outside which keeps your home spotless. This is an extremely effective method to give your dryer vent a clearer passage for the moist hot air to move through.

If you are going to clean the vent yourself, the Consumer Protection Safety Commission recommends the following steps:

Step 1 Clean the lint screen/filter before or after drying each load of clothes.

Step 2 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.

(Arizona Chimney and Air Ducts Photo)

Step 3 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.

Step 4 Replace plastic or foil, accordion-type ducting material with a 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. Metal flex ducting is a must as flexible plastic or foil type duct can more easily trap lint and are more susceptible to kinks or crushing, which can greatly reduce the airflow.

Step 5 Make dryer vent cleaning a regular part of your home maintenance!

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.

Rosies Safety Tip: Do not leave your house while the dryer is running. A fire could easily ignite in the few minutes you are away from home.

Arizona Chimney & Air Ducts specializes in chimney, dryer vent and air duct cleaning. A family owned and operated company, they have served the Phoenix metro area since 1985. A Rosie on the House Certified Partner since 2009, Arizona Chimney & Air Ducts, is also associated and affiliated with some of the most trusted names in the industry, including National Chimney Sweep Guild and the National Fire Protection Association. We have Team members with the CSIA Certification by the Chimney Safety Institute of America and National Fireplace Institute of Gas Hearth Appliances along with the EPA Universal technician Certification.

Join Rosie on the House every Saturday morning from 7 to 11 a.m. on KTAR News 92.3 FM. If youd like to send us questions or comments, emailInfo@RosieontheHouse.com. Follow us onTwitterand like us onFacebook.

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Heres how to clean your dryer vent thoroughly - KTAR.com

If you didnt read The Hunger Games in middle school, where were you? Were you hiding under a rock? Probably, because that series was making big waves in the early 2010s. But did you ever happen to stumble upon Suzanne Collins critically acclaimed series The Underland Chronicles?

I was visiting home for the weekend and doing some light spring cleaning when I came across my copies of the books in the series. I had completely forgotten about them even though the series was one of the best I had ever read.

I read The Underland Chronicles before The Hunger Games, so I didnt catch the fact that they were both by Collins. This makes sense though because the detail and the world-building in this series blew my fifth grade mind just like The Hunger Games series blew my seventh grade mind. And while these books are predominately for fourth-eighth graders, I think they would be interesting to anyone. Heres why.

The first book in the series Gregor the Overlander stars Gregor, and 11-year-old living in New York City. His mom leaves him at their apartment with his grandma and little sisters. While he is doing some laundry in the basement with his baby sister Boots, she falls down an old air duct grate. Gregor dives in after and finds the Underland.

The Underland is composed of humans (or underlanders) with almost-clear skin and giant rats, bats and bugs. The two land in the Underland on the outskirts of its capital city, Regalia. They meet some giant cockroaches who believe the two are there to fulfill a prophecy. The roaches then bring them to the city.

They meet some locals Luxa, who is slated to be the queen of Regalia, and her cousin Henry. They also meet the bats that are bonded to the humans.

Henry and Boots learn about the conflict between the Regalians and the rat king Gorger. Then Gregor gets attacked by some gigantic rats but the underlanders save him. This fuels the conflict between the underlanders and the rats.

The Prophecy of Gray, Gregor and Boots learn, is a tale that tells of two overlanders who team up with 10 underlanders to find Gregors father, who went missing in Underland long ago. They gather the team and set out on their journey.

I dont want to spoil too much, because I really do believe this is a series worth reading, even if youre not in fifth grade. The five books all contain action, emotion, struggle and some really cool characters. Its honestly a good read for any gender or any age. Besides, it may be nice for your brain to have a break from college-level reading.

Even though I read the series in grade school, I can still picture the Underland in my head today. While Collins Underworld may not have made as big of a splash as may the odds be ever in your favor, I promise that it is still worth your time.

View post:
The Suzanne Collins series you probably didn't read as a kid but should have - Standard Online

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture keeps records offood safety inspectionsat restaurants and food vendors.

Berks County is divided into three jurisdictions: Reading, Muhlenberg Township and the rest of the county. The results will be posted every other week. All food vendors are inspected at least once a year. View any vendor'slast inspection reportonline. Click on the PDF version of the inspection report for all details.

If a food provider is labeled "out of compliance," that means it has one or more violations that require a return visit by an inspector. The establishment is given time to fix the problem(s) and remains open for business.

Complaints can be filed onlinewith the PDA.

Below are the results of inspections conducted betweenFeb. 11 and Feb. 25, 2020, that were filed in the state database as of Feb. 27, 2020. They include the inspector's comments on violations.

The Well Dressed Cake, 713 Penn Ave., West Reading, Feb. 21, one violation. Observed cake boxes in the front area stored directly on the floor, and not 6 inches above the floor. Corrected.

