Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems have been shown to act as a collection source for a variety of contaminants that have the potential to affect health, such as mold, fungi, bacteria, and very small particles of dust. The removal of such contaminants from the HVAC system and home should be considered as one component in an overall plan to improve indoor air quality.
Top Benefits of HVAC Cleaning
NADCA’s rule of thumb for consumers is that “if your ducts look dirty, they probably are,” and that dirty HVAC systems should be inspected by a reputable, certified HVAC professional. Below are some other reasons homeowners choose to have their air ducts cleaned.
Indoor Air Quality
Indoor air quality is one concern that homeowners have when they decide to investigate air duct cleaning. In a typical six-room home, up to 40 pounds of dust is created annually through everyday living. Your heating and cooling system is the lungs of your home. The system taken air in and breathes air out.
Through normal occupation in a home, we generate a great deal of contaminants and air pollutants, such as dander, dust, and chemicals. These contaminants are pulled into the HVAC system and re-circulated 5 to 7 times per day, on average. Over time, this re-circulation causes a build-up of contaminants in the duct work.
While dirty ducts don’t necessarily mean unhealthy air in your home, school or workplace, they may be contributing to larger health issues or harboring contaminants that could cause serious problems for people with respiratory health conditions, autoimmune disorders or some environmental allergies.
Energy Savings
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 25 to 40 percent of the energy used for heating or cooling a home is wasted. Contaminants in the heating and cooling system cause it to work harder and shorten the life of your system. Although filters are used, the heating and cooling system still gets dirty through normal use.
When an HVAC system is clean, it doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain the temperature you desire. As a result, less energy is used, leading to improved cost-effectiveness.
Why You Should Choose a NADCA Member
Trade associations are a common way for members of an industry to band together in support of higher standards and performance. NADCA is a trade association comprised of about 1,000 companies in the HVAC inspection, maintenance and restoration industry who have signed the NADCA Code of Ethics, and they have also invested time and resources into industry related training and education.
Hiring a NADCA member provides consumers with an added level of security, since members possess general liability insurance, and have at least one person on staff that is trained and certified. NADCA requires that all members have at least one certified Air Systems Cleaning Specialist (ASCS) on staff, and they must clean and restore your heating and cooling system in accordance with NADCA standards and guidelines.
What's the Best Equipment?
Information on HVAC Cleaning Equipment
Many types of tools and equipment can be used to successfully clean an HVAC unit. Some companies use truck-mounted equipment and others use portable vacuums. NADCA standards state that, when used properly, both types of equipment can get the job done correctly.
The following are some common types of tools and equipment used on HVAC inspection, maintenance and restoration jobs. Please note that this is not a complete list, and some types of tools and equipment may be missing.
Access Tools
Access tools consist of devices used by technicians to create entry points in the HVAC system to facilitate inspection and cleaning. These access points may range from small holes for optical imaging, to entry panels large enough to accommodate service personnel entry and bulkier equipment.
Inspection Tools
Visual inspection devices can be used to evaluate the build up of debris and contamination within an HVAC system, monitor the cleaning process, and evaluate the success of the cleaning methods employed. Some common tools include:
- Hand‑held mirror
- Direct‑view "periscope" (mirror device with eyepiece for right angle viewing, often with light source attached)
- Closed circuit television (CCTV) camera system
- Camera (35mm SLR, etc.)
Hand Cleaning Tools
"Hand cleaning tools" include simple brushes and a number of pneumatic agitation and cleaning devices. Accumulated debris is often loosened from ductwork and other HVAC system components by power brushing and/or manual brushing. Pneumatic devices such as blowguns, air skippers and air whips are often utilized to drive agitated debris to the collection device. Fiber glass lined metal ductwork, flexduct, and ductboard can be damaged by overly‑aggressive removal techniques and must be handled accordingly.
