How to Clean the Vents in Your Home in Ocala, FL

Clogged or dirty air conditioner vents are often the source of chronic problems with AC systems. Diminished indoor air quality, greater and less efficient power consumption and even total AC system breakdown are all possible consequences of not regularly cleaning your AC vents. Luckily, there are a few simple things that all homeowners in Ocala, FL can do to keep their vents clean.

What You’ll Need

You’ll only need a few basic supplies to clean your AC vents. They include:

• Dish soap
• Scrubbing brush
• Duster
• Bucket
• Gloves
• Screwdriver
• Vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment

How to Clean Your AC Vents

The cleaning process is the same regardless of whether you plan to clean floor, ceiling or wall vents. Before doing anything else, turn off your HVAC system. Not only is it virtually impossible to clean your vents while air is flowing through them, but you don’t want to take the risk of bringing water into contact with electrically powered equipment while that equipment is still running.

Next, put on your gloves and remove the vents by unscrewing the screws that hold them in place. Then, take your duster and gently dust off the vents while remaining careful not to allow the dust to waft off through the air. After this, soak the vents in a bucket or tub of soapy water for about 10 to 15 minutes, scrub them with your brush if you notice any grime on them that doesn’t easily come off and then dry them with a towel.

You May Need to Clean the Ducts As Well

Cleaning your AC ducts may pose a bit more of a challenge than just cleaning your vents, but you’ll want to do this to maximize system longevity and performance. For this, take your vacuum cleaner and try to vacuum up as much dust from inside the ducts as you can.

Although doing this can certainly be helpful, it won’t compare to the kind of comprehensive deep cleaning that a trained HVAC professional can give you. If you think you might need this, Senica Air Conditioning provides duct cleaning and sealing services for those living in our service area.

Persistently dirty air vents and ducts are a very common cause of long-term decline in HVAC system performance. We strongly recommend cleaning them at least once every three to five years if you want to maintain system performance and breathe clean air. If you need duct cleaning or any other kind of AC services in Ocala, FL, don’t hesitate to call our team at Senica Air Conditioning today.

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Following the pandemic, office occupancy in New York City has changed dramatically. Did you know that the number of people working in the office can impact your AC performance? If you have reduced or fluctuating occupancy in your office, that can lead to air conditioning problems. Here’s what you need to know about how occupancy […]

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ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance. ESG in facilities management refers to principles and practices that prioritize sustainability, ethical governance, and corporate social responsibility.

There are many benefits to ESG and sustainability for facilities management. Key among them are:

• Cost savings through energy efficiency and reduced waste
• A reduced carbon footprint
• Compliance with LEED and BREEAM sustainability practices
• Long-term viability for buildings, equipment, and operations

When facility managers understand ESG data and how to implement these practices into the facilities management process, the advantages of increased sustainability quickly become apparent.

What is ESG?

ESG in facility management can usher in many benefits, such as lower operational costs, improved reputation and brand value, heightened employee morale and productivity, and a more sustainable and equitable future.

But what practices fall under the “E,” “S,” and “G” in ESG?

Environmental factors in ESG for facilities management may include:

• Minimizing energy consumption and waste,
• Meeting Environmental Protection Agency standards
• Reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and
• Conserving natural resources such as water and raw materials.

Social considerations can include:

• Ensuring the safety and well-being of building users,
• Supporting diversity, equity and inclusion, and
• Promoting community engagement.

Governance considerations may include:

• Ethical and transparent decision-making,
• Responsible financial management, and
• Compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

10 Steps to Take to Improve ESG and Sustainability in Your Facility

There are many business strategies that can improve ESG and sustainability for facility maintenance. These steps play a crucial role in helping facilities attain global standards for operational excellence and an enhanced workplace experience.

