What to Do If You Smell Gas In Your Home

9/8/2020 (Permalink)

Most gasses are tasteless, odorless and colorless, so it can be dangerous when flammable gas goes unnoticed. However, a chemical called mercaptan is added to gas, making it smell like sulfur or rotten eggs, which may be your first indicator that you have a gas leak. Here’s what to do if you smell gas in your home:

Don’t Flip the Switch

All it takes is a spark for a gas fire to ignite. Flipping a light switch or lighting a match in a gas-filled room can cause a gas explosion that could result in serious injuries or fatalities and cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages.

Evacuate Immediately and Call 911

Get your family out of the house. If you can, bring your pets too, but ensure your safety first. Odorless gas is dangerous. Not only can it cause a gas explosion, but the fumes can cause serious injury to the body. Dial 911, even if you’re not sure it’s gas. Your local fire department will come and determine if there is a gas leak or not.

Get Your Lines Checked

Once it is safe to reenter your home, contact a plumber to determine what lines need to be fixed or replaced. Be aware, it may cost several thousand dollars to replace your gas line. Hire someone to do periodic inspections to maintain the lines throughout your home.

If by chance you do experience a gas fire, call SERVPRO of Marshalltown at (641) 758-9746 to help clean up and restore your Marshalltown, Reinbeck, Iowa Falls, Traer or Wellsburg home to its original state, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Marshalltown Knows How to Handle Hoarding

9/3/2020 (Permalink)

According to the Mayo Clinic, “Hoarding disorder is a persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions because of a perceived need to save them.” A person with a hoarding disorder gets distressed at the thought of getting rid of items. Many people with hoarding tendencies don’t see their habits as an issue, which requires the situation to be handled with sensitivity and patience. At SERVPRO of Marshalltown, we know how to handle this.

Our specialists often encounter hoarding when we are called to a home for water damage or a fire loss. And because we’re experienced with hoarding situations, we know how to handle each case in the most professional way possible as we work with you and/or an insurance company regarding the contents that are covered. Once the insurance company has approved what contents a policy covers, we take care of cleaning, drying, packing and storing the items so work on the fire or water loss can begin. 

We also receive calls from family members to go through items and clean up a home after the death of a loved one. In these situations, our crew is careful to make sure they understand which possessions should be retained as they work through the contents of a house. Family members are welcome to assist us as we sort through the deceased person’s belongings. 

Each case is unique and sensitive, and we treat our customers with respect and professionalism throughout the process. Call SERVPRO of Marshalltown at (641) 758-9746 right away if you experience a water or fire loss or if you need help with a hoarding property in Marshall, Hardin, Grundy or Tama County.

Leave Your AC On When You Go on Vacation

8/4/2020 (Permalink)

Many homeowners think they can save money on cooling costs by turning off their air conditioners when they’re not at home. However, that’s not a great idea for a number of reasons. 

Creates an Environment for Mold and Bugs

First of all, turning off your air conditioner can cause the level of humidity inside your home to quickly rise. Without cool, dry air circulating through your home, humidity levels can soar to upwards of 60 percent, which is ideal for mold growth and bug infestations.

Mold needs moisture and lack of ventilation to grow, and it grows fast once the conditions are right. Insects also thrive in high heat and humidity. Making sure you keep humidity down in your home can save you a lot of trouble and expense down the line from mold remediation or bug extermination.

Saves Energy and Makes It Easier on Your Air Conditioner

Secondly, it’s more economical and easier on your air conditioner to keep your home relatively cool with low humidity. Moisture holds heat, so a hot, humid home will cause your air conditioner to have to work extra hard to bring the temperature and humidity levels back to normal after you return.

Turn Your Thermostat Up Instead of Turning AC Off

Instead of turning the air completely off, just turn your thermostat up 7 to 10 degrees. Your AC will kick on every once in a while to control and maintain a healthy humidity level between 45%-55%. You’ll save more money in the long run and likely also extend the life of your air conditioner.

If you do notice water damage or possible mold growth that occurred while you were gone and you live in Marshall, Hardin, Grundy or Tama county, call SERVPRO of Marshalltown right away at (641) 758-9746. We are a local business and can be there quickly to help.