Vacuum Collection Devices
Vacuum collection device are used to create negative pressure within the HVAC system, in order to control the spread of contaminants during the cleaning process. There are two main types of vacuum collection devices: (1) Those mounted on trucks or trailers, and (2) portable units. Truck/trailer mounted equipment is generally more powerful than portable equipment. However, portable equipment can often be brought directly into a facility, allowing the vacuum source to be located closer to the ductwork.
Compressed Air Sources
Many tools and devices used for HVAC system cleaning are pneumatically powered, which requires the use of large amounts of pressure supplied directly to the tools. The most common method of supplying this pressure is through the use of an air compressor.
Hand‑Held HEPA Vacuums and Wet Vacuums
Hand vacuums are used quite commonly by HVAC cleaning contractors for a variety of tasks and are a common sight on any cleaning project. HEPA filtration is needed for such vacuum cleaners, especially those designed to extract water as well as dry debris.
Checklist for Residential Consumers
This checklist is designed to help residential consumers understand NADCA’s recommendations regarding the process of HVAC cleaning. Residential consumers are advised to read and understand the information on this page before hiring an HVAC cleaning company. To keep the review process organized, place a check next to each discussion topic the contractor has addressed to your satisfaction.
Is the company able to show proof of NADCA membership and certification? Yes
Is the contractor willing to conduct a thorough inspection of the HVAC system PRIOR to performing any work? Does the contractor agree to disclose any problems discovered during the HVAC inspection? (This is required by NADCA’s ACR Standard.) We inspect and advise during the cleaning process.
Is the HVAC System fully operational (before cleaning)? Yes
Will/did the contractor clean the supply ductwork? Yes
Will/did the contractor clean the return air ductwork? Yes
- For metal ductwork: Are the interior ductwork surfaces free of visible debris? Select several sites at random in both the return and supply sides of the system.
- For fiberglass/fiber-lined ductwork or ductboard: Is all fiberglass or lining material in good condition (no tears or abrasions, and it is also well adhered to the interior of the duct)? Yes
Components to be removed, cleaned and reset:
- Supply registers We only remove, clean and reset floor supply vents, but clean and reset wall and side supply vents with air
- Return air grilles, We remove clean and reset
- Are the registers, grilles and diffusers visibly clean? Yes
- Are all the registers, grilles and diffusers properly reset? Yes
Components to be accessed and cleaned:
- Supply air plenum Yes
- Return air plenum Yes
- Is the supply plenum (located directly downstream of the air handling unit) free of moisture, stains and contaminants? Yes
- Is the return air plenum free of visible dust and debris? Yes
Installation Access Panels (as needed) Yes
- Are access panels properly sealed according to the NADCA ACR Standard? Yes
Will/did the contractor clean the air-stream side of the heat exchanger? Yes
Will/did the contractor clean the secondary heat exchanger? Yes
Components to be removed, cleaned and reinstalled:Air Duct Pros, Inc. does not remove
the blower fan and/or coil in the cleaning process in accordance with our state laws.
- Blower motor; housing & assembly;
- Are the blower blades clean and free of oil and debris?
- Is the blower compartment free of visible dust and debris?
Did the contractor clean the evaporator coil, drain, and pan?
Air Duct Pros, Inc. does not remove
the blower fan and/or coil in the cleaning process in accordance with our state laws.
- Ask which method was used to clean the items listed above – did the contractor use Type 1 (contact vacuum/brush/or air wash) or Type 2 (coil cleaning chemicals and water). Air Duct Pros, Inc. does not remove the blower fan and/or coil in the cleaning process in accordance with our state laws.
- Check to make sure that both sides of the cooling coil are visibly clean
- Point a flashlight into the cooling coil. Does light shine through? It should if the coil is clean.
- Check to make sure the coil fins are straight and evenly spaced, as opposed to being bent and smashed together.
- Check to make sure the coil drain pan is clean and that it is draining properly.
