Are there any health benefits that come from HVAC system cleaning?
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems have been shown to act as a collection source for a variety of contaminants that have the potential to affect health, such as mold, fungi, bacteria, and very small particles of dust. The removal of such contaminants from the HVAC system and home should be considered as one component in an overall plan to improve indoor air quality. Return to Questions List
Will HVAC system cleaning reduce our home energy bills? Research by the U.S. EPA has demonstrated that HVAC system cleaning may allow systems to run more efficiently by removing debris from sensitive mechanical components. Clean, efficient systems are less likely to break down, have a longer life span, and generally operate more effectively than dirty systems. Return to Questions List
How should a residential HVAC system be cleaned? The most effective way to clean air ducts and ventilation systems is to employ Source Removal methods of cleaning. This requires a contractor to place the system under negative pressure, through the use of a specialized, powerful vacuum. While the vacuum draws air through the system, devices are inserted into the ducts to dislodge any debris that might be stuck to interior surfaces. The debris can then travel down the ducts to the vacuum, which removes it from the system and the home. Return to Questions List
What exactly is Source Removal Duct Cleaning? Cleaning the air conveyance system using AIRE SWEEP compressed air tools and mechanical agitation devices to dislodge dirt and other contaminants from the ductwork and other HVAC components, and a powerful HEPA-AIRE, HEPA-filtered vacuum/collection system to pull these contaminants out of the duct system and capture them. Return to Questions List
How often should residential HVAC systems be cleaned?
Frequency of cleaning depends on several factors, not the least of which is the preference of the home owner. A good rule of thumb that Merritt Air recommends is every 2-4 years. Some of the things that may lead a home owner to consider more frequent cleaning include:
• Smokers in the household.
• Pets that shed high amounts of hair and dander.
• Water contamination or damage to the home or HVAC system.
• Residents with allergies or asthma who might benefit from a reduction in the amount of indoor air pollutants in the home’s HVAC system.
• After home renovations or remodeling.
• Prior to occupancy of a new home.
Why should I choose a NADCA member to have my air ducts cleaned? NADCA Members have signed a Code of Ethics stating they will do everything possible to protect the consumer, and follow NADCA Standards for cleaning to the best of their ability. Air duct cleaning companies must meet stringent requirements to become a NADCA Member. Among those requirements, all NADCA members must have certified Air System Cleaning Specialists (ASCS) on staff, who have taken and passed the NADCA Certification Examination. Passing the exam demonstrates extensive knowledge in HVAC design and cleaning methodologies. ASCS's are also required to further their industry education by attending seminars in order to maintain their NADCA certification status. Return to Questions List
Why does Merritt Air prefer Honeywell IAQ products
The brand consumers know and trust since 1885
Known for Quality and Innovation
Manufacturing Excellence
#1 choice for Thermostats, Zoning, and Indoor Air Quality solutions
Honeywell meets the standards of the American Lung Association.
The American Lung Association Health House Program combines health and energy efficiency into building guidelines and performance standards for homes.
Honeywell offers Temperature, Zoning, and Indoor Air Quality solutions that meet American Lung Association Health House guidelines.
Collaborates with the American Lung Association to raise Indoor Air Quality awareness.
What does a conventional HVAC duct system consist of?
A conventional HVAC duct system consists of a supply system of ducts to carry heated or cooled air from the furnace/air conditioner (air handler) to various parts of the home or building, and a return duct system to bring fresh air back to the air handler to be heated or cooled again. The supply network consists of a main duct which carries air to smaller branch runs which carry air to the desired locations. The return network works in reverse. Return to Questions List
What are the typical steps involved in a performing a thorough air duct cleaning?
All supply and return grills are removed and completely cleaned.
The supply and return networks are "zoned," or separated, so they can be cleaned separately.
This is typically done by removing the furnace filter, inserting it into a plastic bag, and reinserting it into the furnace.
An access hole is cut into the supply plenum and the flex duct from the HEPA-AIRE vacuum inlet is connected to the plenum with a quick-connect attachment collar. The powerful vacuum creates high velocity air movement within the supply ductwork to transport loosened dirt and contaminants out of the ductwork and into the vacuum's filtration/collection system.
Each branch is cleaned separately usually starting with the branch farthest from the vacuum. The register and boot areas are blasted with compressed air from the AIRE-SWEEP compressor using the special air booster gun to push any dirt or debris into the branch run.
The branches are then cleaned by feeding the forward AIRE-SWEEP assembly down each branch run to push dirt and debris forward into the main run. The branches can also be cleaned using the reverse AIRE-SWEEP if access to the branch duct is available at the main supply duct.
Agitation devices such as the AIRE-SWEEP Power Brush or Duct Whip are also used to dislodge caked on debris from inside duct surfaces
The main run is then cleaned using the agitation devices and the reverse AIRE-SWEEP® assembly to dislodge debris accumulated on duct surfaces. The loosened debris is pulled backward toward the HEPA-AIRE portable power vacuum and captured in its multi-stage filtration/collection system. The 1" access holes need to be cut only every 25 feet.
Once the supply side of the system has been completely cleaned, the return duct system is cleaned using the same methods.
The indoor coil, motor and blower, and blower compartment are cleaned.
Once the entire cleaning process is completed, all access holes are completely closed with the efficient caplugs and other NADCA approved methods.
Call or e-mail us to receive more information or to schedule your air duct cleaning today and ask about having your dryer vents cleaned for a special price when we clean your air ducts.
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How visible are common indoor air particulates?
Common indoor air particulates include dirt, dust, fibers, tobacco smoke particles and fireplace or wood stove soot. Airborne particles can range from 0.1 microns in size to 100 microns in size; however, studies have shown that more than 99% of the particles suspended in air are ultra-fine, one micron (1/1,000,000 of a meter) or smaller. To put this size in perspective, the width of a human hair is about 50 to 200 microns. Most of us can’t see particles smaller than 10 microns. These particles can remain airborne for very long periods of time, unlike larger particles that tend to settle on surfaces.
