(ARA) – More than 90 million Americans belong to credit unions, but many aren’t aware of the deposit insurance that protects their money. A new law makes permanent deposit insurance coverage up to $250,000 per qualifying credit union account.

To spread the word about this new insurance coverage limit, the “Keep your money NCUA-safe” campaign, led by the National Credit Union Administration, is educating consumers about the safety of their money in credit unions. The campaign includes TV public service announcements and mallscapes (information billboards in malls) featuring personal finance expert Suze Orman. In addition, there will be radio PSAs and an easy to use online e-calculator that consumers can check to make certain their funds are fully insured.

“In a time when personal finance issues are weighing heavily on so many people — and in a flight to safety millions of individuals have moved their funds from stocks to savings accounts — we’re excited to team with someone as well known and trusted as Suze Orman to spread the word about the safety of credit union accounts,” says NCUA Chairman Debbie Matz. “We want consumers to know that not even a penny of insured savings has ever been lost in a federally insured credit union account. This campaign will give consumers the tools to make sure their accounts are properly set up so that they can have the peace of mind they deserve.”

All federal credit unions and the majority of state-chartered credit unions nationwide are insured through the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF), which is administered by NCUA. However, there are some that are not. That’s why it’s important for consumers to look for the blue NCUA seal. Federally insured credit unions are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government.

In order to check the security of their own funds, credit union account holders just need to visit www.NCUA.gov and check the online E-Calculator. The E-Calculator is a secure, user-friendly application that allows consumers to compute their coverage based on the new law. Credit union account holders simply enter the name of their insured credit union, account balance ownership type and type of account, and the E-Calculator will tell them instantly how much of that money is insured.

With more than 7,500 federally insured credit unions across the United States, credit unions continue to rise in popularity among Americans. Annual polls show that credit unions lead the financial community year after year in providing top quality personal service to millions of Americans. Because a credit union is a cooperative, it is able to fairly price its products and services and competitively price the rates on savings accounts and loans, helping members achieve financial stability.

To learn more about protecting your money in credit unions and view the PSAs featuring Suze Orman, visit www.ncua.gov.

(ARA) – Expert legal advice can be invaluable for a wide variety of family matters, from a traffic ticket or real estate transaction, to creating a living will or incorporating a new business. But seeking out legal advice can be intimidating if you aren’t sure how to go about finding an attorney you think you can afford.

In fact, fewer Americans are seeking legal representation since the economic downturn began. In a recent American Bar Association (ABA) survey more than half of responding judges said their dockets increased since 2009 in the most common types of cases such as foreclosures, domestic relations and consumer debt issues, with 60 percent of judges saying fewer people are being represented by lawyers.

Going it alone because you think you can’t afford a private lawyer when you truly need expert advice could cost you more in the end, depending on the outcome.

“For many families, consulting a lawyer for legal advice may seem beyond their budget or a bit intimidating,” says Kasia Czarski, chief membership and marketing officer with Foresters, a life insurance provider. “However, there are various sources to access legal services and by learning what’s available, you can find a service tailored to meet your legal needs.”

There are a variety of ways to go about finding legal advice to fit your needs. Here are some tips for getting started:

* Ask a family member or trusted friend. Start by asking someone close to you whether they have worked with a lawyer in your area, and how it worked for them. This can give you a starting point for a lawyer to contact, or at the very least, give you an idea of what the legal process entails.

* Consult legal directories. Many lawyers pay to advertise in commercial law directories. You can find a variety of for-profit directories of lawyers online. Look for lawyers who specialize in the type of advice you are seeking, such as real estate law or family law.

* Check out your state’s legal resources. Most legal issues are regulated by the state you live in, or where the problem occurred, according to the American Bar Association. The organization offers a state-by-state listing of legal service providers on www.abanet.org. Your local bar association may also have its own website or listings with similar information.

* Explore other resources. Legal help may be available in places you may not ordinarily look. For example, Foresters, a life insurance provider committed to the well-being of families, has just added Legal Link as a new benefit to its members. Legal Link is a national service offering its members a referral to a local lawyer, as well as free or discounted legal services. The services include an initial phone or face-to-face consultation for each new legal matter, as well as advice on a variety of issues such as simple and living wills, review of legal documents, or phone calls and letters on your behalf.

