FREE INTRODUCTORY VIDEO:


ON DEMAND VIDEO TRAINING

Our new online training courses will guide you in your duct cleaning adventure! We have residential and commercial cleaning lessons for you to learn the inside secrets to duct cleaning and service.

COMMERCIAL TRAINING

Video 2: Commercial Air Systems

This video will discuss the different types of air systems commonly found in commercial properties.

• What are Commercial Air Systems?
• Heat Exchange 101
• Packaged Air Systems
• Split Air Systems
• Make-Up Air Systems
• Evaporative Coolers

Video 3: Commercial Ductwork

This video will discuss the different types of air ducts commonly found in commercial systems.

• Aluminum Ducts
• Mylar Ducts
• Steel Ducts
• Stilted Ducts
• Insulated Ducts
• Ductboard Ducts

Video 4: Commercial System Components

This video will discuss the different types of components you will find in commercial systems.

• Variable Air Volume Boxes
• Dampers
• Grilles
• Vents
• Registers
• Non-Removeable Vents and Grilles
• Diffusers

Video 5: Tools and Materials

This video will discuss the variety of tools and materials you will need to clean commercial ducts properly.

• Drills
• Shears
• Sheet Metal Patches
• Duct Sealant
• Correct Tape for Sealing Ducts
• Self-Tapping Screws
• Access Doors

Video 6: Access Holes

This video will discuss access holes. You will need to cut holes in commercial ducts to adequately clean them. This video gives you information on how and where to place access holes.

• Why access holes
• Accessing and Patching Metal Ducts
• Accessing and Patching Insulated Ducts
• Accessing and Duct Board Ducts
• Accessing Exterior Ducts
• Where to Place Access Holes
• Tips and Tricks

Video 7: Blueprints

This video will discuss the important topic of blueprints. You will most likely need to read blueprints to effectively clean a commercial duct and we go over the important items you need to know.

• What are Blueprints?
• The Scope of Work
• Index Sheet
• Page Notes
• Blueprint Legends
• Blueprint Symbols
• Scale Rulers
• Highlighted Blueprints
• Using Blueprints to Plan Cleaning Strategy

Video 8: Cleaning a Commercial Package System

This video will demonstrate, start to finish, how to clean a typical commercial system based on our experiences.

• Planning the Job
• Preparation
• Walk-In Air Handlers
• Open Plenums
• Work Hours Based on Client Schedule
• Cleaning Steps
• Lock Out/Tag Out Safety
• Strategic Cleaning
• Tips and Suggestions

Video 9: Cleaning a Commercial Split System

This video will demonstrate, start to finish, how to clean a typical commercial split system based on our experiences.

• Using Blueprints
• Blueprint terms
• Preparation
• Steps in Cleaning
• Outside Air Vents

Video 10: Commercial Dryers and Exhaust

This video will talks about the topic of commercial dryers (laundry cleaners, etc.) and exhaust systems.

• Businesses that Use Exhaust Systems
• Cleaning a Laundry Exhaust
• Cleaning a Hotel Laundry Exhaust
• Cleaning Bathroom Exhausts
• Exhaust Cleaning Tips

Video 11: The Business of Commercial Cleaning

This video will talks about the business of commercial cleaning.

• Who are Your Customers?
• Setting Your Shop Rate
• Subcontracting Opportunities
• Estimating Commercial Jobs
• Estimating Examples
• Terms and Conditions
• Walk-Thru Inspections
• Writing Quotes

RESIDENTIAL TRAINING

Residential Service Training
NOW AVAILABLE!

This video covers basic residential training.

• Starting the Job
• Upselling Products
• Pre-service Checklist
• Preparing for Cleaning
• Cleaning Grilles and Vents
• Negative Air Cleaning
• Contact Cleaning
• Dryer Duct Cleaning
• Air Handler
• Fogging, and More!