1. Perform an Environmental, Social and Governance evaluation: Examine your facility’s ESG performance to pinpoint areas for improvement and establish baseline goals for future growth.
2. Establish sustainability objectives: Generate precise and quantifiable sustainability objectives for the building, including reducing energy costs, optimizing water quality and usage, increasing waste recycling, or enhancing indoor air quality.
3. Implement energy-efficient practices: Install LED lighting, motion sensors, Integrated Workplace Management Systems and programmable thermostats, and optimize HVAC systems to save energy.
4. Reduce waste: Keep equipment operating at peak condition, implement a recycling program, and install water-efficient systems to reduce waste.
5. Improve air quality: Using low-VOC paints and cleaning products, augmenting air flow, and routinely caring for HVAC systems can improve indoor air quality. HVAC systems with increased ventilation and HEPA filters can also improve air quality in commercial properties and lower the spread of viruses.
6. Customize the HVAC maintenance program: The HVAC maintenance program should consider criteria such as the system’s age, condition, size, brand, and frequency of use and customize maintenance to the system’s specific needs.
7. Foster a culture of sustainability: Engage the facilities management team and building occupants in sustainability efforts by providing education and training on sustainable strategies and encouraging their participation in sustainability initiatives.
8. Consider renewable energy: Building owners can expedite the transition to a renewable energy grid by implementing renewable energy systems, such as rooftop solar panels or wind turbines, when appropriate. Renewable energy certificates, utility green power products, and other green energy procurement measures also can help.
9. Monitor and report progress:  Record the progression toward sustainability objectives using key reporting standards and consistently report on performance to the facility management team, corporate management, employees, customers, and investors.
10. Get certified. Demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility can be accomplished through LEED or BREEAM certifications. Achieving the objectives outlined by these certifications leads to high-performance buildings with lower energy and water use. Taking steps toward certification can lower utility bills and maintenance costs, improve indoor air quality and contribute to the health and wellbeing of building occupants.

By following these steps, facility managers can increase ESG and sustainability in corporate real estate, thus creating a more sustainable, efficient, and resilient operation. Apart from conserving energy, water and funds, satisfying ESG regulations has tremendous social value, serving to strengthen a company’s reputation as a champion in sustainability in the corporate world.

Goodway Helps Facilities Management Teams Meet ESG and Sustainability Goals

Goodway assists facility managers in meeting ESG commitments and improving sustainability. Here are a few examples:

Minimizing Energy Use

A power plant was experiencing reduced power output due to scale deposits within its chillers. Goodway recommended using ScaleBreak-MP for the first 1,700-ton system cleaning, which removed over 4,100 pounds of scale. After cleaning, the plant reported chillers operated at full load with a 75-degree Fahrenheit outside ambient temperature. The chiller approach went from a 12 to a 3 and the plant showed an increase in overall flow.  Read the full story.

Cost Savings

A military facility’s high efficiency boilers, air handler and two hot water coil air rotation units struggled to meet its demanding heat load. A technician traced the drop in performance to fouling within the boilers. Goodway recommended the GDS C-92 descaling pump system and ScaleBreak-SS (Stainless Steel) liquid descaling solution. After circulating ScaleBreak-SS solution within the boiler, the loop temp came up to the automation set point (170) and both boilers were commanded to standby via automation. Cleaning these two boilers provided an annualized gas savings of over $11,000. Read the full story.

Keep it Clean

A food and beverage facility needed a cost-effective way to keep equipment clean without water to ensure maximum efficiency and to protect employee and customer safety. Goodway recommended a low-moisture steam cleaner to clean and sanitize water-sensitive equipment, processing surfaces, and industrial areas. Vapor steam cleaners can clean and sanitize surfaces without chemicals that may be harmful to the environment. Read the full story.

These are but a few examples of how Goodway can help commercial facilities achieve ESG and sustainability goals. Visit Case Studies: Innovators in Maintenance | Goodway Technologies for a complete list of how Goodway has helped companies improve energy management, save money and reduce labor needs.

Next Steps

Goodway is here to help. Our HVAC maintenance solutions can help corporations increase energy efficiency, cut back on waste, and improve indoor air quality to meet ESG metrics. Our surface sanitation solutions can help companies maintain a healthy and safe workplace. Sustainability consulting is available to discover strategies that elevate ESG performance and meet sustainability targets. Educational and training materials are also available to develop and maintain a sustainability culture.

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Homeownership comes with a lot of responsibility. You have to keep up with the maintenance in and around your house, which includes your plumbing system.

Though it may not be as obvious as your roof or your landscaping, your plumbing system is an important part of your day-to-day life. It’s not enough to keep up repairs or problems as they happen. You have to get ahead of them with regular inspections.

Find out more about plumbing inspections, why they’re important, what to expect from the process.

Why Plumbing Inspections Are Important

Home inspections are a standard part of buying a home, but they tend to be on the surface.Inspectors aren’t looking into your walls and floors to see if your pipes are in good condition and to make sure there aren’t leaks, unless there’s obvious water damage.

A plumbing inspection offers a comprehensive view of your plumbing’s health. A professional checks over your fixtures, pipes, and supply lines to make sure everything is in working order. If there are leaks or cracks, they can be fixed early before they become serious problems that can damage your home.

