Category Archives: Home Maintenance

Tree Service Forked River Machines, Equipment, and Supplies

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Tree service workers use a variety of equipment and machines. These items don’t only make the job easier, bot more importantly, they keep the workers safe. Everyone has seen the videos online of homeowners attempting to do their own tree service Forked River. They never end well. The ending either shows a destroyed building, a smashed vehicle, or, in the worst cases, an injury. If you as the reader of this article takes just one thing away, let it be this; always hire a professional for any size job of tree service in Forked River. Not only will doing the job yourself end up costing you more money because you don’t have the right equipment to perform the job correctly, you’re putting yourself in some serious risk.

Climbing Equipment is Important for Tree Service Forked River

Tree service Forked River professional using climbing equipment to climb tree

Not every tree needs to be fully removed. Occasionally, it is just some branches that need to go. In order to accomplish this, tree companies in Forked River staff tree climbers. These professionals go where no homeowner should ever go. In order to reach the highest heights in spaces where machines can’t go, tree climbers have some very specific equipment in order to keep them safe.

Actual climbing accessories like ropes, carabiners, ascenders and descenders, and pulleys are necessary to reach the tops of trees. These products are well-known to anyone who has ever done climbing of any type. Other safety items like helmets, saddles, and harnesses are also included on a tree climber’s work checklist. These supplies help climbers stay safe while performing their job. Specific to tree climbing, climbing spurs and spikes give tree climbers the ability to access any size tree. Without these furnishings, tree climbers would be hard-pressed to get as high as they need to.

Cutting Equipment Makes Quick Work of Large Trees

The average person may not realize how many specialized cutting tools tree workers use. You might think a hand saw, a chainsaw, and a pair of shears would be enough to get every job done, but you would be very, very wrong. Although you might be able to use these tools to do a lot around the yard, using them alone is a completely inefficient way to accomplish tree service. In addition to these common homeowner’s saws, tree service workers use any variety of the following cutting equipment to do their jobs correctly.

  • Pole saws
  • Pruners
  • Pruning Saws
  • Tree Loppers
  • Axes
  • Machetes
  • Hatchets
  • Wedges

The Stuff that Cleans it All Up

Even if you decide that you can take that tree in your yard down by yourself, getting rid of what is left is often the most difficult part. Once branches, limbs, or full trees come down, you have large trunks and chunks of wood in addition to hazardous stumps to contend with. The equipment needed to make quick work of this debris are large, expensive, dangerous machines that no layman should own.

One machine is an industrial wood chipper. They are capable of getting rid of large amounts of wood in a short amount of time. In addition, as long as the wood being chipped is not diseased or treated with chemicals, wood chips are great for landscaping projects like flower beds and vegetable gardens. However, these machines should only ever be operated by professionals with appropriate training.

Another important part of tree service Forked River is stump grinding. Leftover stumps are very dangerous. They can wreak havoc on lawn mowers. Plus, they are a tripping hazard so it is crucial to remove all parts of a stump after a tree is removed. Stump grinding equipment is just as, if not more perilous than wood chippers and should also not be used by anyone who doesn’t have the proper education.

Only Hire Professionals for Your Tree Service Forked River

Professional tree service in Forked River with employess in bucket truck wearing hard hats

It isn’t just the equipment that makes professionals the right ones to get your tree service Forked River done. Safety is a major concern when taking care of trees. Falling branches and trees can do major damage to people and property. With the right equipment and the proper security training, tree service Forked River professionals like Ben Bivins Tree Experts can make quick work of your job. They have been providing Ocean County towns with expert tree service since 2012. With appropriate licensing and insurance, if you need tree service in Forked River or any other nearby town, they’re the specialists to call.

Schedule Your Duct Cleaning in Toms River Today

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You might be surprised to know that often our air quality within our homes is worse than the air quality outside. Most homeowners assume that keeping a clean home is enough to ensure decent indoor air quality. For some, that just might be enough. If, however, you have residents that suffer from respiratory ailments, you find yourself complaining of headaches when spending extended time at home, or suffer from lethargy or allergy-like symptoms when you walk in your door, you should schedule duct cleaning in Toms River today.

Duct Cleaning in Toms River is Just One Way to Improve Indoor Air Quality

The seasons of summer and winter often cause most homes to shut all doors and windows for months on end. It can cause stale air and without proper care, your HVAC system can actually be spreading negative air particles throughout your home. Things like mold, mildew, dust, and pet dander can build-up within ductwork without our knowledge. These particles are often the cause of illnesses and symptoms like headaches, coughing, dry eyes, and a general feeling of unwellness.

