Trusted Saskatoon Furnace & Duct Cleaners at Bridge City Explain Air Duct Cleaning

20. Jun 2022 Admin Saskatoon Furnace & Duct Cleaning, Trusted Tips

Trusted Saskatoon Furnace & Duct Cleaners Bridge City Duct Cleaning provides both residential duct cleaning and commercial duct cleaning and furnace maintenance services. Their team is professionally trained, qualified, bonded, and factory furnace and duct cleaning technicians. In their latest article, they discuss how air duct cleaning is done.

HOW AIR DUCT CLEANING IS DONE

You’ve seen the signs that your Air Ducts need cleaning, but now are you wondering how air duct cleaning is done? What do you need to be prepared for?

The Steps To How Air Duct Cleaning is Done

Step 1: Inspect The Air Ducts

A simple, visual inspection of the ducts leading to the return and supply registers is important for two reasons. First, it’s a step that you can take yourself to assess the level of buildup in the ducts beforehand and confirm the difference after they’ve been cleaned.

Second, a professional duct cleaning is an opportunity for Bridge City Duct Cleaning to check the ductwork for leaks or, in the case of flexible ducts, kinks. It is also a good time to repair and replace damaged ductwork.

Step 2: Create Negative Pressure

Bridge City Duct Cleaning uses large, portable or truck-mounted vacuum collection devices to suck dust and debris out of your ductwork. However, before turning on the suction and scrubbing the ducts, the technicians must perform preliminary steps.

First, they hook the vacuum collection device’s large hose to a duct close to the air handler—the heart of your HVAC system. The technician cuts an access hole in the duct, inserts the vacuum hose, and seals where they join as tightly as possible.

(Note that your HVAC system has a supply and a return side—ducts that send treated air into the rooms of the house, and ducts that return air to the air handler. The supply and return sides are separate, and the duct cleaning process is performed on each.)

Next, the technician will seal each register with an adhesive cover. This is an important step because even an extremely powerful vacuum collection device will not work if the registers in each room of the house are uncovered.
Once the technician finishes these steps, they turn on the vacuum unit. This step creates negative pressure, and particles inside the ductwork will be sucked into the collection device as they are brushed or blown loose.

Step 3: Agitate The Dust

Once the system is under negative pressure, the technician uncovers each register and cleans each duct. Technicians use rotating brushes, compressed air tools, and simple vacuum cleaners to ensure dust is dislodged and sucked into the vacuum collection device.

Step 4: Clean The Rest Of The System

It is recommended to clean the other components of the HVAC system as well, including the air handler’s blower motor, evaporator coil, and drain pan.

Cleaning these components, along with cleaning or changing the filter, will improve the air quality in your home as well as extend the life and increase the efficiency of your HVAC system.

A Bridge City Duct Cleaning technician will perform the job thoroughly and carefully, ensuring that your ductwork winds up clean and undamaged. A thorough cleaning should take three to five hours and this is how your air ducts are cleaned.

Call today to book your appointment with Bridge City Duct Cleaning.

Bridge City Duct Cleaning Services Include:

Bridge City Furnace and Duct Cleaning Is A Trusted Saskatoon Furnace and Duct Cleaning Company

How Permanent Concrete Foundation Repairs Are From Trusted Saskatoon Contractors K & S Contracting

14. Jun 2022 Admin Saskatoon Contractors, Trusted Tips

K & S Contracting specializes in foundation repair for homeowners across Saskatchewan. In addition, they also offer general contracting services to Saskatoon and the surrounding area. In their latest Trusted Saskatoon tip, K & S Contracting, Trusted Saskatoon General Contractors, and foundation specialists, discuss if concrete foundation repairs are permanent.

Are Concrete Foundation Repairs Permanent?

Remember that not every crack, chip, or spalling is the same, and there is never such a thing as a “permanent” solution to any foundation damage! Changing soil conditions, extreme weather conditions, and a new construction project near your home can result in future foundation damage. Adding to your home’s weight, such as an attached sunroom without underpinning or otherwise strengthening a foundation can also mean eventual damage.

However, some foundation repair methods are more durable than others and should last for several decades. To better understand your foundation repair choices and their overall longevity, review below:

CONCRETE PIERS

Concrete piers are often installed during the pre-construction phase of homebuilding, and these help support a foundation as it’s being poured and then setting and curing. These piers are also used for sinking foundations, lifting them up and providing added support. Concrete piers are durable and last for decades.

STEEL PIERS

Steel piers are similar to concrete piers but are easier to work with and can be installed more readily; concrete requires pouring while fresh, which can require disturbing far more landscaping and lawn than simple steel piers. Steel is also more impervious to moisture and added weight than concrete piers.

