Vent Guys Blog | Air Duct & Dryer Vent Cleaning

Magic Pak Cleaning FAQ

January 26, 2022 | Vent Guys | Magic Pak Cleaning

Here in the Twin Cities, Magic Pak heating and cooling units have become increasingly popular in many multi-housing complexes and commercial properties. To keep these units running efficiently, it’s important to have them cleaned on a regular basis. Since this is a popular service that we offer, we thought we’d answer some frequently asked questions about Magic Pak cleaning for Plymouth area business.

Q: What are Magic Paks?

A: Magic Paks are compact heating and cooling units that operate through a wall duct. They provide comfort control options for many apartments and building occupants.

Q: What is the Magic Pak cleaning process?

A: Our full cleaning of Magic-Pak and similar systems include site inspection and estimate, thorough cleaning of the coils with a custom-made compressed air-powered coil cleaning tool, and taking note of any issues to report. We typically clean units from the outside; however, cleaning can be done from inside the building when accessibility to the coil from a ladder or lift is not possible.

Q: Is Magic Pak cleaning necessary?

A: Yes. In order for them to run efficiently, Magic Pak cleaning should be performed. Preventative maintenance is always better than costly repairs. With regular Magic Pak cleaning, you will keep your residents comfortable and eliminate the need for emergency service calls due to leaks or other issues caused by an unclean unit. Regular maintenance also helps the units last longer, thus eliminating the need to replace the units as often.

Clean units will create better air flow, which means it will take less energy for it to run and therefore, will help the units operate effectively for years to come.

Q: What are the benefits of Magic Pak cleaning?

A: In addition to increased efficiency, Magic Paks can be a hiding place for mice, wasps and other pests, so it’s important to have them cleaned to remove any nests or debris left by these rodents or insects.

Do you have any additional questions about Magic Pak cleaning? To learn more about Magic-Pak cleaning for your Plymouth area business or to schedule this or any of our other services, please reach out to us by calling 612-492-1342 or contact us today! We look forward to working with you.

Plan Ahead for Magic-Pak Cleaning for Your Twin Cities Business

December 27, 2021 | Vent Guys | Magic Pak Cleaning

While your building’s Magic-Pak units have several months before they’re turned on for the summer, winter is a great time to plan for commercial projects such as Magic-Pak cleaning in the Twin Cities. If you own or manage a multi-housing complex or apartment complex, you understand how beneficial it can be to plan ahead for projects like these. Winter is a great time to get quotes, schedule services, and budget for projects in the New Year.

Here at Vent Guys, we provide professional Magic-Pak cleaning for all-in-one package, through-the-wall HVAC units often used at apartment and condominium complexes. It is important that these units be cleaned periodically. The coils that face the outside of the building tend to collect debris such as cottonwood, dust, leaves and other items that reduce the performance of the unit. In fact, there are many reasons why you should have your Magic Pak, Comfort Pack and Skypak units cleaned regularly, including:

Reduces energy costs
Prevents premature failure of unit
Creates better air flow to help unit run more efficiently
Can remove nests and debris left by mice, birds, bees and other insects
And more

These are just some of the many reasons to go ahead and schedule Magic-Pak cleaning sooner than later. Ready to get a quote or to schedule Magic-Pak cleaning for your commercial property in the New Year? Give us a call and we will view the property in order to provide an estimate based on the number of units to be cleaned. Once approved, we’ll schedule a day that works well for you and the residents at your facility. We recommend annual cleaning to keep the HVAC units in top shape.

Full cleaning of Magic-Pak and similar systems include site inspection and estimate, thorough cleaning of the coils with a custom-made compressed air-powered coil cleaning tool, and taking note of any issues to report to management.

We typically clean units from the outside; however, cleaning can be done from inside the building when accessibility to the coil from a ladder or lift is not possible.

Ready to get started? To learn more about Magic-Pak cleaning or to schedule this or any of our other services, please reach out to us by calling 612-492-1342 or contact us today! We look forward to working with you.

The Time for Chimney Repair is Now

September 23, 2021 | Vent Guys | Chimney Repair

This Wednesday marked the first day of fall. Is your chimney prepared for the cold months ahead? We are here to tell you now is the perfect time to take care of your chimney and any masonry repairs. Timeliness is essential in chimney repair because the longer it waits, the more damage can be done.

An annual inspection is the best way to keep your chimney safe and efficient. And, if you’ve noticed any issues like smoke backing up into the home or chimney leaks, these issues must be addressed now. A chimney leak is often the first sign of damage and could lead to serious deterioration of the chimney masonry or some of its components if not taken care of. There’s no time to waste so schedule your chimney repair in Minnetonka today.

Our technicians are certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America and can get your chimneys ready for the season. They have been trained and tested on the best practices for preventing and correcting chimney and venting system hazards.

Not sure if your chimney is in need of any repairs this fall? We offer all levels of chimney inspections. Along with chimney repair, we also offer Level 1 inspections, which are a visual inspection of the exterior components such as the brick, chimney caps, and crown. Level 2 camera and Level 3 inspections are more detailed and will be done when needed or as requested.

