If you live in eastern Tennessee, you are probably familiar with the red clay soil that clings to your shoes and dirties your carpets. Knoxville carpet cleaning companies can help. However, there are a few things to consider before proceeding.

Depending on what material your carpets are made from, you want to make sure that the cleaning machine and detergents used do not damage or discolor the carpet fibers. If you do not feel comfortable doing it by yourself, consider hiring a professional Knoxville carpet cleaning service. They have the knowledge, expertise as well as the necessary equipment and cleaning solutions to handle your dirty carpets. When consulting with a professional, be aware that there are a variety of methods used to clean carpets, as detailed below.

• Shampoo Method
Shampoo or some type of cleaner is used on the carpet and agitated using a carpet cleaner. Vacuuming then removes the shampoo, leaving a pleasant odor. However, oftentimes dirt and unseen microbes remain and show up again in the carpets.

• Steam Cleaning Method
This method utilizes hot water in combination with the cleaning solution to clean and remove dirt, stains and microbes. However, carpets may take a long time to dry, sometimes up to 24 hours before it is completely dry.

• Dry Cleaning Method
This method uses a special dry type of cleaning powder that is used to remove dirt. No water is used, so there is no lengthy waiting time. This method offers the quickest way to clean your carpets.

There are plenty of Knoxville carpet cleaning companies available to handle your dirty carpets. Some may be part of a nationwide chain, while others are local Knoxville carpet cleaning companies. Either way, it is a good idea to research the company, such as looking at the current standing with the Better Business Bureau. You want to make sure you feel comfortable allowing their technicians into your home.

For Knoxville carpet cleaning from a local company, Drycon has been serving the Knoxville area for more than 17 years. Utilizing the dry cleaning method, carpets are quickly cleaned without soaking the carpets, resulting in quick drying time. Cleaning solutions used are non-toxic and safe to use around children and pets. For additional protection, Stain Guard is offered. Additional information may be found online at http:/dryconknox.com.

Energy Efficiency: Don’t “Duct” Your Responsibility

You’d think twice about putting a new engine in an old car, right? But many households don’t take this same approach when it comes to their heating and cooling systems. They purchase new, high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment and then attach it to a clunker of a duct system. The equipment may heat and cool the home, but the system never performs at its full potential. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR program recommends that you have your duct system checked – either during an equipment replacement or a service call. Ask us about this when you call to set up your next appointment. By fixing your ducts, you could save up to $140 per year in energy costs.

Do you have a clunker of a duct system?

1. Do your filters get dirty quickly? Are there dirt streaks showing at the corners and seams of duct connections?
2. Do you have rooms that just don’t get much air flow and never seem to feel comfortable?
3. Do you have ducts in your attic or crawl space?

Any or all of these conditions may be attributable to poorly performing ducts. For contractors fixing your ductwork, here are a few of the recommendations the EPA offers:

• Inspect the whole distribution system, including attic and crawl spaces.
• Seal leaks and connections with mastic or metal tape.Don’t use duct tape!
• Determine if additional air returns dampers or new zones are needed.

Want to know more? Give us a call and we can perform a thorough video inspection on your duct system.

Home Safety Alert: Falls Are Leading Cause of Home Injury

Everyone trips and stumbles from time to time. But a simple moment of “not watching where you’re going” can have serious consequences. According to the Home Safety Council, falls at home cause more than 5 million injuries each year – and even account for nearly 6,000 deaths. The Council recommends that you take a look at several areas, including:

• Stairs and Steps– For better protection, have handrails installed on both sides, and make sure they extend from the top to the bottom of the stairs. Use safety gates at the top and bottom with small children in the home.

Also, keep the stairs clear of toys, laundry, books or other clutter. Finally, if any steps are broken, have them repaired.

• Lighting- Lighting helps us watch where we’re going, see hazards ahead and make adjustments. Make sure you have adequate lighting at entrances, on your porch and walkways and at the top and bottom of the stairs. Also, place nightlights in the bedroom,

hall and bathroom to prevent stumbling in the dark during unplanned visits to the bathroom or tending to snack attacks in the kitchen.

• Reduce Slips- A big injury can start with a small slip, and that can start with a small rug. Secure small rugs by taping them to the floor (or don’t use them at all). Place a mat or non-slip strips in the tub and shower and add grab bars. Also, use a bath mat with a non-skid bottom on the bathroom floor.
• Other Good Practices– If you have a two-story (or more) home, place window guards on upstairs windows to keep children from falling out.

If you or your loved ones are struggling to adjust to a more air-friendly lifestyle, perhaps the context of personal health can help put things in a better, and more effective, perspective. Exposure to air pollution can aggravate asthma, lead to potential lung damage, cause coughing or shortness of breath and could result in premature death for people with existing heart or lung diseases.