Six years ago, bed bugs in Los Angeles county were virtually non-existent. This year, Alliance will respond to thousands of calls for people seeking relief from beg bug infestations. What has changed? Bed bugs are quite literally an epidemic—these pests, which were all but extinct 50 years ago, are now sweeping across Los Angeles like a plague due to changes in travel habits and pesticides.
“Literally, it’s the biggest epidemic - as far as bugs go - hitting the world right now.”
- Mike Masterson, Isotech Pest Management
Just ask the residents of Covina’s Southe Point Apartments on Citrus Avenue, where 15% of the units are infested with bed bugs. The owner of the apartment complex, Ahmed Hassan, has been battling to eradicate these pests for over a year.
Three times since 2009 have workers from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health declared the infestation “abated,” only to have the bed bugs reappear again.
While chemical treatments for bed bug infestations can be effective, Alliance promotes a more radical solution and guarantees success. Cutting-edge heat treatment technology (ThermaPure heat) allows Alliance to elevate the temperature of a structure to 140 degrees, which is the temperature at which bed bugs (and their eggs) are destroyed. The upside to this technology is quite obvious: no harmful chemicals, no odors, no needless move-out, etc.
Angelo Bellomo, directory of environmental health at the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, stated that, “I think we’re looking at bed bugs a lot more seriously today than we have historically.”
Alec Gerry, a veterinary entomologist on faculty at UC Riverside, agrees: “Most likely, the bedbugs are back in the United States in greater numbers forever.”
If this is the case, then its time for Los Angeles county residents to educate themselves on the distinct benefits of Alliance’s ThermaPure heat treatment for bed bugs.
The dangers of using pesticides to kill bed bugs within a residence are beginning to receive additional scrutiny. The EPA just recently issued a consumer alert regarding off-label bed bug treatments, warning in particular about the dangers of using outdoor pesticides in homes. Given the resiliency of bed bugs at surviving traditional pest-killing methods, Alliance once again promotes the value of ThermaPure heat treatment for bed bugs,
Excepts from a Yahoo! News article on bed bugs:
“For reasons still unknown, bedbugs really seem to like the state of Ohio. The problem is so dire in Cincinnati that some people with infested apartments have resorted to sleeping on the streets.
Cincinnati created a Bedbug Remediation Commission in 2007 and, like other local and national governments around the world, the city is trying to mobilize strategies to control infestations of the resilient insects, which can hide in almost any crack or crevice and can go a year or more without eating. On Aug. 10, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a consumer alert about off-label bedbug treatments, warning in particular of the dangers of using outdoor pesticides in homes. The Ohio Department of Agriculture has mounted a more unusual response to the crisis: it petitioned the EPA for an exemption to allow in-home use of propoxur, a pesticide and neurotoxin banned in the 1990s out of concern for its effects on children.
Although the EPA rejected Ohio’s propoxur plea in June, the agency has scheduled an Aug. 18 meeting with state and municipal leaders to try to formulate an abatement strategy everyone can live with. Among the meeting’s participants: representatives from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and, no joke, the Department of Defense…”
Keeping your home, your family or your employees safe should be a top priority for anyone looking to eradicate bed bugs from a structure. Rather than using chemicals, Alliance advocates for the usage of heat treatment. There are definite benefits to Alliance’s heat treatment for bed bugs, including:
Alliance’s ThermaPure heat treatment kills beg bugs by elevating the temperature of a house to 140 degrees for three hours. This increased heat kills both the bed bugs and their eggs, ensuring that your infestation is resolved.
Contact us today to learn more about how ThermaPure heat treatment is right for you!
John Schulte, NADCA’s Executive Direction, offers his candid perspective on the fraudulent bait-and-switch tactics of low-priced air duct cleaning advertisers and details the current recent victories in the battle against cut-rate air duct cleaning companies.
Alliance Environmental Group is proud to relay the first amongst many presumed successes in the battle against low-quality, dishonest air duct cleaning companies. Refer to our information on Alliance’s air duct cleaning packages for more details on this sort of outfit.
