Tips for Cleaning Up after Water Damage

With all of the rain that our area has received recently, some of you may have found that too much rain has caused some damage to your home and belongings. It is advisable to go over your property and document any water damage in a list and with photos so that you have written and visual records. You will need to document both structural damage to the home itself (wall, roof, HVAC, windows, doors, septic system) and damage to other items in your home (electronics, furniture, appliances, clothing).

Here are a few tips to recover from water damage:

-Don't wait to clean. You want to keep mold from growing.

-Water can be removed with fans and dehumidifiers. Also, keep windows and doors open for as long as you can.

-Be careful about cleaning items that use electricity and have been exposed to water.

-You can disinfect using a solution that of a gallon of water mixed with 1/4 cup of bleach.

-It may be possible to hold onto carpets if you clean it, then wet vacuum it and let it try completely.

-Items that need to be discarded if they are damaged by flooding include: mattresses, pillows and building materials (such as ceiling tiles, drywall, and paneling).

Beat the Heat Without Turning Up AC

This summer the U.S. is sweltering as one giant heat wave after another rolls in. Across the country energy bills are skyrocketing and electric companies are warning consumers to expect double and even triple bills. Decreasing your home's humidity can save you money on your utility bill and increase your comfort. Before you dial up that expensive AC dial, here are a few things you can do to beat the heat and save money in the bargain.

• First find out if you have a humidity problem. Check your indoor humidity level. You can purchase an inexpensive humidity dial for under $20 bucks that will do an adequate job. Or check out the indoor weather stations at your local home store or Radio Shack. They may retail for $50 but come with a lot of fun bells and whistles and do provide a more accurate reading. Indoor humidity levels of less than 50% will alleviate allergies, condensation, mildew, mold and insects.
• Try obvious low-cost strategies first. Use less water on muggy days. The more you use; the more you put into the air. Run the washer and dishwasher at night so increased moisture doesn't add to the humidity while you're awake. Put your houseplants on the porch for the summer. The water they take in through their roots is expelled through their leaves into the air. Turn on fans (particularly exhaust fans) to remove humidity in the bathroom, kitchen and laundry rooms
• Buy a dehumidifier. Consumer Reports recommends buying the largest-capacity dehumidifier you can afford. A large model can pull 50 pints of water out of the air in 24 hours; smaller ones remove only half that, so think big. Watch for sales. The rating company didn't find much difference between major brand-name models so shop price. Note that an Energy Star labelled dehumidifier will use about 20% less energy, so factor that into your choice. Remember to empty the collection bucket daily or if you place it in your basement, attach a hose to the bucket so it will self-empty into the floor drain.
• Check for construction issues. Make sure your dryer vents to the outside. Check for leaking pipes. Look for leaks from outdoors. Increase insulation where possible to keep outdoor dampness from coming inside. Correcting any problems will decrease your home's humidity.