4 Important Signs That Mold is Present in a Triangle Home or Business

There are approximately 30 common types of mold found in North Carolina homes and businesses that can cause health problems, and there are thousands of mold spores in the air especially as we head quickly to spring. Sometimes the mold can be seen, but many times mold is hidden in walls, under bathroom tiles, and under the carpet.

It is important to note that mold can cause health problems and should be addressed when found. Thankfully, AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/ Apex has ways to detect and identify a suspected mold problem in the home or business.

The best and most effective way to take eliminate mold is to call AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/ Apex. Even if there is just a suspicion of mold, our professional team can inspect and test for mold and take care of any mold problem before it gets worse. If and when mold is found, we will take a culture of the mold and test it to determine the amount within a home or business.

AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/ Apex suggests four important signs that mold might be present in a home or building:

• Sickness and poor health symptoms: Many times, if mold is present, there will be health symptoms that include nasal and sinus congestion, cough, sore throats, chest tightness, breathing difficulties, asthma or worsening of asthma, nosebleeds, headaches, skin and eye irritations and upper respiratory tract infections.  Many of the mold symptoms resemble normal allergies or a cold. If people living in the home feel better outside or at work and the symptoms return when at home, that could be an indication of mold in the home.
• Musty odors: Mold usually has a smell to it, but that is not always the case; mold produces or gives off gasses known as microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOC). The smell that is most closely associated with mold is a musty odor. Some have compared it to the smell books get when they are wet. The wet pages are turning moldy. If there is an unusual persistent musty odor, there could be a chance mold is present.
• The physical appearance of mold: In the shower stall, mold looks different than normal soap scum. If you should see small black specs starting to form on the tiles or the shower curtain, that could be black mold starting to form. Under sinks is another place you might see mold.
• Other signs of mold: Are there continual damp spots on walls, ceilings or carpets? These areas could easily be places where mold could be growing. Other signs can include bubbling, peeling or cracking of the paint or wallpaper, or white patches under carpets, behind furniture and in cabinets.

Mold can be in plain sight or hide behind walls, under floor tiles and carpeting. Serving the entire Triangle area, Sanford, Lillington, Fayetteville and beyond, AdvantaClean of Cary/ Apex can test for mold with one simple call. If mold is found, we will safely remove the mold following proper procedures. Our experts will make certain the mold is contained and disposed of properly and on time. If mold is suspected, call us at 919-434-7249 for an inspection and test.

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AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary and Apex is your mold and environmental specialist in Southwest Wake, Chatham and Johnston Counties.

Our team of certified professionals is ready to address all your service needs.

Your air quality and restoration specialists

Call 919 434 7249

AdvantaClean

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Five Important Dryer Vent Cleaning Suggestions in the Triangle

Most people in the Triangle are focused on routine when it comes to doing laundry and other various  household chores. Modern appliances make it simple and easy, and there are always so many more duties to think about and get done on a daily basis; yet it is important to maintaining home appliances and mechanical systems. It is important to note that even something as simple as vent tubing at the back of the dryer to the outside, is a significant cause of home fires.  This fact is often overlooked as flammable lint and debris accumulate over time. This greatly increases the possibility of clothes not drying properly, and the chance of fire. Businesses across the Triangle have this risk too, especially commercial laundry facilities at hospitals, nursing homes, dormitories, apartment buildings, and other facilities housing large numbers of people. Mid-winter is a great time of year to have the dryer vent cleaned by professionals. Call AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex to get the job done right. We are the Central North Carolina experts to call for residential and commercial dryer vent cleaning.