* Consider legal aid or pro bono services. People at certain low income levels may be eligible for legal aid services in your state. Pro bono programs offer volunteer lawyers who are willing to handle cases for free. Such programs may be limited to certain types of cases, or your income may be too high to qualify you for aid. Charitable organizations, such as your local United Way, can direct you to these services to help you determine if they’re the right choice for you.

No matter where you go to obtain expert legal advice, now is the best time to start. You’ll not only get those long-delayed legal issues resolved once and for all, but you’ll help prevent even more legal headaches in the long run.

For more information on Foresters and its newest member benefit, Legal Link, visit www.foresters.com.

(ARA) – You take her to regular checkups, monitor her nutrition, provide plenty of cuddle time and stimulation, and keep her out of the sun. But is your newborn really getting everything she needs to thrive? More likely than not, she is not getting enough vitamin D, according to studies published by a leading group of doctors.

Also known as the “sunshine vitamin,” vitamin D supports the growth of healthy bones in infants and assists with maintaining functions of their brain, heart and various muscle tissues. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to rickets, a disorder that weakens the bones and becomes apparent during infancy or childhood.

“Vitamin D is not only important in bone health, but emerging data support its role in maintaining our immunity and preventing diseases such as cancer and diabetes. Unfortunately, many infants are not receiving adequate levels of vitamin D from breast milk, formula, or synthesis from sunlight,” says Dr. Scott Cohen, a pediatrician and author of the book “Eat, Sleep, Poop: A Common Sense Guide to Your Child‘s First Year.”

For many people, exposure to sunlight is the body’s way of producing vitamin D. But many others, including children being protected from the sun or those with darker skin, need supplemental vitamin D.

In 2008 the American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) revised its recommendations regarding vitamin D, saying that all children, including newborns, should receive 400 IU a day of vitamin D – double the previously recommended level. Follow-up studies published this year in the organization’s scientific journal, Pediatrics, showed that most children are not receiving vitamin D levels that meet the new 2008 recommendations.

According to data reported in the two studies published in the journal Pediatrics this year, less than 13 percent of infants exclusively breastfed were meeting the daily recommendation of vitamin D. Yet less than 16 percent of infants who were exclusively or predominantly breastfed were receiving supplemental vitamin D.

Ensuring your baby gets enough vitamin D can seem challenging, regardless of whether you feed your child breast milk, infant formula or a combination. So what should you do? Here are a few simple ways to help ensure your baby gets enough vitamin D:

* If you breast feed, talk with your pediatrician to determine whether you should add a vitamin D supplement. While it is the gold standard for infant nutrition, breast milk by itself generally will not supply your baby with enough vitamin D to meet the AAP recommended levels.

* If you formula feed or partially formula feed your baby, you also should talk with your doctor. Standard infant formulas include 400 IU of vitamin D in 34 fluid ounces, but most babies consume an average of approximately 27 fluid ounces of formula a day over the course of their first three months of life. Look for a formula that supplies 400 IU in fewer fluid ounces, or talk with your doctor about supplements.

* Remember that your child’s need for vitamin D does not stop when he or she transitions to solid foods. Continue the conversation with your doctor and choose foods and drinks that contain vitamin D, including milk and milk-based beverages designed for toddlers.

“During infancy, you have just one chance to get nutrition right. For U.S. babies, vitamin D is often lacking but it is critical for healthy bones and body,” says Dr. Gregory Finn, a pediatrician at Blue Fish Pediatrics in St. Louis, Mo.

For more information on the importance of vitamin D and useful tips for including it in your child’s diet, visit www.healthychildren.org.

(ARA) – The recession has taught many Americans a valuable lesson about saving money. With the holidays approaching, it’s likely many people will seek ways to continue their newfound thriftiness while still spreading some holiday cheer. Sharing the concept of saving – and the value it brings to you and your family – may be this year’s hot gift idea.

Average Americans are saving a higher percentage of their income – in fact, several times more – than they did just five years ago, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce‘s Bureau of Economic Analysis. Retail forecasters are predicting consumer spending will be flat this holiday season, and many Americans say they intend to spend less this year.

From samples and coupons to managing the family budget, saving money is in style, and a holiday gift that saves cash can be a great deal for the giver and the recipient. Here are some ideas for ways to save your money and share the happiness of savings and value this holiday season:

* Seek out holiday promotions that offer buy-one-get-one-free discounts or two-for-one offers that will allow you to spend some time with the recipient while he or she enjoys your gift. This could be anything from pedicures at your local salon to airfare for a trip to visit loved ones who are far away.