Video 01: The Business of Residential Duct Cleaning

• Market Research
• Target Marketing
• Business Structure, Permits, Licenses
• Marketing Ideas
• Pricing Your Service
• Menu Pricing
• Package Pricing
• Per-Opening Pricing
• Presentation Books
• And more…

Video 02: Residential Air Systems

• How Residential Air Systems Work
• Residential Package Systems
• Residential Split Systems
• Residential Air Ducts
• Residential Grilles and Registers

Video 03: Contact Cleaning Vs. Negative Air Cleaning

• How Negative Air Cleaning Works
• How Contact Cleaning Works
• Water Gauge (Suction)
• Cubic Feet Per Minute (CFM)

Video 04: The TurboJet Family

• The TurboJet Max
• The TurboJet Max II
• The TurboJet SuperMax
• What Are the Differences?
• TurboJet Parts
• Filters
• Accessories
• Control Panel
• Set-Up and Testing

Video 05: The DuctMaster

• DuctMaster Parts
• Set-Up and Testing
• Control Panel
• Installing the Filters
• Electrical Set-Up
• How the DuctMaster Works

Video 06: The TruckMaster

• The TruckMaster and Carpet Cleaning Equipment
• Seting-Up the TruckMaster
• The Dust Damper
• Remote Control
• Operating the TruckMaster
• The Control Panel

Video 07: The VentVac 4×4

• VentVac Control Panel
• Power Settings
• Set-Up and Testing
• Filters
• Dryer Vent Cleaning Kit
•Cleaning a Dryer Vent

Video 08: The Cobra VI

• Using with the TurboJets
• Control Panel
• Set-Up and Testing
• Remote Control

What is Indoor Air Quality?

A healthy indoor environment is one where the surroundings contribute to productivity, comfort, and a sense of health and well-being. Good indoor air quality includes:

  1. Introduction and distribution of adequate ventilation air.
  2. Control of airborne contaminants.
  3. Maintenance of acceptable temperature and relative humidity.

Poor indoor air quality can cause problems and have serious consequences, such as:

  • Increased health issues, including coughs, eye irritation, headaches, and allergic reactions.
  • Reduced productivity due to discomfort, stress, and increased absenteeism.
  • Accelerated deterioration of furnishings and equipment.
  • Strained relations between employees and employers or household inhabitants.

Why Should I Be Concerned with Indoor Air Quality?

For many years, health authorities and governmental agencies have raised awareness about the dangers of outdoor air pollution, focusing efforts on reducing pollutants from automobiles, factories, construction, and mining. Over the past two decades, scientists have carefully examined indoor air environments in offices, factories, and homes, finding them to be even more hazardous to our health than outdoor air.

Indoor air contaminants can originate within a building or be drawn in from outdoors. Particulate matter can come from distant sources like desert sands and volcanic eruptions, or nearby sources such as pollinating trees, industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, cleaning chemicals, and pesticides. If these contaminant sources are not controlled, IAQ problems can arise. Statistics show that 1 in 5 Americans (50 million) suffer from allergies caused by substances found in homes and offices. Deaths related to asthma have risen 40% in the past two decades.

How Your Office Can Make You Sick!

When clustered together in a poorly ventilated area, office machines, furnishings, and even the seemingly innocent supplies in your desk drawer can emit a combination of pollutants strong enough to cause headaches, watery eyes, and itchy throats. Here are some prime office offenders and their possible effects:

  • Copying machines and electrical equipment
  • Cleaning supplies such as floor wax, carpet deodorizers, and air fresheners
  • Cigarette smoke, new carpeting, furnishings, insulation, and window coverings
  • Poorly maintained heating and cooling systems
  • Microbes such as mold and fungi

Prolonged exposure to dirty air can cause workers to suffer from skin irritations, respiratory problems, and other chronic ailments. Radon or asbestos entering through cracked foundations or broken ceiling tiles can lead to cancer and other life-threatening diseases. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that people living in modern buildings experience respiratory infections 45% more often than those in older structures.

What is the Air Duct Cleaning Process

For Professionals Contractors Only.

The following air duct cleaning steps are for a full service air duct cleaning. The process of air duct cleaning involves four steps:

1) Clean the furnace/air conditioner.
After testing the system for proper operation, we will disconnect the power before opening the unit for safety. Next, vacuum the interior surfaces of the Furnace/Air Conditioner. Then clean the cooling coils with a HEPA vacuum and a coil cleaner, and clean the blower unit.

