Trivia time: Most homeowners don’t know that, according to Energy Star, half of the energy expenses for a home are a result of energy from the heating and cooling system. We all enjoy the comforts of an HVAC system, but there is definitely an investment associated with operating them—thankfully, with some basic maintenance, your investment goes much further. Because an HVAC system is so important, it’s necessary to do regular maintenance to stop problems before they start. Read on →

Water damage is a devastating problem. Not only can it damage a home and all of its contents, but it can also present unique health hazards and risks during the cleanup process. One of those dangerous risks is mold growth. The CDC lists many negative symptoms associated with mold exposure, made extra dangerous because it can begin growing as soon as 24 hours after moisture is introduced. If you’re concerned about mold growth after experiencing water damage, here are the steps you can take to help stop mold before it starts. Read on →

While damages from fire can often be mitigated with restoration, learning that you’ve been affected by a home fire is still devastating. When you begin the cleanup process, to ensure the restoration is properly done, don’t cut corners by not hiring a professional. Working with a professional has several benefits—not only will they work with your homeowner’s insurance company on your behalf, but they will also be able to salvage more items in the cleanup. Read on →

For most homeowners, carpet cleaning is rarely on the list of regular chores because they assume vacuuming will suffice. Unfortunately, simply running over the carpet with a vacuum doesn’t solve the bigger problems lurking within the fibers. Not only do carpet companies typically require regular cleaning to maintain the manufacturer’s warranty, but there are several other reasons why carpet cleaning is a wise choice. By banishing bugs and mites, improving air quality and extending your carpet’s life, carpet cleaning is a smart choice for any homeowners looking to have clean and well-maintained floors. Read on →

If you’re familiar with water damage, you’re likely familiar with terms like “black water” and “clear water” to describe the water pollutant levels left behind. Though the implication is that clear water is less hazardous than black water, the reality is that there are three types and they can all cause their own kinds of damage to your home or office. Because we know the devastation that comes along with water damage, we’ve outlined the three types of water contamination you might come across and what these terms mean. Read on →

From adding storage to your garage to installing a whole new kitchen, DIY home improvements can be a great way to spend the weekend. However, even for the handiest of homeowners, there are some projects you shouldn’t attempt to tackle on your own. If you’ve experienced a fire, it can be tempting to start the restoration process of your home right away—but hastily cleaning can often hurt more than it helps. Read on →

Outdoor air is blamed as being the source of pollutants, but homeowners are often surprised to learn that indoor air quality is often far worse. If you have a central heating and cooling system in your home, the air that’s cycled through contains all the debris, as well. But how do you know if your ducts need cleaning? If you’re on the fence, here are some typical scenarios that definitely call for maintenance: Read on →

In 2017, there was over $306 billion in damage related to natural disasters. Not being prepared for an emergency situation is a risk, and the number of severe weather and natural disasters makes it an even bigger one. At SERVPRO®, we understand the importance of being prepared for emergencies. That’s why we’ve assembled tips on how to pack your family’s emergency preparedness kit, to help you stay comfortable and safe until help arrives: Read on →

When you’re working on mold prevention, a well-ventilated home is a great place to start, but even the driest of homes will have damp spaces. Pipes, faucets and steam can all encourage mold growth, and the spores are notorious for their resiliency. While the moisture is unavoidable, harmful mold growth is not. We’ve handled quite a few mold cases, and we understand that even the most inconspicuous of situations can lead to the harmful growth. Read on →

Painting is one of the most common DIY tasks that homeowners undertake. From refreshing a room to a full-on home remodel, handling your own painting is a great way to make the budget stretch further. Adding new color to a wall is exciting, but don’t skip over the important prep work before you pop that paint can open. Painting over dirty walls isn’t a common DIY horror story, meaning that most homeowners aren’t aware of the risk it brings. Read on →