Our expert team at AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex suggests these five important considerations for dryer vent cleaning in the Triangle:

• Be aware of common signals: There are a few factors that signal the dryer vent, or the dryer, isn’t working properly. If laundry is still damp after running a full cycle, if the dryer gets very warm when used normally, or if the lint trap is frequently empty or without much lint, the vent is very likely plugged and a fire hazard could be present.
• The lint trap will not stop all lint: People tend to think that all of the lint running through the system gets caught in the dryer’s lint trap, but the fact is that a lot of fine particles bypass the lint trap and enter the vent tube. Normal operation of the dryer and clearing the lint trap before every load will not completely prevent dryer vent problems, although it certainly slows down the process.
• AdvantaClean is the best solution: Some dryer vents are very long, and make numerous twists and turns along the way. Specialized equipment is the only way to reach some areas, and some parts of the vent system are easily damaged. In addition, there are usually some trouble spots in need of extra attention, and our team knows where to find them.
• There are hazards involved: Most dryer vent systems have sheet metal, screws, and sharp edges that can be dangerous. However, the most significant DIY hazard is probably not getting the job done right, missing the trouble spots, and ending up with the same fire risk as if nothing was done.
• Improperly installed dryer vents are common: This part of a residential or commercial structure is all too often constructed in haste, by unskilled workers, and is not usually visible to the building owner. In many cases, vents are installed or configured without a building permit, and without an inspection. AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/ Apex can identify and correct this issue.

AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex is the best team of professionals in the Triangle to clean  dryer vents and HVAC air ducts.  A good rule is to have them both done at the same time. Contact us today to keep every home and building safe.

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AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary and Apex is your environmental specialist in Wake and Johnston Counties. Our team of certified professionals is ready to address all service needs.

Your air quality and restoration specialists in the Triangle!

Call 919 434 7249

AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex

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4 Leading Causes of Mold in the North Carolina Winter

Mold is a chronic problem that can arrive any time of year in Triangle homes and businesses. Mold is a serious issue in the North Carolina winter when moisture grows and flourishes. It can be 20 degrees one day and 70 degrees the next. Cold season roof leaks can allow water to get into attics, ceilings, and inside walls, and can often go unnoticed for a long time. The recent cold and snowy Triangle weather may have caused an abnormal accumulation of ice on the roof, resulting in water intrusion from melting. Also in winter and during extremely cold weather, any drain or water supply pipes that are susceptible to freezing can crack and leak; this can happen slowly and go undetected inside walls and ceilings. The bottom line is moisture intrusion or excessive humidity into a building can easily turn into a mold problem. When that happens, a qualified member of the AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex team is often needed.

Here are the four leading causes of mold problems during a North Carolina winter:

• Undetected roof leaks can create moisture: These leaks can occur during wet and cold weather; melting snow can easily go through the roof instead of draining away. This situation usually occurs near the edge of the roof. When this happens, water can get inside walls. Check the attic at least once a week for signs of moisture, and look for stains on walls and ceilings. Early detection of moisture can often prevent a mold problem.
• Frozen pipes can thaw quickly and leak slowly: Triangle and Central Carolina winters are often very unpredictable. It could be below freezing one day and 70 degrees the next. Most leaks may not be sudden or obvious. Those leaks can be hairline cracks as well, leaking slowly where the potential for mold growth is high. The appearance of water stains on drywall can provide clues of a problem, but these sources of moisture are often very difficult to detect. The best mold prevention is to ensure the indoor temperature is 55 degrees or higher, and that pipes are insulated.
• Condensation can occur on colder surfaces exposed to warmer indoor air: This condition can happen in unexpected areas, such as underneath carpeting on a cold floor. Condensation can also occur on the back side of drywall, wallpaper, paneling or other wall coverings, especially during the cooler weather. If these areas stay moist, mold will often develop on the surface. In many cases, there will be little or no staining or other evidence of a problem until a smell is noticed. The best prevention is air circulation and proper wall insulation.
• Plumbing connections to appliances can be a problem: Rubber, plastic, and other flexible hoses that connect washers, dishwashers, refrigerators, and other appliances to water supply plumbing are well-known areas of possible moisture any time of year. Any area near the leak can eventually accumulate excessive moisture to create mold. Periodic inspection of these connections and replacement of the flexible hoses are the best preventions.

AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex is the contractor of choice in the Triangle when it comes to correctly assessing, cleaning up a mold problem, and helping home and business owners prevent mold. Think of us as the local mold specialists. We utilize a network of laboratories and testing partners to identify mold problems, and use specialized equipment with highly trained people to do the job right and keep mold from growing and spreading.

