Carpet Cleaning is a Must.

May 28th, 2010

Carpet cleaning is something that every household must consider.  While, a carpet can be beautiful, it can also become distracting and take away from the beauty of your home because of stains, wear, and tear.  Carpet cleaning and stain removal options are out there for everyone, and they allow you to eliminate odors, pollens, and lengthen the life of your carpet. 

The carpet cleaning methods that are right for you will depend on the amount of traffic your carpet or rugs endure, whether or not children or pets live in the home, and whether anyone in the home has allergies. It is also very important for the life of your carpet to choose a carpet cleaning method that is compatible with the materials that your carpet or rug is made of. 

Below lists some of the most popular carpet cleaning options:

  • Dry Foam:  A shampoo is applied to your carpet and allowed to dry. Once dry, it is vacuumed up, bringing the dirt with it.
  • Dry Chemical:  After a cleaning solution is applied to the carpet, a machine spins a large bonnet from side to side to absorb dirt in the carpet. After the bonnet is saturated with dirt, it is replaced with a new, clean bonnet and the process continues.
  • Dry Compound:  An absorbent mixture is spread over the carpet. A machine brushes the mixture into the carpet to absorb the dirt. When the mixture dries, it is vacuumed out, taking the dirt with it.
  • Hot Water Extraction:  This carpet-cleaning method is also known as steam cleaning. Hot water extraction forces a hot water based cleaning solution into the carpet under high pressure, and then extracts it back out of the carpet along with the dirt.
  • Portable Extraction:  The carpet is cleaned by a small machine using hot tap water and powered by the electricity source in the house.
  • Truck Mounted Extraction:  This uses a large cleaning machine mounted on a truck or van. The water is heated to a higher temperature and is shot into the carpet at a higher velocity than is possible in portable machines.

Carpet manufacturers rely on standards from the IICRC when providing cleaning instructions.  In most cases the IICRC recommends you have your carpets cleaned at least two times per year. Below is a list of standards used by the IIRC to properly care for your carpet and provide your carpet with the longest life possible:

  • Light Soil Carpet:  Carpet owner should vacuum weekly and spot clean as needed. Hire a professional carpet cleaner every 12 to 18 months for the heavy-use areas. Restorative cleaning for your carpet is recommended every two years or per mfg. warranty.
  • Normal Soil Carpet (families with children or elderly):  Carpet owner should vacuum once or twice per week and spot clean as needed. Hire a professional carpet cleaner every 6 to 12 months for the heavy-use areas. Restorative cleaning for your carpet is recommended once per year.
  • Heavy Soil Carpet (families with pets, smoking):  Carpet owner should vacuum two to four times per week and spot clean as needed. Hire a professional carpet cleaner every 3 to 6 months for the heavy-use areas. Restorative cleaning for your carpet is recommended twice per year.
  • Extreme Soil Carpet (large families, pets, smoking):  Carpet owner should vacuum daily and spot clean as needed.  Hire a professional carpet cleaner every 2 to 3 months for the heavy-use areas. Restorative cleaning for your carpet is recommended quarterly.

With QwikBids, not only are our consumers getting a great deal and the convenience of QwikBids handling the background and reference checks, they are getting the bids in a blink of an eye. These days, time is everything! In Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler, Tolleson, Gilbert, and throughout the valley, use QwikBids to  find your carpet cleaning professional.

One great feature of QwikBids is the notification options available to consumers and service providers. QBids.com or QwikBids.com works on most smart phones through the web browser.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Cathy's Clips | 2 Comments »

Keeping your HVAC Efficient

May 18th, 2010

Spring is a traditional time to clean and repair your home after the winter season. It is also the best time to have an HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning) contractor perform an annual pre-summer inspection of your system. This will ensure that your cooling system will be working properly when the hot summer weather arrives.

