Most Common Air Duct Cleaning Methods

The air quality in a working environment can be immaculate one moment and then filled with pollutants the next. The HVAC system is responsible for filtering out many of these harmful substances, but when it becomes clogged or dirty from years worth of dirt build-up, it becomes an issue that needs addressing immediately. Unfortunately, most business owners don’t think about duct cleaning until they start having problems with their HVAC system. Even then, many people don’t know how to get their ducts appropriately cleaned. A few different processes can be used, but not all of them are effective. Here is a look at the most common air duct cleaning methods and what you need to know before choosing one.

Air Duct Cleaning Methods Explained

Source Removal Air Duct Cleaning

Source removal is the most well-known and considered by many professionals to be the best duct cleaning method for extracting contaminants from duct system components. This method consists of mechanical agitation to help loosen dirt and dust from the air duct system and extract the debris safely and efficiently. It is a thorough method that effectively removes all contaminants in the ducts and makes them compliant with TR19 industry standards.

 

Point of Contact Air Duct Cleaning

Point of contact duct cleaning is a newer method that is becoming more popular. It is less expensive than source removal duct cleaning, and it is better at removing contaminants from the ducts. This method uses a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuum to remove the ducts’ dirt, dust, and other debris. It is a simple process that can be completed in just a few hours. Advanced air duct cleaning technologies are developing quickly, but the point of contact method is one of the safest and most effective.

 

Truck Mounted Air Duct Cleaning

A hose is attached from the truck vacuum to the ventilation system. As the vacuum creates a negatively pressurised suction, an airline or rotary brush moves the loose debris into the ductwork to be collected. 

Truck-mounted vacuuming is no longer a preferred air duct cleaning method as it can draw debris and exhaust from the vehicle and circulate it back into the building’s atmosphere.

In today’s industry, professionals prefer cleaner, more efficient methods that do not introduce potential cross-contamination risks such as those posed by gas-powered or truck-based appliances.

 

Power Vacuum or Air Sweep

Power vacuum or air sweep duct cleaning is a common way to clear contaminants from HVAC systems. This method uses a powerful vacuum cleaner to extract dirt and debris from the ducts. It is a fast and efficient method that is used to clean away built-up grime in a careful way.

 

Steam Air Duct Cleaning

Steam air duct cleaning uses pressurised steam to clean the ducts and remove dirt or debris. The pressurised steam loosens the contaminants, which can be removed with a vacuum.

When it comes to your HVAC system, avoid using moisture-based cleaners or any other methods that involve steam cleaning. The introduction of water will damage components and make the machine less efficient than before; this includes electronic parts, which are crucial for proper operation!

 

High Static Pressure Air Duct Cleaning

This method works by using a high-pressure air stream to clean the ducts. It’s perfect for commercial applications, as it can clean even the most stubborn dirt and debris. And, because it uses pressurised air, it’s also a safe and efficient way to clean ducts.

High static pressure air duct cleaning is an excellent option for businesses that want to ensure their ducts are always clean and debris-free. It’s a highly reliable method to get the job done quickly and effectively. However, it can also put a lot of strain on equipment which can shorten its lifespan if not properly maintained.

 

Cryo-Blasting

Cryogenic, or dry ice, blasting is one of the newest duct cleaning methods on the market today. Dry ice-blasting uses dry ice pellets propelled by compressed air to remove dirt and debris from ducts. It is a quick and easy method to carry out but is more expensive than some of the other duct cleaning methods mentioned.

 

Combination Duct Cleaning Methods

Some duct cleaning companies use a combination of duct cleaning methods listed above to provide the best duct cleaning experience possible for their customers. For example, they may use truck-mounted duct cleaning to remove the bulk of the dust and debris, then use high-pressure air duct cleaning to remove any leftover dirt.

 

Conclusion

Several air duct cleaning methods are available, but not all are created equal. The best duct cleaning method will depend on the specific needs of your business and the type of contaminants that need to be removed. Whichever way you choose, make sure to consult with a professional duct cleaner to ensure the job is done properly.

 

Contact Us

Contact us today to learn more about our duct cleaning methods. We offer various options to meet your needs, and our experienced professional team will work diligently to ensure your requirements are met.