NADCA MEMBER • CERTIFIED PERSONNEL • PROFESSIONAL HVAC-SYSTEM CLEANING
Air duct cleaning should be treated like HVAC work.
DAVESDUCTS has been a member of the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) since 2012 and has personnel holding NADCA Air Systems Cleaning Specialist (ASCS) and Certified Ventilation Inspector (CVI) credentials.
WHY NADCA MATTERS
Professional duct cleaning is more than vacuuming vents.
HVAC-system cleaning requires an understanding of duct systems, contamination, access, containment, cleaning methods, safety and how to verify that the agreed work has been completed. NADCA develops standards, certifications, education and technical resources for professionals working in HVAC-system inspection, cleaning and restoration.
01
Industry Standards
NADCA publishes technical standards and guidance relating to the assessment, cleaning and restoration of HVAC systems.
02
Certified Individuals
NADCA credentials belong to individual professionals who demonstrate knowledge relevant to HVAC-system cleaning or inspection.
03
Professional Accountability
NADCA members agree to professional expectations governing cleaning practices, inspections, advertising and customer recommendations.
DAVESDUCTS has been a NADCA member since April 20, 2012.
Our team includes personnel with ASCS and CVI credentials. Because NADCA certification is held by the individual—not automatically by every employee of a member company—customers should feel comfortable asking which certified personnel are associated with the work being performed.
NADCA CREDENTIALS
What do ASCS and CVI mean?
These credentials address different levels of knowledge and responsibility within HVAC-system cleaning and inspection.
ASCS
Air Systems Cleaning Specialist
ASCS is NADCA’s core professional certification for HVAC-system cleaning. It recognizes knowledge related to HVAC-system hygiene, assessment, cleaning practices, safety and applicable industry standards.
CVI
Certified Ventilation Inspector
CVI is an advanced NADCA certification for professionals involved in HVAC-system inspection. NADCA requires an individual to hold an active ASCS credential before sitting for the CVI certification exam.
What about VMT?
NADCA’s Ventilation Maintenance Technician (VMT) program is technician training focused on foundational HVAC-cleaning knowledge and field skills. It should not be confused with NADCA’s ASCS and CVI professional certifications.
THE PROFESSIONAL STANDARD
What should proper HVAC-system cleaning involve?
A professional cleaning procedure considers the HVAC system as a system—not a collection of isolated supply registers.
01
Inspect Before Cleaning
The system should be evaluated so the technician understands its condition, accessibility, construction and whether cleaning is appropriate.
02
Establish Containment
Cleaning equipment and procedures should control loosened debris so contaminants are collected rather than simply redistributed into the occupied space.
03
Use Source-Removal Methods
Dust and debris should be physically loosened and removed from the HVAC system using appropriate agitation and collection methods.
04
Clean the Applicable System Components
The agreed scope should address applicable supply, return and HVAC-system components rather than treating each visible register as an independent vent.
05
Identify Existing Deficiencies
Damaged, deteriorated, inaccessible or improperly installed ductwork may require repair or a modified approach rather than aggressive cleaning.
06
Verify the Work
The goal is to leave the applicable HVAC-system components visibly cleaner and confirm that the agreed cleaning scope has been completed.
PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY
NADCA’s Code of Ethics matters to customers.
Membership is more than displaying a logo. NADCA members agree to professional expectations relating to how HVAC cleaning services are represented, evaluated and performed.
- Serve customers with integrity and professional competence.
- Use source-removal principles rather than treatments as a substitute for cleaning.
- Provide honest and straightforward advertising.
- Provide accurate evaluations of HVAC-system cleanliness and physical condition.
- Recommend services based on the actual needs of the HVAC system.
- Avoid using duct cleaning as a means of selling unnecessary work.
- Use appropriately qualified trades or specialists where work falls outside the company’s scope.
- Keep personnel informed about relevant standards, technology and equipment.
- Disclose limitations when a system cannot be cleaned in accordance with the applicable standard or agreed scope.
VERIFY THE CREDENTIAL
Don’t just take a contractor’s word for it.
NADCA maintains an official directory where consumers can verify member companies and certified individuals.
Certification belongs to the individual professional. A company’s NADCA membership does not mean that every person it employs automatically holds an ASCS or CVI credential.
Ask who is certified and verify credentials when certification is important to your project.
THE DAVESDUCTS DIFFERENCE
Cleaning experience combined with broader HVAC capability.
DAVESDUCTS works on more than cleaning. Our team also works with HVAC equipment, duct repairs and modifications, Aeroseal duct sealing, filtration and ventilation. That broader mechanical perspective can be valuable when an inspection identifies a problem that cleaning alone cannot correct.
Residential Air Duct Cleaning
Professional source-removal cleaning for residential forced-air HVAC systems, with the system condition considered as part of the work.
Commercial HVAC-System Cleaning
Cleaning and inspection capabilities for commercial HVAC systems where project scope, access, documentation and system condition can require a more detailed approach.
Duct Repairs & Modifications
Physical duct deficiencies, airflow problems and inaccessible or damaged sections may require repair or modification rather than cleaning alone.
Aeroseal Duct Sealing
Where duct leakage is the concern, leakage testing and Aeroseal sealing can be considered separately from HVAC-system cleaning.
COMMON QUESTIONS
NADCA certification and professional duct cleaning.
What is NADCA?
NADCA is the HVAC Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Association, commonly known as the National Air Duct Cleaners Association. It develops industry standards, professional certifications, education and technical resources related to HVAC-system inspection, cleaning and restoration.
Is DAVESDUCTS a NADCA member?
Yes. DAVESDUCTS has been a NADCA member since April 20, 2012 and has personnel holding NADCA ASCS and CVI credentials.
Is a company NADCA certified, or is the technician certified?
NADCA membership applies to the company, while ASCS and CVI professional certifications are earned and held by individual people. A customer can verify both company membership and individual credentials through NADCA.
What is an ASCS?
An Air Systems Cleaning Specialist is a NADCA-certified professional who has demonstrated knowledge relevant to HVAC-system hygiene, assessment, cleaning practices, safety and industry standards.
What is a CVI?
A Certified Ventilation Inspector is a NADCA-certified professional qualified in HVAC-system inspection. An active ASCS certification is a prerequisite for taking NADCA’s CVI certification exam.
Does NADCA certification mean every duct system needs cleaning?
No. Inspection and evaluation matter. The condition of the HVAC system should help determine whether cleaning is appropriate and what scope of work is required.
Does professional duct cleaning include more than the visible vents?
Yes. Professional HVAC-system cleaning considers applicable supply, return and other HVAC-system components within the agreed scope rather than treating each visible register as an isolated vent.
NADCA-CERTIFIED EXPERTISE
Hire a company that treats duct cleaning like HVAC work.
DAVESDUCTS combines NADCA-certified personnel with broader HVAC and duct-system experience so your system can be inspected, cleaned and evaluated as the mechanical system it actually is.