* Turn coupons into savings. There are several ways to do this. Take advantage of coupon offers from manufacturers like Procter & Gamble (P&G) where you can use coupons found inside Crest, Gain or Duracell batteries to purchase items that make great stocking stuffers, like CoverGirl Lipstain, Pantene or Mr. Clean. Or save money on products – with coupon deals – that you’ll need a lot of during the holidays, including household cleansers, paper towels, cleaning supplies, laundry detergent and cold remedies. Another option is to use the coupons themselves as stocking stuffers. For example, a busy mom may love the idea of saving on Pampers, but not have much time to clip coupons for herself. Sharing coupon savings can be a great way to spread some cheer and value this holiday season. Log on to www.pgeverydaysolutions.com to learn more.

* Purchase a membership to a wholesale club as a gift – an especially useful gift for families with multiple children and pets. Many of the large wholesale clubs offer holiday gift memberships. Buying bulk at a wholesale store is one of the top ways for families to save money on high-cost items such as paper products, fresh produce, meats and frozen foods.

*Celebrate New Year‘s Eve with family and friends and host a potluck. Instead of ordering in, encourage invitees to bring their favorite covered dish – along with the kids. Having the kids together is a great way to celebrate the New Year while saving on extra costs like babysitting.

* Share the value with your community. Check your local listings for causes that may need a few extra items during the holidays. Recycling items like clothing, baby products, toys and books keeps them out of the waste stream and puts them in the hands of people who can use them. Plus, it’s a great way to teach children the essence of the holiday spirit of giving and good will.

With a little creativity, you’ll be able to retain your commitment to frugality throughout the holidays – and share the savings and value at the same time.

(ARA) – Sleigh bells ring, lights twinkle, snow gently blankets the landscape and the aroma of baking fills the air – it’s easy to get caught up in the warm feelings of the holidays. But if you let your guard down while holiday shopping, Santa might not be the only one uttering “Ho, ho, ho” this season. Identity thieves are looking for opportunities to make their season especially bright.

“As we have seen year after year, the holidays always yield a higher rate of identity theft and related frauds,” says Linda Foley, founder of the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC). “At times like these, it is important to protect yourself from the many individuals looking to take advantage of vulnerable targets — both out in public and online.”

Among the tech-savvy 18- to 24-year-olds, 76 percent expect to do their holiday shopping in a store, rather than online, according to a 2009 survey by ProtectMyID.com. And 87 percent of all respondents in a survey by the ITRC reported some level of concern about the safety of their personal identifying and financial information when shopping, paying bills or banking online. In the ProtectMyID survey, 74 percent of people 55 to 64 said they felt in-store shopping is safer than buying online. Yet experts agree that most identity theft occurs in more traditional ways, such as going through a person’s mail or trash, or even peeping over someone’s shoulder to snag a PIN number at the ATM.

Fortunately, you can do a lot to stop identity theft – both the high- and low-tech kinds — this holiday season. Here are some important tips to help you protect yourself, both online and in a store this holiday season:

* Beware of shoulder surfers when shopping in a store. Identity thieves may stand close behind you when you pay at a checkout counter or use an ATM. Protect your credit cards, driver’s license and checkbook from wandering eyes.

* Be aware of your surroundings. Pickpocketing increases noticeably during the holidays. Keep a close eye on your belongings in crowded malls and stores.

* Never take your eyes off your credit card when you hand it over to pay. Unscrupulous store clerks may use a “skimming” device that downloads your information. Make sure your card gets swiped only once, through one machine and the swipe takes place in front of you. If a clerk turns his or her back on you and conceals your view of the swipe in any way, ask for your card back immediately.

* Minimize what you carry in your purse or wallet when shopping in a store. Carry only what you will need – your ID and one major credit card, or the card for the specific store you’re shopping in. And never leave your purse, backpack or handbag unzipped, which makes it easy for thieves to slip a hand in and lift your wallet out.

* Consider enrolling in an identity theft protection product, like ProtectMyID. Not only will you be able to monitor your credit report daily, you’ll receive alerts via e-mail, text or mail whenever something changes on your credit reports, such as an address or an application for a new line of credit. Experienced fraud resolution agents provide personal assistance in resolving identity theft issues if your identity is compromised, and even help in the event of a lost or stolen wallet.

