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Attic and Crawl Space Cleaning

Checklist for Energy Efficient Home – Are you on track?

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Your home is your castle! You spend more than half your life in your home. Therefore, it only makes sense to want to maintain and protect it from potential hazards

Clean and well-kept interiors help you achieve a comfortable home, and below are 5 important tips to help you increase your property’s energy efficiency too

  1. Proper Insulation: Checking your insulation periodically is key to energy efficient home. Selecting the right product, quantity, and the method of installing the insulation are crucial to the final efficiency levels.
  2. Seal off Windows: Properly sealing off the windows is one of the best ways to minimize air leakage. Since windows act as the major source of heat gain and heat loss in the house, revamping the window frames and putting up multiple panes with tinted glasses can help prevent leaking of conditioned air, thus, cut down on the family’s utility bills.
  3. Check Your Radiant Barrier: While attic and crawl insulation traps the conditioned air inside the dwelling unit, installing a reflective insulation, also called a radiant barrier, prevents both heat and cold conditioned air to seep through the exteriors. The radiant barrier acts as a reflector, keeping the house and living spaces comfortable while lessening dependency on the home’s HVAC System.
  4. Clean and Maintain HVAC Ducts: A well HVAC system, can provide you more than peace of mind. It can save you money by increasing your home’s energy efficiency. How? Air ducts help transfer conditioned air throughout the house, and when left unattended, damages and cracks (due to pests, clogging, etc.)can occur. Regular maintenance and cleaning of the air ducts thus ensure optimum functionality, as well as, energy efficiency.
  5. Purchase Energy Efficient Appliances and Lighting: It is highly recommended to buy appliances that rate high on the energy star rating. Though some of them might be more expensive than others, it is an investment worth making that will benefit you and your family in the future. Furthermore, using CFL, LED lights and replacing outdated appliances with energy efficient variants adds to the savings

Do you want to improve your home’s energy efficiency? Call the experts at 201-205-2042. At Quartz Solutions, we provide solutions that work!

Attic Insulation

Insulation Mistakes to Avoid

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Do you notice substantial difference in the comfort levels in your home or business during the high winter and summer days? Are you bogged down by increasing utility bills? If the answer to these questions is yes – we have a solution – a periodically overhaul of your insulation system.

Faulty insulation may do more harm than good. It allows the conditioned air to leak, eroding comfort levels. Besides increasing utility bills,it also exposes the home to serious problems like seeping moisture, humidity, mold and fungal growth.

However, if you are facing problems after cleaning or replacing your insulation you might have made the wrong call. More often than not, we opt for insulation systems that are not right for our needs. Here are the top mistakes to avoid when selecting attic or crawl space insulation:

  • Selecting the Wrong Insulation: It is important to understand that not all types of insulation can be installed everywhere. The right type of insulation for your needs will be determined based on the climate, overall layout/structure and budget. Furthermore, attics, crawlspaces, basements and living spaces – all have a unique purpose to serve; therefore the type of insulation will vary. Installing the same insulation in each of these areas is a big mistake! It brings down efficiency levels, instead of increasing them.
  • Focusing only on R-Value: The R-Value statistically denotes the performance quotient of the insulation. The higher the R-value the greater the effect. But it would be wrong to say that R-value is the only thing to be considered. Air leaks, seeping moisture, and quality to fight mold and pests attacks, holds equal value.Before you start laying down new insulation, you must check for air-leaks, moisture or mold, if you want to achieve maximum efficiency.
  • Price Based Decision: As products of equal R-Value are propagated to perform equally, people generally tend to make a decision based on the final price tag. However,air leaks, moisture, mold, escalating energy bills are often ignored, and the price difference between the basic insulation and advanced insulation would become irrelevant over time.
  • Faulty Installation: While some insulation materials come as a DIY, ready to go packages, seeking professional help is always beneficial. It’s not just the quality of the material that matters, the actual workmanship and quality of installation will determine the effectiveness of the insulation.

Call the attic and crawl space experts at 201-205-2042, 973-536-1013 and take simple steps to make your homes effective and efficient– for years to come!

Attic and Crawl Space Cleaning

Summer is Coming, is your Attic and Crawl Space Ready?

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Summer is around the corner! And now that the long winter is behind us, it’s time to pull up your sleeves and start your attic and crawl space cleaning. After all, a clean and well-kept attic and crawl space is key for hygienic and comfortable living space. Moreover, preparing your attic for the summer will help you save money on your utility bills!