An excerpt from John Schulte’s article “Scammers Beware”:
“We’ve all seen them: the coupons offering whole-house air duct cleaning for less than the cost of a cheeseburger off the value meal menu of your local fast food restaurant. I know that 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 many efforts to educate consumers and solicit support from the legal system, it has been this way for many years.
My friends, I am pleased to report that the winds of change are - 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 forms for deceptive advertising practices and other illegal business practices….
These cases follow news exposes 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.”
In the May 2005 issue of the Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) produced by the U.S. Department of Energy, the Fact Sheet tackles some of the ways you can combat the ever-rising costs of cooling your building.
Cooling costs are a substantial part of a facilities annual utility bill. Fortunately, there are many Operations and Maintenance (O&M) opportunities that can be implemented to make the existing air-conditioning systems operate more efficiently and effectively, ultimately lowering overall cooling costs.
One of the most effective O&M programs is to have the Evaporator and Condenser Coils professionally cleaned. “A dirty evaporator coil or condenser coil will reduce cooling capacity and degrade equipment energy efficiency. A clogged evaporator coil reduces air flow through the coil, thus causing the compressor motor to consume more energy. Exposed to unfiltered out-door air, condenser coils easily trap dust and debris, which raises the condensing temperature and reduces the cooling capacity. A Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) study showed that a dirty condenser coil can increase compressor energy consumption by 30 percent. Solution: Visually inspect the evaporator and condenser coils at least once a year for clean air-side passage. Replacing filters on a regular basis will keep the evaporator coil fairly clean. Remove the dirt from the coils by washing and vacuuming them. To ensure that the coils are not damaged by the high-pressure spray wash, an experienced cleaning crew should be used. In a two-person crew, one person will spray clean the coil, while the second person continuously vacuums out the cleaning solution.”
“A dirty condenser coil that raises condensing temperature from 95 degrees to 105 degrees F. cuts cooling capacity by 7 percent and increases power consumption by 10 percent, with a net (compressor) efficiency reduction of 16 percent. In a 10-ton unit operating 2,000 hours a year, this wastes about $250 per year in operating costs.”
Excerpts taken from the May 2005 issue of FEMP Fact Sheet
To get more information on the rule from EPA, go to:
www.eere.energy.gov/femp
Bill Wood - Alliance Environmental Group April 2010
On April 22, 2008, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a new rule regarding Lead Based Paint disturbance. By April 22, 2010 all lead paint removal contractors must comply with the EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule for Lead-Based Paint if you are disturbing paint on housing or child-occupied facilities built before 1978.
New EPA Regulations for Lead Paint Removal Coming Soon!!
On April 22, 2008, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a new rule regarding Lead Based Paint disturbance. By April 22, 2010 all lead paint removal contractors must comply with the EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule for Lead-Based Paint if you are disturbing paint on housing or child-occupied facilities built before 1978.
If you plan on renovating more than 6 square feet inside and 20 square feet outside the home, then plan on some additional steps than just restoration work. First, lead paint removal contractors must distribute the EPA’s new Renovate Right! pamphlet to owners and occupants unless it is an emergency. Second, lead paint removal contractors must have their crews and supervisors trained as certified renovators. Third, contractors that provide lead paint removal services must apply to the EPA to become a Certified Lead Renovation Firm. Finally, lead-based paint removal firms must incorporate new record keeping and reporting requirements within their information management systems.
Alliance Environmental Group, Inc. is California’s premier lead-based paint removal contractor and is already preparing to incorporate the new EPA regulations into its business practices. When you call Alliance Environmental Group, you know that you are in safe hands.
Please reach out to Bill Wood - Director of Client Relations at Alliance Environmental Group - with any questions regarding these new guidelines and how they affect your California lead-based paint removal project.