HELICAL PIERS

Helical piers look somewhat like giant screws and are screwed deeply into the earth, section by section if necessary. They are screwed into the ground until it’s proven that the area can properly hold the required bearing capacity of the structure. Helical piles are a relatively quick, economical foundational solution that provides stability and strength to foundations. They especially come in handy when there is structural damage to a foundation.

POLY LIFT

A poly lift is also a popular way of repairing a sinking foundation; this includes injecting special polyurethane foam into the ground, under the broken foundation section. As the foam dries and hardens, it lifts the foundation into place and restores it to a level and even position. This poly foam doesn’t deteriorate or weaken over time, so it’s typically considered a permanent foundation repair solution.

CONCRETE SEALANTS AND EPOXY

Foundation crack sealants and epoxies help fill in cracks and holes that may appear in the foundation of a home. These cracks can result from many factors, including shifting soil, settling foundations, or even water erosion. Foundation crack sealant lasts for approximately 5-7 years.

While Steve has discussed are concrete foundation repairs permanent, it really depends on what is going on around your home and its foundation. We recommend if you have any concerns, call Steve.

K & S Contracting is a Trusted Saskatoon General Contractor and foundation specialists.

Their services include:

For more information about K&S Contracting, view their listing in the Contractors section on Trusted Saskatoon.

Signs Your Air Ducts Need Cleaning From Trusted Saskatoon Furnace & Duct Cleaners at Bridge City Duct Cleaning

9. Jun 2022 Admin Saskatoon Furnace & Duct Cleaning, Trusted Tips

Trusted Saskatoon Furnace & Duct Cleaners Bridge City Duct Cleaning provides both residential duct cleaning and commercial duct cleaning and furnace maintenance services. Their team is professionally trained, qualified, bonded, and factory furnace and duct cleaning technicians. In their latest article, they discuss the signs your air ducts need cleaning.

5 SIGNS YOUR AIR DUCTS NEED CLEANING

It is normal for the return registers to get dusty as dust-laden air is pulled through the grate. This does not indicate that your air ducts are contaminated with heavy deposits of dust or debris; the registers can be easily vacuumed or removed and cleaned; however, there are signs your air ducts need cleaning:

Dust and Debris Are Blown During Start-Up

One of the best ways to tell if your ducts need cleaning is to check how much dust and debris are blown out when starting your heating unit. In normal situations, air ducts do not release visible dust or debris when the heating and cooling system is switched on, and the air starts flowing through the ducts. Sometimes an accumulation of dust will make it seem like your ducts need to be cleaned, so be sure to perform this check only after a fresh filter has been installed. It’s important that your ducts be free of these substances as they can cause issues with energy efficiency and air quality throughout your home.

Mould Growth

The appearance of mould is never a good sign. It could mean a number of issues with your ducts (including a moisture problem). It’s important to check for mould for a variety of reasons, most prominently, to protect your health. Mould can cause breathing and other health-related problems. If you notice any mould in your ducts, call our duct cleaning service in Saskatoon immediately.

You Notice Rodents or Insects

Wildlife in your ducts is a big problem. If you notice any signs that there might be an infestation in your ducts, it’s definitely time to have your air ducts cleaned by a professional. Look out for small scratches, insect husks and shells along with rodent droppings. All could be signs that you have a couple of unwanted house guests living in your vents.

The Presence of Carbon Monoxide

This is only applicable if you use a gas stove, furnace or fireplace. Because your ducts are connected to each and every room in the house, it’s important to ensure that there’s no gas trapped inside them. This could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. For this reason, it’s recommended that you have your heating system inspected at the beginning of every season.

Unpleasant Odour from Ducts

Another telltale sign of the presence of debris in the system and that you should conduct serious ventilation system cleaning is odour. If you experience an unpleasant smell in your home and can’t find the source, it could be emanating from the air duct system. You should get up close to all the air registers for a good sniff to verify these suspicions. You can also have a technician inspect the air ducts for anything that could be emitting a bad smell.

Take a look at these 5 signs that your air ducts need cleaning, and if you find the signs, then let our professional team of experts at Bridge City Duct Cleaning take care of your dryer vent cleaning to prevent damage to your air and your home.

Let the professional team of experts at Bridge City Duct Cleaning take care of your spring duct cleaning to help optimize the air quality in your home!

Bridge City Duct Cleaning Services Include:

Bridge City Furnace and Duct Cleaning Is A Trusted Saskatoon Furnace and Duct Cleaning Company

Made In the Shade Trusted Saskatoon Window & Blind Pro Compares Faux Wood vs Real Wood Blinds

27. May 2022 Admin Saskatoon Window Coverings, Trusted Tips

Made in The Shade Saskatoon offer their clients an amazing selection at an outstanding value... it is no wonder they have such happy clients. Let them help you with all of your Saskatoon Window Covering needs!

