Understanding the Process of Air Duct Cleaning

Understanding the Process of Air Duct Cleaning

Super Standard, September 19, 2023

When it comes to air duct cleaning, it is important to understand the process to ensure that the ducts have been cleaned thoroughly or still breathe polluted air. It also ensures the quality of air which gets into your lungs.

Let’s understand the process of air duct cleaning.

Prior Inspection
A routine check on the air inflow system offers you the relevant background information of the ductwork and ventilation involved. It also assists in identifying other issues in the air flow system. An expert may suggest sealing duct air leaks which truly saves energy and assists in cutting down your utility bills. A clogged filter may also be recognized and replaced. An inspection helps in detecting a mold problem which requires to be looked at before starting the air duct cleaning process. If your ductwork is made of durable sheet metal ducts, a biocide may be considered for sanitation.

Constitute Negative Pressure

Vacuum cleaning that creates negative pressure uses compressed air to pull off any dirt and debris from the system. Exhausting the dust articles to the outdoor air is always safe. Any indoor exhaust must use a HEPA-filtered vacuum. Sometimes, the complete system is subject to direct pressure to eject the dirt and debris before any mechanical cleaning.

Cleaning Ductwork

Cleaning of the pipes running throughout the complete system is performed. Cleaning includes using specialized tools such as nylon or cable driven brushes along with a high-powered vacuum on the supply and return area of the system. Using soft-bristled brushes for fiberglass lined ducts. Always remember that an air-insulated air duct should never get wet. If it gets wet or moldy, do not try cleaning as in such scenario, replacing is the best solution.

Return registers generally pull in polluted air and turns dusty. They can be removed, vacuumed or cleaned easily. Sealants can also be used for repairing the damaged fiberglass insulation. It helps in making a duct air tight, applying sealants after completing the cleaning process.

Cleaning Other Components

Request your air duct cleaning service provider to clean all equipments of heating and cooling system. These may include coil fins, the heat exchanger surface, coil drain pan, humidifier, and combustion chamber and blower blades. Dryer vent cleaning also averts possible fire hazard. Any asbestos containing equipment should be handled by well-trained staff. An EPA approved sanitizer should be used for cleaning the interiors of the ducts and the ventilation system.

Review Result

Conducting a random visual check for examining the dirt on any your supply and return ducts can help you ensuring that the cleaning has been done thoroughly. Look that all the air vents- the grilles, the registers and diffuses look clean and have been rejoined in position. Do check the system operation post-cleaning in cooling and heating modes. Understand your air duct cleaning process and ensure that the indoor air is of optimal quality.