Tulpehocken School District, Bethel Elementary, 8390 Lancaster Ave., Bethel, Feb. 20, no violations.

Brandywine Heights Elementary School, Barkley & Weis streets, Topton, Feb. 19, three violations. Freezer has frozen condensate hanging from lines behind fan box that is creating an ice dam above food storage shelf and must be removed/repaired. Air vent between prep area and three-bay sink area of the food facility is dirty, dusty, and in need of cleaning. Exterior door located in the kitchen area of the food facility has a gap at the bottom that does not protect against the entry of insects, rodents, and other animals.

Brandywine Heights Middle School, 200 W. Weis St., Topton, Feb. 19, three violations. Condensate lines at the fan box in walk in freezer have an ice damn build up above food storage that must be removed/repaired. Rear exterior door located in the walk in freezer area of the food facility has a gap at the bottom that does not protect against the entry of insects, rodents, and other animals. Dry storage ceiling air vent cover area of the food facility is dirty, dusty, and in need of cleaning.

Dunkin, 1123 Ben Franklin Highway, Douglassville, Feb. 19, no violations.

Fleetwood Grange #1839, 2864 Moselem Springs Road PO Box 27, Fleetwood, Feb. 19, no violations.

Tony's Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria, 15 N. Home Ave., Topton, Feb. 19, five violations. Working containers in kitchen area, used for storing *chemicals, cleaners* taken from bulk supplies, were not marked with the common name of the chemical. Corrected. Plastic food container in reach in refrigerator was cracked and had duct tape covering crack which is not an approved material. Corrected by discarding container. Three-compartment sink was set up so that dirty wash water was right next to clean dish drainboard of dish machine and could possibly contaminate clean dishes. Order of sinks was reversed so only clean sanitized dishes are next to each other. Caulking at the warewashing sink wall area and pre-rinse sink at dish machine is getting moldy and must be resealed/repaired.Observed waitress soda fountain equipment, in waitress area, with an accumulation of splash residue, debris on non-food contact surfaces. Corrected.

Tony's Pizza Shop, 6 W. Franklin St., Topton, Feb. 19, three violations. Knife in clean utensil drawer has a chipped blade and must be discarded. Corrected. Non-food contact surfaces not cleaned at a frequency to preclude accumulation of dirt and soil. Floor crevice between reach-in cooler and mixer has some old spilled food debris that must be cleaned up. Observed bags of onions stored directly on the floor in basement area, rather than 6 inches off of the floor as required. Corrected.

Topton Fish & Game Association, 26 Tina Lane, Topton, Feb. 19, no violations.

American Legion Post #471, 100 Walker Drive, Boyertown, Feb. 18, one violation. Observed 1 quart of Clover Fat Free Milk with a sell-by date of Feb. 15, and 1 half gallon of Clover Fat Free Milk with a sell-by date of Feb. 8 in the upstairs kitchen refrigerator. Corrected onsite by disposal.

Central Beneficial Association, 1409 Park Place, Laureldale, Feb. 18, no violations.

Dollar General # 13695, 230 S Reading Ave., Boyertown, Feb. 18, one violation. Observed two True Fresh Foods reach-in coolers with an accumulation of mold, dirt, food residue, debris on non-food contact surfaces.

Giant Food #6273, 600 E. Lancaster Ave., Reading, Feb. 18, 14 violations. A temperature measuring device for measuring warewashing sanitizing water temperatures is not available for deli warewashing machine. Observed prep and hand sink equipment in the chicken prep area, with encrusted grease and soil accumulation on faucet handles and sides of sinks, old food debris on floor in corner below sink. Also, chicken cooler floor has grease food residue build up on floors. Plumbing system not maintained in good repair observed drain leaking at the produce prep sink. Chicken prep and hand sink has missing gapped caulk that must be resealed and also produce warewashing sink has mold in caulk along wall and must be resealed. Fan covers in the deli/produce cooler area of the food facility are extremely dusty and in need of cleaning. Trays of water/chicken blood left in racks in the fried chicken prep room. Corrected. Waste receptacle for disposable paper towels not provided at the handwashing sink in deli/bakery area. The electrocuter insect control device located in deli area is not designed to retain the insect in the device. Cover is missing. Loose disfigured rubber door gaskets observed on both bakery and deli warewashing machines. The wash solution temperature in the stationary rack, dual temperature mechanical warewashing equipment was 130 F, rather than not less then 150F as required. Service call placed. The hot water used for sanitizing in the mechanical warewashing machine in the deli area did not reach 180F (or 165F for stationary rack). Repair call placed. Ceiling tiles missing in the deli area, and need replaced. Mechanical warewashing equipment in deli area observed with build up of filth/grease and food residue and not cleaned before use, and frequently throughout the day. Spray nozzles of the prep and warewashing sinks in deli/produce areas have a heavy slime/mold residue around nozzle heads. Corrected. Non-food contact surfaces not cleaned at a frequency to preclude accumulation of dirt and soil. Floor drain at chicken cooler has a build up of slime and food debris and must be cleaned. Out of compliance.