If you’re buying a house, a plumbing inspection is a must to ensure that you’re not stuck with expensive repairs. Make sure you have a full inspection before you sign on that dotted line. Likewise, if you’re selling a home, you should get a plumbing inspection before listing. When you have this documentation to verify that your home has been maintained and the plumbing is in good condition, buyers have peace of mind. These aren’t the only times you should have a plumbing inspection, however. This routine process should be part of your home’s regular maintenance to protect your investment and keep your home safe.

Find Hidden Issues

Plumbing inspections help you find the hidden issues that may be lurking in your walls. Small issues, such as a tiny crack or dripping spot can become significant water damage, and you often don’t realize until it affects your walls and flooring.

Getting a plumbing inspection can help you spot these types of repairs early, giving you time to get them fixed without expensive emergency repairs. You’ll also save money on your water bill, since you won’t be losing a lot of water to an unsuspecting leak.

Financial Savings

If you’ve ever had to pay for a plumbing repair, you know it can be an expensive fix that could go into the thousands of dollars. If you can take care of those leaks or repairs when they’re small, they’re much cheaper and more convenient.

Conversely, waiting until problems are serious means you might have to wait for an appointment with a professional. Worse yet, you may end up with an emergency with only one plumber to call, and emergency calls are often much more expensive than a routine visit.

Who Can Do a Plumbing Inspection?

Most homeowners can handle minor plumbing issues like a leaky faucet or a constantly running toilet, but there’s much more to your plumbing than that. Instead of attempting a plumbing inspection on your own, work with a professional plumber or licensed plumbing company. They have the tools and expertise to ensure your system is in good condition.

What to Expect with a Plumbing Inspection

Plumbing inspections can involve different tasks based on your home, but they generally include:

Inspections of Plumbing Components

Your plumbing components are a big part of your inspection. The plumber will check your sinks, tubs, toilets, showers, pipes, and supply lines for issues like loose fittings, cracks, leaks, wear and tear, and more.

Inspections of Your Outdoor Plumbing

Any outdoor components of your plumbing system will also need to be checked, which includes hoses, pool components, or irrigation systems. The plumber will check that these components are in good condition and have adequate protection against the elements.

Water Heater Inspection

Water heaters are one of the most expensive appliances you have and a crucial part of your plumbing system. Plenty can go wrong, from a slow drip to a burst that leaves your water heater vulnerable to an explosion. Plumbing inspections always include a checkup of the water heater’s connection points, release valves, and other components.

Inspection of Your Sewer Line

The sewer line is another vulnerable area of your plumbing system that can wreak havoc if it’s not maintained. Your inspection will include a check of your main sewer line to look for signs of damage, such as cracks or misalignment, that can lead to a collapse or breakdown.

How Often Should I Have a Plumbing Inspection?

If you’re buying or selling a house, a plumbing inspection should always be part of the process. It’s not enough to verify the plumbing based on visible fixtures like your tub or shower – you need to see what’s happening inside the wall.

If you’re constantly hearing strange gurgling noises from your drains or water pipes, this could indicate a more serious plumbing problem if you’re not sure why. The good news is noisy pipes are a common problem for home plumbing, and once you learn the reason it’s happening, it can be fixed. Let’s review what could be causing gurgling drains and how to fix them.

Gurgles From Clogged Drains

A clogged drain is one of the more common issues in plumbing that causes gurgling drains. Similar to the way our body’s intestine system works, when air is unable to escape, the grumbling sound will begin.

If air has gotten trapped in your pipes, you will hear the rumbling noise when the water flow is restricted and the air is prevented from passing through. The sound is made as the air turns into bubbles that try to make their way past the water.

Problems With Your Sewer Line

If you’re hearing weird noises coming from your drains, it could be a plumbing issue with your sewer line. Your sewer line carries wastewater and sewage from your home to your municipal sewer system for treatment.

Tree Roots

Healthy, beautiful trees have healthy, beautiful roots. However, as they grow, they can cause major issues to your plumbing and sewer lines. Obstructions can develop in your pipes when tree roots grow through them.

Gurgling drains and toilets, sinkholes, and soft patches in your yard are typical signs that roots may have gone through your sewer line. It’s important to deal with this issue quickly to prevent more damage to your plumbing.

Broken Pipes

Gurgling drains can be caused by a cracked or broken sewer line, but that’s not all it can lead to. This can cause one pungent mess. When your sewer line breaks, it causes air to enter into the pipes and is what causes the gurgling sound.