In addition to inspection, we offer a variety of chimney repair services, including chimney lining or relining, masonry and brickwork, flashing repair, chimney sealing, chimney caps replacement, flue replacement and more.

We repair water damage, cracked bricks, cracked crowns, and more. We provide chimney rebuilding and tuck pointing. Damaged chimneys are not only unsafe but, if left unfixed, can cause more damage to the home. If there are safety issues with your chimney, our CSIA certified and experienced technicians can provide chimney repair you can depend on. Whether it’s an issue you notice or one we find when doing an inspection, we will make sure your chimney is functioning properly and preventing damage to your home.

Are you in need of reliable and professional chimney repair for your Minnetonka area home or business? Call Vent Guys at 612-492-1342 or contact us. We provide free estimates and free second looks (if another company already inspected).

Should Air Ducts be Cleaned Following a Home Renovation?

June 25, 2021 | Vent Guys | Air Duct Cleaning

2020 was tough on people for many reasons. COVID-19 closed businesses and entertainment spaces, causing people to spend more time at home. With the pandemic and stay-at-home orders lasting longer than anticipated, many began to re-evaluate their home living space. Home offices or additions were no longer something people wanted but something they needed. Thus, came the surge in home renovations.

Even with increased prices for lumber and supplies, people continued to move forward with their home remodeling plans. Although things are opening back up now, people have a whole new outlook on what home is. Many people are not returning to the office, opting instead to work remotely from home long term. These changes and more are fueling the surge for home improvement projects. Many projects are outdoors, like adding a porch or deck, but other popular projects include adding extra rooms or converting existing rooms into home offices.

If you have been on a construction job site, you know it is often dusty and dirty. When working inside an existing home, the dust can migrate to your home ductwork system. That’s why when the renovation is complete, you should consider air duct cleaning for your Woodbury home. Professional air duct cleaning will clear out the dust and debris left from construction, so you can rest easy knowing your home, and the air you breathe, is clean.

Air duct cleaning is not a do-it-yourself project. In fact, without the proper tools and knowledge, you can cause more harm than good. Trusting professionals like the Vent Guys is your best bet. We can schedule a time to clean your air ducts. The process can take from 2-5 hours depending on the square footage of your home and the amount of vent openings. We have several methods for cleaning the vents, but typically we use a vacuum and scrubbers to thoroughly clean out all the dust and debris from your home’s ducts.

If you are currently working on a home improvement project, plan to in the near future, or just want to make sure the air you are breathing in your home is free from debris and allergens, make sure you schedule professional air duct cleaning. You will breathe easier knowing your duct system is not spreading anything but clean air around your house.

For reliable and professional air duct cleaning for Woodbury and surrounding areas, call Vent Guys at 612-492-1342 or contact us.

Spring Cleaning & Chimney Repair Go Hand-in-Hand

May 24, 2021 | Vent Guys | Chimney Repair

It’s wonderful to enjoy a crackling fire when it’s cold outside. But after the long winter months are over, it’s nice to give the house a good spring cleaning. There’s something about being able to enjoy the warm outside air that makes it especially compelling to get indoor spaces freshened up. But how fresh can your home truly be if the chimney hasn’t been inspected, cleaned, and repaired? Spring is not only a great time for spring cleaning but also chimney repair for your Twin Cities area home.

Most chimneys consist of several parts; a chimney liner, a damper, a smoke chamber, heat-resistant bricks, a slab, and a screen. In order for your chimney to work correctly and funnel fumes, debris, and embers out of your home, all of these parts must be in working order. There are also aesthetics to consider. Common unsightly chimney problems can include broken bricks, crushed or fallen slabs, and defective dampers. All of these issues must be addressed as soon as possible so don’t hesitate to schedule any much-needed chimney repair.

And, in the spring, it’s even easier to schedule a cleaning at a time that’s convenient for you. Homeowners usually think of chimney maintenance in autumn, when cold weather is around the corner. So, if you schedule yours in the spring you can beat the rush.

Getting your fireplace cleaned in springtime will also help to eliminate fireplace smells, which get much worse in warmer weather. A thoroughly clean and swept flue and fireplace make for a cleaner, fresher-smelling home.

By scheduling your chimney repair now, you can even reduce the possibility of corrosion caused by emissions such as creosote. When they are left on the flue liner and moisture gets in, the result could be serious damage which requires costly repairs.

The severity of any damage sustained over the winter and the extent of needed improvements can be determined by a thorough evaluation performed by us at Vent Guys. We offer all levels of chimney inspections which will check the soundness of the structure and flue, basic connections, and damper functionality. In addition, our technician will ensure the chimney is free of obstruction and combustible deposits.

There’s something about spring cleaning a home that just feels great, and it’s even better when the chimney is clean and repaired as well. Contact us today! For reliable and professional chimney repair in the Twin Cities area, call the Vent Guys at 612-492-1342 or contact us and Request Service.