Did the contractor replace the air filter? if provided by the customer
- Do the filters fit properly, and are they the proper efficiency recommended by the HVAC system manufacturer? Yes
Did the contractor wash the air cleaner? If applicable
Request an explanation from the contractor if any questions above were answered “NO.” Yes we will
After the HVAC cleaning is complete, check to make sure the HVAC system is operating properly.
FAQ for Residential Consumers
-
-
The best way to determine if the HVAC system cleaning was effective is to perform a visual inspection of the system before and after cleaning. If any dust or debris can be seen during the visual inspection, the system should not be considered cleaned. While you can perform your own visual inspection using a flash light and mirror, a professional cleaning contractor should be able to allow you better access to system components and perhaps the use of specialized inspection tools. In addition, following this post-cleaning check list can help to ensure a top quality job.
-
The amount of time it takes to clean a residential HVAC system depends on many variables such as the size of the home, the number of systems, the extent of the contamination and the number of HVAC cleaners performing the job. Ask at least two contractors to inspect your system and give you a time estimate for your particular system. This will give you a general idea of how long the job should take as well as an idea of how thoroughly the contractor plans to do the job.
-
Frequency of cleaning depends on several factors, not the least of which is the preference of the home owner. Some of the things that may lead a home owner to consider more frequent cleaning include:
• Smokers in the household.
• Pets that shed high amounts of hair and dander.
• Water contamination or damage to the home or HVAC system.
• Residents with allergies or asthma who might benefit from a reduction in the amount of indoor air pollutants in the home’s HVAC system.
• After home renovations or remodeling.
• Prior to occupancy of a new home.
-
The most effective way to clean air ducts and ventilation systems is to employ Source Removal methods of cleaning. This requires a contractor to place the system under negative pressure, through the use of 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 interior surfaces. The debris can then travel down the ducts to the vacuum, which removes it from the system and the home.
-
Antimicrobial chemicals are applied by some companies to the interior surface of the air ducts, to treat microbial contamination such as fungi (mold), viruses or bacteria. Before any antimicrobial chemicals are used, the system should be thoroughly cleaned. It is critical that any antimicrobial treatment used in your system be registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency specifically for use in HVAC systems. The use of antimicrobial chemicals is an additional service that is not part of a typical air duct cleaning project.
-
You should interview as many local contractors as possible. Ask them to come to your home and perform a system inspection and give you a quotation. To narrow down your pool of potential contractors, use the following pre-qualifications:
• Make sure the company is a member in good standing of the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA).
• See if the company has been in business long enough to have adequate experience. Since August 2005
• Get proof that the company is properly licensed and adequately insured.
• Verify that the company is certified by NADCA to perform HVAC system cleaning.
• Make sure that the company is going to clean and visually inspect all of the air ducts and related system components.
• Avoid advertisements for "$99 whole house specials" and other sales gimmicks.
• Ask if the company has the right equipment to effectively perform cleaning, and if the company has done work in homes similar to yours. Get references from neighbors if possible.
-
The Environmental Protection Agency says that “duct cleaning services typically – but not always – range in cost from $450 to $1000 per heating and cooling system, depending on the services offered, the size of the system to be cleaned, system accessibility, climactic region, and level of contamination” and type of duct material.
Consumers should beware of air duct cleaning companies that making sweeping claims about the health benefits of duct cleaning – such claims are unsubstantiated. Consumers should also beware of “blow-and-go” air duct cleaning companies. These companies often charge a nominal fee and do a poor job of cleaning the heating and cooling system. These companies may also persuade the consumer into unneeded services with and/or without their permission.
(If you have knowledge of a practicing “blow-and-go” air duct cleaner, contact your local Better Business Bureau to report the company, and your local, federal, and state elected officials to demand legislation.)
-
NADCA does not endorse one kind of equipment over another. There are two main types of vacuum collection devices: (1) those mounted on trucks and trailers, and (2) portable units. Truck/trailer mounted equipment is generally more powerful than portable equipment. However, portable equipment can often be brought directly into a facility, allowing the vacuum source to be located closer to the ductwork. Both types of equipment will clean to NADCA standards.