For more information on the rule from EPA, go to www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovation.htm
Alliance Environmental Group is now offering Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning
Alliance Environmental Group now offers kitchen exhaust cleaning. As an environmental company it is our job to clean and dispose of hazardous waste safely and properly. We have discovered after doing some research that half of the 11,100 fires in eating and drinking establishments start in the kitchen. One of the leading causes of these fires is the build up of grease, one spark can turn into a nightmare. Fire Code NFPA96 is the national standard on inspections of exhaust systems and guidelines for cleaning your exhaust systems. Systems using solid fuel cooking operations must be inspected on a monthly basis, systems serving high-volume cooking operations must be inspected quarterly and systems serving low-volume cooking operations must inspect on a yearly basis. With this said we realize the importance of routine maintenance when it comes to kitchen hood cleaning. This is exactly why we have taken up the task of training our crew to get the job done right. We realize the importance of maintaining a healthy clean and safe environment for your staff as well as your guest. We have started a new division that is ready to take on the job. If you are interested in receiving a free estimate on your kitchen hood routine maintenance please contact us at (888)833-7417 to schedule your appointment.
Larry one of our air duct cleaning estimators called on a air duct cleaning company who offered a $49 special. Read on to see what this $49 special really cost him.
If you are searching for an air duct cleaning specialist, you have probably noticed the ads that for companies advertising a remarkably low price of $49. Many customers have voiced concerns regarding Alliance Environmental’s pricing, as our fees are significantly higher. Many times we immediately lose an opportunity to service air duct cleaning projects without being given a chance to offer a defense or explanation for why our costs are higher. That is exactly why we are writing this blog. Alliance wants consumers to be aware of the schemes that many “air duct cleaning specialists” (or so they claim) are pulling on the innocent.
We conducted our own experiment to find out first-hand what these companies are really offering for their advertised price. Larry - one of our air duct cleaning estimators - invited one of the companies offering a $49 air duct cleaning special into his own home to see how this company could possibly clean his ducts properly for $49.
This is his report:
—————————-
Undisclosed company quoted me a price for $49.00 to clean all my air ducts.
The sales representative showed up late and ask me a few questions:
* Ask about allergies;
* Asks about pets in the house;
* Asks about how often I change my filter.
I told him my system was 5 to 6 years old and I had never had my ducts cleaned.
The entire conversation took less than 4 minutes. In the end, the sales representative told me:
* That my ducts are still brand new;
* That cleaning the air-ducts would be pointless;
* That takes up to 20 years for ducts to get dirty.
He told me all this with out examining my air ducts.
The end result is that he recommended changing my filter, and even offered to sell me one. He offered to sell a washable, allergen-free filter (a Go Green Product) for $119.99.
We pulled my filter out of the ceiling return register. The filter and the return supply were both dirty and needed to be cleaned. I pointed out that the need for cleaning contributed to the dirtiness of the return air flow. He responded that all I needed to do is purchase a filter and clean it once a month. He attested that - if I were to follow this procedure - the quality of my air would be great.
He did mention to me that he manufactures all of his own filters, as well as the fact that he only allocated 20 minutes to both (a) inspect my air ducts and (b) provide an estimate.
So at this point, I ask:
“If my return filter is dirty and my return air-supply is dirty, wouldn’t my blower and air ducts also be dirty?”
His response: “Blowers take a very long time to get dirty. I have never seen a dirty blower.”
I requested that he examine my FAU blower. After inspecting the blower, he informed me that:
* My blower was the dirtiest he has ever seen;
* My blower looked to be 10+ years old.
I requested a quote for cleaning the blower. $249.99. I asked for a quote to clean the Return Air Supply. $129.99. I requested a quote to clean the Filter. $119.99.d
As he was leaving, I noticed that he only had a standard Shop Vac in his car. Any professional air duct cleaner knows that this piece of equipment will not suffice for comprehensive air duct cleaning. So how was he going to clean my ducts?
———————————————-
This company came to the property with the false notion that they were going to clean Larry’s air ducts but their intention was never to do so. They didn’t even have the proper equipment in their vehicle to clean air ducts. We later found out that they are a distributor of air filters and their selling techniques include selling you on the fact that your air ducts do not need to be cleaned you just need a new air filter.
Here are a few tips to help you find a certified contractor for air duct cleaning:
1. Make sure they are NADCA Certified
2. Make sure they have a California State Contractor License.
3. Ensure that all costs are included in the estimate and there are no hidden fees.
4. Do not hesitate to ask for referrals with phone numbers from customers they have done business with before.
You can find additional information from NADCA on how to select a residential air duct cleaning contractor.
http://www.nadca.com/consumerinformation/selectresidentialcontractor.aspx
Our top Executives went on a mission retreat to Peru to distribute free wheel chairs to those who were in need.