Call us today with any mold problems; from the Southwest Wake County to Lillington to Fayetteville and beyond, we will be there when the need arises.

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AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary and Apex is your environmental specialist in Wake and Johnston Counties. Our team of certified professionals is ready to address all your service needs.

Your air quality and restoration specialists in the Triangle!

Call 919 434 7249

AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex

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Five Important Tips for Winter Home Safety

The Holiday Season is here in the Triangle, Fayetteville and the surrounding region, and the weather will be getting below freezing more and more frequently, with overnight lows in the 20’s and 30’s. These temperatures create a variety of challenges for maintaining homes and businesses, and keeping the occupants safe. Indoor air quality can decrease when the heating system runs every day, and those homeowners using natural gas or heating oil might have additional risks of carbon monoxide. Unattended homes and buildings over the holidays can create problems that can go unnoticed.  Basic prevention and assessment of indoor air is the best strategy for home and business owners in the Triangle. AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/ Apex can help with preventive measures such as air duct cleaning, and our team of professionals can also assist remediate mishaps like water, fire, or smoke damage.

AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex offers five important tips for preparing a home or business for the North Carolina winter:

• The HVAC system should have an annual inspection this time of year: A local and reputable HVAC contractor should make sure the system is operating safely and efficiently before it is used on a regular basis for the long winter season. If the heating system uses any fossil fuels, make sure carbon monoxide detectors are installed and working. An improperly operating or defective heating system can release colorless, odorless, and deadly carbon monoxide gas into the indoor air.
• Commercial and residential air ducts should be inspected and cleaned to ensure the best indoor air quality: The air ducts move vast quantities of air through the system, and over a period of time, dust and debris can accumulate in those ducts. A NADCA certified and experienced contractor like AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex can assess and clean them.
• Prevent pipes from freezing and bursting in extreme cold: Exterior and interior wall water supplies and drain pipes must not be allowed to get below 32 degrees or they can freeze. As water turns to ice, it expands and can cause pipes to break. Prevent freezing by keeping the indoor temperature at least 55 degrees. If leaving for an extended period, turn the main building water supply off, flush toilets, and run faucets dry.
• Check for exterior water leaks on the roof, siding, and around windows: While this is actually a good year-round inspection to do, it’s especially important if the building will be left unattended for any length of time. Minor leaks from these areas can enable mold growth inside walls and ceilings, which can spread rapidly if growing unnoticed in a tightly sealed building.
• Disconnect any appliances not being used during an extended absence period: Water lines to refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, and water heaters can begin leaking suddenly and spew a lot of water. Refrigerators, freezers and other electrical appliances left running can fail electrically, causing a fire. To eliminate the possibility of flood or fire, disconnect or shut off the water source and do not leave electrical appliances running while away for any period of time.

AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex specializes in helping home and business owners keep their indoor air clean and recover from fire, smoke, and water damage. We offer the best NADCA and IICRC Certified expertise, equipment, and customer service available in the Triangle. While remediation business is always appreciated, we also want all our friends and neighbors in North Carolina to avoid disasters and injuries.

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AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary and Apex is your environmental specialist in Wake, Lee and Johnston Counties. Our team of certified professionals is ready to address all service needs.

Advanta Clean is the air quality and restoration specialists in the Triangle and surrounding region.

Call 919 434 7249

AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex

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Five Essential Steps to Remove Scary Pollution in Time for Halloween

It is almost Halloween and the indoor air quality (IAQ) in many Triangle homes and businesses can get downright frightful. This is especially true considering that a wide variety of sources of indoor air pollution are common and widespread at this time of year.

Pollutants such as dust, soot, small particles, mold, and chemical residues tend to accumulate indoors on surfaces and in HVAC systems, particularly when ventilation with outdoor air is infrequent and inadequate. Most buildings in North Carolina are tightly sealed from outdoor air during the hot summer months and the coldest winter months, which makes fall and spring the best times to ventilate with fresh air. Through awareness of the sources of IAQ problems and steps to minimize them, Triangle home and business owners can make big improvements. Finally, getting the HVAC air ducts cleaned is critical in preventing recirculation of accumulated pollutants and improving indoor air quality.

AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex recommends these five essential steps to eliminating indoor air pollution and improving indoor air quality:

• AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/ Apex suggests removing and controlling the sources of indoor air pollution: Cleaning products, air fresheners, furniture and flooring materials can release toxic chemical fumes. Common household and business activities, including cooking, pets, printers, and copiers are sources of microscopic particles. Reducing the use of these certain products, along with using more effective cleaning methods, can go a long way toward improving IAQ.
  

• Use a top quality vacuum cleaner: Traditional vacuum cleaners that use a bag will exhaust or recirculate significant amounts of dust and other small particles back into the air. HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) vacuum cleaners utilize filters that capture and prevent recirculation of nearly all fine particles. Vacuums with HEPA filtration are available in most stores and online, and are essential in removing the most prevalent sources of pollution.
  

• Assess and adjust techniques for dusting and vacuuming: Commonly used cleaning methods tend to spread and recirculate indoor air pollutants rather than remove them. Widely-used cleaners can contain toxic chemicals such as fragrances, chlorine bleach, and ammonia, and introduce more pollutants than they remove. It is important to consider alternative cleaners and changing dusting approaches.
  

• Ventilation with fresh air is important: Since many structures in the Triangle and surrounding areas are tightly sealed from outdoor air, mainly for energy efficiency, the indoor air can get increasingly unhygienic as weeks and months go by. Ventilation with outdoor air, by opening windows at least once a week, can allow pollutants to escape. In addition, HVAC systems can be modified to take in additional fresh outdoor air.
  

• Call AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/ Apex to have HVAC air ducts professionally cleaned: Even after source reduction, effective cleaning, and ventilation are managed, the air ducts in a building will still accumulate dust and other debris over a period of time. The accumulated pollutants are then continually recirculated in the indoor air. This is because large volumes of air move through the system. AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex specializes in air duct cleaning, and uses HEPA vacuums in the process.

AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex are knowledgeable experts in the Triangle that identify and correct IAQ problems, whether it’s at a home or business. Our professional team finds the sources of indoor air pollution, odors, and mold, and works with owners to improve air quality by providing information and services such as NADCA certified air duct cleaning.

Winter is coming and it is important to assess air quality. Please call us today at 919 434 7249 for service in the Triangle, Southwest Wake County, Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, Angier, Lillington, Sanford, and Fayetteville-Fort Bragg.

To all of our friends and clients: Happy Halloween Everyone!

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AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary and Apex is your environmental specialist in Wake and Johnston Counties. Our team of certified professionals is ready to address all your service needs.

WE are the air quality and restoration specialists in the Triangle!

Call 919 434 7249

AdvantaClean Environmental of Cary/Apex

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5 Reasons AdvantaClean of Cary/Apex is the Best in the Triangle

First let’s tell the bad news. Many types of mold problems are found in Triangle homes and businesses. Now, the good news is that the methods for cleaning it up and keeping it from coming back are well-researched, time-tested, and very likely to remove it quickly and effectively. The process, called mold remediation, involves detecting the type of mold present. We determine the causes of the mold issue, and then we remove it.  For an experienced team like AdvantaClean of Cary/ Apex, it is a straight forward elimination. Unfortunately, there are too many mold remediation contractors that don’t get it right, aren’t properly trained, and are not committed to good customer service. There is the wrong way and the right way, and we do the job right, every single time.

Here are five reasons why AdvantaClean of Cary/Apex gets mold remediation done right every time:

