What do you need to know about cleaning air ducts and vents?
There are two key components to HVAC cleaning, breaking contaminants loose and collection of the loosened contaminants. The most efficient way this is performed is to put the system under negative pressure utilizing a HEPA filtered containment system. Once the system is under negative pressure the dust and debris can then be brushed or whipped with air pressure and other agitation tools.
Removing the debris from the system
Properly cleaning air duct systems requires removing the sources of contamination. Source removal begins with the use of agitation tools designed to loosen contaminants from the surfaces within the air duct system. Some examples of agitation devices used for this purpose are air whips, brushes, and compressed air. Contact vacuuming is also acceptable to clean areas in the duct system that can be reached.
Collecting the debris from the system
During an air duct cleaning the duct system should be placed under continuous negative pressure to prevent contaminants from being distributed throughout the home or business. The negative pressure is a vacuum that pulls air toward the machine. When the particulate is agitated from the interior walls of the duct system, the negative pressure pulls the particles to be contained inside of the machine. The negative air machine should be HEPA filtered to ensure the dust and debris are safely collected and removed from the home or business.
Accessing the duct system
Air duct system cleaning is not an extremely complex process, though most systems are unique depending on the design of the home or business. Accessing the air duct interiors should be made through existing openings such as supply registers, existing access panels, and return vents. Depending on the design of the duct system access holes may have to be added to the system. The reasons for the access holes are to have an entry point to insert the tools required to clean the system. It is recommended to have a licensed company perform these services as they have knowledge of local and state codes that are necessary to maintain a safe and operational HVAC system.
Using safe and efficient equipment
When it comes to the equipment available to professionals in the HVAC cleaning industry, there is no shortage or hi-tech tools. Most commonly used in residential applications are the portable negative air machines. These machines are powerful yet easily maneuvered through a residential or small business. Truck mounted vacuums are more commonly used on bigger commercial projects such as hospitals or nursing home facilities.
Sanitizing the air duct system
Antimicrobial treatments such as sanitizers are also deodorizers that can be applied to nonporous surfaces in HVAC systems. The purpose of the sanitation is to help control odors and to address microbial contamination. Sanitation should only be applied once the application area has been cleaned.