Hissho Sushi @ Giant 6273, 600 E. Lancaster Ave., Reading, Feb. 18, one violation. Food facility HACCP plan does not have all required elements as outlined in the PA Food Code and is missing current parasite destruction letter of guaranty and also has not been reviewed and signed for current year. Last review was January 2019.

Josh's Pizza Zone, 51 E. Second St., Boyertown, Feb. 18, two violations. Filters in the exhaust hood have observable grease like build up. Two are missing. Globe meat slicer, a food contact surface, was observed to have food residue and was not clean to sight and touch. Corrected.

Laudenslager's Concessions, Route 100 Jake's Flea Market, Barto, Feb. 18, no violations.

Main Street Pub & Restaurant, 505 Main St. PO Box 628, Bally, Feb. 18, five violations. Observed the two-door Advantco freezer, and refrigerator with an accumulation of dirt,food residue debris on the non-food contact services. Observed the fryer and grill equipment, in kitchen area, with an accumulation of dirt, grease, food residue underneath grill and floor area under, and wall behind the fryers. Old food residue, observed in the handwash sink, indicating uses other than handwashing. Corrected Observed gravy, chili, and mashed potatoes being held at 115F, rather than 135F or above as required. Corrected. The latch to the door of the walk-in cooler is broken. Observed frozen beef stored directly on the floor in the walk in freezer, rather than 6 inches off of the floor as required.

Muhlenberg School District Middle School, 801 Bellevue Ave., Laureldale, Feb. 18, no violations.

Schuylkill Valley Elementary School, 62 Ashley Way, Leesport, Feb. 18, no violations.

Schuylkill Valley High School, 929 Lake Shore Drive, Leesport, Feb. 18, no violations.

Schuylkill Valley Middle School, 114 Ontelaunee Drive, Leesport, Feb. 18, no violations.

Amity Fire Company, 47 Pine Forge Road PO Box 383, Douglassville, Feb. 14, three violations. Soap was not available at the handwash sink in the bar area. Corrected. Small scoop at the bar is stored with the handle in direct contact with the drink ice. Corrected. The floor, wall, and hood in the area of the fryers have an accumulation of grease and/or old food debris.

Deep Roots Valley Farm, 1047 Irish Creek Road, Mohrsville, Feb. 14, no violations.

Kempton Hotel, 9910 Kistler Valley Road, Kempton, Feb. 14, one violation. Mop is not being hung to air dry. Rather it is being stored next to the ice macine directly on the floor.

Malizzi Cakes and Pastries, 1203 Old Swede Road, Douglassville, Feb. 14, no violations.

New Great China, 2675 Shillington Road, Sinking Spring, Feb. 14, six violations. Observed in-use knives and /or cleavers stored between table edges or between tables, an area not easily cleanable & sanitized. Corrected. Food dispensing utensil in corn starch and flour bins observed stored in the food and not with handle above the top of the food and the container. Corrected. Cardboard used on shelves of refrigerator and prep tables must be removed. Drain line from warewashing sink has a plastic bag around directing water into drain that is dirty and not an approved material and must be repaired to a proper piping material. Rear kitchen door located in the back area of the food facility has a gap and does not protect against the entry of insects, rodents, and other animals. Exposed food preparation observed in kitchen grill area under ansul system piping and hood duct system that is dripping grease, and subject to potential contamination. Catch strainer in floor drain under warewashing sinks has a build up of food debris around lip of strainer.

Papa John's #2294, 2612 Penn Ave., West Lawn, Feb. 14, five violations. Keyboards of computer equipment all have a heavy food residue build up and are dirty and in need of cleaning. The floor / wall juncture in kitchen area is not coved and closed to 1/32 inch. Coving tile is broken at doorway on pizza oven side. Handwash sink next to pizza bain marie has a food dust residue build up on faucet handles and must be cleaned more frequently. Also pizza oven metal spindles under wire mesh pizza conveyor have a heavy build up of dirt, dust and food residue. A working container of *cleaner / sanitizer* was stored above or on the same shelf with food, equipment, and/or single service articles in the side table area. Corrected. The food facility does not maintain Food Employee Certification records as required.

Petra's Empanadas, 164 W Main St., Kutztown, Feb. 14, one violation. Ceiling tile missing in the back room needs to be replaced.

Sinking Spring Veterans, 550 Columbia Ave., Sinking Spring, Feb. 14, no violations.

The Nesting Box, 230 Snyder Road, Kempton, Feb. 14, two violations. Observed a full box of ice cream cones stored directly on the floor behind the counter area, rather than 6 inches off of the floor as required. The shelves in the McGray reach-in dairy and lettuce refrigerator, a non-food contact surface, has the coating wearing off and the steel material underneath is rusting.