• AdvantaClean is IICRC certified at mold remediation: The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) provides training and certification of mold removal specialists. Our people are IICRC trained and certified to perform expert evaluation and treatment of mold problems. Anything less can lead to an inadequate cleanup, which can result in worse problems later.
• AdvantaClean uses specialized equipment and cleaning agents: The correct approach to dealing with various types of mold in differing environments is not one-size-fits-all. The equipment and cleaners used makes a big difference in the effectiveness of the remediation. It’s also critical to keep mold from spreading in the process.
• AdvantaClean works quickly and efficiently: Mold can spread very quickly and intensely if the right conditions exist. The more time spent figuring out who to call or what to do, the more severe the problem will become. For those reasons, getting the remediation underway immediately is always the best approach. We’ll respond as soon as possible to contain the problem and keep it from growing.
• AdvantaClean keeps home and business owners informed about the mold status: Our team of experts uses laboratory testing to determine the type of mold present. We won’t use unnecessary terms like “black mold” unless that’s actually the problem. We’ll also keep clients informed about the equipment and process, and all of our findings will be communicated clearly and in writing.
• AdvantaClean will contain and isolate the problem: The mold remediation site should only include the affected area, not an entire building. In addition, it’s very important that mold be prevented from spreading during the cleanup. That’s why we use HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) vacuums and seal any affected areas to contain the mold problem.

AdvantaClean of Cary/Apex is the team in the Triangle to call when it comes to correctly assessing and cleaning up a mold problem. We are mold specialists, using a network of laboratories and testing partners to identify mold problems. We also use specialized equipment with highly trained people to do the job right and keep mold from growing and spreading.

Call us today if mold in the problem.

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AdvantaClean of Cary and Apex is your environmental specialist in Southwest Wake, Chatham and Johnston Counties. Our team of certified professionals is ready to address all your service needs.

We are the Triangle’s air quality and restoration specialist.

Call 919 434 7249

AdvantaClean

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5 Important Strategies for Atlantic Hurricane Season Preparation

It is September 1^st and we live in the Triangle of North Carolina. Tropical Storm Hermine has formed over the coat of Florida and is heading our way with an increase in the speed of movement.  It is the annual Atlantic hurricane season in full swing. Although the hurricane season hasn’t been a busy or destructive one in the Triangle for at least five years, the potential always exists for the sever combination of wind and rain. Many Raleigh area residents remember the days of Hurricane Floyd in 1999 or Fran in 1996; both caused widespread flooding, property damage and power outages. If these storm levels happen again in 2016, preparation and anticipation will help make the water damage less severe for Triangle home and business owners.

AdvantaClean of Cary/Apex offers five important strategies that help home and business owners be better prepared for the 2016 Atlantic hurricane season:

• Know the home or business location and its relativity to flood prone areas: The areas, most susceptible to flooding from major storms, are within the 100-year flood plain. These areas are specifically mapped by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and are available online by county. They can be viewed as aerial images or property maps.
• Be prepared for the combination of torrential wind and rain: Wind or rain alone does not impact as both of them combined. Both can be very damaging. Also, check the property insurance policy to make sure the structure is covered for wind-driven rain. In any event, this phenomenon is common in hurricanes and can result in water damage from flooding.
• Inspect roofing, flashing, and downspouts before the storm: Try to identify any loose roofing materials or problem areas where water is not draining off the roof and away from the structure. Wind can exacerbate these problems by tearing away roofing materials, and then wind-driven rain can penetrate the exposed sections.
• Inspect siding and exterior seals around windows and doors: Any areas where caulk or other sealing is damaged or missing become vessels for wind-driven rain getting inside the walls or coming in through doors.
• Know a certified restoration contractor before damage is done: Do some quick research, and place AdvantaClean of Cary/Apex in your smartphone. We are experienced at working with insurance claims as well as being IICRC Certified; and we are there when needed.

AdvantaClean of Cary/Apex offers a number or services to help clean up from heavy storms and hurricanes. We are certified by the IICRC to clean up water damage, and are available anytime, any day to respond. AdvantaClean would prefer that hurricane season be uneventful, but if not, we know how to get homes and businesses back to normal.

AdvantaClean of Cary/Apex is the number one team of professionals in the Triangle to perform IICRC certified flood and water damage restoration.  Contact us today in the unfortunate event there is flooding and water damage from storms or other causes.

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AdvantaClean of Cary and Apex is your environmental specialist in Wake and Johnston Counties. Our team of certified professionals is ready to address all your service needs.