* When shopping online, keep printouts and receipts for your Web purchases. Use a credit card instead of a debit card, and make sure the site you’re buying from is on a secure server. Look for familiar insignia, like the closed lock, that indicates a site has security measures in place.

* Be sure to protect your home PC or laptop with security software, including anti-virus software and a firewall.

* Shop at trusted sites, or those recommended by secure comparison shopping sites, such as PriceGrabber.com.

(ARA) – When it comes to taking care of your family and yourself, your health is no place to cut corners. Many home remedies, however, can help save you money – and preserve your health – when used wisely to supplement regular care or emergency care from your doctor.

“While patients should always see their doctors for regular checkups and treatment for significant medical issues, it is possible to supplement that care with cost-effective home remedies,” says Dr. Philip Hagen, a preventive medicine expert at Mayo Clinic and editor-in-chief of the new “Mayo Clinic Book of Home Remedies.” “Common ailments often have simple treatments that could save families hundreds of dollars in medical costs each year.”

Whether motivated by the need to cut costs in an uncertain economy or the desire to simplify their lives, many Americans are looking for information about home remedies and self-care. From ear pain and minor eye ailments to varicose veins, a host of ailments can be addressed with home remedies.

Mayo Clinic experts offer guidance, both in the new book and online, for anyone interested in trying some home remedies:

* Chili pepper seed, when used as a rub applied directly to the skin, may ease aching joints.

* Ginger is thought to relieve nausea, and many Asian cultures incorporate it into their diets as a digestive aid.

* A neti pot, a small pot with a long spout, may help reduce sinus inflammation caused by allergies.

* Insomniacs may find relief by inhaling the fragrance of lavender.

* Plant-derived compounds like soy have estrogen-like effects that may help ease hot flashes for women going through menopause.

* A humidifier may help ward off colds by increasing the moisture in the air of your home. Cold viruses thrive in dry conditions.

* Vinegar is thought to reduce nail fungus. Soak your feet for 15 to 20 minutes in a mixture of one part vinegar, two parts warm water. Rinse your feet well and pat dry when done.

Mayo Clinic Book of Home Remedies also recommends you keep certain items on hand for general care and minor first-aid issues, including:

* Bandages of various sizes, gauze, paper or cloth tape, antibacterial ointment and antiseptic solution to deal with cuts.

* Cold packs, gauze, burn spray and an antiseptic cream to treat burns.

* Aids such as a thermometer, aspirin (for adults only) and acetaminophen for children to treat aches, pain and fever.

* Cold packs, elastic wraps and finger splints for sprains, strains and fractures. Remember, however, that serious injuries require treatment from a medical professional.

“Home remedies may not be appropriate for treating every situation all the time; when in doubt, it is always best to consult a medical professional,” Hagen says. “But it may be possible to care for minor health issues at home, or to use home remedies to enhance the care you’re already receiving from your doctor.”

“Mayo Clinic Book of Home Remedies” is available at bookstores nationwide. You can find more health guidance on home remedies and many other health issues at www.MayoClinic.com.

(ARA) – Most of us love our wireless phones. The companies that provide our wireless service, however … well, not so much, according to a new survey.

While most American cell phone users are happy with their phones, they have plenty of gripes with their wireless providers. Respondents to a survey by U.S. Cellular cited among their top complaints the need to repeatedly sign contracts whenever they upgrade to a new phone, waiting out a two-year contract to get a new phone, overages and the big bills that come with them, and early termination fees. And while it would seem that with so many cellular companies in the marketplace, competition would inspire them to differentiate themselves, Americans generally perceive carriers to be pretty much all the same when it comes to the type of service plans and customer service they provide.

“Mobile devices have become ubiquitous worldwide,” says Mary Dillon, president and CEO of U.S. Cellular. “Yet there’s a definite love-hate element to our relationship with our phones and service providers. And cell phone companies haven’t been doing a very good job of responding to demand with products and services people really want and can use, our survey shows.”

Among the other enlightening (if not surprising) results of the survey:

* 90 percent said wireless providers should earn a customer’s loyalty, not require it by forcing them to sign a contract;

* 87 percent think they shouldn’t have to sign a service contract to stay with their current wireless provider;

* 80 percent want wireless providers to do something about overage fees and the hefty bills they cause; and

* 75 percent believe that free cell phones are a lure that traps you into required contracts and early termination fees.