Utopia Cabaret, 395 W Benjamin Franklin Hwy, Douglassville, Feb. 14, one violation. Small scoop at the bar stored with the handle in direct contact with the drink ice. Corrected.

Wanamakers General Store, 8888 King's Highway, Kempton, Feb. 14, one violation. Observed some food items being stored directly on the floor in the walk-in freezer and refrigerator area, rather than 6 inches off of the floor as required.

West Lawn Beverage Co., 2330 Penn Ave., West Lawn, Feb. 14, two violations. Observed peanut-roasting equipment, in front area, with an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, debris on front of machine above the peanut chute, a non-food contact surface. Side main door located in the peanut storage area of the food facility has a gap and does not protect against the entry of insects, rodents, and other animals. Peanut bags to be stored in closed container when garage door is left open in summer.

West Lawn Quoiting Association, 19 Perkasie Ave., West Lawn, Feb. 14, two violations. Under counter ice machine at bar has a mold build up along side wall and a pink slime residue on the water curtain in rear and was not clean to sight and touch. Chlorine chemical sanitizer residual detected in the final sanitizer rinse cycle of the low temperature sanitizing glass washer in bar was 0 ppm, and not 50-100 ppm as required. Facility will use 3 bay sink until repaired.

Black Jax American Pub and Grill, 668 Ben Franklin Highway, Birdsboro, Feb. 13, four violations. There is a build-up of ice around the walk-in freezer door and inside the unit. Working containers (spray bottles) in the bar area, used for storing chemicals, cleaners taken from bulk supplies, were not marked with the common name of the chemical. Corrected. Small scoops at the bar are stored with the handles in direct contact with the drink ice. Corrected. Some lights are not shielded or shatter proof in the kitchen.

The Bridge Inn, 3 Covered Bridge Road, Oley, Feb. 13, one violation. Two working containers (spray bottles) of cleaner / sanitizer were stored on the same shelf with food in the kitchen area. Corrected.

CVS #1923, 3100 Shillington Road, Sinking Spring, Feb. 13, no violations.

Giant Food #6289, 2104 Van Reed Road, West Lawn, Feb. 13, two violations. Caulking around prep sink in produce, deli areas has mold and must be resealed. Produce and dairy fan box covers in walk in cooler are dirty, dusty, and in need of cleaning. Also dairy cooler has trash and broken eggs under racks and near doorway.

Oley Turnpike Dairy Diner, 6213 Oley Turnpike Road, Oley, Feb. 13, five violations. Observed dried food residue on some surfaces of the milkshake machine. Corrected. Large double door located in the rear kitchen area of the food facility has a gap and does not protect against the entry of insects, rodents, and other pests. Lights are not shielded or shatter proof over the rear cooking area (in the hood over the stove), and the lights above the front food preparation area are missing end caps. Soap was not available at the handwash sink in the small front cooking area. Corrected. Working container (spray bottle) in the dishwasher area, used for storing chemicals, cleaners taken from bulk supplies, was not marked with the common name of the chemical. Corrected.

Paolo's Pizza & Restaurant, 2480 Lancaster Pike, Reading, Feb. 13, seven violations. Ambient air and water temperature measuring device for ensuring proper food storage in cook line refrigerator equipment in kitchen area, is not accurate to +/- 3F. Replace broken thermometer. Also need thermometer in small reach-in cooler on waitress station. Observed in-use knives and /or cleavers stored between table edges or between tables, an area not easily cleanable & sanitized.Corrected however this is a repeat violation. Floor cleaner dispenser hung on wall at prep table is too close to prep table shelf and must be moved below table shelf areas. Soda gun dispenser nozzles at bar have a residue build up. Corrected. Wall mounted french fry cutter has old dried residue build up. Corrected. An improper insect control device located in dishroom area with potential to contaminate food, equipment, and / or utensils. Corrected. Wall area of the dough mixing area of the food facility has cob webs and is dusty, and in need of cleaning. Also some appliance cords above food/cook line areas have a dust build up and must be cleaned. Cook line reach in refrigerator has a build up of splashed food residue on interior fan box and ceiling area.

Union Fire Company of Kulptown, 1082 Chestnut St., Douglassville, Feb. 13, one violation. Some working containers (spray bottles) in kitchen area, used for storing chemicals, cleaners taken from bulk supplies, were not marked with the common name of the chemical. Corrected.

A Plus 40205h, 3100 State Hill Road, Wyomissing, Feb. 12, no violations.

Betty's, 129 W. Main St., Kutztown, Feb. 12, one violation. Two sets of lights are not shielded or shatter proof over the prep area.