Your air quality and restoration specialists

Call 919 434 7249

AdvantaClean

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Five Ways to Identify and Eliminate Home and Business Odors

It’s the annual summer vacation season in North Carolina, and it has featured a very warm, humid, tropical, and rainy weather pattern across the Triangle in 2016. Some Triangle residents who headed out of town for a week or two came back to unpleasant issues when they returned from a great vacation. Walking in the door and noticing a musty or stinky smell. With all the moisture present in the air and falling from the sky in the form of heavy rains, unfortunate situations can arise for mold, sewage, and other moisture-enabled problems. When emergencies happen, something must be done quickly to find the source of the problem and eliminate it. Moisture is usually the main factor in the Triangle summer.

AdvantaClean of Cary/Apex offers five very important ways to effectively identify and eliminate indoor odors:

• The first step to eliminating odors is to find the source: The key factor isn’t just finding where the odor source is located, but what is enabling it to flourish and grow.  Sewage odors can enter a building when plumbing traps, or the deep bends underneath sink drains, become empty with lack of normal use. Most other odors are activated by moisture from a variety of causes.
• Mold is a common source or odors in North Carolina buildings: The essential ingredients for mold growth are present in nearly all buildings, in the building materials and furnishings. The missing ingredient is almost always moisture. Add enough moisture from the air, roof leaks, and plumbing leaks; and mold can multiply and spread, bringing a musty smell that lingers.
• Check the HVAC system for unusual smells or moisture intrusion: The HVAC system itself may be the source of odors due to moisture intrusion, malfunction of the drainage system for air conditioning, or just lack of cleaning and maintenance. Also, the air ducts may have accumulated mold, dust, chemical residues, or other matter over a period of time and could be spreading an odor.
• Don’t put off taking care of the problem: Mold growth and odors tend to get worse with time if not effectively eliminated, and tend to spread to other parts of a structure. Some common causes are humidity, plumbing leaks, roofing, siding, window leaks, and lack of ventilation with fresh air from outdoors. Fix these issues without delay or the problem will get worse.
• Seek the services of AdvantaClean of Cary/ Apex if the odor and moisture are not dissipating: We are always available to help home and business owners with odor and mold remediation. AdvantaClean is qualified to do the job.

AdvantaClean of Cary/Apex is the best qualified professionals when it comes to helping home and business owners with odors and anything involving mold. Our certified mold specialists utilize laboratories to properly identify mold problems and recommend the right remediation plan. AdvantaClean of Cary/ Apex is IICRC certified for mold remediation and we use HEPA vacuums to prevent mold spores from spreading. We are also certified by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) to perform qualified, expert inspection and cleaning of air ducts should the HVAC system be a source of water and odors.

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AdvantaClean of Cary and Apex is your environmental specialist in Wake and Johnston Counties. Our team of certified professionals is ready to address all your service needs. 

Your air quality and restoration specialists 

Call 919 434 7249 

AdvantaClean

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5 Tips Every Triangle Home or Business Owner Should Know About Insurance

Late summer and early fall in North Carolina are the peak months for the Atlantic Hurricane Season, which officially runs from June 1 to November 30. According to the National Weather Service, the second week of September has historically been the busiest part of the season, and North Carolina is on the “most likely” track for tropical storms in September and October. While the Triangle is about 130 miles from the Atlantic coast, we are still vulnerable to damaging wind, rain, and lightning from a major hurricane. With this in mind, it is a good time of year for home and business owners to become aware of the insurance coverages on their property, and to think about how they might cope if disaster hits a home or business.

AdvantaClean of Cary/Apex offers five important tips for home and business insurance:

