What are the health benefits of HVAC system cleaning?
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems have been shown to act as a collection source for a variety of pollutants that have the potential to have an effect on health, for instance mold, fungi, harmful bacteria, and also small particles of dust. The elimination of such toxic contamination from the HVAC system can greatly improve indoor air quality.
01 Will HVAC system cleaning reduce our home energy bills?
Research by the U.S. EPA has shown that HVAC system and duct cleaning may allow heating and cooling units to run more efficiently by removing debris from sensitive mechanical components. Clean, efficient systems are less likely to break down, have a longer lifespan, and typically operate more effectively than dirty systems.!
02 How should a residential HVAC system be cleaned?
The most effective way to clean residential air ducts and ventilation is to employ “source removal” cleaning methods. This requires a contractor to place the system under negative pressure using a specialized, powerful vacuum. While the vacuum draws air through the system, devices are inserted into the ducts to dislodge any debris that might be stuck to the interior surfaces. The debris then travels down the ducts into the vacuum which removes it from the HVAC system and the home.
03 How often should residential HVAC systems be cleaned?
Residential HVAC systems and ductwork should be cleaned once every three to five years, depending on the preference and specific lifestyle of a home’s occupants.
04 How will I know if HVAC system cleaning was effective?
The best way to determine if an HVAC cleaning project is effective is to perform a visual inspection before and after cleaning. If any dust or debris can be seen during the visual inspection, the system is not considered clean. While you can perform your own visual inspection using a flashlight and mirror, a professional cleaning contractor will be able better access the system components with the use of specialized inspection tools.
05 How long does residential duct cleaning typically take?
A variety of factors may affect the time needed to clean a residential HVAC system including the type and size of the of home, accessibility of the ductwork, and the number of workers on the project. A typical three or four bedroom home will require four to eight hours for duct cleaning.
06 What are sanitizers and why are they used for residential duct cleaning?
Sanitizers are antimicrobial chemicals applied to the interior surface of air ducts. They are designed to control microbial contamination. Before any sanitizers are used, an HVAC system should be thoroughly cleaned. It is critical that any antimicrobial treatment used in your system is EPA-registered for the intended use in HVAC systems. Ask your air quality technician to show you the chemical’s material safety data sheet (MSDS) or consult the EPA for more information.
