Cleaning Your Air Ducts Often for Best & Safe Results!

8/2/2022 (Permalink)

According to the NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaners Association, property owners should have their air ducts cleaned every three to five years. However, the timing may also depend on the region you are in, as well as the use you give your HVAC system. On the other hand, if air quality is a priority due to health reasons, you might consider investing in duct cleaning often enough to prevent allergic reactions. 

You may find it necessary to have your ducts cleaned once you conduct a visual inspection of your air ducts or have an HVAC technician do it for you. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) recommends cleaning the ducts when:

• You find evidence of suspicious growth, or a musty odor.
• You see a visible “poof” of dust released from the supply registers. If you see a cloud of dust when air is expelled from the ducts, or black debris is around the air vent register, these are usually signs that your air duct needs cleaning. 
• Looking inside the system when you change filters might help you get a better idea of how dusty they are. If there is extensive buildup, get professionals to clean them up. 
• There are unwanted guests inside the ducts. Perhaps some buzzing or scratching noises are coming from inside, or even seen some pests entering and exiting the ducts.

In any case, SERVPRO of HEMET is more than willing to help our community! If you have any questions regarding our process, please feel free to contact us - 951-305-0629 - SERVPRO of HEMET.

What is the purpose of an "air scrubber?"

1/27/2022 (Permalink)

Air Scrubber used for commercial and residential properties.

The purpose of utilizing an air scrubber is to remove chemicals, gases, fungal spores, dust particles, pet dander, pollen, smoke, bacteria, viruses, and airborne pollutants. Depending on their strength and capacity- they can have different purposes. Here at SERVPRO of Hemet we utilize air scrubbers for almost every job and home that we enter, not just for mold!

How long should you run an air scrubber?

The industry guideline recommends that an air scrubber be in the environment for 24 to 48 hours to thoroughly scrub the air. These types of air devices usually do between 4 to 6 air exchanges per hour which will effectively aid in the filtration and cleaning of the airspace. While that is recommended, SERVPRO of Hemet will leave the air scrubber at the job site from start to finish. Yes, even if the job takes 2-3 weeks! This is beneficial to our customer's.

Do air scrubbers help with COVID-19?

When used properly, air cleaners and HVAC filters can help reduce airborne contaminants including viruses in a building or small space. However, by itself, air cleaning or filtration is not enough to protect people from COVID-19.

More than just a water damage company!

12/28/2021 (Permalink)

Carpet cleaning - Many people do not realize this, but SERVPRO of Hemet also offers a wide variety of cleaning services. From pet stains to graffiti, we can help you restore your home or business with expertise.

Air Ducts and HVAC – One of our most popular cleaning services is a thorough cleaning of heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit. This can help greatly with indoor air quality, as well as energy efficiency.

Odor Removal – For odors that come from both inside and outside the house, SERVPRO of Hemet can help eliminate odors in your home or business. Some common sources of odors can be cigarette smoke, mold, skunk spray, and biohazard. We are also able to remove items such as clothes and furniture to our cleaning facility.

Commercial Cleaning Services – When you need cleaning services that go beyond the scope of your regular janitorial staff, you can rely on us to make your workspace look its very best.

Vandalism and Graffiti - Our technicians are fully trained to remove vandalism and graffiti to your house or commercial building. We can remove spray paint, as well as clean driveways, sidewalks, metals, woods, plastic and masonry.

Call today for a free inspection- 

Autumn is here, means different damages.

9/23/2021 (Permalink)

With the new season here, remember that new damages can arise in your home. Be aware of any leaks and odors that can cause health effects to you and your family. In case you come across a leak, be sure to shut off the main water line to prevent further damage. Contact a leak detection company and plumber so you can make those repairs right away. Most people don’t know how dangerous water damage can be if not properly mitigated. If you begin to smell a mold odor, it could be that you already have a pre-existing water damage.

Different seasons can mean different damages. Be aware of these possibilities. It maybe a good idea to do annual leak detection checks- it could save you thousands of dollars and or even your insurance premium going up significantly. But remember, SERVPRO of Hemet will always be there for you A-Z should you experience this event.

SERVPRO of Hemet is hiring!

9/8/2021 (Permalink)

Are you a motivated individual looking for a new career where you can learn and grow? Well, you've come to the right place! SERVPRO of Hemet is hiring! We're looking for experienced or non-experienced people looking to start a career in the water restoration industry. We offer onsite training, office training, and field work training. Become a certified water technician is just 3 days. Did we mention we offer a great salary compensation? We are looking for:

- Production manager's

- Crew chiefs

- Technicians

- Marketing Representatives

You can send your resume to our email located in the “Contact us” tab on our website. Or feel free to stop by our office to pick up an application- along with an onsite interview. SERVPRO of Hemet is looking for you- don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Be the first to apply today for your new career change.

One stop shop for all your restoration needs!

8/31/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know that SERVPRO of Hemet also offers reconstruction/ build back work? Once the mitigation process is complete, we can have our contractor’s go back to your home and finish the job so that the damages are like “they never even happened.” Here at SERVPRO of Hemet we’re your one stop shop for all your restoration needs! We work together with insurance companies and self-pay customers - generating over 200 repair jobs. From assisting with restoration build backs to just simply upgrading your home for a more modern feel. Don’t forget to ask to see sample photos of pre damages until completion of the job. Our staff is waiting for your call and ready to answer any of your questions. Call us today for your free estimate!

