AIR DUCT CLEANING
Why should I have my air ducts cleaned?
According to the NADCA standards the removal
of contaminants such as the collection of fungi, bacteria,
and other small dust particles created inside your HVAC
system is one step in improving your overall indoor air quality.
The gradual buildup of dust, dirt, hair or worse
can't be prevented or cleaned on a weekly basis as if it were furniture.
In addition to your day to day creation of dust particles, your ductwork
can be a breeding ground for various mildew and bacteria that can lead
to problems for those with asthma or severe allergies.
Does air duct cleaning affect the energy efficiency of
my HVAC equipment?
Research by the U.S. EPA has demonstrated 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.
Why should Airflow Advantage's NADCA certification be
important to you?
NADCA - Nation Air Duct Cleaners Association - members
have signed a Code of Ethics
stating they will do everything possible to protect the consumer,
and follow NADCA Standards for cleaning to the best of their
ability, for a list of NADCA members near you, click here.
Air duct cleaning companies must meet stringent requirements to
become a NADCA Member. Among those requirements, all NADCA Members
must have certified Air System Cleaning Specialists (ASCS) on staff,
who have taken and passed the NADCA Certification Examination.
Passing the exam demonstrates extensive knowledge in HVAC design
and cleaning methodologies. ASCS's are also required to further
their industry education by attending seminars in order to maintain
their NADCA certification status.
How does the air duct cleaning process work?
The key components of our system are the Giant Power
Vacuum truck, a truck-mounted compressor, and our custom-made air-driven
and mechanical cleaning tools. This system enables our lead technicians,
each of whom is certified as an Air System Cleaning Specialist by the
National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), to reach and thoroughly
clean the entire duct system.
First, we cover all registers and
cut an eight-inch diameter hole where the furnace meets the supply-side
ductwork. Then we connect the truck's eight-inch vacuum hose to the supply
ductwork to put the system under suction. We then go to each register and
blow in compressed air at 200 psi to push dust and debris into a main
duct so the vacuum hose can remove it. Next, we drill one-inch access
holes at strategic points in the air ducts. Long lengths of air hose
with special 360° high-velocity cleaning heads are connected to the
compressor and snaked through the entire duct system using the drilled
access holes. This helps dislodge foreign material so it can be pulled
out to the power vacuum truck. We then brush and whip the main ducts to
dislodge and vacuum out the last remnants of dust and other material. Then, we
repeat the entire process on the return-side ductwork. Lastly, we air-wash and
vacuum clean the blower, blower compartment, and air conditioning coil of the
HVAC system.
As a last step, we remove all hoses and equipment from
the work site, thoroughly clean up any dust or debris that the cleaning
may have caused, and invite the customer to do a final inspection before
we depart.
How often should I have my air ducts cleaned?
We suggest that our customers clean their air ducts every 3-5
years. Factors such as pets, construction, young children and the elderly are
reasons why you should consider having them cleaned closer to the 3 or 4 year
time period.
How can I be sure the job was complete correctly?
Our technicians adhere to strict NADCA guidelines.
We use a NADCA created checklist to insure we have provided
our customers with the best possible in the business.