Here’s a quick ‘to-do’ list that can help you make your home ‘Summer Ready’:

  • Inspection :
    A thorough inspection of the attic and crawl space will identify potential threats (pests, damaged ducts, broken cables, etc.) and you’ll be able to make the necessary amends before damages occur. While it can be DIY task, by hiring an expert for the job, you ensure that all crucial and sensitive areas of the attic and crawl space are properly inspected.
  • Cleaning :
    Without too much effort, the attic becomes a dumping ground for things that we don’t have immediate use for. It’s time to get them sorted!But beware, while removing garbage and debris you might stumble upon infestations, animals remains or even damage your ceiling by stepping in the wrong place. This is why choosing a professional contractor is so important. An expert will get rid of the tiny intruders but also decontaminate and sanitize the area to make it contaminants free.And if you are thinking of getting the vents and ducts cleaned, they can do that too.
  • Pest and Animal Control:
    Pests and rodents in the attic and crawl space wreck havoc. Potential treats include damages to structural elements, upholstery/furnishings and the spread of infections. To insure that your home is safe and rodent/animal free, you should schedule a through inspection of your attic and crawl space.
  • Improvements and Upgrades:
    Improving the area will increase the overall comfort inside the property. Proper insulation will help regulate temperatures and make the living spaces more energy efficient. Properly insulated homes can help you save 20-30 percent on your utility bills!

Need an advice? Call us at 201-205-2042, 973-536-1013 and make your home effective, efficient and hygienic – for years to come!

Attic Insulation

Which Type of Insulation is best for me?

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Heating and cooling expenses constitute a large portion of the household’s energy bills. The utility billscan go up or down, depending on the quality of the insulation system.

Thus, the amount and quality of insulation is the key to control energy consumption and utility bills. Here is a short guide of the different insulation types to help you find the best fit for your home:

  • Batt Insulation:
    Batt insulation provides the dual benefit of economic value and effectiveness. Made of fiberglass, slag wool or natural cotton, Batt insulation provides a long-term solution for all thermal and acoustic fittings. Batt insulation works best when the panels are juxtaposed very tightly, leaving no gaps between them. Depending on the area, the task can be accomplished in a day or two.
  • Blown Insulation:
    Blowing in cellulose in the attic is another foolproof method of reducing energy bills by 10-20 percent. While many people think that it is a simple do-it-yourself task, the reality is that this grimy and clammy work is best carried out by an expert. If one tiny area is left uncovered, it can compromise the entire installation.Blown insulation is fairly quick to install, and the amount of insulation will determine the cost and final R-Value.
  • Pest Control Attic Insulation
    Pest Control Attic Insulation entails the use of natural fiber insulation that has the potency to stop pests from entering the attic spaces. This type of insulation is environmental friendly and will benefit any homeowner for the long run, as it is also excellent in reducing energy costs.

Still unsure about which type of insulation is best for your property? Call us at 201-205-2042 and we’ll provide a free consultation, with no obligation.

Air Ducting

Another Way to Increase your Home’s Energy Efficiency

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Properties located in extreme weather conditions are invariably dependent on artificial heating and cooling systems to maintain an ideal temperature inside the house.

A network of ducts in the walls and in the ceiling ensures that you can enjoy comfortable living space regardless of the outside weather conditions. A properly installed and maintained air duct system also prevents microbes from growing and keeps utility bills under control.

You should ask yourself how often do you get the air ducts professionally cleaned? While many people believe that cleaning ducts is a DIY job, a professional touch goes a long way. Poorly maintained air ducts can cause a range of troubles:

  • With time, accumulating damages can result in holes and cracks in the air ducts, which leads to loss of conditioned air.
  • Besides normal wear and tear, issues like dust accumulation, rust, moisture, animal intrusion, etc., may pose serious concerns.
  • Worn out ducts are at high risk of creating a short circuit and even fire.
  • Continuous loss of conditioned air makes the air conditioning work on overtime, resulting in inflated utility bills.
  • Animal intrusion results in growth of microbes and infections that can cause serious health problems.

Periodical evaluation and maintenance of the air ducting system is therefore extremely important. At Quartz Solutions, we offer solutions that work. Our priority is that you’ll enjoy a safe and comfortable living. Call us at 201-205-2042.

Attic Insulation

Didn’t do your Spring Cleaning Yet? It’s Not Too Late!

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Spring is here! After a LONG winter,the flowers, trees and greenery are showing off their colors. It’s time to get down to work and conduct a thorough Spring Cleaning in our homes. After all,when our living space is clean, it too can show its beauty. Here are a few tips that can make your attic and crawl space- SPRING READY!