How to prepare for a storm event

8/25/2021 (Permalink)

Every region has their own forms of natural disaster and extreme weather to deal with. Here are some useful tools to prepare you for a storm event.

1. Have an emergency food and water supply.
2. Have an emergency medicine supply.
3. Emergency power sources such as flashlights (don't forget extra batteries).
4. Safety and personal items.
5. Important documents, including medical documents, wills, passports, and personal identification.
6. And a fire extinguisher.

Also, if you have time before the event hits, secure loose objects, close windows, and doors, and move any valuable objects inside or under a sturdy structure. Help Your Neighbor: Encourage your loved ones to prepare for severe thunderstorms. Take CPR training so you can help if someone is hurt during severe weather. Call today for further information. 

With the rain season approaching, why tarp your roof?

8/25/2021 (Permalink)

A roof tarp, when secured properly, can protect your roof from new rain, wind or even snow. It can prevent holes or missing shingles from turning into leaks and can keep existing leaks from getting worse. A tarp can prevent the damaged areas from being affected by excess water and wind, while also keeping water from leaking into your home. A tarp installation can protect your roof up to 90 days until a professional team of contractors can make repairs. We call this a temporary repair.

How to install a tarp:

• Wear the appropriate safety equipment. That includes gloves, goggles, protective clothing, and sturdy boots.
• Use a ladder to reach your roof. Closely examine the area for broken shingles and other areas of damage. 
• Homeowners with a steep or slippery roof should assess the damage from the safety of their ladder. Do not step directly onto the roof.
• Carefully clean the debris from your roof using your broom. Removing the branches, leaves and other rubble will give you a clearer view of the damage.

Ways to Protect Your Home From Water Damage

1/26/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage is one of the most common and costliest disasters you may experience as a homeowner. From a burst pipe to a malfunctioning dishwasher or storm damage, there are countless ways water damage could strike your home.

While water damage is a common homeowner headache, there are plenty of things you can do to protect your home from some trying situations.

Protecting Your Home

Not only will you find water damage a hassle to deal with, but the mold that can follow could have a long-term impact on your home. Mold will follow water damage and begins to grow and flourish within 48 hours of exposure to moisture.

When working on ways to safeguard your home from water damage, it is often helpful to break it down by areas of impact. These areas may include basements, kitchens, bathrooms, flooring and ceilings.

You can prevent water damage in the basement by preventing water seepage, which can be done by resealing vulnerable areas of the basement, making sure water drains away from your home and not toward your home’s foundation, and installing a backwater valve.

Many cases of water damage to your kitchen and bathrooms are due to plumbing issues and appliance failures.

Be sure that you regularly:

• Inspect all appliances, paying close attention to hoses and faucets
• Check the seal and caulking around your showers and tubs to make sure they are watertight
• Know the location of the main shut-off valve for water is in your home
• Don’t leave the house while the washer or dishwasher is running

Protecting the possessions in your home from water damage is not always possible, however, there are ways to store items that will at least decrease the amount of damage and loss. It is advisable to use waterproof bins to store items and keep items stored on shelves off of the floor—which is highly recommended when storing your possessions in the basement.

Recovering From Water Damage

You can stand a good chance at salvaging items that can be dried out within 48 hours if your home does experience a water damage situation.

Contact your insurance company immediately, evaluate the extent of the water damage in your home and identify the type of water that is involved.

Here are the three types of water to look for:

1. Water from rain, condensation or leaky pipes is considered “clean” water.

2. Slightly dirty water from dishwashers, washing machines, clean toilets, etc. is considered “gray” water.

3. Water from sewage or serious flooding from nearby rivers, etc. is considered “black” water. This type of water can have harmful health effects.

Following a water damage disaster, you will need to remove wet objects, get your home dried out, dehumidify the area and disinfect remaining materials.

Pro tip: By freezing wet books, photos and papers in a frost-free freezer, you prevent mold and mildew from forming on these items, giving you extra time to deal with them after you have taken care of drying out your home. Once you are able, you can remove them from the freezer and air-dry or fan-dry the pages.

It may seem like recovering from water damage is an overwhelming and slightly impossible task, but it doesn’t have to be. You can call on the highly trained experts at SERVPRO® of Hemet , who are here to make it "Like it never even happened."

Containment Isn't Just For Mold Remediation

1/26/2021 (Permalink)

Containment placed at a doorway to assist our crew with focusing only on the affected area that we are drying.

SERVPRO of Hemet, sometimes utilizes the use of containment to escalate drying. During Water Mitigation it is sometimes necessary to tear out saturated drywall instead drying it in place. This could be due to a few different factors. One factor might be that the saturated materials were damaged beyond restoration and could not be dried in place. Another factor may be due to insulation being present inside the walls which would delay drying. After performing the demolition of the saturated drywall we sometimes find that the wood studs are also saturated and need to be dried. If the affected room is too large, we know that it might take longer to dry those studs so it's sometimes necessary to setup containment in order to concentrate our drying efforts to one particular area of the room. Such as depicted in these photos. This technique assists us with speeding up the drying process and helping us achieve pre loss conditions in your home or office quicker.