Below are some frequently asked questions that may be helpful to you. If you still have any questions, please call us and we’d be happy to discuss.

• One of the most serious health problems facing people today is poor Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and it can affect any indoor space. Even in small doses, air pollution can irritate respiratory conditions, trigger allergic reactions and accumulation over time within the body can lead to chronic illness or in the most severe cases cause death. Although it’s impossible to control pollution outside, the quality of the air indoors can be managed. And since people spend approximately 90% of the time indoors, it is essential to understand IAQ and how to improve it. The origin of IAQ problems is directly related to the development of energy efficient buildings. Buildings constructed or retrofit to consume less energy are sealed tight and do not introduce any new fresh air from outside into the stale inside air. Irritants will remain inside, because there is little air circulation to “flush” the old contaminated air away. Opening the window isn’t the answer either; the outside air quality is rapidly deteriorating. First, think only of one pollution source: latex particles from worn tires on North American highways account for 5 million tons of airborne particulate; where do the particles go? Now think of all the other possible sources of pollution, where the pollution travels and how the substances react with one another when they have the chance to mix.

• HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Arrestance) is a filtration standard created by the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission. To qualify as a HEPA filter, a media must be 99.97% efficient at removing particles 0.3 microns in size. Due to the extremely high efficiency, HEPA filters have become widely used in medical, electronic and industrial applications. HEPA filters are composed of various sized borosilicate fibers, which are pressed together to form a net-like structure with openings large enough for air to pass through, but too small for most particulates. Why is removing particles 0.3 micron important? Approximately 85% of easily measurable particulate pollution in the air is 0.3 micron in size. Larger particles, such as; 0.5 and 1.0 make up a much smaller percentage of air pollution. Not only is the abundance of 0.3 micron particles a concern, but the small size allows these particles to travel deep into the lungs, penetrate the lung tissue and even enter the blood stream to cause discomfort, conditions and serious illness. Removing 99.97% of the particles that pass through the Amaircare® HEPA filter will create an air quality oasis and reduce the stress air pollutions places on the respiratory system and body.

  It is known that AIR POLLUTION is a hazard, but how that affects each individual can remain unclear.

  This chart provides a visual illustration of the sizing of some particulate substances.

  

  A visual grasp of the size of pollution particles plays an important role in understanding the benefit of HEPA removal at 0.3 micron. Amaircare® HEPA Systems are so efficient that laboratory testing revealed removal of 95% of particles at 0.1 micron!

• HEPA Focused Manufacturing
  Amaircare® manufactures only mechanical HEPA filters.  The technology is simple and proven. Many other methods of cleaning provide poor performance and quickly become obsolete. Amaircare® sticks with technology that works!

  Perfect Seal™
  Simply using HEPA media in an air filter doesn’t make it a HEPA filter.  If the HEPA media is not sealed properly, tiny harmful particles can sneak through. Americaire manufactures its own Amaircare® brand of HEPA filters. The filter media comes off a roll and is pleated for optimum surface area. After the pleating process, the filters are enclosed in protective screens and cast in food-grade compound at both ends for a 100% air-proof seal. Each filter is then tested with a laser particle counter for 99.97% efficiency. Amaircare® filters maintain HEPA efficiency during operation in Amaircare® Air Filtration Systems because a Perfect Seal™ design is used to lock the filter within the system. All dirty air is forced through the filter and only clean air is released back into the room.

  VOC
  Removal Options & the Stages of Filtration A very important element of Amaircare® ‘s filtering system is the carbon stage of filtration. The carbon blanket adsorbs Volatile Organic Compounds or organic chemical compounds in the gaseous phase. This category of pollution is a growing concern. More and more substances in our environments release harmful VOCs that cause people to experience chemical sensitivity. Amaircare® offers a third stage carbon blanket or an upgrade carbon VOC canister for extra VOC capture. The order of filter stages is extremely important too. Amaircare® systems place the carbon last to ensure VOC adsorption is maximized.

  Modular Filters
  Each stage of filtration inside Amaircare® systems can be replaced independently of the other stages to provide maximum performance and value from each filter.

  Construction & Finishing
  Many air filters and purifiers available today are made from plastic and contain adhesives or finishes that release VOCs. Amaircare® systems are constructed out of steel, powder coated and contain no harmful adhesives to ensure that the systems only subtract indoor air pollution and don’t add to it. The all steel construction also makes the systems durable for many years of reliable clean air.

  Case by Case Approach
  You are unique and so is your environment. Amaircare® believes in providing air cleaning solutions designed for your needs rather than the “one-size-fits-all” approach.  We have customized solutions for every application – ask us today what issues you’re trying to resolve and we can help!  Medical solutions, food processing controls, industrial plants and workplace safety, emissions reduction and clean room applications etc.

  Years of Research & Expertise
  Amaircare® has built air filtration systems for 16 years. Over this time, a lot of testing and information has been gathered and put to use in continually improving Amaircare® product to respond to current and future quality requirements.

• In order to clean the air in a space properly, the correct capacity air filtration system must be determined. A formula to calculate the number of Air Changes per Hour (ACH) is used.

  For average conditions and an average environment, at least one ACH is required; however, more air changes will provide even cleaner air. In certain cases, many air changes may be necessary.

  Sizing Formula CFM (of the HEPA system) x 60 (minutes in an hour) ÷ Volume of the Room (in cubic feet*) = # of ACH
  *Cubic Feet of a Room = Square Footage x Ceiling Height

Below are some frequently asked questions that may be helpful to you. If you still have any questions, please call us and we’d be happy to discuss.