Made In the Shade are your TRUSTED SASKATOON WINDOW COVERINGS EXPERTS.

Faux Wood vs Real Wood Blinds

One of the most commonly asked questions in our industry is: What is the difference between faux wood vs real wood blinds? The best answer we can offer involves educating our clients on the features and benefits of both selections.

Our horizontal faux wood blind collections give you the best of both worlds! They have the look of luxurious real wood blinds at a price of about 15 to 25% less. Because faux wood blinds are made from a synthetic material (usually PVC or a polymer), they also offer easy maintenance and care.

You won’t have to worry about warping, cracking, or splitting in environments of high moisture or high humidity, making this an ideal product for bathrooms, kitchens, garages, kid’s play areas, etc. Available in solid vinyl, or in a composition of vinyl and wood for added strength, faux wood blinds provide superior insulation.

Wood blinds, on the other hand, offer a warm and inviting look to any decor. Wood has long been associated with strength and aesthetic beauty.

Both faux wood and real wood blinds come with a decorative valance at the top as a standard feature. Both are aesthetically pleasing choices to dress up your windows! It really comes down to personal preference and/or budget. With either selection, you can’t go wrong. After all, 2″ horizontal blinds continue to be the #1 choice in window coverings across North America for more than a decade.

Richly stained or painted wood blinds offer a wider selection of colours than faux wood, as well as other upgraded options and features. We often recommend real wood blinds when our clients need to match a particular wood stain or a custom paint trim colour. Keep in mind that there is no comparison between faux stains and the rich beauty of a true wood stain, but we do carry wood grain-like options in our faux collections as well.

Wood blinds are also an ideal choice for wider windows. Because of the lighter weight of real wood blinds, we can generally accommodate a wider window opening with a single-blind. This is always a preferred choice over two blinds in one window opening!

You can order your wood blinds with the popular no-holes option to stop light from leaking into your rooms or opt for decorative fabric tapes. Some of their wood blind collections are available with a motorized or cordless option, for ease of operation and child safety.

Check out their listing here in Saskatoon Window Coverings to read what their happy clients had to say... Made In the Shade are your Trusted Saskatoon Window coverings experts.

Trusted Saskatoon Realtor Kari Calder Shares Simple Pre-Sale Fixes That Won't Break The Bank

24. May 2022 Admin Saskatoon Real Estate, Trusted Tips

The decision to purchase your home is one of the most important decisions you will ever make, and will also be one of your largest investments. Done right, it can also be one of the most exciting and fulfilling times in your life! Kari Calder, a Saskatoon Realtor with Century 21 Fusion, is there to help you through the process and provide you and your family with the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you have a realtor working with your best interests in mind.

Simple Pre-Sale Fixes That Won't Break The Bank

Selling your home? It’s hard to get motivated to spend money on fixing up your house just so someone else can enjoy it. I understand. It feels like a waste of time/energy/money however easy fixes may be the difference between a higher offer or even an offer at all. Here are a few simple fixes you can do all for under $500.

1. Making the buyer feel at home: $0

This one is easy and costs nothing! Create a clean palate for your potential buyers by decluttering the house, packing up pictures, and making the house shine.

2. Fresh coat of paint: $200

Paint and supplies will be the majority of your costs here and save by doing the work yourself. Paint is the quickest way to transform your space and make it neutral. Don’t forget to touch up the trim while you’re at it.

3. Curb appeal boost: $50

First impressions are crucial to getting potential buyers through the door. Save money by borrowing a pressure washer and freshening up the landscaping with free/inexpensive mulch. Simple additions like potted flowers in the entryway, a new welcome mat and a bold colour on the door will make a big difference without breaking the bank.

4. Comfort is key: $50

Making your buyers feel at home and ensuring the living room is cozy is key. Add brightly coloured and fun patterned pillows, a soft throw, and some baskets for storage to help achieve this.

5. Update the kitchen: $75

No, you don’t want to redo your kitchen to sell but updating the hardware will go a long way. Also think about adding a vase of fresh-cut flowers, a bowl of fruit, or bright kitchen towels to help dress up the space.

6. Bedroom retreat: $100

Everyone wants to have a place to relax at the end of the day, so why not show off your master bedroom? Go for comfy modern bedding, throw pillows, and new lamp shades to help show buyers just how relaxing the space can be.

7. Squeaky clean: $25

Scrub the bathrooms well and replace the towels and shower curtain liners. Buy pretty soaps and add a few candles to create an atmosphere.

If you need help figuring out where to spend your money on pre-sale renos, a professional like myself can help prioritize items and can keep you from spending money unnecessarily.

Kari Calder is one of Saskatoon's top Century 21 Fusion real estate agents. Kari can assist with all of your Saskatoon buying and selling real estate needs and she is a TRUSTED SASKATOON REALTOR.