Boyer's Food Market #3580, 408 Park Road, Fleetwood, Feb. 12, five violations. Old unused equipment and other items stored in the unused walk-in cooler in the back area need to be more organized or removed from food facility. The area is inaccessible due to the clutter. Observed old food debris and other items on the floor under the shelves in the bakery walk-in cooler. The handwash sink in the meat room does not have single use towels or air drying device. The handwash sink in the produce prep room was blocked by a plastic container and was not accessible at all times for employee use. Corrected. Double doors located in the back area of the food facility have a gap and do not protect properly against the entry of insects, rodents, and other pests.

Fraternal Order of Eagles, 209 W Main St., Kutztown, Feb. 12, two violations. The hood filters have an accumulation of grease dirt. The small ice scoop at the bar is stored directly against a dusty liquor bottle. Corrected.

Countryview Kitchen, 2934 N. Fifth Street Highway, Feb. 15, four violations. Food dispensing utensil in oatmeal, brown rice and other bulk bins observed stored in the food and not with handle above the top of the food. Cooking utensils stored in plastic bins are not stored with handles in the same direction. Mixing bowls not stored inverted or covered. The handwash sink in the prep area was blocked by a table and not accessible at all times for employee use. Prepackaged assorted spreads are not labeled to clearly indicate any "Big 8" allergen ingredients and / or the allergen warning statement. Prepackaged assorted spreads are not labeled properly with the name of product, ingredient statement, net weight, distributed by statement and/or nutritional facts.

Dino's Wings & Things, 5306 Allentown Pike, Feb. 15, two violations. Non-food contact surfaces, trash can exteriors, wire racks and bin exteriors are food splashed/soiled. Food contact surface of walk-in shelving is not smooth, easily cleanable and/or resistant to pitting, cracking or scratching.

Domino's Pizza, 3007 N. Fifth St., Feb. 15, three violations. The food facility does not employee a certified employee as required. A food safety certification class is scheduled for new General Manager of two weeks, on March 13, 2020; per District Manager. Ceiling tile missing in the middle soda storage room, and needs replacement. The floor / wall juncture in hall area is not coved and closed to 1/32 inch due to missing/broken tiles.

Infinito's Pizza Buffet, 3023 N. Fifth St., Feb. 15, one violation. Several holes remain in ceiling area of the main kitchen/dry storage areas.

Monte Lauro European, 2934 N. Fifth St., Feb. 15, two violations. Observed gas range/oven, bain marie, refrigeration equipment, and walls in prep area, with an accumulation of dust, and food splashes (on non-food contact surfaces); specifically sides of equipment and underneath. Handwashing sink leaks at faucet.

Alebrije Mexican Restaurant, 3225 N. Fifth St., Feb. 12, four violations. Food employee observed in kitchen area, not wearing proper hair restraints, such as nets, hats, or beard covers. Can opener blade, a food contact surface, was observed to have food residue and was not clean to sight and touch. Several raw animal foods were stored above ready to eat food (cooked pork)in the cook's refrigerator, corrected immediately on inspection. All food items stored properly in bain marie and walk-in refrigerator. Observed wet wiping cloth in bain marie area, not being stored in sanitizer solution.

13th & Union Elementary School, 1600 N. 13th St., Feb. 24, no violations.

Armani Deli & Grocery, 700 N. 13th St., Feb. 24, "two violations. Food facility can either maintain City trash receptacle out front or provide their own. Repair flooring around newly installed ATM machine. Flooring needs to be easily cleanable, smooth and non absorbent.

Barrio 27 De3 Febrero Deli & G, 352 N. Ninth St., Feb. 21, seven violations. Hand wash sinks in deli area and bathroom do not have paper towel or soap dispensers. Out of date milk was being stored for return in a cooler that was accessible to customers. Potential rodent harborage areas inside the food facility observed in the front area due to mouse feces observed on shelving. Cheese in the deli cooler is being stored open with no covering. The handwash sink located in the deli area does not have water at a temperature of at least 100F. No light bulb cover observed under ventilation hood. Ventilation hood does not have up to date documentation of cleaning.

Manzueta Grocery, 926 Perry St., Feb. 21, five violations. Observed cat food and litter box, indicating the presence of a live animal on the premise of the food facility. Bare unsealed wood, is in contact with floor at front counter and steps on side. Old food residue, dishes and utensils observed in the hand wash sink. Observed broken floor tiles through entire facility. No paper towel or soap dispenser observed at hand wash sink in kitchen or bathroom.

Max Butcher Shop, 835 Hiester Lane, Feb. 21, one violation. Observed food stored directly on the floor in cooler area, rather than 6 inches off of the floor as required. Out of compliance.

Crown Fried Chicken, 450 Centre Ave., Feb. 20, no violations.

Mi Familia Grocery, 1122 Elm St., , Feb. 20, two violations. Observed bare wooden material being used that is in direct with the floor. No documentation is available to show the last time the hood ventilation was cleaned.