“The wireless service industry should begin acting on these insights to offer customers the kind of wireless experience they feel will serve them best,” Dillon says.

Among the changes customers say they would welcome are:

* Eliminating repeated contracts. U.S. Cellular has launched a product that features “One and Done” contracts. After their first contract expires, customers need never sign another with the carrier.

* Initiate robust rewards programs with points that never expire and allow you to get a new phone as early as every 10 to11 months.

* Institute overage protection, caps and forgiveness to protect customers from shockingly high bills.

* Offer a phone replacement plan that replaces or provides a similar handset for customers whose phones are damaged or malfunction – even if the phone is no longer under warranty.

* Reward customers for setting up auto pay and paperless billing by offering a percentage off their monthly wireless bills.

“Our survey and deep customer research revealed such strong customer sentiment regarding the ways wireless providers could improve service, that we decided to launch The Belief Project, which is designed to specifically address customer’s concerns and provide them with the changes in service they desire,” Dillon says. “The Belief Project is an array of industry-first initiatives that emphasize a human relationship with customers, rather than a contractual one. Customers want to stay with their wireless provider not because they have to but because they want to.”

To learn more about wireless service innovations, log on to www.USCellular.com.

Crafting and do-it-yourself artistic pursuits are hotter than ever. It’s hard to pinpoint what’s behind the movement. Technology certainly has something to do with the trend, but so does people’s growing desire to surround themselves with things that were thoughtfully made.

Even if you don’t have your own dedicated craft room or spend all your free time knitting stuffed animals, it’s easier than ever to create personalized, hand-made cards, invitations and correspondence. It’s a great solution for new parents to give friends and family a glimpse of their bundle of joy, or for anyone who wants to put their own spin on cards and stationery. All you need to do is gather up your favorite photo files to get started.

Here are some ideas you can use to create your own customized correspondence:

* Whether it’s a first birthday or a bash for a 50th, making customized birthday invitations is a fun spin on telling people about your party. You can find plenty of professionally designed options for boys, girls and grownups that only require you to add a photo and the when and where details. If it’s baby’s first, you can add multiple pictures from the past year, letting guests see how the little one has grown since arriving in the world. Or, if it’s a “big” birthday for an adult, find an old photo of them from childhood or high school days and create a party theme around that era.

* Get in the seasonal spirit. If pictures speak a thousand words, you might want to skip the tired Christmas letter and let your photos from the past year do the talking. Christmas photo cards on Shutterfly allow you to use one, two, three and more photos, depending on the design. Add pictures from vacations, birthdays and other big events, or simply use your most up-to-date family portrait. If you still want to write a little bit about the big happenings of 2010, there are even card options that let you include a short letter or a top 10 list in addition to the holiday greeting.

* Say “I do.” Once you’ve got your wedding date and location set, it’s time to spread the word. To make sure that your loved ones will be able to plan ahead and attend, you don’t want to waste any time sending out save the date cards. Sites like Shutterfly.com give you dozens of stylish design options that are up to date with wedding stationery trends. Just add a photo of you and your honey and, of course, the date and location of the wedding. Since you can customize the text, you might also want to include the URL of your wedding website so your guests can access all the details online. After the big day has passed, everyone wants to see your wedding photos. Send out thank you cards with pictures from the wedding – your guests will love it.

A personalized card, whether it’s thanking someone for time spent with you or spreading some holiday cheer, will be something that people will hang on to. It not only gets the message across, but it does so in a way that’s straight from the heart, rather than off the rack.

(ARA) – Brandi Chastain is not only a soccer legend, she’s also a mom. She knows what it’s like during back-to-school season. New school schedules, sporting events and daily homework don’t stop her from making flu vaccination a priority each year.

For the second year in a row, Chastain has teamed-up with MedImmune, Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS), and the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) on a national health campaign to raise awareness about the importance of flu vaccination. This year’s theme, “When Will You Pick?” encourages families to get an annual flu vaccination as soon as it is available – before the flu strikes – with the important message: “This Flu Season, Don’t Wait to Vaccinate!”

“My top priority is keeping myself and my family healthy and active all season,” Chastain says when asked why she joined the campaign. “As moms, we try to stay healthy by exercising, eating right and getting plenty of rest, but we also need to help defend and protect ourselves each year by getting a flu vaccine as soon as it’s available.”