Call a Service Champion plumber today to get this issue fixed and avoid the smell and sounds of broken pipes.

Blocked Pipe

Trapped air bubbles inside your pipes can cause a gurgling sound. A clogged sewer line can cause more problems than a blocked freshwater line.=

These types of clogs are usually caused by wipes or paper towels being flushed down the toilet, grease, fat, or a damaged pipe. The air trying to get past the clog is what causes the strange gurgling drains.

Because sewer lines are buried in the ground, they are more difficult to get to. It is highly recommended you contact a licensed plumber to handle these kinds of problems.

Blocked Vent System

Have you ever heard the ‘glug’ sound when you pour the liquid out of a carton or bottle too fast? This is the same noise you will hear if your plumbing vents are blocked.

Your vents connect to every pipe in your home and vent through the roof. If one becomes blocked by twigs, leaves, or dirt, the air has no place to escape. This will result in it looking for the closest exit, which is typically your drains.

Damaged or Blocked P-Trap

A P-trap is a curved piece of pipe located behind the sink that prevents gross gases and odors from escaping into your home. When it becomes blocked or damaged, the water flows too slowly and creates a vacuum which causes the gurgling drains.

If you’re experiencing rumbling sounds and smelling odors from your drains, it may be time to replace your P-trap.

How to Fix Your Gurgling Drains

Concerned and irritated about your gurgling drains? It’s possible that you could resolve the problem with some DIY plumbing methods. But before you jump into that, there are a couple of factors you should consider before grabbing your wrench:

• Do you have the tools, skills, and knowledge to complete the work correctly? Especially if it is a sewer line where dangerous bacteria could live.
• Will you put yourself at risk and potentially cause more damage by trying to access the pipe?

If the problem seems to be something simple like a clogged pipe, there are a couple of DIY techniques you can try.

Use a Drain Snake or Plunger

A drain snake or plunger may take care of a small clog that is caused by hair stuck in the drain or food debris.

Use a Solution of Baking Soda and Vinegar

Pour some boiling water down your drain and follow it with a cup of vinegar and baking soda. The combination of these compounds may be enough to unclog the drain.

Call a Licensed Professional

The best thing that you can do for gurgling drains is to contact a licensed professional. They have the correct tools and experience to make sure that the gurgling doesn’t lead to more problems. Service Champion plumbers offer a variety of services, including water line and pipe repair. Get rid of your gurgling drains for good. Contact us today to take care of all your plumbing needs.

Water stains on your walls and ceilings are not only unsightly, but they are often a symptom of a much bigger issue. Left unchecked, the water stains can not only spread and be an eyesore, but they can ruin personal possessions and potentially be unsafe.

So, what is causing the water stains on your walls and on your ceilings? And what should you do about them?

Water Stain Discovery

After you first notice water stains on your ceiling and/or walls, you’ll need to determine where they’re coming from and what has caused them in the first place.

While water stains on your ceilings and/or walls are aesthetically unpleasing, they can trigger you to intervene before the problem worsens and poses a greater threat to your household’s safety. If you spot water stains, don’t ignore them. It’s time to act.

Pinpointing The Origin Of Your Water Stains

Water stains on your ceiling or walls are often grey or yellowish.

Think: parchment paper or tea-stained.

Other Causes Of Water Stains

If everything is A-OK with your plumbing and roof, there are other contributing factors that could lead to water stains on your walls or ceilings.

Condensation build-up, for instance, can cause unwanted water stains. Lacking effective insulation and ducts, water condensation can build up and become trapped. Without an exit, condensation shows itself through water stains on your ceilings and/or walls.

Another potential cause of water stains is the hardness of your water. Often forgotten about, water quality – specifically the hardness and softness – will have an impact on your pipes and overall plumbing.

Hard water can leave white, chalky residue, which, left unchecked, can cause cavities and blocks. This can then result in water stains on your walls and/or ceilings.

I’ve Found Water Stains On My Ceilings And Walls. What Do I Do?

While some homeowners ignore it, they end up with a high repair bill and a heap of regret. Here’s what to do instead.

Contact A Professional

Whether you can find the source of the water stains and the cause or not, you should contact a plumbing professional right away. Don’t prime and paint over water stains without fixing the core problem, as the stains will return, and the issue – wherever it may be – will worsen over time.

This will end in a high repair bill at best, ruined possessions, and an unsafe home at worst.