Air-Care service tech cleaning home air system

2) Clean the supply and return registers and grills.
Remove wall, ceiling and floor registers. Then wash register with Dynamite cleaner and rinse.

3) Clean the supply and return ducts.
Clean all air ducts using powerful air duct cleaning equipment. Decontaminate cleaned ducts with Soot Set duct sealant, and Odor Kill Deodorizer.

4) Install electrostatic air filter and odor control products.
Install Solid Odor Kill in the return to control odors for up to 3 months.

Is My Building Making Me Sick?

Determining the extent of sick-building syndrome and the degree to which offices are affected can be challenging. Doctors have not yet established the concentration of office pollutants necessary to cause illness or exactly how these pollutants lead to sickness. Symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, nausea, malaise, sneezing, wheezing, and rashes may be triggered by chemicals in cleaning supplies, insecticides, or even high concentrations of molds and bacteria caused by standing water. However, these symptoms could also simply indicate the flu, allergies, or depression.

Often, the affected individuals make the connection between workplace illnesses themselves, after a gradual accumulation of evidence and medical expenses. Once workers identify a possible link, it may take several months of persistent complaints before administrators acknowledge that there might indeed be a problem. Many workers worry about being labeled as troublemakers for advocating for clean air and feel that company management might dismiss their concerns as mere hysteria.

To minimize the risk of sick-building syndrome, it’s essential to implement proper ventilation, regularly maintain HVAC systems, and use air purifiers or filters to reduce indoor air pollutants. Additionally, incorporating green or low-emission building materials and furniture can help improve indoor air quality. Encouraging employees to take breaks outside can also help alleviate symptoms by providing exposure to fresh air. Employers should foster an open and supportive environment where workers feel comfortable discussing their concerns about indoor air quality and addressing potential issues proactively, ensuring a healthier and more productive workplace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Should Air Ducts Be Cleaned?

Studies have shown that indoor air can be 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air. In fact, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) states that indoor air pollution is one of the top five environmental risks to public health. Most disposable filters remove only about 10% of these pollutants, allowing the remaining 90% to enter the air system, even during the construction of a new home. Pollutants include dust, pollen, mold spores, animal dander, and more. These materials accumulate in the furnace, air conditioner, and duct surfaces, just as they do on furniture and floor surfaces.

Poor indoor air quality can lead to Sick Building Syndrome (SBS), which can cause various health issues and discomfort for building occupants. According to the American Lung Association, poor indoor air quality can contribute to the development of infections, lung cancer, and chronic lung diseases such as asthma. While furniture and floors are cleaned regularly, duct surfaces are hidden from view and can only be accessed with specialized duct cleaning equipment.

Proper maintenance of the HVAC system, including regular cleaning and changing of filters, can significantly improve indoor air quality and energy efficiency. Utilizing air purifiers with HEPA filters, UV lights, or activated carbon filters can further reduce indoor air pollutants and improve the overall air quality in a space. Regularly opening windows and doors to allow fresh air circulation can also help maintain a healthier indoor environment.

These pollutants can re-enter the room or serve as a food source for mold and bacteria, which can thrive in this dark, comfortable environment created by high humidity or moisture from the air conditioner or humidifiers. Biological growth can release mold spores or toxins into the air system, further exacerbating indoor air quality issues.

How Can Mold Grow in a Duct System and What Problems Can It Cause?

Mold spores require a stable temperature, a food source, and moisture to survive and reproduce. Dust and dirt that pass through the filter serve as a suitable food source. The furnace and air conditioner system is designed to maintain a comfortable temperature, while moisture is available from humid conditions in the environment, the humidifier in the furnace, or the cooling coils in an air conditioner.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), occupants of damp or moldy buildings have up to a 75% greater risk of respiratory symptoms and asthma. In addition to triggering allergies and asthma, poor indoor air quality can also cause other respiratory issues, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Prolonged exposure to mold can lead to more severe health issues like hypersensitivity pneumonitis, an inflammation of the lungs.