This year, for the first time, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends every eligible American age 6 months and older get a flu vaccine. Importantly, the CDC advises that flu vaccination begin as soon as vaccine is available and continue throughout the flu season, which can extend through the winter and beyond.

“Along with all the things that parents know are important for helping keep their kids healthy – like washing hands and getting enough sleep – flu vaccination should be at the top of the list,” says Dr. Anat Feingold, pediatrician, influenza expert and mother of three. “Vaccination is the best defense we have against influenza and it’s something families should make a priority every year.”

According to the CDC, as many as 60 million Americans get the flu each year and resulting complications can be significant.

Also, the flu can be especially serious for children. Each year, an average of 20,000 children younger than 5 will be hospitalized as a result of flu complications and kids between the ages of 2 and 17 are twice as likely to get the flu as adults.

There are two types of flu vaccine: the shot and the nasal spray. Families should talk to their health care provider about which vaccine option is right for them.

To learn more about the importance of flu vaccination, visit www.facebook.com/dontwaitvaccinate, which offers tips for staying healthy throughout the flu season, a quiz to test influenza knowledge and one-of-a-kind campaign videos and photos featuring Brandi Chastain. Also, for everyone who “likes” the Facebook fan page, $1 (up to $50,000) will be donated to help support the nationwide flu vaccination education efforts of the non-profit organization Families Fighting Flu.

(ARA) – When the temperatures plummet, you shut the windows, flip the air switch to heat and plug any leak you can find in an effort to keep your house warm. But what you’re also doing is sealing the air inside your house.

While a good tight seal is very important to staying warm and keeping your energy bill in check, it also can really have an impact on indoor air quality.

“When you flip that switch on your heater, there is a lot of dust and debris – collected in the coils over the summer months – that either burns into fumes or gushes into the house through your vents,” says Aaron Marshbanks, board member of the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA).

In addition, your heating system blends warm temperatures with air that can be moist, and which can be a haven for mold and mildew. Throw a fan on top of that, and the air quality inside your home can quickly plummet.

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems have been shown to act as a collection source for a variety of contaminants that have the potential to affect health, such as mold, fungi, bacteria and very small particles of dust. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. The removal of such contaminants from your HVAC system is crucial to improve indoor air quality. Plus, a clean system can save you money on your energy bill.

Further research from the EPA found that HVAC system cleaning may allow systems to run more efficiently by removing debris from sensitive mechanical components. Clean, efficient systems are less likely to break down, have a longer life span, and generally operate more effectively than dirty systems.

“Heating and cooling uses up about half of the energy in your home,” says Marshbanks. “But having a clean HVAC system can save you up to 30 percent in energy costs. Which means you have better air inside the house, and are helping the environment with an extra bit of cash in your pocket at the same time.”

The top issues that affect a home’s HVAC system, its efficiency and air quality are:

1. Filtration – Low-efficiency filters, lack of a filter replacement program and improperly sized filters can allow particles and debris to flow into a home or building.

2. Duct work contamination – It is estimated that about 90 percent of HVAC systems more than 10 years old will have some level of insulation deterioration. Over time, the insulation fibers are distributed and blown into occupied spaces every time the blower turns on.

3. Dirty evaporator coil – Over time, evaporator coils become matted with dust and dirt. During cold months, the heated air can flow over the dirty coils and be distributed into your home’s interior space.

The best way to determine if your HVAC system is clean is to perform a visual inspection. If any dust or debris can be seen, the system needs to be serviced. Some of the things that may lead a home owner to consider more frequent cleaning include:

* Smokers in the household.

* Pets that shed high amounts of hair and dander.

* Water contamination or damage to the home or HVAC system.

* Residents with allergies or asthma.

* Home renovations or remodeling.

The most effective way to clean air ducts and ventilation systems is to employ source removal methods of cleaning. This requires a contractor to place the system under negative pressure through the use of a specialized, powerful vacuum.

NADCA has published an internationally recognized standard that specifies requirements for proper cleaning. NADCA is a widely recognized nonprofit trade organization representing certified contractors worldwide that sets standards and provides certification and training for the industry. For more information about HVAC cleaning and to find a certified and knowledgeable contractor, visit www.NADCA.com.