http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/downloads/pdf/tfrs/v7i1.pdf

So how can you tell if your dryer vent needs to be cleaned?  There are three simple things you can check for:

• Does it take longer for your clothes to dry and do thick materials (such as denim) still feel damp after drying for a long time?
• Is the outside of your dryer hot to touch?
• Is the exterior dryer flap outside not all the way open?

If you answered yes to any of these questions then it is time to get your dryer vent cleaned.  It is recommended that you have your dryer vent checked and cleaned every year.

Click the following link to check out a video from Angie’s List for more dryer vent cleaning tips.

http://www.youtube.com/embed/zSXcKKkjFic

The Division, in its investigation of United Air Care and Indoor Air Care, identified more than 1,200 violations of the State Consumer Fraud Act and regulations on advertising and home improvement contractors. The violations affected a total of 98 consumers who filed complaints with the Division.

Many consumers contacted the companies after receiving direct-mail coupons through advertising services, such as “Super Coups” and “Clipper Magazine,” which advertised “Whole Duct House Cleaning” for prices from $37.95 to $69.95. The Division alleged that the companies often failed to perform the services for the specified price. In many cases, the coupons were allegedly used to bait the buyer into purchasing higher-priced services.

The Division also alleged that the companies failed to register with the State as home improvement contractors, and in many cases caused damage to consumers’ homes, then failed to fix, clean, or compensate for the damage.

“There is no excuse for such flagrant violations of New Jersey’s Consumer Fraud Act,” Attorney General Paula T. Dow said. “We will aggressively continue to pursue those who target New Jersey homeowners with unconscionable business practices, deceptive advertising, and false promises.”

The Final Judgment by Default and Order, signed March 31, 2011, orders the companies to pay $68,157.36 in consumer restitution, $1.71 million in civil penalties, $58,539 in reimbursement for the State’s attorneys’ fees, and $7,629.05 for the State’s investigative costs.

The Division of Consumer Affairs began investigating United Air Care in April 2008. The company supposedly ceased operations in approximately mid-2008, after which Indoor Air Care commenced operations with the same business address, phone numbers, employees, and ownership as United Air Care. The Division expanded its investigation in July 2008 to include the new company.

“It is exactly because of abuses like these, that we have launched a new, statewide crackdown on unregistered home improvement contractors,” said Thomas R. Calcagni, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. “If you are a contractor, you will comply with the law or you will pay. If you are a consumer, before signing a contract for home improvement work you should make sure the contractor is registered, and learn as much about the contractor as you can.”

The Division alleged that United Air Care and Indoor Air Care violated the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act, Contractors’ Registration Act, Contractor Registration Regulations, Home Improvement Regulations, and Advertising Regulations by, among other things:

• Offering specific air duct cleaning services, where the purpose or effect of the offer was not to sell those services, but to bait or entice the buyer into the purchase of other or higher priced services;
• Providing direct-mail coupons that offered specific duct cleaning services at a specified price, and then failing to provide the services at that price;
• Failing to register with the Division as a home improvement contractor and then advertising and/or performing home improvement work;
• Failing to include in home improvement contracts cancellation language, the total price and/or the date or time period within which work was to be commenced and/or completed;
• Requiring that consumers sign estimates and then failing to provide consumers with a full and accurate copy of the documents;
• Misrepresenting that a consumer would receive a refund or reimbursement; and
• Causing damage to a consumer’s home while performing air duct cleaning services and then failing to fix, clean, or compensate for the damage.

Calcagni noted that consumers who purchase duct cleaning or other services on the basis of a coupon should be aware that the price may increase, and should get the total price in writing before the job starts.

Home Improvement Contractors

The State Division of Consumer Affairs’ new crackdown on unregistered home improvement contractors began last month and will continue through the summer. To date, 18 home improvement contractors have been administratively charged for operating outside the State’s registration law, and 76 contractors have received 30-day warnings. Those contractors that receive warnings have 30 days to come into compliance or face fines up to $10,000 per violation.

In 2010, complaints about dishonest home improvement contractors were the second most common consumer complaint filed with the Division of Consumer Affairs. They represented 1,401 of the 13,761 consumer complaints filed with the Division last year.

Before hiring a home improvement contractor, New Jersey consumers are urged to:

• Obtain the contractor’s State registration number, which always begins “13VH.”
• Contact the State Division of Consumer Affairs to learn whether the contractor’s registration is still valid. Call the Division’s License Verification Line at 973-273-8090, or check the Division’s database of all 43,000 registered home improvement contractors at http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/LVinfo.htm.
• Ask the State Division of Consumer Affairs whether there are any consumer complaints filed against the contractor.
• Demand a copy of the contractor’s liability insurance policy.
• Contact the insurer to learn whether the policy is still valid.

