Duct Cleaning - Proper Principles and Practices
As a qualified duct cleaning contractor I have discovered that
most homeowners feel that they are very uninformed when it come
to the principals and practices of proper air duct cleaning
hygiene.
Let me begin by saying that the EPA as well as the National air
duct cleaners association have stated that residential duct
cleaning should take no less than between 4 and 8 hours to
complete, anything short of that and you are probably not
getting a thorough job.
Consumers are cautioned against duct cleaning companies that
claim to be able to clean your entire air duct system in a very
short period of time and for an unrealistic low price, in this
industry that kind of service is completely unacceptable and is
known as the blo-n-go style of duct cleaning.
Remember...anything short of between 4 and 8 hours and you are
probably not getting what you're paying for.
Many homeowners are also under the impression that the main
ducts and primary vents are the only components that require
cleaning, However this is not the case, a thorough duct cleaning
must include any internal surface in which the air moves across,
this not only includes the main ducts and vents but must also
include the conveyance compartment of the furnace/AC, heat
exchanger, AC coils, drain pan, blower, filter housing and any
air cleaning equipment that might be installed.
The only acceptable method of proper air duct cleaning is to put
the entire system under negative air (vacuum) by means of a
powerful vacuum system that produces no less than 2000 cubic
feet per minute of air flow (cfm), each individual vent shaft
should be cleaned using a combination of high pressure air
snakes, rotating brushes and whips which must be driven by a
compressor that will deliver no less than 175 psi @ 12-16 cfm.
In conclusion, when choosing a qualified air duct cleaning
company be sure to ask if they their technicians and equipment
meet the above criteria and always get a few references, it is
also recommended that you contact your local better business
bureau or chamber of commerce.
Duct Cleaning Could be the Healthiest Home Improvement You Will
Ever Make!