One way to address this is to ensure all the air filters in your home are changed or cleaned every few months. If you have multiple shedding pets, live in an area where construction has been occurring, or live in a humid or wet environment, you might need to check your filters more often. Those outside of these circumstances might be able to let their filters go more than a few months before requiring attention. Air filters are a homes first line of defense in trapping irritating air particles and preventing them from circulation through your home.

Duct cleaning in Toms River - Technician changing air filter

Another way to alleviate symptoms of low indoor air quality is to clean your ductwork. These tunnels that run through your house are rarely seen and, therefore, rarely maintained or repaired. It is hard to know when something is wrong with your ducts unless you have them examined by professionals. Plus, these spaces are ideal locations for things like mold and mildew, rodents and pests, and dust and debris. Clearing all of these items out means cleaner air for you to breathe.

There is More to Duct Service Than Just Cleaning

As we just mentioned, repairing duct work is important to allowing your HVAC to continue to run at its most efficient. Damages can greatly affect how effective your air conditioning and heating is. This is because disrupting airflow is one of the top things that influence HVAC effectiveness.

Once your ducts are cleaned, many companies offer additional services such as sanitizing and deodorizing. If you ever feel like you’re breathing stale, stuffy air, schedule an appointment for duct cleaning in Toms River today and ask for additional protective services that can help keep your air fresher, longer.

Hire the Right Professional for the Job

Many companies advertise that they offer duct cleaning services. We are here to tell you, do not believe every claim you read online. Not all duct cleaning services are the same. Duct cleaning in Toms River is much more than attaching a vacuum up to a vent. Don’t be fooled by businesses claiming to be able to clean your ducts quickly and easily. The process of cleaning out duct work is actually fairly involved and requires many steps. Many of these procedures involve protecting your home. Cleaning out ducts is a messy and dirty job. Any company that suggests otherwise is not offering you top-quality duct cleaning services.

Duct shown after duct cleaning in Toms River

To find an appropriate company, check for certifications, licenses, and insurance. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association offers certifications to individual employees of duct cleaning companies. When interviewing potential companies, ask questions. Be sure that they fully explain their process so that you know what will be done. Have them detail exactly what parts of your HVAC system will be cleaned. Also, make sure you find out what products they use to clean the ducts. It is important because some companies use chemicals. If they do, you should be aware of what those materials are and what their dangers are.

We hope you’ve learned a lot about duct cleaning in Toms River and you can learn more here. Contact a professional by you today to improve your air quality in your home today.

Avoid HVAC Repair in Spring Lake with These Tips

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One of the biggest complaints of homeowners when it comes to their HVAC systems is the cost of repair. Plus, it never fails that these machines usually break when you need them the most. If you want to know some of the most common causes of HVAC repair in Spring Lake, read this. Heating systems, if not cared for and then put under excessive strain will decide to take a hiatus. Cooling systems typically follow the same routine. A few cool days in spring and the a/c works fine, but once the truly hot days of summer roll around, no more cool air. Typically, it is the emergency status of many repair calls that makes them so expensive. Routine maintenance calls cost much less. Therefore, proper care of heating and cooling systems is the number one way to avoid HVAC repair in Spring Lake.  

Provide Regular HVAC Maintenance to Avoid HVAC Repair in Spring Lake

Taking proper care of your HVAC machines is the best way to avoid emergencies, breakdowns, and damages. Plus, routine maintenance keeps your machines more efficient which keeps your energy bills down.

One key note in keeping your heating and cooling system running smoothly is to keep your air filter clean. Depending on the type of filter, this means either cleaning or replacing the air filter approximately every three months. The air filter is one of the first lines of defense in keeping your HVAC system running. If it is clogged, however, it is step one of system breakdown.  

Another crucial step in caring for your home HVAC system is to have it inspected annually by professionals. An annual inspection for your furnace and air conditioner helps avoid repair bills by mending any small impairments before they cause the entire system to shut down. Even with good care by a homeowner, there is no replacement for professional examinations. It is also important to note that you should hire an experienced technician to inspect your air conditioner in spring and your furnace in the fall, just before you need each system.

Install a Smart Thermostat in Spring Lake

Install a smart thermostat in Spring Lake in blue font next to a smart thermostat showing a temperature of 63

A great way to run your HVAC efficiently is with a programmable or smart thermostat. A programmable thermostat allows you to set a schedule by which your air or heat turns on or off. This works great if your schedule remains the same every day.  For most homes, however, every day can be different. This is what makes smart thermostats a step above programmable thermostats. Smart thermostats allow you to control your heating and air conditioning with a simple app on your phone. Having minute-by-minute control of your systems limits needless usage by only running the units when absolutely needed. Excessive use contributes greatly to wear and tear. Even efficient, well-cared for units can break down when used too much.

