To piggyback onto Analise's experience - I saw this article in the paper:

Beware of air duct cleaning offers, Better Business Bureau warns

http://www.sacbee.com/2010/08/01/2926895/beware-of-air-duct-...

"Is air duct cleaning even necessary?

Probably not, says the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

If no one in your household suffers from allergies or unexplained symptoms/illnesses, and a visual inspection inside the air ducts "shows no indication of large deposits of dust or mold (and) no musty odor or visible mold growth, having your air ducts cleaned is probably unnecessary," according to the EPA's website."

ALSO:

"In what it calls "investigative shoppings," the BBB office set up seven appointments and paid for air duct cleanings at the homes of BBB employees or acquaintances.

Its conclusion: The air duct cleanings by the six firms were "superficial at best," and the companies engaged in "aggressive tactics" to sell unnecessary services and/or expensive equipment, including furnace cleanings, new filters, extended warranties, mold eradication, chemical sanitization and ultraviolet lights.

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I think a huge key to saving money is knowing what maintenance is really necessary. I notice that my family (extended family, too), in general, does not spend a lot of money on maintenance type things. But we do take care of our things, and they do tend do last a long time. For example, my dad was just telling me they will probably be last on the block to replace their water heater. I was actually encouraging him to just do it since the energy savings will probably pay for itself, very quickly. But, it's kind of ironic to know all these people spending tons of money to maintain their homes and their cars, and they just replace them prematurely anyway. Just a waste! It's the American Way. I think there is an element of believing anything a salesman says there, too. I mean, if the car needs a new spark plug, might as well throw it in the dump, right? Oh, the humanity!

Anyway, I am used to people looking at me weird because I don't do x, y, z. The biggie is probably dealer recommended auto maintenance. They think I am an idiot, meanwhile, I keep my cars 2-4 times as long as most people. Hmmmmmmmmm...

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Anyway, my stars are still aligned in a bad way. Just in the middle of a few difficult situations at work. UGH!

BM starts soccer practice, which will probably be a bit time consuming.

& school starts next week.

Anyway, it just feels a little crazy around here. Last night, I just came home and fell asleep about 6pm - I Was just so exhausted. I have the feeling today will be about the same. Except I can't nap in the p.m. because we have so much going on!

I am ready for this week to be over. That which doesn't kill me, makes me stronger...