These are some frequently asked questions that may be helpful to you:

WHAT IS DUCT CLEANING?
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, duct cleaning generally refers to the cleaning of various heating and cooling system components of forced air systems, including the supply and return air ducts and registers, grilles and diffusers, heat exchangers heating and cooling coils, condensate drain pans (drip pans), fan motor and fan housing, and the air handling unit housing.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO CLEAN MY AIR DUCTS?
The EPA says if not properly installed, maintained, and operated, components of forced air systems may become contaminated with particles of dust, pollen or other debris. When moisture is present, the potential for microbiological growth, mold, increases and spores from such growth may be released into the home’s living space. Some of these contaminants may cause allergic reactions or other symptoms in people if they are exposed to them.

SHOULD YOU APPLY A CHEMICAL BIOCIDE TO KILL MOULD?
Chemical biocides, designed to kill microbiological contaminants, can be applied to the inside of the duct-work and to other system components in an attempt to treat mold. These practices have yet to be fully researched and you should be fully informed before deciding to permit the use of biocides or chemical treatments in your air ducts. Biocides should only be applied after the system has been properly cleaned of all visible dust or debris.

CAN AIR DUCT CLEANING BE DETRIMENTAL?
The EPA claims that no evidence suggests that such cleaning would be detrimental, provided that it is done properly. One may consider having their air ducts cleaned simply because it seems logical that air ducts will get dirty over time, and should occasionally be cleaned.

WHAT IF I USED AN UNQUALIFIED AIR DUCT CLEANER?
If a service provider fails to follow proper duct cleaning procedures, duct cleaning can cause indoor air problems. For example, an inadequate vacuum collection system can release more dust, dirt, and other contaminants than if you had left the ducts alone. A careless or inadequately trained service provider can damage your ducts or heating and cooling system, possibly increasing your heating and air conditioning costs or forcing you to undertake difficult and costly repairs or replacements.

We are only 1 of 42 duct cleaning companies in Ontario that are certified by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association and have undergone extensive training to ensure we follow the proper protocols and methods mandated unto us to ensure you receive the service that your family deserves.

Every technician we send to your home holds their own VMT, ASCS & VSMR certification from NADCA.

We also have CVI (Certified Ventilation Inspectors) on staff that can also assess every HVAC system in every residential, commercial and industrial setting.

We take our work very seriously and will always ensure we’re in the forefront of new and emerging technologies to deliver you the best possible service.

Here’s a great article on what could happen to you and your neighbors if you choose an unqualified air duct cleaning contractor to perform this service in your home:

 WHEN SHOULD I CONSIDER HAVING MY AIR DUCTS CLEANED?

There are several “checks” one can undertake to determine whether air duct cleaning is needed:

* Presence of mold growth inside sheet metal ducts or on other components of the heating and cooling system.

* Ducts are infested with vermin, e.g. (rodents or insects)

* Ducts are clogged with excessive amounts of dust and debris and/or particles are actually released into the home from your supply registers.

Consider the following additional reasons why you may want to have your ducts cleaned:

1. Occupants with allergies or asthma who might benefit from a reduction in the amount indoor contaminants found in your home’s HVAC system.

2. Occupants with pets or other animals (pet/animal dander)

3. Occupants that smoke

4. Occupants that have any renovations (sawdust from new hardwood floors, drywall dust from sanding etc)

5. There is an abundance of occupants living in the home (dead skin cells, hairs etc)

6. There is an overabundance of mature tress and weeds (pollen, dead insects etc)

7. There are cold returns on the floor instead of the wall (it’s easier for dirt/debris to enter into grilles that you walk on)

8. You are a new home owner (construction debris etc)

9. In your home’s history, there has never been any duct cleaning performed before

Remember, the HVAC system of your home are the lungs of your home.  They supply air and then return air back into your environment.  It’s important to keep these pathways clean, otherwise whatever may be in there are bound to be recycled back into your living space.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AIR DUCT AND VENT CLEANING?
There are some companies that characterize themselves as air duct cleaners, yet the services they provide are limited to “vent cleaning.” Rather than use compressed air and air agitators to clean the return and supply duct lines, in conjunction with cleaning inside the air vents, these companies will simply remove the grills/vents and clean inside the vents with a basic vacuum. This is an improper way to clean ducts and is not mandated by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association. Without targetting the dirt/dust/debris that has built up on the walls of the return and supply duct lines with compressed air, the duct system is not truly clean.

WHAT IS THE BEST EQUIPMENT TO USE?

Information on HVAC Cleaning Equipment
Source: NADCA

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.)

Remote Control Camera

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.  Nowadays, the suction of certain types of portable units are very comparable to truck mounted units.  There are pros and cons to using both.  However, with a NADCA qualified technician – both will yield the same results.

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.

Dave’s Duct Cleaning performs our air duct cleaning service in accordance with NADCA standards.  We have earned and obtained all the necessary qualifications to assess, restore and maintain commercial, industrial and residential HVAC systems.  We will always send each customer NADCA certified technicians whom have obtained their own ASCS (Air Systems Cleaning Specialist), VSMR (Ventilation Systems Mold Remediator) and VMT (Ventilation Maintenance Technician) certifications from NADCA.  To learn more about these certifications, please click HERE.

Should you have any questions pertaining to a proper and thorough air duct cleaning service, please call 416-668-4607

If you still have any questions, please call us and we’d be happy to discuss.