13th & Green Elementary School, 501 N. 13th St., , Feb. 19, no violations.

Emily Mini Market, 349 N. 13th St., Feb. 18, two violations. Light bulb in hot hold unit has peeling outer coating. Ventilation hood is out of date for professional cleaning.

Turkey Hill #54 A5204250, 425 N. 13th St., Feb. 18, no violations.

5th St Deli Market Inc.348 N. Fifth St., Feb. 13, no violations.

El Patron Restaurant , 346 N. Sixth St., Feb. 12, one violation. Observed a bare wood base for the handwash sink in the kitchen area.

King of Cheesy Pizza, 841 Washington St., Feb. 12, three violations. Wooden legs for Bain-marie are not corrosive resistant. No paper towel dispenser is present in bathroom. Documentation not provided for ventilation hood cleaning.

The following reports for the period of Jan. 29 to Feb. 11, 2020, were added to the state database after Feb. 13 and were not part ofthe last Reading Eagle published report.

Austins Restaurant, 1101 Snyder Road, West Lawn, Feb. 11, no violations.

Camp Adahi, 172 Hartz Store Road, Mohnton, Feb. 11, one violation. Lights are not shielded or shatterproof over the kitchen area, cover missing on light near doorway. Also dry storage has a bulb that is not shatterproof or covered.

Dollar General #15084, 2471 Lancaster Pike, Shillington, Feb. 11, no violations.

Global Libations Coffee, 544 Noble St. Suite A, Kutztown, Feb. 11, two violations. Observed some liquid spills on the counter and loose coffee beans on the floor in the middle room. The handwash sink in the back area does not have single use towels. Corrected.Out of compliance.

Heritage Of Green Hills, 200 Tranquility Lane, Reading, Feb. 11, 10 violations. Observed deeply scored salad bain marie cutting boards not resurfaced or discarded as required. Stagnant water under bain marie cutting board. Corrected. Food facility person in charge does not have records to demonstrate routine inspection and service of backflow prevention devices and other water treatment devices. Filters for soda dispensing equipment do not have a date of maintenance. Food dispensing utensil in flour/sugar bins observed stored in the food and not with handle above the top of the food in the container. Corrected. A temperature measuring device for measuring warewashing hot water sanitizing water temperatures is not available. Warewashing machine has a rust-like debris build up on top near gauge area. Observed wet wiping cloths in kitchen area, not being stored in sanitizer solution. Corrected. Warewashing room area does not have a hand sink for washing hands after racking dirty dishes. Sanitized water bucket method is to be used at this time. Corrected. Waste receptacle for disposable paper towels not provided at the handwashing sink in kitchen at door area. Preset tableware is not wrapped, covered or inverted, or being removed at a frequency to assure tableware remains clean and sanitized. Corrected.

J R's Pizzeria, 24 Village Center Drive, Reading, Feb. 11, three violations. Food dispensing utensil (bucket) in pizza flour observed stored in the food without a handle above the top of the food and the container. Corrected. Non-food contact surfaces not cleaned at a frequency to preclude accumulation of dirt and soil. Shelving unit near dough mixer has a residue/dust build up and must be cleaned. Observed grill equipment in the kitchen area, with encrusted grease and soil, dust accumulation on underside of front board and grill.

Bethel Food Shop, 8558 Lancaster Ave., Bethel, Feb. 10, no violations.

Flying J #518, 2210 Camp Swatara Road, Frystown, Feb. 10, two violations. Temperature measuring device for ensuring proper temperature of equipment is not available or readily accessible in storage room refrigerator equipment. Canned good with missing label on shelf offered for sale. Item removed. Corrected.

Rainbow Pit Stop, 8602 Lancaster Ave., Bethel, Feb. 10, seven violations. Various packaged sandwiches, a refrigerated, ready to eat time temperature control for safety food in the reach in self serve cooler area, was date-marked by the facility, but was beyond the 7 day use or sell by date and requires discarding. Corrected.Temperature measuring device for ensuring proper temperature of equipment is not available or readily accessible in counter top hot hold equipment. Old soda splash residue/mold build up around nozzle and splash guard area of the soda fountain. Observed 3 bay warewash and mop sink with water backing up into drains. Call placed for service. Fan box cover area in the walk-in cooler of the food facility is dusty and in need of cleaning. Also some drink racks have a slight mold build up on wire racks and on some plastic shelf covers. Rolls for self-serve hot dogs were not packaged for individual self service and customers were able to reach in a whole pack of rolls with bare hands to select a roll. Corrected. The food facility does not maintain Food Employee Certification records as required.

