If the area is a small one, you can remove the mold yourself with just a few dollars worth of cleaning supplies. If you’re concerned about breathing the spores, you can get a respirator, which will cost from around $25 for a simple over the mouth and nose version, to around $150 for a full face professional level unit. If you’re unsure if you need a respirator there are 7 ways to know if a mold is dangerous. For large infestations, it’s time to call in the pro’s. It’s much cheaper if you can deal with the mold yourself, but large areas can’t be handled very easily be a homeowner. One of the things a mold remediation specialist can do is clean areas like the crawlspace under your home and the duct work in the walls and attic. Mold spores that get into your heating and cooling system can get recirculated through your home, continuing to make you sick even if you’ve cleaned up the area where you originally found the mold. The level of infestation will directly affect your mold removal cost.

The remediation cost of a crawlspace can really vary. It could be as little as $500 or as much as $4,000 depending on how big it is, and how much mold is present. If the attic and ducts are involved, the cost for those generally ranges from $2,000 to $6,000. If your home has been flooded and the mold is all throughout it, there is much more that has to be done. This could drive your remediation cost up to $10,000 – $30,000, or higher, depending on the size of your home. Even though you have an idea of how much mold removal costs, be sure to shop around. The first company you find might not be the best one for your needs. Pricing can vary between companies, but you also have to pay attention to the experience levels and what kind of guarantee they have if the mold comes back. Most consumers don’t have that kind of money to spend out of pocket, so when you’re considering insurance, make sure you get something that will cover at least part of the remediation cost if you live in a flood zone.  

If your home has mold, here are some tips to handle water damage claims through your existing insurance. You want people who’ve been removing mold (especially black mold) for a while, not new people who aren’t sure about the job. You’ll also want to see if there is some kind of guarantee offered – and there should be. You don’t want to find out that the people didn’t do their jobs properly and the mold has come back, only to be told that there is nothing that can be done until you pay more money. When you find a company where you feel comfortable with the people, the work ethic, the guarantee, and the remediation cost that fit with your personal finances, you’ll be able to get the mold removed from your home and you and your family can get back to enjoying your lives. You’ll be much healthier, and your home will be a safer place to be. 3 Reasons Why You Should Never Use Bleach To Clean MoldAccording to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average family shells out about $1,500 annually for utilities.

With energy prices steadily rising, that may soon seem like a bargain. Want to really slash your utility bills? Concentrate on cutting the biggest energy hogs in your household -- heating and cooling, which collectively account for more than half of the typical home's energy tab (and much more during the extreme weather months).air conditioning units power requirements To twist a timeless cliche: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of sweat (or a few nights of shivering, depending on the time of year). wall mounted ac units priceHere are tips on helping your wallet weather the seasons by significantly slashing your utility bills.air handling unit videos Keep cool and save some cashWe've all heard it plenty of times: Turning up the thermostat keeps your cooling bill down.

But there's no need to suffer in sweltering heat. Even modest adjustments can make a difference. Small things (like changing the filter and cleaning the coil) can increase your unit's original efficiency anywhere from 5% to 20% each year. But that's not the only way to crank up the summer savings. Stay toasty and still see savingsHeating your home efficiently can be boiled down to these major to-do's: insulating, sealing leaks, and maintaining your home -- all with the goal of maximizing your heating dollars. Start your home energy audit with a DIY version at hes.lbl.gov, and get an upgrade report that calculates your savings, your return on investment, and your payback time in key areas (heating, cooling, water heating, appliances, and lighting). Bring your insulation up to snuff: Part of your sleuthing expedition should include eyeballing your insulation to make sure it's in good shape. Pay careful attention to your attic, crawl spaces, walls (check existing walls by removing an outlet cover and using a flashlight), and the underside of floors that are above unheated spaces.

Consider purchasing special insulation materials designed for your water pipes and water heater. Before you purchase insulation, consult a chart that shows you what type (graded in "R" levels) you'll need, depending on factors such as climate and the location in your home where the insulation will be placed. For a step-by-step guide, consult the Department of Energy's online fact sheet. In many cases, you can install or replace old insulation yourself. However, if your insulation job is a complicated one -- for example, insulating between walls in an existing home, working around old electrical wiring, or replacing wet or damp insulation, which could signal a leak -- you may want to hire a contractor. Many insulation contractors will come estimate your home's insulation needs for free, giving you a chance to determine which jobs seem like "do-it-yourself" projects, and which need a professional touch. If you're working in your attic (since heat rises, many folks start their insulation journey here), make sure there's proper ventilation.

Do-it-yourselfers sometimes mistakenly assume that more is better and cover up natural airflow at the eaves. However, this actually makes the home less energy-efficient, and prone to roofing problems because of ice dams or moisture. Keep the bad elements out (and the good ones in) with proper sealing: Ensuring that heat isn't leaking out through improperly sealed windows, doors, or other openings is another way to save big on your heating bills. You'll want to pay special attention to duct work (a major culprit for energy inefficiency), cracks around doorways and windows, fireplaces, and other miscellaneous openings like attic pull-downs or access holes. Caulk, foam, and window-sealing kits can all be found at your nearest home-improvement store. To learn more, consult the Environmental Protection Agency's helpful online guide to detecting and sealing air leaks in your home. Maintain your hermetically sealed sanctuary: Certain maintenance projects can enhance your energy efficiency when performed regularly.