Consumers who believe they have been cheated or scammed by a business, or suspect any other form of consumer abuse, can file a complaint with the State Division of Consumer Affairs by visiting its website, www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov, or by calling 1-800-242-5846 (toll free within New Jersey) or 973-504-6200.

Deputy Attorney General Nicholas Kant of the Consumer Fraud Prosecution Section represented the state in the action against United Air Care and Indoor Air Care.

Click on the link below to read the actual Final Judgment Court Papers

http://www.nj.gov/oag/newsreleases11/pr20110405_Dow_et-al_v_United-Air-Care-Inc_et-al.pdf

The focus of the investigation was a company out of Hebron, Kentucky called Duct Masters.  The “customer” saw an advertisement placed by Duct Masters for a $49.95 duct cleaning, but when the technicians showed up, the customer was told that their home required extra services to complete the job correctly and charged the homeowner almost $500, an almost 1000% markup.  The technician was shown installing a patch over a nonexistent access hole. This type of scam is unacceptable. The company was confronted about their tactics and had no reasonable response.  According to the show, the company has since shut down.  

This is a very significant issue to both the duct cleaning industry and the consumer. Every time a customer falls prey to a scam such as this, it leaves a black mark on the duct cleaning industry and every legitimate air duct cleaner out there, not to mention the consumer’s failure to receive a service worth their money.

There are numerous things a consumer can do to prevent falling victim to fraudulent duct cleaning scams. The most important action a consumer can take is to educate him or herself about the duct cleaning process.  Knowledge is power and the more a customer knows about the process, the less chance that they will be taken advantage of.  One key thing to look for is the equipment the company uses.  Are they coming to your house with a portable unit or a power vacuum truck? If they don’t have the equipment to do the job properly, don’t even waste your time. 

After learning more about the duct cleaning process, the second thing a consumer should do is research the companies they are considering doing business with. NADCA (The National Air Duct Cleaners Association) is a great place to start. NADCA members are certified to perform the services. In order to become a National Air Duct Cleaners Association certified technician, an ASCS (Air Systems Cleaning Specialist), a technician must demonstrate knowledge of HVAC system cleaning, NADCA standards, OSHA regulations and pass a 150 question exam. What is the companies’ Better Business Bureau rating? or Angies List? Consumer Affairs? Are they a licensed State Contractor? Fully insured?

When the field has been narrowed down, it is time to contact each company and get some estimates. How are you treated on the phone? Are all your questions answered fully or is the representative evasive? Can you receive your estimate in writing? Is the polite? These might seem like basic items, but this is a first contact with this company and they are attempting to win your business. If they can’t be nice then, what will they be like when they get into your home?

Once you have decided that you are happy with a duct cleaner and schedule an appointment, you should evaluate the technician(s).  Are they fully uniformed?  Are they clean and neat? Do they treat your home with care?  Did they clean up after themselves when they were done?

If a consumer follows these basic steps, they will be on their way to receiving a great air duct cleaning service.

Award reflects company’s consistently high level of customer service

Advanced Furnace & Air Duct Cleaning has been awarded the prestigious 2010 Angie’s List Super Service Award, an honor bestowed annually on approximately 5 percent of all the companies rated on the nation’s leading provider of consumer reviews on local service companies.

“Our Super Service Award winners are the cream of the crop when it comes to providing consistently high quality customer service, as judged by the customers who hired them,” said Angie Hicks, founder of Angie’s List.

Advanced Furnace & Air Duct Cleaning has been cleaning duct work throughout the State of New Jersey for over 47 years. “We are so proud to receive this honor. Everyone at Advanced Air Duct Cleaning strives to uphold our strict customer service standards. This commitment to excellence has made us number one in our field,” said Richard Spano, Commercial Accounts Coordinator.

Angie’s List Super Service Award winners have met strict eligibility requirements including earning a minimum number of reports, an exemplary rating from their customers and abiding by Angie’s List operational guidelines.

Service company ratings are updated daily on Angie’s List, but members can find the 2010 Super Service Award logo next to company names in search results on AngiesList.com.