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Berks food safety inspections February 12 to 25: Trays of water/chicken blood left in racks in the fried chicken prep room of a market - Reading Eagle

HOUSTON - November 25, 2019 - ( Newswire.com )

Clean Air Houston Pro stands out as one of the best professional cleaners in the whole of the Houston region, owing to the high-quality services it is known to provide. With a host of offerings at the disposal of the store, the cleaners ensure they are updated about the latest technical know-how to incorporate the same, and stand ahead of the rest of their counterparts. The owners attended a recent press conference to announce that the Houstonair duct cleaning business has gradually moved up the ranks since its humble inception.

With time, the Houston air duct cleaningbusiness expanded and shaped up as one of the major dryer vent cleaning units that looked into residential and commercial requirements. The services dispensed here happen round the clock. Upon seeing the wide-ranging work over the years and increasing number of customers making a beeline for the same, the company hence decided to operate on a 24/7 basis. In addition to the availability factor, we also resort to the latest equipment, so as to clean in the most specialized manner, said Ben Shalom, the executive head of the R&D team at Clean Air Houston Pro.

Considering the requirement of having a clean environment for a sustainable living, the air duct cleaning company ownersfrom Houston TX do everything possible to providesupport to customers around the globe. Just because we provide services everywhere, we do not charge heftily. The rates are affordable and apply as per the type of professional cleaning that is derived from us, assured the executive member.

In a meeting held recently with Ben Shalom, he said, Our motto is to see that the lungs are clean and the AC or HVAC systems customers use are also consuming less energy. The heating and cooling systems frequently accumulate dirt, dust and grime owing to greater usage. Hence, we recommend periodic cleaning.In getting the systems clean, less energy would be taken up and that would eventually lead to cost-effectiveness; something that most customers are unaware of.

About the Company

Clean Air Houston Pro is a leading professional cleaning firm in Houston.

To know more, visit https://cleanairhoustonpro.com

Phone: (832) 368-9937

Full Address: 3306 Inverness Path Lane, Houston, TX 77053

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Original Source: Clean Air Houston Pro Retains Its Position as the Top Professional Cleaners in Houston

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Clean Air Houston Pro Retains Its Position as the Top Professional Cleaners in Houston - Valdosta Daily Times

Ventilation systemsare often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality. Makeit a priority to inspect the ductwork of your home or business.

If your HVAC has been operating for some time without attention, it could be circulating odors, dust and other contaminates.

SERVPRO Franchise Professionalsroutinely inspect the heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit (HVAC). Keeping them clean can extend the life of the equipment. This can in turn save you money and give you cleaner air to breathe.

However, duct cleaning is not always necessary. SERVPRO Franchise Professionalswillmake recommendations about the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns. This can save you money and provide peace of mind on the health of your system.

The benefits of servicing your HVAC unit include:

For more information on duct cleaning contact your local SERVPRO Franchise Professionaltoday. With over 1,700 Franchises nationwide, theres a SERVPRO Professional nearby and ready to serve you.

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Air Duct Cleaning, HVAC Cleaning | Servpro Industries, LLC.

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HVAC systems carry harmful particulates and promote asthma, hay fever, and allergy symptoms. A clean HVAC system promotes a healthier indoor environment, which contributes to productivity, comfort and a sense of health and well being.

Before we start to clean your air ducts, we will run a special camera through your ventilation system so that you can see the condition of your system before our cleaning. Once finished, you can see the difference with your own eyes as we run our camera through once more so you can see the before & after results.

Our powerful truck mounted unit delivers the most effective air duct cleaning available by using a powerful whip line sent down each vent coupled with a vacuum system using over 15,000 cfm.

Once finished, we use a botanically-derived cleaner and spray it through the entire system and home. This will eliminate bacteria, germs, and viruses while releasing ZERO toxins into the home. Exclusive to ZEROREZ.

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If youve ever noticed black lines on the edges of your carpet, then your floors are not all that needs cleaning. This is calledcarbon filtration,which is a good sign that its time to clean your air ducts. Over time, dust and grime collect in your ductwork. When your heating and cooling system blows air through your vents, this dirt comes out with it, often gathering on fibers in your carpet and upholstery. A true whole-home cleaning includes your ductwork, which means cleaner air.

Poor indoor air quality can diminish the overall quality of your indoor environment and airborne pathogens can lead to serious adverse health consequences. Statistics show that 1 in 5 Americans suffer from allergies caused by substances found in the home and office and in their ambient air.

HVAC systems carry harmful particulates and promote asthma, hay fever, and allergy symptoms. A clean HVAC system promotes a healthier indoor environment, which contributes to productivity, comfort and a sense of health and well being.

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Air Duct Cleaning | Zerorez Iowa

UNDERSTANDING AIR DUCT CLEANING COST

Air duct cleaning is the process in which your HVAC system is cleaned from the main trunk line to the branches, and your air handler as well.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines air duct cleaning as the cleaning of various heating and cooling system components of forced air systems, including the supply and return air ducts and registers, grilles and diffusers, heat exchangers heating and cooling coils, condensate drain pans (drip pans), fan motor and fan housing, and the air handling unit housing.

