1. The vacuum and compressed air equipment are setup
outside the home. Properly positioned to allow for the most direct
connection to your HVAC system and its associated duct work. If needed,
drop cloths are laid out to protect the floor where the vacuum hose is
brought in. Wall corners are protected by plastic sheaths.
2. Before any work is begun our technician will cycle
your HVAC systems power. This is to ensure it is functioning properly.
If any problems are found you will be notified immediately.
3. Holes are cut into the main trunk duct work in
strategic locations. These holes are large enough, (12"x12") to
accommodate our vacuum hoses which start at a 10" diameter.
4. The vacuum hose is connected onto the supply trunk
line in a centralized location to create a vacuum a every vent attached.
Remember, we work on one side of the system at a time to prevent any
blow back into the home.
5. All registers are blocked using a special material we
call "duct mask". We leave one register unblocked at any given time.
This concentrates the suction that was applied at the main trunk line to
one vent at a time.
6. All duct cleaning equipment is turned on.
7. All supply vents are air washed (175 PSI) and
mechanically brushed depending on the construction type and
contamination. These tools are all remote reaching, much like a plumbers
snake and are ½" in diameter. Their use results in all contamination
inside the vent and its associated duct work to be moved into the main
trunk line (the larger duct work) where the vacuum is connected.
Although the vacuum power is substantial, no harm is done to your duct
system. Once this individual vent is finished we will apply duct mask
and move to the next vent opening. Remember: We will never try to vacuum
up from each individual vent as this is physically impossible to put a
smaller diameter vacuum hose down a branch line and correctly clean
through any vent opening. That is something you could do yourself with
your own store bought HEPA filtered vacuum cleaner.
8. After all the supply vents are cleaned in this manor
we repeat steps 4 through 8 on your return duct work.
9. Once all vents are cleaned we then proceed to clean
the trunk line. We start at the far end of the trunk line, away from the
vacuum and cut 12x12 access hole into the main duct. Typically all duct
lines are mechanically brushed, air whipped and air washed. Brushing and
cleaning method is dictated by the construction of your duct system.
Remember, every home is different so we need to use different tools to
accommodate this. All the agitated material is caught in the air stream
of the vacuum and sent down the line. We typically install duct access
holes every 15 to 20 feet. This is to make sure we are removing
EVERYTHING from the duct system.
10. Once all trunk line is cleaned and visibly inspected
we move on to clean your HVAC air handling unit. We clean the blower
area, removing it if accessible. We air wash all the fan blades with our
vacuum applied. If air conditioning is present we will clean your
evaporator coil. Matted coils are a breeding ground for microbes. In
addition, if they haven’t been cleaned in some time you can experience
up to 20% less efficiency according to the ASRAE. The condensate pan is
also air washed and drained.
11. Your systems are reassembled and tightened back up.
Your filter is inspected and if a replacement is available or needed
this will be installed.
12. All access openings created are sealed up with 24
gauge sheet metal access panels. An air tight seal is made with either
an acrylic based metal tape or mastic sealant. If your duct has
insulation this insulation is re-sealed correctly, not with duct tape.
13. The HVAC system is test fired and the technician
will make sure the air handler is cycling properly.
14. The working area is cleaned and inspected. All
equipment is removed from the home. Nothing is left except for fresh
air.