Use Your Environment to Avoid HVAC Repair in Spring Lake

Another way to limit the use of your furnace aside from using a smart thermostat is to use your environment to reduce your need to use your HVAC. For example, during the summer, close your blinds and curtains to reduce the heat coming in through windows. If you are planning new landscaping, use trees to your advantage. Plant deciduous trees where they will shade windows in the summer, but allow light in during the winter.

Electricity usage can also affect the efficiency of your HVAC. In the evenings, when it is less likely that your heating or air conditioning is running is the ideal time to run your appliances. One example of this would be to wait to run your dishwasher and dryer until overnight. Additionally, limit your use of your stovetop and oven during the day. Lastly, turn off all lights in rooms that no one is in. Allow your HVAC system to run efficiently and you’ll reduce your need for HVAC repair in Spring Lake.

Avoiding HVAC Repair in Spring Lake Doesn’t Take a Lot of Work

HVAC repair in Spring Lake being done by a professional HVAC technician

When it comes down to it, the best way to avoid your HVAC system breaking down is to provide it with regular, professional care. If you take care of your heating and air conditioner, they will be ready to take care of you when you need them. When those spring days come around, place a call to your favorite company for HVAC repair in Spring Lake to schedule an inspection of your A/C. Thankfully, you don’t have to spend a lot of money or do a lot of work to keep your HVAC running. Taking care of your air filter, having an annual examination of each system, and using your heater and air conditioner in smart ways all go a long way in avoiding an HVAC emergency.

10-0-2 Lawn Food with Crabgrass Prevention is What Lawns Crave

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When it comes to lawn care, the market is flooded with products. It can be extremely difficult to know what your lawn needs. One quick way to eliminate many products is to commit to only using organic gardening products. Not only are they safe for people and pets, they can actually provide environmental benefits. The items that include toxins and chemicals can not only kill their targets, but damage turf, deplete nutrients from the soil, and harm the environment. When safe products are readily available on the market, it is hard to understand why someone would choose harmful ones. It may be because some people associate “green” products with ineffective products, but companies like Branch Creek are proving that untrue. One of their top products is their 10-0-2 Lawn Food with Crabgrass Prevention.

What Do the Numbers Mean?

10-0-2 Lawn Food with crabgrass prevention shown in a zoomed in view off of a product image placed on a green lawn

Fertilizer bags have a series of three numbers. In the product we’re reviewing today, that number series 10-0-2. But what does it mean? These numbers tell consumers the amount of Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium included in the product. In the case of Branch Creek 10 0 2 lawn food, there is ten percent Nitrogen, zero percent Phosphate, and two percent Potash. So, in a 40lb bag, there is four pounds of Nitrogen, no Phosphate, and 0.8lbs of Potash. The remaining poundage is made up of a filler. For some products this can be sand or limestone.  In the case of 10-0-2 lawn food with crabgrass prevention sold by great suppliers like Tech Terra Environmental, that filler is corn gluten meal and urea. This means, this fertilizer is entirely plant based and includes zero manure, poultry, or harsh ingredients. When it comes to safe products, this is one of the best.

10-0-2 Lawn Food with Crabgrass Prevention is Safe

Due highly to the fact that 10-0-2 lawn food includes plant-based ingredients only, this product is so safe that the EPA has deemed it a biopesticide and FIFRA exempt. There is no question that this product is safe. One of the best things about this is that it can be used in areas where pesticides are banned making it perfect for turf managers of parks, sports fields, and memorial grounds and more. There is also no synthetic Phosphorous added so you don’t have to worry about those restrictions either. No longer do you need to worry about timing because with 10-0-2 lawn food by Branch Creek there are no restrictions on re-entry time for treated turf. It is so safe for lawns that it can even be used during seeding. And because it doesn’t contain any manure products, there’s no smell! With this fertilizer, it’s more about what’s not inside.  