• Make sure there is coverage for tropical storm events: Property owners should check the policy “declarations” page to verify what is and isn’t covered, and speak with an insurance agent at least once a year review coverages. While storm surges from hurricanes are typically not an issue in the Triangle; high winds, heavy rain, flooding, and falling trees certainly are factors.
• Assess and complete a contents inventory: The insured party (property owner) is ultimately responsible for proving losses. Detailed documentation is always the best approach, and could involve a written account, spreadsheets, photos and videos, or a combination of these. Don’t do it from memory after a disaster, or the insurance settlement will be compromised.
• Beware that claims adjusters can sometimes be inexperienced: While the property may be adequately insured in terms of the policy, the claim payments are coming from people involved in the process. Claims adjusters represent the insurance company, not the property owner, so it may be a consideration for the property owner to retain an independent claims adjuster.
• Pay attention to anything that indicates “release of liability” or “full settlement”: The insurance company may at times during the process provide payments or documents for the property owner to sign or acknowledge. Cashing checks or signing papers can sometimes constitute agreement with a partial settlement or accepting less than what is owed. Read all documents and settlement checks very carefully, or retain a professional who can provide expert advice on such matters.
• Investigate and evaluate remediation contractors before they are needed: As with any business, the possibility of receiving unsatisfactory work is ever present. Don’t just wait for the insurance company to recommend a contractor after the fact. Look for a certified contractor with a good reputation for customer service and experience with insurance adjusters.

AdvantaClean of Cary/Apex specializes in restoration from water damage, storm damage, and ensuing mold problems. We are certified by National organizations such as IICRC for all of these, and deliver outstanding customer service. We also know how insurance adjusters work, and can make the restoration process work as good as possible for our customers.

AdvantaClean of Cary and Apex  is the number one team of professionals in the Triangle to perform IICRC certified water damage restoration and mold remediation.  Contact us today in the unfortunate event a disaster affects a home or business.

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AdvantaClean of Cary and Apex is your environmental specialist in Wake and Johnston Counties. Our team of certified professionals is ready to address all your service needs.

Your air quality and restoration specialists

Call 919 434 7249

AdvantaClean

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5 Important Tips for Efficient Air Conditioning

July is usually the hottest month of the year in the Triangle, and that means air conditioning systems in homes and businesses are working extra hard to keep the indoors cool. It’s important from both a reliability and cost perspective to keep a building’s HVAC system operating at the peak efficiency. Since roughly 10 percent of all household energy use in North Carolina is air conditioning, it makes sense to keep HVAC systems running as smoothly as possible. There are a few simple tips home and business owners can do, in addition to having HVAC systems checked out by a trained and qualified technician once a year. AdvantaClean of Cary / Apex also offers a few services to help maintain HVAC system efficiency.

AdvantaClean of Cary/Apex offers five important tips for efficient air conditioning system operation:

• Replace the filters: Every HVAC system has filters that remove dust, debris, and small particles from the air flowing through the system. Over time, the filters become full of dust and particles, and air flow through them becomes restricted, making the HVAC system work harder. Changing filters at the proper interval, which varies by type of filter, prevents this from happening.
• Keep the air ducts clean: Large volumes air move through an HVAC system, whether heating or cooling is underway. While every system has a filter to trap dust and particles, a significant amount still accumulates in the air ducts. AdvantaClean is certified by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) to clean HVAC air ducts to maintain HVAC operating efficiency.
• Minimize internal sources of heat: Certain activities such as running the clothes dryer or turning the oven on can generate large amounts of heat, causing the air conditioning system to work harder; this is very important during hours of peak outdoor heat. Limiting these activities to morning and evening hours will reduce the peak cooling load on the AC system, reducing energy use.
• Keep the air conditioner evaporator coils clean: These coils are located in the air handler or blower unit, typically located in the attic. They cool the air and can also accumulate dust and debris over time, reducing their efficiency. AdvantaClean performs expert cleaning of residential and commercial air conditioning coils to maximize cooling system efficiency.
• Keep the condenser unit clear from obstructions: This is the outdoor unit that takes heat out of the air conditioning system, or removes heat from the home. It won’t function properly if obstructed by trees, shrubs, or anything else on the sides and top. Remove any obstructions so air can flow freely around the condenser.
  

AdvantaClean of Cary/Apex is a local Triangle company offering an array of services to help home and business owners maintain HVAC efficiency, maintain and improve indoor air quality, and recover from disasters. Along with regular inspection and maintenance from a qualified HVAC technician, our air duct cleaning and air conditioner coil cleaning services contribute to keeping people cool and healthy at home or work.

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AdvantaClean of Cary and Apex is your environmental specialist in Wake and Johnston Counties. Our team of certified professionals is ready to address all your service needs.

Your air quality and restoration specialists

Call 919 434 7249

AdvantaClean

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