Attic Cleaning

In the winter, we are not always as productive as we can be. We can blame our human nature for that, as preserving energy during the winter time is a pretty good excuse for not cleaning specific areas of our home. As a result, boxes and other stuff in our attic and crawl space are accumulating dust during this time of the year. This is the perfect time to inspect these areas and get rid of the unwanted belongings and materials. A thorough dusting and cleaning will surely help. Hiring professionals for the task can take off the physical burden of doing the job yourself, but it can also serve as a good opportunity to check the status of those sensitive areas. A professional has an eye for identifying potential threats before they become a problem, which can save you money in the long run.

Improvements and Additions

To reap maximum benefits from your attic and crawl space, it’s important to frequently maintain and upgrade them. Clearing and cleaning air ducts and removing damaged insulation are crucial. Effective insulation in the attic and crawl helps regulate the conditioned air in the entire living area. You can slash your energy bills by a third, by simply restoring your insulation.
Want to know how you can get your house cleaned and ready for summer? Call or email today.

Rodent control

Rats and Squirrels – Small Critters, Big Threats

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Rats, bats, squirrels and raccoons may come across as harmless when found in their natural habitat (nature). However, once these creatures make their way into your attic or crawl space, they have the potency to wreck havoc and contaminate the place. This could make family members more prone to infections or disease, and therefore, it is crucial to regularly inspect these vulnerable areas of the property.

The attic/crawl space attracts animals because it provides the ideal conditions for them (dampness and darkness). The consequences of having these animals around can result with costly repairs in order to rectify the damage these creatures can leave behind. When rats, squirrels, raccoons, etc., start to move around in these confined spaces, they tear through wiring, insulation, air ducts and other structural elements, and that is the nightmare of any homeowner.

Once these animals take over the attic or crawl space, they are likely to:

  • Eat into cables and insulation. The damage could raise utility bills and also lead to ineffective temperature control. Severe damage can also lead to short-circuits, electric shocks and even fire.
  • Chew off any stored items and ruin them forever.
  • Leave behind a filthy clutter and an unhygienic mess. Feces and urine can leave distinct odors, not to mention, be the source of allergens and infections.
  • Explore other parts of the property, scavenging for food and scaring family members.

For inexperienced individuals, it is not recommended to try and get rid of these invaders alone. There are serious risks when approaching wild animals, as they may attack or carry diseases. Therefore, it is best to call a professional for this type of task.

Sometimes, depending on the type of animal, the following methods can help solve the problem:

  • Using baits to capture pests/animals in a humane way and remove them from the property.
  • Organic pest control – utilize animals that prey on these type of pests to get rid of them. Needless to say, that only an expert should perform this task. This is a technique that should comply with state and county rules and regulations.

Once the presence of pests and critters is completely eradicated, it is recommended that a through damage control, and preventive measures are taken to ensure they’ll stay away: Sealing-off entry points, using pest repelling scents or lighting and other types of deterring equipment. These steps can make a big difference.

Quartz Solutions has extensive experience in removing rats, squirrels, raccoons and other animals from attics and crawl spaces. Our certified professionals can help rid your premises from any type of invasion. Call us today 201-205-2042, 973-536-1013 and we’ll gladly answer any questions, and even schedule a free attic and crawl inspection.

Attic Insulation

Attic Insulation – Crucial, Yet Often Ignored

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Attic insulation is indeed the most important factor when it comes to your property’s temperature control. During hot and cold weather conditions, your home’s insulation is the main reason that you and your family feel comfortable indoors. When it’s damaged, or simply too old, temperature control becomes more challenging, and you’ll start to see that your energy bills getting higher, as your air conditioning system works harder to compensate for the faulty insulation.

At Quartz Solutions, we have a simpler and more efficient solution. Take care of your attic insulation today and save money in the long run.

An unfinished/old/damaged attic has greater consequences on your property than you might think:

  • Properties that are not properly insulated remain extremely hot in summers and cold in winters. The inability to regulate the temperature impacts the health of your family.
  • Defunct insulation system allows loss of heated or cooled air, inflating utility bills manifold.
  • Old insulation materials are most vulnerable to short circuit and fire.
  • Cracked and broken insulation vents, pave way for easy intrusion by critters like squirrels, rats and mice. These critters have the potency to aggravate the problem and spread nasty infections.
  • Attics cluttered with unused belongings that take up valuable interior space, and can be used as food source for pests.

At Quartz Solutions, we understand the value of a well-kept attic space. Our dedicated crew is experienced in the latest technologies in the business, and we approach each project with the intention of getting you back to a safe efficient property in no time.

Our excellent reputation, hands-on customer service, customized plans and competitive rates speak volumes about our quality and work standards that we adhere too.

Contact Quartz Solutions at 201-205-2042, 973-536-1013 and let our professional staff carry out a full inspection of your premises – absolutely free!