I am very honored to say that in January 2009 three of our top executives Jeff McLean (CFO), Bill Wood (Executive Director of Client Relations) and Tim Tilley (Branch Manager) volunteered their time and effort to an organization called Free Wheel Chair Mission.
Free Wheel Chair Mission is a non-profit organization that manufactures and distributes wheel chairs to people around the world who would otherwise go without the ability of mobilization. The average cost to manufacture and ship one wheel chair comes with a very modest cost of $52.00. The distribution chain is funded through donations from individuals, foundations and grants.
Bill, Jeff and Tim traveled to Peru to help distribute these wheel chairs to those in need. Each held a specific job that they were in charge of. Bill was designated to be the mechanic, Jeff and Tim were the photographers that provided Polaroid pictures to each individual who received a wheelchair. This experience was a life altering experience for each individual that participated and we hope that the Alliance community can continue on with our efforts to give back and make a difference.
Get inspired by clicking on the link below.
http://armorblog.com/2009/03/give-the-gift-of-mobility/
In the News Alliance Environmental Group and How To Kill BedBugs…
Check out our newest adventure with bedbugs. We were called upon by ABC news to help eradicate bedbugs with our radiant heaters in a Bay Area home. The saga continues. Click on the link below to watch how we manage to kill these unsightly creatures.
http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/health&id=6691293
It is becoming more and more apparent that consumers are concerned with the chemicals that are being used in their daily household cleaners
It is becoming more and more apparent that consumers are concerned with the chemicals that are being used in their daily household cleaners. Such proof is pronounced in the recent lawsuit between environmental activists and leading firms who produce common household cleaning products.
Activists are demanding that ingredients be displayed on all household cleaners. The activists “say people deserve to know whether the products they use to wash their dishes and clean their homes could be harmful,” This is also true for many pesticides that are being used by pest control companies.
Alliance Environmental Group knows that it is important to keep your home safe from bacteria, pest and mold. That is why we are using an environmentally friendly way to kill bacteria, pest and mold. No chemicals are used just heat. You can rest assure that your home will be safe from chemicals.
We are consistently receiving request for a way to get rid of bedbugs without having to use harsh pesticides. Our ThermaPure Heat treatment does just that, kills bedbugs without affecting your safe haven with chemicals. Take a look at our page about pests and you will find out just how this process works.
California warns consumers about the potential hazards of air cleaners:
The truth about Air Cleaners
Recently the Indoor Environment Connections magazine posted an article warning about the potential hazards of air cleaners:
California Warns Consumers About Ozone-Generating Air Cleaners.
I have been around the environmental field for 18 years and I can’t tell you how many times people have asked me whether they should purchase an air cleaner for their home or office. Recently the California Air Resource Board (ARB) warned consumers not to purchase air cleaning devices that intentionally generate ozone. At ground-level ozone is an air pollutant with harmful effects on the respiratory systems of animals. In the upper atmosphere it filters potentially damaging ultraviolet light from reaching the Earth’s surface. According to the article “these devices can produce potentially harmful levels of ozone that can worsen asthma, cause serious lung inflammation, decrease lung function, and lead to hospitalization for respiratory conditions, emergency room visits for asthma and increased school absences.”
It’s not all doom and gloom though. If you are still interested in using air cleaners, look for cleaners with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters or Electrostatic filters. For guidance in selecting an air cleaner check:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/indoor/ozone.htm
For products to avoid check:
http://www/arb.ca.gov/research/indoor/o3g-list.htm
Indoor Environment Connection - Jan. 09 - Tom Scarlett
Bill Wood - Alliance Environmental Group
The dangers of lead based paint in childrens clothing and toys.
We are all aware of the dangers of lead based paint especially for children under the age of six whose bodies are still developing. This is why in 1978 lead was banned for residential use by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Tuesday February 11th Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act was passed and many retailers are forced to yank many of their children’s products off their shelves. The new Act states that the limit for lead paint must be 90 parts per million as opposed to the 600 parts per million that was previously regulated in all children’s toys and clothing.
