13 Cedarberry Ct., Verona, WI 53593
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Just Listed! First time home buyers – come see this 3-bedroom Cape Cod! 1325 Larson Ct., Madison, WI 53714
Should you be Concerned about the Condition of Your Ducts?
Do you know what lurks in your home air ducts? Every time you breathe the air in your home, you’re breathing some of the millions of germ-carrying dust and mold particles from your air ducts that cause allergies, asthma–even terminal illnesses.
In all homes, the air ducts gather dust, dirt, human skin flakes and pet dander, becoming holding cells for allergens, mold spores, germs and other contaminants. The problem begins even before you move into a newly-built home, with the buildup of drywall dust, sawdust and other debris in ducts that provide a perfect environment for the growth of germs and allergens. It’s more of a problem since the 1970s, when new construction techniques made buildings more tightly sealed, which restricts the flow of fresh air. Every day, your family breathes air that is continually circulated through contaminated ductwork by your HVAC system.
The problem has gotten so serious, the Environmental Protection Agency has found that indoor air is as much as 70 times more polluted than outdoor air, and people today spend 90% of their time indoors!
The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recommends having air ducts inspected every two years, with cleaning performed every four to eight years, depending on the location and condition of your home. Regular air duct cleaning not only helps you get the jump on germs…it also reduces odors, lowers your heating and air conditioning bills, and extends the life of your HVAC system.
Wisconsin Lawn Mowing Tips
Spring is upon homeowners in the Madison, Wisconsin area. Here are some of the key factors and their benefits for maintaining a healthy looking Wisconsin lawn:
- Mowing Frequency: It’s a good habit to match your mowing schedule to the growth rate of your lawn. It may be necessary to mow your grass as much as twice a week during periods of heavy growth, but only 10 to 14 days during periods of excessive drought.
- Mowing Height: The general rule of thumb is to never remove more than 1/3 of the grass blade in a single mowing. Mowing too short effects your lawn by causing the grass to use stored food and nutrients to re-grow the food producing leaf blades. During periods of heavy stress, this can result in damaging turf loss. In addition, mowing too low or scalping your lawn can produce overly thinned or bald patches, which make it easier for weeds to become established. Frequent mowing will also keep the length of clipping to a minimum and help eliminate thatch buildup. It is a common misconception that grass clippings cause thatch buildup. Actually mowing only 1/3 of the blade with each mowing produces smaller clippings, which decompose quicker. Small clippings, especially those from mulching type mowers are actually beneficial to your lawn by helping to replace the turfs nitrogen. Grass clippings can contribute as much as 25% of your turfs nitrogen requirements.
- Sharp Mowing Blades: It is important to remember to always keep your mower blades sharp. This may require you to sharpen your mower blades several times during the growing season. Mowing with dull blades is equivalent to having your hair cut with dull clippers. Dull blades tear or rip the blade, which weakens the turf and results in ragged, discolored leaf tips.
