Things to Know About the HVAC Cleaning Process
1. You have to clean the entire HVAC system.
If you only clean part of the system, the contaminants in the other parts are just going to end up in the areas you cleaned. The only way to make a difference is to clean the entire system at once. The parts that need to be cleaned are:
2. Contaminants must be broken loose, first.
The contaminants need to be loosened from the inside surfaces of the system before the system can be cleaned. To do this, technicians use brushes, air whips, and compressed air to knock it all loose.
3. The contaminants have to be collected.
During the cleaning process, the HVAC system will have a constant vacuum used, in order to prevent all the loosened contaminants from being spread throughout the house. This vacuum removes both small, airborne particles and also the larger contaminants that were loosened.
4. Small access holes may need to be cut in your ductwork.
In order to clean certain areas of your HVAC system, small access holes may need to be cut. The holes should be neat and relatively small, and then the holes should be resealed by the HVAC professional.
5. You should hire a professional HVAC technician to clean your system.
Not only are HVAC professionals some of the most likely people to possess the required equipment, but they are able to safely and efficiently clean your HVAC system.
6. You should clean around the system and registers before the technician arrives.
Most HVAC companies charge by the hour, and if they can’t easily get to the HVAC system and the registers, it is going to add quite a bit of time onto your cleaning. In order to prepare your home for the cleaning, and to make the job easier on the technician, you should clean around these areas before the technician arrives. After that, you should just stay out of their way and let them handle the rest.
7. Your HVAC system should be cleaned every couple of years.
The length of time that is acceptable between cleanings depends on those in the household. If someone has severe allergies, the HVAC system should be cleaned every year or two. You could wait longer (up to 5 years, depending on how diligently you work to keep the system clean) if no one in the home suffers from allergies or other lung issues.
8. There are ways you can improve the cleanliness of our system between cleanings.
- Have your furnace serviced regularly
This allows your furnace to work more efficiently and keep your air cleaner.
- Change the filter in your unit
By changing the filter, you will be allowing your system to properly filter the air instead of releasing the bacteria and debris back into the air.
- Keeping your home clean, especially in the high traffic areas
This prevents dust and other debris from ever entering the system, to begin with.
- Keeping contaminants away from air intakes and the furnace itself
One contaminant that should be kept away from these areas is kitty litter. By keeping it close to the air intakes or the furnace, the fumes and chemicals are being sucked into the system.
9. There are signs you can look for to know if you need a cleaning.
- Increase in your energy bill
- Rodent or insect infestation
- Dirt or dust around vents
- A respiratory illness that cannot be explained
- Mold
- Dirty air filters and air return grills
Final Thoughts on Things to Know About the HVAC Cleaning Process
Dirty HVAC systems are one of the biggest causes of respiratory issues including asthma and allergies, coughing, and headaches. While most people do notice, you may not always notice the symptoms. That doesn’t mean they aren’t affecting your health. Because of this, you should have your HVAC system cleaned in order to protect your health and the health of your family members. By knowing what to expect from the HVAC cleaning process, you will be more prepared when the process beings.
