Our Air Duct Cleaning Process Explained

Air duct cleaning and maintenance are two of the services that we consider as the foundation of a highly efficient HVAC system that any property can have. It requires a systematic approach to ensure that the cleaning process itself fulfills the objective of the service. This is the air duct cleaning process explained.

What happens during the Air Duct Cleaning Process?

The air duct cleaning process is a series of methods for the segmented or portioned parts of the entire HVAC system. It requires a very detailed and systematic approach because a faulty air duct cleaning process can, in fact, do more than harm. This is also the reason why regulatory groups and associations, such as National Air Duct Cleaning Association (NADCA) and North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA), are exerting considerable efforts to ensure that all processes implemented by every company performing the cleaning service are correct, safe, and complete.

There are four main components of the air duct cleaning process:

• Inspection
• Creation of Negative Pressure
• Agitation of Dust and Particulates
• Cleaning and Sanitation of the HVAC System

Inspection

The inspection involves the visual observation of the ducts, most importantly, those leading to both the return and supply registers. Inspection is the first and one of the most important steps in the air duct cleaning process because if something is missed during this step, it can compromise the entire activity. Inspection determines the level of buildup in the ducts where there is an accumulation of numerous particulates or contaminants, such as debris, dust, allergens that can cause allergies, even mold and mildew.

The inspection also allows the assessment of what method of sanitation can be used, which depends on the outcome of what is found in the ducts and the motor. Some stains and microorganism growth require special solutions to be removed properly and to inhibit the future formation of mold and mildew. There are companies that use only one lineup of sanitizers. However, we use safe yet potent and very effective cleaning and sanitizing agents through our services.

Visual inspection is typically aided by probes or cameras for those hard-to-reach areas to allow us to have a full overview of existing conditions and the extent of the required cleaning. Aside from the buildup, another important thing that can be identified during the inspection is the presence of cracks, leaks, or leak formation, which can provide insight into whether further repair is required.

Establish Negative Pressure

We typically use a large vacuum to suck particulates and other contaminants, such as dust and debris, from your HVAC system. However, it is not a plug-and-play process and requires a few but very critical steps.

1. The hose must be properly connected to the air duct near the air handler, which is also known as the heart of the entire HVAC system. Our professional technician creates an access hole, inserts the hose, and creates a seal to ensure that no air escapes and the negative pressure is secured.
2. All registers will be thoroughly sealed with a durable adhesive cover. As the vacuum has a very powerful suction capacity, any compromised registers will make the process completely ineffective when the method is not performed properly.
3. Once everything is sealed, secured, and inspected one more time before operation, the vacuum unit is then switched on. This process initiates the negative pressure, and the particulates in the HVAC system will be sucked into the collection unit.

Agitation of Dust, Debris, and Other Particulates

Depending on how long ago the previous air duct cleaning and inspection were done, the level of accumulated particulates or contaminants varies, with some that are already stuck within the ducts. This means agitation is required to allow them to get sucked by the vacuum unit.

As a NADCA-certified company that provides air duct cleaning San Antonio services, we thoroughly agitate each register and section to suck as many particulates and contaminants as possible. Our highly skilled technicians will ensure consistent suction power for effective one-way suction. This is what separates us from less experienced companies that will only do irregular and inefficient suction bursts, which are usually accompanied by a light disinfectant spray. This approach is not only ineffective but can also lead to the agitated dust going back into the system and rooms as well.

During the agitation process, the mold and mildew formation is disturbed and is passed through the vacuum system to prevent further progression of spore formation.

Moreover, this step requires premium-grade, professional tools that are not found in your usual household or even commercial properties because effective air duct cleaning needs professional-level tools handled by professional-level technicians.

Cleaning and Sanitation of HVAC System

The air duct cleaning process does not end with leaving the ducts spotless; it also involves cleaning the primary components of the system, which include the evaporator coil, blower motor, and drain pan. It is a common misconception that the moving parts are less prone to dust and debris accumulation. The blower motor can get as much accumulation as the air ducts because what passes in the ducts is circulated by the motor. A lot of fly-by-night companies miss this very critical aspect of air duct system cleaning, and for us The Duct Kings of San Antonio, this is one of the most important parts of the process. To have a good airflow system because we know that we should focus on the heart of the HVAC system.

This final step can also identify whether the HVAC system and its filter can benefit from thorough cleaning or if a full filter change is already required. As per NADCA recommendations, filters should be cleaned regularly and replaced depending on the manufacturer’s recommended frequency.

Bottomline

The air duct cleaning process requires extreme attention to detail, coupled with a passion to deliver the best service possible and the maximum benefits of duct cleaning for your home or business.

We at The Duct Kings of San Antonio are highly committed to providing you with only the most exceptional service when it comes to air duct cleaning, maintenance, and restoration. Our extensive years of professional experience, certifications, and commitment to consistent satisfaction-guaranteed services will give you confidence each and every time.