Peter Testa

Stainless steel may be the rage; however, it comes with a downside - keeping surfaces clean and free of smudges and streaks. Some people get good results using microfiber cloths, sold at many stores that sell cleaning supplies, to clean the stainless steel. The cloths can be reused many times. Note that some stainless-steel appliances are "clear coated" with a coating that is supposed to help make them easier to clean. In general, stainless steel cleaners that can be used on uncoated steel should not be used on these coated surfaces.

If you have an owner's manual for your appliances, you should see what cleaning methods the manufacturer recommends. If you don't have a manual, contact the manufacturer for advice on handling your specific cleaning problem. If you cannot get any help from the manufacturer and simple washing and drying or using microfiber cloths or the manufacturer's recommended cleaning product, doesn't help, there are several other ways to clean stainless steel. Try a half-teaspoon of dishwashing detergent in a pint of warm water, applied with a sponge, then wiped dry; or, try rubbing alcohol, vinegar, or club soda, applied with a soft cloth. But always first try any cleaner in an inconspicuous place to make sure it doesn't cause additional stains.

According to the (NADCA), National Air Duct Cleaners Association, a professional association based in Washington, D.C., air duct cleaning is a buyer-beware service. Some companies promoting duct cleaning may be either bait and switch operations or companies that do inferior jobs with unprofessional equipment.

Any professional cleaner would question a company that employ only shop-vac sized machines with a single 2-inch hose. To do a good job, powerful machines mounted in specially equipped vehicles with varying types of hoses and attachments will be needed in most cases to adequately reach all duct areas.

But even if the technician is prepared, the above information begs the question: "Is air duct cleaning really worthwhile?" You can check some of your own ducts with a mirror and a flashlight. Unscrew several of your wall or floor vents and, using your mirror, look into the ducts.

If there aren't any large deposits of dust, dirt or mold, or if no one in your home suffers allergies or asthma, having air ducts cleaned is probably unnecessary, according to advice provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Also, just because you have dirty return grilles doesn't mean you have dirty ducts. It's normal for dust-laden air to be pulled through the grates leaving telltale black streaks that can often be easily vacuumed or cleaned at the return.

The NADCA notes that ducts are more likely to need cleaning under the following circumstances:

• The home has been remodeled.
• Water has damaged the home.
• There are four-leg pets.
• Someone smokes.
• Your carpeting is old.

According to industry experts, in cases where there are truly dirty ducts in a 2,000-square foot house, duct cleaners may fill three grocery sacks with dirt and debris. Expect to pay $250-500 for a typical home's duct cleaning by a qualified professional. Larger homes with a more extensive duct system will cost proportionately more.

If duct cleaning is done improperly, or needlessly, the outcome can do more harm than good. Disturbing a basically intact and inert dust layer and then not removing the residue creates air borne contaminants that might not otherwise have been a problem. Homeowners should seek the advice and information on the pros and cons of duct cleaning before hiring a contractor.

The EPA advises that a professional cleaning should include:

• Opening duct access points to allow the entire system to be inspected and cleaned.
• Use of only high-efficiency particle (HEPA) air vacuuming equipment.
• Protection of the carpeting and household furnishings during cleaning.
• Use of well-controlled brushing equipment with powerful vacuums to dislodge dust and other particles.
• Taking care to protect ductwork including sealing and re-insulating any access holes.

Fore more information on duct cleaning visit the EPA website: www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/airduct.html

The cold weather and storms of the winter season can wreak havoc on the exterior of a home and the surrounding property. Sometimes it isn't that there is significant damage, but simply the fact that it may have been several months since you last paid attention to or attempted any outdoor maintenance.

Now is the time to do a winter-end check to make sure everything is in order and your home is ready to withstand those spring-time showers and the pending heat of summer.

While all exterior areas should be checked periodically, one area that typically requires special attention at the end of the winter season is the roof. To identify possible roofing concerns, look for:

• Ceiling stains - A possible warning sign that your roof system needs repair or replacement. If localized, it may be an isolated point of damage or a flashing leak. Ceiling stains can also be associated with excessive attic moisture and/or ice dam conditions, which may require additional attic ventilation and/or insulation to prevent a recurrence. If there are stains on lower level ceilings, a plumbing leak could be the cause.



• Loose or missing shingles - Any loose or missing shingles should be repaired or replaced immediately to avoid additional leakage and damage to the roof deck or interior of your home.



• Loose, lifted or cracked flashing - This is the sheet metal or other type membrane found at the base of chimneys and roof penetrations. Damaged flashing should be repaired or replaced to prevent leakage. Any open gaps should be sealed with roof cement.



• Lifted or curled shingles - This may be an indication the roof is worn and at or near the end of its service life, or, at the very least, makes it conducive to wind damage. If found just in an isolated area, spot replacement may be possible, but if widespread, get a professional opinion on the roof's condition.



• Heavy granule buildup in gutters or at base of downspouts - The granules on roof shingles gradually wear away to the point where the underlying material is exposed over large areas. Once this happens the rate of shingle deterioration accelerates. If granule loss is excessive, it may indicate aging shingles that need replacement.

Any roof maintenance check should also include gutter cleaning. This is an areas often not paid attention to until an overflow creates problems. Gutters need to be checked year-round to help avoid expensive water damage to the siding or house structure. Extensions or splash blocks at downspouts help divert water away from the house, avoiding soil erosion and infiltration through basement or crawlspace walls.

If you have questions on your roof system, consider utilizing the services of a professional home inspector or qualified roofing contractor to determine conditions.

Nationwide Homes Real Estate Professional Pete Testa

If you are looking to purchase a new home, or place your home on the market for sale, Pete Testa is a Full Time Realtor & Top Producer serving Sellers across Fairfield & Litchfield Counties, Connecticut. Buyer's serviced in the towns of Danbury, Brookfield, Bethel, New Fairfield, Newtown, Sherman & New Milford, CT.

Visit My CT Real Estate Site & Search the CT MLS. Search For Homes For Sale throughout Connecticut.

You can find Pete Testa at:

• Nationwide Homes, 57 North Street, Suite 322, Danbury, CT 06810
• Phone: (203) 442-3873
• Email: petertesta@yahoo.com