1. Inspection
We begin with a system inspection to determine if the job requires cleaning and/or servicing. Our inspection starts with removing a few vents to take photos and visually inspecting the boots and branch ducts. Next we cut a few access holes in the main trunk lines and duct plenums for further photography and inspection. The last step is to remove the panels on the air handling unit to inspect the interior and determine if the blower, A/C coil, and other components require cleaning. Once we have compiled photos from different points in the ductwork, we will present a quote.
2. Negative and Compressed Air Cleaning
Cleaning bigger systems with more main trunk lines and branch duct lines requires this cleaning method. We begin removing all supply and return vents. Each of the vents, boots, and immediate length of branch duct is vacuumed using a High-Efficiency Particulate Arrestance (HEPA) filtered vacuum in order to remove any heavy debris that has fallen into the vents. A 10 inch hole is cut in both the supply and return main trunk lines. These 10 in holes are the attachment locations for our “negative air” machine. A “negative air” machine is a giant vacuum which sucks all the air from the system in and filters out through HEPA filters. This prevents any dust and debris from making its way into the building as the cleaning takes place. After the holes are cut, the unit is blocked off using foam or cardboard to prevent any debris from making its way back into the air handling unit. Once all the vents/boots are vacuumed and the “negative air” machine has been attached to the trunk lines the compressed air whipping is ready to begin. This is accomplished by connecting hard plastic poles together, connecting them to the air compressor, and passing them through each vent in the structure. We use different air bits on the end to break apart and push the dust and debris through each branch duct into the main duct trunk lines. From there we continue the process in the main trunk lines, pushing any dust and debris into the “negative air” machine. After this process is applied to the supply and return duct work we then HEPA vacuum and air whip all parts of the air handling unit. If mold is found on the A/C coil during the initial inspection it is then addressed at this time. This is the last step in the cleaning process. A final, full inspection is done to ensure cleanliness.
3. Rotobrushing
The Rotobrush machine is a giant, long-hosed vacuum with a circular, rotating brush at the end. Similar to the “negative air” machine method method, we start by removing all the vents in the system and HEPA vacuuming all vents and boots. From there we use the Rotobrush machine. Since the vacuum creates the negative air pressure in the system, there is no need for the use of a “negative air” machine. We fit the end of the hose with the brush that has the same diameter as the duct we are cleaning. Once the brush is on, the vacuum is running, and the brush is spinning, we push the end into each branch ductwork. The brush removes any dust and debris on the duct walls which is then sucked into the vacuum hose on the end. This process is repeated for each branch duct in the system. Once they are all cleaned the air handler unit is HEPA vacuumed and coil is cleaned if necessary.
4. Sealing
A final, full inspection is done to ensure proper cleaning, as well as another round of ductwork photography. Afterwards, we employ custom plugs, tape, and heavy duty cover plates to seal any holes created in the ductwork during cleaning.
5. Customer Review
Finally, we present the customer with the photos of the completed work and inspection report. Any dissatisfaction is immediately addressed and remedied. The job is not complete until the customer signs off on the work with complete satisfaction.