All vacuum units should be attached to a collection device for safe containment prior to disposal. Any vacuum collection device which exhausts indoors must be HEPA filtered.
A vacuum collection device alone will not get an HVAC system clean. The use of methods and tools designed to agitate debris adhered to the surfaces within the system, in conjunction with the use of the vacuum collection device(s), is required to clean HVAC systems. (For example: brushes, air whips, and “skipper balls.”)
-
NADCA 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. ASCSs are also required to further their industry education by attending seminars in order to maintain their NADCA certification status.ere.
NADCA Code of Ethics
1. We will serve our customers with integrity and competence.
2. We will perform our work using source removal methods. In order to prevent the
delivery of airborne pollutants into indoor air spaces through HVAC ductwork, we will
remove the dust and other contaminants from the system. Thus, we pledge to
administer source removal methods, cleaning the system ductwork as thoroughly as
possible, before applying any coatings or treatments, including deodorizers,
disinfectants, and/or sealants.
3. We will be honest and forthright in our advertising.
4. We will provide our clients with accurate inspections and evaluations of the cleanliness
and physical condition of their HVAC systems, using this information to determine the
type of cleaning and maintenance services required, if any.
5. We will provide only necessary and desired services to our clients, and will not use
furnace/air duct cleaning as a means of selling unnecessary or unwanted products or
services.
6. We will provide services only after completing the necessary bonding and licensing
procedures.
7. We will utilize the services and products of those who possess specialized skills, tools, or
trades not possessed by us when circumstances call for work to be done which we are
unable to perform.
8. We will stay abreast of new developments in technology, tools of the trade, building
codes, the Uniform Mechanical Code, and any other codes or information that directly
affects our work.
9. We will require that all employees of our firm practice furnace/air duct cleaning in
accordance with NADCA Guidelines and the Code of Ethics.
10. We will perform our services in accordance with the current published standards of the
Association.
-
Will HVAC
Consumer Education
NADCA: Educating Consumers to Make Informed Choices
When done correctly, HVAC cleaning is a very beneficial service for your home or business. NADCA’s dedication to quality assurance helps ensure and promote a higher standard of performance for all of its members. Quality assurance also provides a means of consumer education, through tips on how to select a qualified contractor, establishing performance checklists, and adopting a policy of full disclosure for its members.
All members are required to perform work in accordance with NADCA Standards. As part of its Quality Assurance Program, NADCA provides information about how to select a qualified contractor along with pre and post-cleaning checklists to ensure that total system cleaning is performed.
Consumers Beware: Have you Hired a Reputable Company?
Bad business practices are everywhere, especially when it comes to services that are needed in the home. NADCA, which is comprised of legitimate HVAC cleaning companies, has long been plagued by a small number of “fly-by-night” companies that are dishonestly portraying themselves as offering air duct cleaning services.
Instead of actually cleaning a customer’s HVAC system, these scam companies use scare tactics and “bait and switch” methods to squeeze money out of their clients. NADCA receives many consumer complaints about these types of companies, which many times do not clean the HVAC system at all, let alone to the industry’s standards.
Consumers are told they have mold and other toxic substances in their HVAC systems – claims which are most likely false and used merely to extort money. Coupons and flyers advertising rock bottom prices on “whole house air duct cleaning” and “HVAC mold and soot removal” arrive in the mail daily for some households.
It can be scary to think that the air circulating through your home may be causing sicknesses, allergies, or worse. There often exists a legitimate concern for the health and well-being of a home or building’s inhabitants. For this and many other reasons, consumers and property managers become interested in purchasing air duct cleaning services.
HVAC cleaning is a legitimate service that is necessary for many homes and commercial buildings.
Dirt and debris trapped in your HVAC system should be removed not only for the quality of the indoor air, but for the efficiency of the system itself.
system cleaning reduce our home energy bills