According to ENERGY STAR, a typical contractor maintenance check-up should include the following:

  • Change air filters on a regular basis. Dirty filters reduce system efficiency and increase costs.
  • Check furnace system controls and thermostat. This will insure that the starting cycle is working properly so the unit keeps you comfortable when you are home and saves energy (and money) when you are away.
  • Tighten the electrical connections and lubricate all HVAC moving parts. Faulty electrical connections and lack of adequate lubrication can reduce the life of the unit components. An improperly operating system can also cost you in the increased amount of electricity you use.
  • Make sure the condensate drain is working properly. Not only can a plugged drain or pipe cause water damage, it can also affect the humidity levels in your home.
  • Clean the evaporator and air conditioning coils. Dirty coils can cost you money. They reduce the system’s ability to cool the home so it must operate longer, leading to higher energy bills. Longer operating times also reduce the system’s life and increase the amount of energy needed to operate.
  • Check air conditioner refrigerant level. Too much or too little refrigerant will affect system efficiency, increasing energy costs and system life.
  • Make sure blower components are properly adjusted. ENERGY STAR? Guidelines indicate that airflow problems can reduce system efficiencies by up to 15 percent!

 

Don’t let the heat get to you.  Look no further than QwikBids for your licensed service professional.  Licensed professionals are ready to bid on your requests at just a moment’s notice.  

Also, visit http://www.azcommerce.com/Energy for Arizona state rebates, energy programs, and upcoming energy related events.

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Cathy's Clips | Comments Off

Now is the Time!

February 25th, 2010

QwikBids Investigates – Brian M. Smith

Doubts in our economy have caused many problems and setbacks for consumers and businesses alike. 2009 was a difficult year indeed, as we witnessed record job-losses, businesses failing or cutting back and consumers spending much less. These things apply to us all, but there is much to rejoice about in 2010.

As our economy slowly makes its way back to recovery, the result is increased consumer spending. This spending is what fuels the engine for our valley businesses, and is vital to being successful with QwikBids.

QwikBids has hung in there, and the reward for patience is paying off.

Recent data tells us we are in recovery, and as we heal from the past 2 years of hardship, there will be an influx of consumer spending not seen since the recession began. Projects by homeowners and commercial businesses have been put off, and this year we project a large swell in bid requests to fulfill these needs as they come in larger numbers.

Now is the time to act!

Yes, it’s time to prepare for the inevitable consumer and business spending. No longer should service providers put off being in place to bid on projects in their respective professions. If it’s affordable, proven and easy to set up, coming aboard QwikBids just makes sense!

Take it from our own service providers.

John Wifler, owner of John’s Design and Tree Service, is playing it smart. Specializing in landscaping, tree care and irrigation systems, John realizes the importance of being ready and willing to take on additional projects to keep his crew busy. “Since joining QwikBids, I have been really busy, especially since December. People seem to feel a little safer about the economy and are now spending more money,” John states.

John says that he also landed a commercial job from a local college on QwikBids, and adds that the client was so happy with his services, they’ll be using his company again. In the beginning John rolled the dice with his marketing budget and joined QwikBids, and after his initial experience, it dawned on him just how valuable our services really are.

“I decided to sign up to QwikBids for an additional two years instead, as they gave me a discount on a special they have. It was a no-brainer. I’m now looking to expand my crew and invest more money in my business,” John says with confidence, adding, “Both door to door and word of mouth also work, but immediate results came with QwikBids.”

Getting involved with QwikBids is easy, economical ($399 per year; no hidden fees) and exposes registered users to ready-to-buy consumers. Set-up can be done online, but if assistance is needed, businesses are encouraged to contact customer service or arrange a visit to offices located in Scottsdale. Ask about specials that QwikBids offers to valley businesses as well.

Much is being accomplished to draw consumers to use this service, free of charge. It allows the consumer to remain anonymous if they wish, choose the best value for their needs and all from the comfort of their own home. What’s more, consumer confidence is high with QwikBids, as they know all service providers are verified for licensing (if it applies), insurance and reputation (references). These things are vital to consumers looking to spend their money again.