It’s Effective as a Fertilizer and Crabgrass Preventer

With many things, the more stuff you add in, the less effective each individual portion is. With 10-0-2 lawn food with crabgrass prevention, it effectively fulfills both goals. It is a very effective fertilizer. The patented plant protein technology and the blend of ingredients promotes lush, green, healthy lawns. Lawns in this condition have a better chance at fending off intruders like weeds and pests. Thankfully, an additional benefit of 10-0-2 lawn food is an effective crabgrass prevention when used according to the directions.  When applied to turf approximately two weeks before crabgrass shows up and repeated about 5-6 weeks after that, crabgrass won’t even stand a chance. And don’t worry, it can be used on both warm season and cool season grasses. This lawn food is proven effective, confirmed safe, and uses sustainable practices making it the perfect organic gardening product.

10-0-2 Lawn Food with Crabgrass Prevention is Everything Your Lawn Needs

One of the best ways to keep crabgrass at bay is to fertilize your lawn. The less chance this invasive grass has to take root the better and crowding it out with a healthy lawn is the best way. The best way to find out what your lawn needs is to find a company near you who can run a soil test. This will let you know what your soil is missing. With those results, you can now review fertilizer descriptions knowing what percentages of additives your lawn is craving. For general use in highly-populated areas like schools, areas where pets are plenty like parks, and for the homeowner searching for environmentally friendly lawn care products, pick up a bag of 10-0-2 Lawn Food with Crabgrass Prevention today!

HVAC Repair in Spring Lake Common Causes

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HVAC repair in Spring Lake being done by repairman. Technician is shown in front of open panel with wires out.

Your heating and air conditioning system is an intricate collection of parts.  As with anything, the more parts, the more parts that can break.  While there is an almost limitless supply of issues that can go wrong with your heating and cooling system, there are certain problems that happen more often than others.  Most of these can be avoided with the proper HVAC maintenance.  However, even with the appropriate care and upkeep, things can still go wrong. Even if a problem can’t be avoided, if you have your system inspected at least once a year, you should be able to avoid major repairs. The most common problems that require HVAC repair in Spring Lake can be easily fixed by experienced and capable technicians like those at Toms River Heating and Air Conditioning.

Dirty Air Filters

One of the most common and most preventable issues with HVAC systems is a dirty or clogged air filter. The air filter should be changed or cleaned at least every three months.  Some homes or situations may call for it to be done more often than that. Neglecting this easy maintenance step causes restricted air flow through your system.  This leads to the units having to work harder to produce the same results.  Increased wear can lead to major problems and early system failure.

Air Condenser Blockage

Sometimes, you may neglect the outdoor portion of your HVAC system. It is important in order to sustain efficiency that the condenser is not clogged with leaves, sticks, and other debris.  One easy thing you can do as a homeowner is to not plant bushes, trees, and plants near the condenser.  This helps limit the amount of debris that can get into the machine.  If it does look like there is a lot of debris within your air condenser, it is best to schedule a team who provides HVAC repair in Spring Lake to come take a look and clean it out for you.

Thermostat Settings

Sometimes the problem with your heating or cooling efforts boils down to a simple setting issue.  First, it is a good idea to change the batteries in your thermostat when you change those in your fire alarms. Secondly, be sure you have it programmed to the correct setting, either heat or cool. Lastly, review your owner’s manual for any other problems you might be able to troubleshoot on your own. If none of the above is the problem, it is best to call a service technician to take a look.

Electrical Problems

Occasionally, the problem may just be a blown fuse or tripped breaker.  While the fix for this problem is easy, it’s important to identify why it happened in the first place. If the blower to function longer and/or harder than it is intended, it could be because there is not adequate air flow around all units involved in your HVAC system. A clogged filter is another reason the unit may be requiring more effort to function. If this happens more than once and you can’t identify the problem, it is best to call for HVAC repair in Spring Lake.

HVAC Repair in Spring Lake May be Necessary

Some of the problems you have with your heating and cooling will require a repair appointment.  One of the best things you can do to avoid these visits is to have an annual inspection.  Not only does this identify potential problems before they cause you any trouble, but it also reinforces your business relationship with a HVAC repair in Spring Lake team. When you have an existing relationship, you can trust the technicians more than just calling a random company. Yearly inspections of your HVAC system are critical in avoiding pricey and stressful emergency repair calls.  As with anything, general wear and tear is going to happen no matter how good the care is you provide.  HVAC systems have lots of moving parts that sometimes just simply wear out. We don’t recommend attempting to fix anything having to do with your heating and air conditioning on your own other than the problems we’ve covered here.

Other Problems That Require HVAC Repair in Spring Lake

Unfortunately, a lot of the problems that arise having to do with heating and air conditioning require a professional to fix.  If you are hearing strange sounds or noises coming from your furnace while it is running, it’s usually a red flag that something is wrong or about to be very wrong.  Any signs of water leaking in or around your HVAC units certainly require a call to a repair technician.  They will be able to identify where the water is coming from and why.  One other thing you may have a problem with is your pilot light. While an unlit pilot light may not seem like a big issue to fix, there is normally a bigger problem as to why it is out in the first place.  A professionally trained HVAC repair in Spring Lake technician is the best person to take care of these problems.

Details of Duct Cleaning in Toms River

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Even though you are able to uncover instructions detailing how to perform just about any task online, there are certain things that really should be left for the experts. Duct service in Toms River is among them. We urge you not to adhere to any videos on how you can do this chore yourself. Without having the proper gear and training, not only are you wasting your time, you could end up making a considerably larger mess. On the subject of duct cleaning in Toms River, experts like those at Carlin Chimney & Duct Service can take care of this plus a great number of other valuable home upkeep tasks.

Let’s Start at the Beginning

What are ducts? It is not a great mystery. Ducts are just metal tubes that direct air flow around your residence. They deposit air and take away air.  There are a few terms to describe the movement of the air including exhaust air, return air, supply air, and ventilation air. Ducts can be made of a number of substances such as aluminum or galvanized steel. Even though ducts appear straightforward, this is just not true.  There are many components in a duct system and the installation and maintenance is a specialized task.  It can be vital to have duct service in Toms River completed routinely so a qualified technician can inspect your ductwork and make certain all parts are in great shape.

Duct Service Toms River Proposals Are Not All Equal

Duct cleaning is certainly something that you may see other corporations offering as a service. While it’s important to leave duct cleaning to the specialists, it is more vital to hire an acceptable organization. If duct cleaning is not among the key services the business offers, do not employ them to do your duct service. Quite a few people feel this task is easy. It is far from it. When finished correctly, duct cleaning is actually a precise, thorough, invasive process. As we said before, without the correct gear, the completed job could have adverse effects.

Equipment and Process

Diuct cleaning Toms River, Technician performing duct service in Toms river with a hose in a register in the ceiling

Proper duct cleaning experts use negative air machines to do a thorough job. The use of this machine makes it possible for the complete and total removal of contaminants from a space.  It also prohibits these contaminants from escaping back in to the atmosphere. They work by building a closed-vacuum system that filters particles out of the air. These machines can remove contaminants like mold, mildew, tobacco smoke, and dander.

Other pieces of gear professionals may use are accessibility tools, imaging devices, cleaning chemicals, and cleaning tools. Accessibility instruments can consist of tools like drills and saws. These may need to be utilized in the event the technician is unable to access a portion of your ductwork. Imaging equipment gives the cleaner complete visual access to the ductwork that might not be able to be viewed otherwise. Cleaning tools and chemicals are essential to completely clean and rinse out the whole ductwork system.

Why Duct Cleaning in Toms River is Essential

Perhaps the greatest question is why have your ducts cleaned? Whilst quite a few homes only need to have duct cleaning every few years, some items may require you to increase this frequency. A couple of these things are tobacco smoke within the dwelling, pets, occupants affected by asthma or another respiratory concern, and home improvement projects. Anything that is in the air within your household has travelled or will travel through your ductwork.

A build-up of any material, regardless of how small, can ultimately bring about blockages, or at the very least, restrict air flow. Your HVAC system works harder to make the same impact if air flow is restricted in any way. Making your program operate harder than it should can severely shorten the life of your heating and cooling system. Conversely, this is why a clean HVAC system, including clean ductwork, can reduce your energy bills.  Your HVAC system is able to run much more effectively when ductwork is kept clean.

Furthermore, something which is within your ducts, is also in your air. Whether it’s pet hair, calcium deposits, mold and mildew, or rodent hair and droppings, as your air flows through your ducts, it is going to carry particles of whatever is within them at the same time. This is why if there is anybody living in your household that suffers from a respiratory illness or challenge or if you have very young or elderly occupants, having your ducts cleaned can be an important part of one’s property maintenance. People who are afflicted with respiratory issues are considerably more sensitive to air contaminants.

Call a Professional for Duct Cleaning in Toms River

One of the most significant motives to hire a professional for duct service in Toms River is the mess. Unless you are capable of completely closing off all vents, sealing all registers, and have all the proper tools and equipment, if you attempt duct cleaning in your home, you can make a bigger mess for yourself. A reputable enterprise like Carlin Chimney can achieve a total and full duct cleaning in Toms River that could make your ductwork look like it was just installed yesterday. You’ll delight in clean, fresh air and your HVAC system will say thanks!

Click here to read about another essential home maintenance task that is best left to the pros!