How To Get Rid Of Water Stains On Your Walls And Ceilings

After contacting a professional, there are 3 core steps to remove water stains on your walls and ceilings.

1. Have The Root Cause Resolved First

It’s fundamental that this step takes place before moving on. Painting over water stains is a temporary solution if there have been no real repairs.

2. Drywall Reconstruction

After having the root cause repaired, you can start on drywall reconstruction. If the damage is severe, contact a professional and avoid the risk. If the damage is only minimal, take these steps next:

It’s a wonderful feeling to open the windows and let in the fresh air once the weather starts getting warmer. However, along with fresh air comes dirt and allergens that settle as a layer of dust on your surfaces.

Don’t let dust ruin your spring with constant sneezing and cleaning. With a few easy-to-follow tips, you can use your HVAC system to help you keep dust levels manageable.

Where Does Dust Come From and What is it Made Of?

Dust is made up of various particles: dead skin cells, pollen, pet dander, insect remnants, and dirt collect over time making your home appear dirty, and even causing respiratory problems or worsening allergy symptoms.

Dust can come from both inside and outside your home. Every time you track in debris from outside or even simply pet your dog, you’re adding to the amount of dust in your home.

To prevent dust from accumulating, it’s important to take preventive measures. Besides spending every day cleaning up any accumulating dust, you can use your HVAC system to clean your air.

Replace Your Air Filters

An inexpensive and easy way to keep dust from accumulating in your home is to clean or replace your air filter. If your air filter is clogged or dirty, it doesn’t capture as much dust and can leave your air feeling and smelling less than fresh.

Hospitals play a critical role in our communities, providing essential medical care to patients in need. With their typically high concentration of patients exhibiting various illness and the continuous presence of COVID-19, the importance of hospital HVAC maintenance is more important than ever. One key factor in achieving this goal is ensuring that the hospital’s HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems are properly maintained.

We put together some of the top reasons why HVAC maintenance is essential in hospitals::

1. Maintaining indoor air quality (IAQ)

Hospitals require a high level of IAQ to promote the health and safety of patients, staff, and visitors. Proper HVAC maintenance can help ensure that clean air is circulating throughout the hospital free of contaminants, allergens, dangerous bacteria, airborne particles, and other harmful germs. Regular maintenance of hospital heating and cooling systems can include changing filters, cleaning ductwork, and ensuring that all components are functioning properly.

2. Promoting patient comfort

In addition to air quality, HVAC systems also play a critical role in maintaining comfortable temperatures and humidity levels in hospital spaces. Maintaining a consistent and comfortable indoor environment can help patients feel more at ease during their hospital stay, which can ultimately aid in their recovery.

3. Reducing the spread of contaminants

Hospitals and medical centers are high-traffic areas where germs and bacteria can easily spread. HVAC systems are key in creating negative pressure rooms, often used during operations, which prevents contaminated air from traveling outside of the contained area. In addition, since hospitals are high-traffic areas where germs and bacteria can easily spread, proper filtration and humidity control can greatly reduce the potential of spreading of infectious diseases. Regular HVAC maintenance can also help identify and address any potential issues that could contribute to the spread of infections, such as leaks or moisture buildup.

4. Improving energy efficiency

Routine maintenance not only keeps the air clean and occupants safe, but can also help hospitals reduce energy costs and improve overall efficiency of their HVAC systems. By keeping systems running smoothly and addressing any issues promptly, hospitals can reduce the risk of breakdowns requiring emergency service, reduce the risk of costly repairs, and extend the lifespan of their HVAC equipment.

Overall, preventative maintenance is critical for healthcare facilities to maintain a safe, healthy, and comfortable environment for patients, staff, and visitors. Having a preventive maintenance plan can ensure hospital’s HVAC systems are operating effectively and efficiently, leading to improved IAQ, patient comfort, and energy efficiency.

See what steps can be taken with our HVAC Maintenance Checklist.

By partnering with an experienced commercial HVAC service provider, hospitals can ensure that their systems are functioning at peak efficiency and providing optimal indoor air quality.

Goodway Technologies understands the importance of proper maintenance which is why for over 55 years we have provided facilities the best-in-class equipment to ensure HVAC systems are operating effectively and efficiently. Call today to see how Goodway® can help your facility.

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In the restaurant business, maintaining comfortable conditions is a must. It’s never okay for your dining room to be too hot, cold or humid. You can’t have equipment noise disturbing your customers. You can’t have drafts or kitchen smells being pulled into the dining room by a poorly-functioning restaurant HVAC system. These problems cause you […]

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