Lastly, QwikBids donates to charity when consumers leave feedback on a business that performed work for them. Giving back to the community is yet another incentive for consumers and service providers alike.

Again, we cannot express the importance of being prepared for the re-growth of our economy. Don’t put it off, visit QwikBids today. Now is the time!

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in QwikBids Investigates | Comments Off

Tricks to Brighten a Room

February 17th, 2010

by Amy Wolff, C.I.D.

 

Not everyone has the luxury of having large windows that let in lots of sunlight.  Many homes have at least one room that is continually dark.  A dark room can cause accidents, eye-strain, and even a poor disposition.  If you’d like to add more light to that room – without taking a sledgehammer to your walls, try a few of these room-brightening tricks.  A brighter room will lead to a brighter mood!

 

  • Paint your walls a light color, and use eggshell or semi-gloss paint.  Dark, matte finishes actually soak up the light, making the room seem darker – even when you put the lights on.  Lighter, glossier paints will reflect the light back into the room.

 

  • Keep your ceiling white.  We know it’s fun and fashionable to paint ceilings “anything but white.”  But in that very dark room, it’s amazing the difference that a white ceiling makes.  Just like dark walls, a dark ceiling will absorb a lot of the available light.

 

  • Add more lamps.  Yes, this seems obvious.  But many homeowners rely solely on overhead lights to illuminate a room.  Light needs to come from various levels – low, middle, and high.  Combining up-lights on the floor and lamps on tables around the room with overhead lighting will create a brighter, more comfortable room.

 

  • Hang large mirrors.  Large mirrors can act like windows, reflecting the light back into the room.

 

  • Choose reflective surfaces.  Just like walls, other large surfaces can absorb or reflect your light.  Opt for glossier furnishings, add glass to your framed artwork, and place mirrored trays on top of dark tables.  We are seeing more and more sophisticated metallics in paints and fabrics, too!

 

Light is important for your physical and mental health.  So make sure your home is getting all the light you need!

 

Amy Wolff, CID, is nationally certified in the interior decorating profession through Certified Interior Decorators International (CIDI).  Amy can be reached at 480-683-0200, or amywolff@rnsmte.com.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Guest Authors | Comments Off

Why Customer Feedback is Crucial!

January 22nd, 2010

Qwik Hits!

 

Word of mouth is always great when you seek services and have no idea where to begin. But sometimes, there are projects around the home that require a specialist for an array of odd things you may need done. Too often, there are no suggestions from family or friends. However, there’s an alternative to having to “shoot in the dark” when choosing a service provider for your many projects. 

In the metro Phoenix area, whether it’s landscape, swimming pool maintenance, or handyman service, rely on feedback from homeowners like you!

QwikBids offers a unique rating and feedback system that’s easy to understand and is always completely free to consumers. Aside from word of mouth, feedback from other homeowners is the most reliable way to know you’re getting the best deal in addition to supreme workmanship.

Consumers have an incentive to leave feedback too. For their feedback, QwikBids donates $10 to the charity of their choice! How cool is that?

Very recently, a homeowner decided it was time to visit QwikBids with an assortment of projects that needed to be done. From what we could tell, she was looking for one company to come in and do it all. She placed her bid request (always free!), got numerous bids and scheduled a reputable handyman to come out to do the work.

After the work was completed, she happily gave feedback. She wrote, “Dan is the best! He is very knowledgeable, efficient, honest and his prices are very fair. He did a great job on fixing a messy electrical problem I had in my master bathroom. Dan is the first person I will call when I need any electrical, plumbing or repair work done in the future.”

This feedback will help many in choosing a service provider, but this is also very favorable to Dan, as he has now established a customer relationship through his performance and fairness. Good job, Dan!

What’s more, the customer chose Sequoya Elementary School for the $10 donation. She had her projects done superbly at a great price, and helped our kids!

It all starts with all-important feedback. Visit QwikBids today to take advantage! It’s free to consumers, plus you remain anonymous until you choose a service provider. Convenient, easy and just makes sense!

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Qwik Hits! | Comments Off

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »