Creating the Healthiest home environment

Creating the Healthiest home environment 

Tim Finlan began working at The Clean Air Company eight years ago, drawn to the company’s dedication to professionalism and quality service.

After more than a decade in home improvement, it matched his belief in “doing the right thing by the homeowner.” He’s now the owner of The Clean Air Company and is building upon its strong reputation. 

In addition to holding professional certifications, Finlan is certified through the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration) for water restoration and microbial growth; he’s also added state-of-the-art equipment. 

“We’ve recently upgraded equipment with better vapor barriers, dehumidifiers, and sump pumps. We want to be the best out there in what we’re doing.” 

The Clean Air Company improves air quality in the home. Services include crawl space repair, air duct cleaning, mold abatement, installation of dehumidifiers and sump pumps, and clearing of dryer vents.

Much of the focus centers on crawl spaces which can be critical to the quality of airflow. 

“At least 50 percent of the air in your house comes from your crawl space,” Finlan says. “So, if the environment in that crawl space is dangerous, with mold growth or radon, you’re breathing that - up in the house.”

Middle Tennessee sees more than its share of issues due to the weather. Nate Reed, Project Manager for The Clean Air Company, explains why.

“During the middle of summer, we’ve got 90-plus degree heat, 90-percent relative humidity, and that air is moving through vents into the crawl space and hitting cooler air that’s 70 degrees. So, just like a cold glass of water sitting on your table, that moisture condenses on the outside of the glass, and that’s what happens in your crawl space. That moist air condenses all over the wood and ductwork, and that’s what drives mold problems.” 

Since crawl space repair can be costly, Finlan says people are often tempted to choose someone less-than-professional to tackle the job. 

“There’s what I call ‘Chuck in a truck,’ who is someone who may have worked for a crawl space company for a while and says, I can do this on my own, instead of letting a professional with certifications do it. But if not done right, it can make things worse. Closing off any air movement from the outside can make it more like a petri dish and not only increase long-term damage, but speed it up.”

The company offers free, no-obligation inspections and provides photos with their recommendations, if they find anything. 

“I’ve been in the industry for a long time,” says Reed, “and I’ve found some of our competitors and other contractors have a set of solutions or products they are trying to fit with your problem as a homeowner. We’re looking at things differently. We’re identifying the problem and coming up with a solution customized to the house.”

As part of their goal to create the healthiest home environment possible, they offer chemical-free mold remediation and use other safe, naturally grown products. 

Their approach to taking care of the customer ties in with what’s done internally, where Finlan works to honor each of his employees and their unique family situations. 

“My wife and I have a son that has Down’s syndrome,” he says. “He’s 33 years old, and I’ve been blessed with places I’ve worked that understand I might need more time off than the average Joe for doctor visits or whatever else. And that’s something I’ve always offered my guys, too.”

Finlan’s philosophy of looking out for both customers and employees, and providing exceptional service, has his company on a track for continued positive growth. 

See their ad on page ???, or visit http://thecleanairco.com/ or call (615) 758-3717.