Are there any health benefits that come from HVAC system cleaning? 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 can improve indoor air quality. 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. How should a residential HVAC system be cleaned? 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. 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. How often should residential HVAC systems be cleaned?heating duct cleaning ct Typically, HVAC systems should be inspected for cleaning around every 5 years. best upright vacuum cleaner under $200Frequency of cleaning depends on several factors. air duct cleaning indiaSome of the things that may lead a home owner to consider more frequent cleaning include:upright vacuum cleaner ratings and reviews • Smokers in the household.best price dyson vacuum cleaners uk

• 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.furnace duct cleaning chicago • After home renovations or remodeling. • Prior to occupancy of a new home. What is a normal price range for an air duct cleaning service? The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that “duct cleaning services typically – but not always – range in cost from $450 to $1,000 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. What about companies that offer whole house duct cleaning for around $99? Consumers should be aware 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 employ “bait-and-switch” techniques by persuading the consumer into unneeded services. What criteria should I use in selecting an HVAC system cleaner? The best HVAC system cleaners have all of the following qualifications: • Company is a member in good standing with the National Air Duct Cleaners • The company has been in business long enough to have adequate experience • The company is an A+ Accredited Business with your local Better Business Bureau (BBB) • The company is properly licensed, bonded and insured • The company is certified by NADCA to perform HVAC system cleaning • The company is going to clean all the air ducts and equipment • The company is not advertising “$99 whole house specials” or other sales gimmicks • The company has the proper equipment to perform the cleaning (such as a Power Vacuum truck)

Why should I choose a NADCA member to clean my HVAC system? 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. 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.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. Research by the U.S. EPA has demonstrated that HVAC system cleaning may allow systems to run more efficiently by removing debris fromClean, efficient systems are less likely to break down, have a longer life span, and generally operate more effectively than dirty systems. The most effective way to clean air ducts and ventilation systems is to employ Source Removal methods of cleaning. 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 the interior surfaces. The debris can then travel down the ducts to the vacuum, which removes it from the system and the home. 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: Residents with allergies or asthma who might benefit from a reduction in the amount of indoor air pollutants in the home's HVAC system. There are two main types of vacuum collection devices: (1) those mounted on trucks and trailers, and (2) portable units. 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 toAll vacuum units should be attached to a collection device for safe containment prior to disposal. device which exhausts indoors must be HEPA (high efficiency particulateA 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, 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. should also beware of “blow-and-go” air duct cleaningThese companies often charge a nominal fee and do a poor job of cleaning the heating and cooling system. may also persuade the consumer into unneeded services with and/or(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

Interview as many local contractors as you can, and ask them to come to your home to perform a system inspection and give you aTo narrow down you pool of potential contractors, use NADCA Members have signed a Code of Ethics stating they will do everything possible to protect the consumer, and follow NADCA Standards. 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 designASCS's are also required to further their industry education by attending seminars in order to maintain their NADCA certification status. Sanitizers are anti-microbial chemicals applied to the interior surface of the air ducts, designed to control microbial contamination. Before any sanitizers are used, the system should be thoroughly

It is critical that any anti-microbial treatment used in your system be EPA registered for the intended use in HVAC systems. Ask to see the chemical’s Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). If you are still concerned, call the EPA at 1-800-438-4318. should be noted that there are no EPA registered anti-microbial products for use on porous system surfaces – such as fiberglass 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 best way to determine if HVAC system cleaning is effective is to perform a visual inspection of the system before and after