An air duct cleaning cost can differ wildly from company to company, but on average it should cost you anywhere from $400 to $1,000. The price is dependent on the size of your home, and the number of systems, vents, and returns.

A reputable company may charge you an air duct cleaning cost in one of several different ways, but no matter how they break down their costs, you need to make sure you choose a company that doesnt charge by the hour.

Price breakdowns include:

If youve ever received a flyer in the mail quoting a Whole Home Special air duct cleaning cost for $99, youve encountered a scam. This is specifically called a bait and switch scam. Companies advertising such a low price are not considered reputable and should be avoided. The name of the scam comes from the fact that they bait you into hiring them by telling you it will only cost $99. When they come out they switch the price by telling you the $99 air duct cleaning cost only applies to the first x-number of vents and returns. At this point, they know you have more than that. There will be a new, astronomically high price to clean all your vents and returns. These companies most likely use sub-standard equipment and will try to sell you unnecessary add-ons.

You should also be wary of companies who say they can clean your home in 1-2 hours. A thorough cleaning should take 4-8 hours depending on the size of your home and number of vents and returns.

When looking for a trustworthy duct cleaning company, look for a team that upholds and supports NADCA's high standards and can help diagnose and resolve air duct related issues currently impacting your system.

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. Its mission was to promote source removal as the only acceptable method of cleaning and to establish industry standards for the association.

Here is what NADCA says about hiring a reputable air duct cleaning contractor:

Some air duct cleaning companies advertise a sanitizer or disinfectant to fog into your duct work for an additional charge, but these chemicals should be avoided as they pose harm to your health and are not proven to work in the first place.

When scheduling your air duct cleaning, consider scheduling your annual dryer vent cleaning for the same time. Dryer vent cleanings are typically between $130 and $200, and there may be a discount on the dryer vent when you pair it with the air duct cleaning.

If your duct work is old enough, there could be asbestos lurking in it. This may need to be serviced by a separate company and can be costly.

If youre intimidated by the air duct cleaning cost, it may comfort you to know the recommended frequency is only once every 5 to 7 years. This varies due to a number of factors in your home. The more you have, the closer together your air duct cleanings should be.

Factors include:

If youre ready to schedule your air duct cleaning, find a company who closely follows the strict parameters set forth by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA). NADCA is an organization that provides guidelines and processes for cleaning air ducts. Use a company who is trained in the NADCA way, and save yourself the headache of a poor cleaning job.

More info? For more information about air duct cleaning scams, check out our other post: AVOID AIR DUCT CLEANING SCAMS ADVICE FROM THE BBB

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Air Duct Cleaning Cost | Don't Get Scammed

Tips for air duct cleaning :Home owners are getting increasingly aware of the need to have clean air ducts. There is no hard and fast rule or time limit as to when you must clean your homes air ducts. However, cleaning them every three to five years is a good proposition. There are many service providers who could come and clean your air ducts and ventilation system as and when you contact them. It is advisable to have a professional clean the ducts because it is not easy to clean it by yourself and you might miss out on a hard spot.

It is important to clean the air ducts of your house at regular intervals so that the air is clean and fresh. Over a period of time there develops dust and debris that could pollute the indoor air. At times there is insect infestation in the mould as well, which could be dangerous for the health of the people living in the house. If you keep a regular check on the moulds then it will be easy for you to determine when it needs a cleaning.

Tips to have a clean and unclogged air ducts

Keep a close watch on the moulds

It is important to keep a close watch on the moulds that carry hot and cold air through your house. Because of the enclosed space and change in temperature, the moulds get moist and start to settle in dusts and debris. At times there are also rodents and insect infestations that could cause the air to get polluted.

Check the cooling and heating in your house

Make sure that the air you have is sufficiently cool or warm. If you have set certain temperatures then check if the air is actually that temperature in your house. A block in the ducts could make the air to be warmer or cooler than you desire. This is again a sign that you need to contact a professional to get your ducts cleaned.

Contact a professional air duct cleaner

Yes you could try air duct cleaning by yourself, however, it is highly advised that you get a professional to help you with this. There are many companies that provide cleaning and maintenance of air ducts and house ventilation. They have the tools and expertise to do the job better. It is also hassle free and safe to have someone come and clean those ducts for you.

Check customer reviews and quotes

With all the options available in the market, look for good customer reviews and get various quotes before you select a professional air duct cleaner. Get an estimation of how much the cleaning would cost. There are different estimations for different types of cleaning procedures. Get the one that is best for you.

Check the results

Make sure that you check the results of cleaning the air ducts. If they say that there is debris or infestations, then ask them to show it to you. Also, after the air duct cleaning, check the air temperature in the house.

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air duct cleaning | Stanley Steemer 99 Special