Live molds can release spores that trigger allergic or asthmatic reactions, sometimes severe, in approximately 10% of the population. Both living and dead mold can produce toxins that may cause short-term allergic reactions. Prolonged exposure to low levels of some mold toxins can result in permanent chemical sensitivity to common compounds found in the environment.

Children, elderly individuals, and those with compromised immune systems are at a higher risk of developing health issues related to poor indoor air quality and mold exposure. Regular inspection and maintenance of HVAC systems, including duct cleaning and filter replacement, can help prevent mold growth and improve indoor air quality. Proper ventilation and moisture control are essential for preventing mold growth and maintaining healthy indoor air quality.

What are the Sources of Air Duct Contamination?

All indoor air was once outdoor air, meaning that dust, chemicals, pollen, insects, and mold spores from the outside can be drawn into the air system. People continuously shed millions of tiny dead skin cells, while cooking smoke, household insect sprays, and personal care products contribute to indoor pollutants. Many construction materials, carpets, wood products, and plastics also emit pollutants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can cause adverse health effects.

During construction or remodeling activities, various types of dust are generated, which can find their way into the ductwork. If duct components were stored outside before installation, they may have accumulated dust, rainwater, or even mold. Furthermore, outdoor air pollution from sources like vehicle emissions and industrial activities can also infiltrate indoor spaces, especially in urban areas. To maintain healthy indoor air quality, it is essential to use proper ventilation systems, air purifiers, and regular maintenance of HVAC systems. Ensuring proper storage and handling of duct materials during construction and implementing effective air filtration methods can significantly improve the quality and safety of indoor air.

How Often Should I have My Air Ducts Cleaned?

Once an air system is thoroughly cleaned, it should remain clean for 3 to 7 years if properly maintained and a high arrestance filter, such as a HEPA filter, is installed. A standard disposable filter only stops about 10% of the airborne contaminants, allowing 90% of the dust in the room to flow back into the air system. To maintain protection against biological growth, an EPA-registered biocide should be applied every 6 to 12 months by a qualified duct cleaning professional.

In addition to using high-quality filters and biocides, regularly inspecting and maintaining HVAC systems can prolong their efficiency and lifespan. Sealing ductwork can help prevent air leaks, leading to better energy efficiency and improved air quality. It’s also important to ensure that the HVAC system is properly sized for the building, as an improperly sized system can lead to inadequate ventilation, humidity issues, and increased energy consumption.

Keeping indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50% can help prevent mold growth and maintain a comfortable environment. Using exhaust fans in areas with high moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens, can also contribute to improved indoor air quality. By combining these practices with regular professional duct cleaning, you can help ensure a healthier and cleaner indoor environment.

Will a Dirty Air System Result in Higher Energy Costs?

Depending on the amount of contamination and its location, energy consumption could be increased. If the fan blades, evaporator coil or other control components of the system are heavily contaminated, the system may have to run much longer to cool or heat the occupied space, wasting a lot of energy.

What Does It Cost to Have a Whole Air System Cleaned?

This can depend on a lot of factors, such as the size of the home, the number of supply ducts, how long since the ducts were cleaned, etc. The whole system should be cleaned and a more efficient filter installed to keep the system clean longer. A competent duct cleaning company would not be able to do this for less than $200 for a small home or $800 for a large home.

How Should the Air System be Cleaned?

Air system cleaning is a simple four step process. To view the details of this process, please view our duct cleaning procedures page.

Which Parts of the Air System Should be Cleaned?

There are 3 major parts to an air system:

    1. The supply and return grills;
    2. The interior surfaces of the supply and return vents; and
    3. The furnace/air conditioner air handler.

All 3 components must be cleaned. If only one or two of the components are cleaned, the contaminates from the 3rd component will rapidly contaminate the ones that were cleaned.

How To...

How to install our Solar Screens.

How to install our UVC Air Purification lights.

How to clean your electrostatic air filter.

How to install our Kool-Wrap filter.

How to install our UVC Air Purification lights.