###

Angie’s List collects consumer reviews on local contractors and doctors in more than 500 service categories. Currently, more than 1 million consumers across the U.S. rely on Angie’s List to help them make the best hiring decisions. Members get unlimited access to local ratings via Internet or phone, exclusive discounts, the Angie’s List magazine and help from the Angie’s List complaint resolution service. Take a quick tour of Angie’s List and view the latest Angie’s List news.

Advanced Furnace & Air Duct Cleaning is proud to announce that they are the sole duct cleaning company in the State of New Jersey to hold a Commercial Pesticide Applicator License. A Commercial Pesticide Applicator is defined as any person who uses or supervises the use of any pesticide for any purpose or on property other than their own. While New Jersey does not currently require by law, duct cleaners who apply anti-microbials  (sanitizers) in the ductwork to be licensed; approximately 20% of the states  do require a license.

New Jersey, through the Pesticide Control Program of the NJ Department of Environmental Protection began its program in 1975. The certification program is designed to facilitate, demonstrate and maintain acceptable competency in the safe use of pesticides by Certified Pesticide Applicators in the New Jersey.

To receive this licensing in the State of NJ, an applicator must complete an application and pass certification exams in both a core category and at least one other specialization category. For example, Advanced Air Duct Cleaning holds licensing for both the basic core category of Pesticide Application and also  Category 7A-Residential Applications and Category 13-School or Educational  Integrated Pest Management. By passing the examinations, the applicator shows they have met the qualifications to apply pesticides in a legal, safe, effective and environmentally sound manner. Licenses are issued for the calendar year and must be renewed annually.

When asked about the licensing requirements, Richard Spano, the Commercial Accounts Coordinator for Advanced Air Duct Cleaning said, “I feel it is just a matter of time before New Jersey comes around to realize what the other states already have. It is just common sense that persons who apply anti-microbials should fall under the same training guidelines and insurance requirements as other pesticide applicators. I cannot overemphasize the importance of the applicator being properly trained.”

July 22, 2010

Advanced Furnace & Air Duct Cleaning, a NJ Duct Cleaning Company, is proud to announce that Richard Spano, Commerical Accounts Coordinator has successfully completed the EPA/HUD Model Lead-Based Paint Safety Renovation, Repair and Painting, Lead Dust Sampling Course given by the National Asbestos & Environmental Training Institute in accordance with N.J.A.C.5:10-6.6(g) (1) and Pursuant to 24 Code of Federal Regulations Part 35.  The US EPA firm certification confirms that Advanced Air Duct Cleaning has fulfilled the requirements of the Toxic Substances Control Act, Section 402 and has received certification to conduct lead based paint renovation, repair, and painting activities pursuant to 40CFR Part 745.89.

Common renovation activities like sanding, cutting, and demolition can create hazardous lead dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint, which can be harmful to adults and children.  Contractors must use lead safe work practices and follow three guidelines: contain the work area, minimize dust and clean up thoroughly to perform work in a safe manner.

According to the EPA, lead can affect children’s brains and developing nervous systems, causing reduced IQ, learning disabilities and behavioral problems.  It can also be harmful to adults. Lead in dust form is the most common way people are exposed to lead, and lead dust is often invisible. Lead based paint was used in more than 38 million homes until it was banned for residential use in 1978.

 We’ve all seen them: the coupons offering whole-house air duct cleaning for less than the cost of cheeseburger off the value meal menu of your local fast food restaurant. I know you’ve seen these, because about a million NADCA members each year make it a point to call our offices and complain about these coupons. And despite our efforts to educate consumers and solicit support from the legal system, it has been this way for years.

My friends, I am pleased to report that the winds of change are finally-FINALLY-starting to blow our way! Earlier this year, the Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection (Maryland) pursued charges against eight air duct cleaning companies and two direct mail advertising firms for deceptive advertising practices and other illegal business practices. As part of the settlement, the companies were required to pay fines and issues refunds while also agreeing to discontinue the unscrupulous practices. You can get the details at : http://montgomerycountymd.gov/apps/News/press/PR_details.asp?PrID=6464.

On June 8, 2010 the Cook County State Attorney’s Office (Illinois) filed suit against American Pure Air, Inc. for allegedly charging for work not performed and, in some cases, for intimidating consumers for payment. According to the lawsuit, American Pure Air would falsely report that clients’ ductwork or furnaces were contaminated with mold, fungus, dust mites or bacteria and that these contaminants posed an immediate health risk. The company would then attempt to sell additional frivolous products or services to eliminate the purported contaminants. The suit seeks to permanently bar the defendants from engaging in any further alleged deceptive practices; refunds for victims and $50,000.00 in damages against the defendants.