There is a reason for such drastic measures lead is harmful for children and there are still dangerous toys on the shelves. This is exactly why many homeowners must be cautious when they are conducting home remodeling. If you have any indication that your home has lead based paint please have it tested to ensure that your home is safe from any harmful materials.
One of the Most Effective Treatments for Bedbugs
LA Times issued an article on these blood thirsty insects known to us as bedbugs http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-bedbugs4-2009jan04,0,1108531.story. Bedbugs are truly turning into a nightmare for a lot of residents. We are increasingly receiving phone calls from home and building owners searching for a resolution. Most over the counter products aren’t working and it takes several visits from their local pest control companies before they see any results. That is why many people are turning to our ThermaPure Heat treatment that kills the bedbugs and their eggs with heat. ThermaPure Heat is one of the most effective treatments available today.
“My home was built in 1985 and has popcorn acoustic
ceilings. Could these possibly contain asbestos?”
I recently received this question from a concerned homeowner. I thought I would share our response with everyone because I know that this is a question that does not have a clear straight forward answer.
“Hello - My home was built in 1985 and has popcorn acoustic
ceilings. Could these possibly contain asbestos? I have read
conflicting information on the internet as to when building materials
and paints containing asbestos were banned. Thanks for your help.”
According to California law, anything that is sprayed or troweled on a substrate needs to be tested.
Below is a list provided by The State of Colorado that I found useful which applies to the US as a whole.
BANS ON USAGE of certain asbestos-containing materials (ACM):
* 1973, banned spray-applied surfacing ACM for fireproofing/insulating purposes.
* 1975, banned installation of wet-applied and pre-formed (molded) asbestos pipe insulation, and banned installation of pre-formed (molded) asbestos block insulation on boilers and hot water tanks (thermal system insulation).
* 1978, banned spray-applied Surfacing ACM for “decorative” purposes.
* 1989, and reconfirmed in 1993, banned six asbestos-containing product use categories:
Corrugated paper,
Rollboard,
Commercial paper,
Specialty paper,
Flooring felt, and
New uses of asbestos.
*1990, prohibits spray-on application of materials containing more than 1% asbestos to buildings, structures, pipes, and conduits unless the material is encapsulated with a bituminous or resinous binder during spraying and the materials are not friable after drying.
The following uses of asbestos-containing material were not banned:
*Troweled-on surfacing asbestos-containing material.
*Asbestos-cement corrugated sheet, asbestos-cement flat sheet, asbestos clothing, pipeline wrap, roofing felt, vinyl-asbestos floor tile, asbestos-cement shingle, millboard, asbestos-cement pipe, automatic transmission components, clutch facings, friction materials, disc brake pads, drum brake linings, brake blocks, gaskets, non-roofing coatings, and roof coatings.
The EPA still allows, on equipment and machinery, spray-on application of materials that contain more than 1% asbestos where the asbestos fibers in the materials are encapsulated with a bituminous or resinous binder during spraying and the materials are not friable after drying; or for friable materials, where either no visible emissions are discharged to the outside air from spray-on application, or specified methods are used to clean emissions containing particulate asbestos material before they escape to, or are vented to, the outside air.
State of Colorado, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Owens, Bill, “Asbestos Bans” Online Posting
http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/ap/asbestos/asbestosbans.pdf
Ashes and debris from the current wildfires affects the air that you breathe. Having your air ducts cleaned can help improve the quality of air in your home.
With all the current wildfires here in California many people are suffering from ashes and debris which affects the air that they are breathing. Here at Alliance we want to offer our customers clean air. Alliance has always been known for our quality work in asbestos abatement and mold remediation but are often forgotten when it comes to air-duct cleaning, that is until now. We are receiving phone calls from all different directions whether it is an insurance adjuster, a general contractor, or a home owner requesting to breathe clean air once again. By cleaning your air-ducts you create a free flowing ventilation system which could potentially be a source for a variety of contaminants that could have severe health effects. The removal of contaminants from the HVAC system and home should be considered as a plan to improve your indoor air quality and wellbeing.
Larry A.
La Verne, CA
January 2007
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