• Check out our checklist to see whether or not you really need this service performed: https://davesducts.com/checklist

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

  Read a sobering article on what could happen to you and your neighbours if you choose an unqualified air duct cleaning contractor and the benefits of carbon monoxide detectors here.

• 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.

  Still not sure if you need a cleaning? Read our article, 9 Ways To Tell if You Need Your Ducts Cleaned

• 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.

• 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.

  Read our article on Commonly Used HVAC Cleaning Equipment here.

  DAVESDUCTS 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, visit our NADCA information page.

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

Aeroseal is a patented breakthrough technology that tackles duct leaks from the inside out. The Aeroseal process puts escaping air under pressure and causes polymer particles to stick first to the edges of a leak, then to each other until the leak is completely sealed. Below are the common questions we are asked about the Aeroseal Duct Sealing Process.

• By sealing your ductwork utilizing the Aeroseal technology you can expect air to be delivered where it is designed to go and not into your basement, attic, or crawl space.

  This reduces hot or cold spots in rooms and between floors.

• Ductwork runs through attics, crawlspaces, basements, garages, and walls. Leaking return air ducts pull in dust and other indoor air pollutants and sends them to the central heating and cooling system. From there they are sent to the living areas of your home.

  The Aeroseal air duct sealing system can reduce the amount of leakage by as much as 90%, reducing dust and other indoor air pollutants from the conditioned air in your home.

• A series of government reports have shown that air duct sealing can lead to up to $850 in energy savings per year.

  Some homeowners have saved up to 40% on their energy bill. Naturally, exact savings are difficult to precisely estimate since they depend on a multitude of variables such as your weather, house condition and design, your heating and air conditioning system, system usage – as well as other factors like energy prices.

• Inspection discovers any obvious break in the duct work and, as the initial step of the sealing process, the Aeroseal system will establish an exact amount of leakage in the duct system.

  Of course, many people already know that a room or two in their house doesn’t get good air circulation because they can feel it. Or, they already know that their energy bill is high because they see it.

  The diagnostic measurement, provides a scientifically valid means to understand the performance of your air duct system. Many people are surprised to learn that homes typically leak 30% to 40% or more of their air through air duct leaks.

• Aeroseal is guaranteed for 10 years and stress tested for 40 years in residential applications.

• There is a very mild odor similar to Elmer’s Glue during the sealing process.

  The odor will dissipate completely by the next morning – but usually before.

• Sealant used by Aeroseal is non-toxic and has been used in hospitals, surgery centers, and government institutions.

  UL approvals for UL 1381 for aerosol based technology – UL 723 for smoke and flame rating of 0 and UL 181 for mold growth.

  Primary component is Vinyl Acetate Polymer, used in water based paints, hair spray, and chewing gum.

  View the Safety Data Sheet

• Aeroseal is guaranteed for 10 years and stress tested for 40 years in residential applications.

• It only takes around 2 hours for Aeroseal sealant to dry.

• The sealant used by Aeroseal has been tested by an independant lab and found to have extremely low concentration of VOC’s during sealing time.

  The primary component has NO OSHA maximum exposure limit

• We prefer that no one is in the house during sealing due to impact on productivity.
  If you are pregnant, a senior, infant, or utilizing medical equipment we do encourage you to leave as a simple safety precaution.
  If you have pets, lizards and birds – they too should be removed as a safety precaution aswell.

• Up to a 5/8th inch (16mm) round hole can be sealed by Aeroseal.  Approximately, the size of a bottle cap.

• Broken and disconnected ducts – large leaks – need to be fixed prior to sealing with Aeroseal.  If a hidden large leak is uncovered during sealing, the process is stopped and a solution is discussed.  Generally, we will locate the issue and try to remediate on-site, however – any drywall patching or any repair as a result of trying to fix the issue will be the responsibility of the homeowner.

• Sealant escaping from the ducts will settle in wall cavities, attics or crawl spaces.  During the process we will filter the air to capture any sealant entering any living areas.  We will also take care in advising our customers that any items that are exposed to leaks are covered or removed from the immediate area.

• We recommend that any sensitive electronics be covered while Aeroseal is sealing your ductwork.

• Aeroseal certified technicians are trained to protect all HVAC systems and accessories prior to sealing.  Some items, such as humidifiers or UV lights, may be removed then reinstalled to prevent damage.  Others may be bagged or covered.

• YES – We recommend that prior to any sealing that the ducts be cleaned to ensure that any debris be removed so that the HVAC system is restored to it’s peak and optimal running efficiency prior to sealing.  Some may neglect to do this process but it is our view that a thorough and proper air duct cleaning will ensure that your HVAC system is in it’s cleanest state possible, prior to sealing.  This will ensure that the sealant only adheres to gaps and not to any dirt or debris that may be in your HVAC system.

• YES – Ducts of all material types can be successfully cleaned after they have been sealed with Aeroseal.  In fact, after an Aeroseal Duct Sealing; the cleaning periods for a duct cleaning job will be longer.  Rather than 5-7 years under normal living conditions (no renos/pets); we anticipate at least 10 years; even longer if you introduce HEPA filtration – possibly up to 12+ years.

• The Aeroseal process does not coat or line the ductwork.  The only sealant remaining in the ducts will be at the spot of the leak that was sealed.

• This noise is usually the result of two conditions. One is created when the ductwork is undersized and air is rushing through your air duct system. The other condition is caused when a limited amount of air is allowed to flow through the indoor coil of your heating and cooling system. Once the exact problem has been identified, your contractor can provide the best solution for noise reduction.