These cases follow several news exposés in states across the country over the past six months, as well as other cases that are currently under investigation. NADCA Headquarters and NADCA members have assisted in these cases while distinguishing between the few bad actors in the industry and the quality service provided by the legitimate companies out there working hard to earn a living.

If you are contacted by a news agency looking for assistance with an investigative story (or if you have an opportunity to help regulators) I encourage you to get involved. Please make it a point to thank these folks for their efforts to protect legitimate businesses by exposing the frauds. Aside from the opportunity to differentiate NADCA members from the scammers, we also have an obligation to protect the consumers who buy from our industry. If you want some assistance in dealing with regulators or the media, please contact NADCA Headquarters-we are here and ready to help you.

Summer is probably the first season that comes to mind when one thinks of allergies, and for good reason. Combined with the heat, summer allergens such as dust, pollen, and pet dander can cause some of the worst allergic reactions in sufferers and make what are supposed to be the best months of the year downright miserable. Prescription medications can help calm or prevent allergic reactions, but the best way to reduce summer allergies is to reduce your exposure to summer allergens. There are a number of simple ways to do this and, luckily, none of them require a visit to the doctor.

Understand Your Allergies
The first step towards reducing your exposure to allergens is to recognize the types of allergens that aggravate your symptoms. If you’re like most allergy sufferers in the United States you experience hay fever or asthmatic symptoms. These symptoms are a result of your body’s immune system releasing antibodies into your bloodstream. These antibodies in turn create histamine, the agent that acts on your eyes, nose, throat, skin, lungs, and even gastrointestinal system to produce your allergy symptoms. The allergens that induce this reaction in your body are generally environmental allergens –airborne particles such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander. It is virtually impossible to completely avoid these types of allergens. They exist inside and outside your home, at work, and anywhere else you might think of enjoying your summer months. Fortunately, there are a number of steps you can take to reduce the amount of environmental allergens you come into contact with.

Reduce In-Coming Pollutants
The easiest way to avoid contact with allergens inside your home is to keep your windows and doors closed. A clean air filter or air conditioner can help cut down your in-home exposure to allergens tremendously. If keeping your windows closed during the summer is not an option, invest in a good screen. Make sure you keep your window and door screens clean, too. Pollen that accumulates on your screen can be tracked into your home when you open and close the doors or windows.

Avoid Peak Pollen Hours
If you are particularly sensitive to pollen you may want to stay indoors during peak pollen times. Pollen counts tend to peak during the morning, and are especially high on dry, windy days. It’s best to avoid going outdoors until late afternoon or evenings, when the temperature has cooled off a bit.

Dry Clothes Inside
Inhaling pollen isn’t the only way to experience its affect. Pollen can also irritate your skin, causing dry, itchy rashes. Clothes, towels and bed sheets that are hung to dry outdoors can collect pollen spores and cause fairly severe allergy symptoms. It is best to use a clothes dryer if you can; if not, hang your clothes in the evening, when pollen counts are low.

Keep House Clean
There are other summer allergens beyond pollen you will probably want to avoid as well. Dust mites and pet dander can also cause severe reactions in allergy sufferers. Dust mites cause allergic reactions by producing waste products that irritate the linings of the nose, throat, and lungs when inhaled. The easiest way to control the amount of dust mites in your home is to dust surfaces and wash bedding and clothes often. Vacuuming a few times a week can also help reduce the amount of surface dust mites. Make sure your vacuum has a clean air filter, and if you develop symptoms while cleaning you might want to leave the house for a few hours or consider wearing a pollen-proof facemask.

Protect Your Sleep
Aside from simple cleaning, another way to avoid allergen symptoms in your home is to use mattress and furniture protectors. Mattress protectors are one of the best ways of protecting yourself against dust mites and pet dander. These impermeable covers provide a barrier between your mattress and allergy causing dust mites and dander. Covers are good options because they can be easily cleaned and reused regularly where as vacuuming or cleaning a mattress is difficult and doesn’t always remove harmful allergens. Waterproof mattress protectors are also available for children’s beds and baby cribs. These covers reduce the chance of your mattress developing troublesome mold growth, another cause of allergies.

Summertime can be particularly problematic for allergy sufferers. Runny noses, sneeze attacks, itchy eyes, and burning throats can easily ruin any fun-filled summer activity. By simply planning ahead, however, you can easily avoid most environmental allergens and have an exciting, allergy-free summer.