Air Duct Cleaning

Why should I have my air ducts cleaned?

According to the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) standards, the removal of contaminants such as the collection of fungi, bacteria, and other small dust particles created inside your HVAC system is one step in improving your overall indoor air quality.

The gradual buildup of dust, dirt, hair or worse can't be prevented or cleaned on a weekly basis as if it were furniture. In addition to your day to day creation of dust particles, your ductwork can be a breeding ground for various mildew and bacteria that can lead to problems for those with asthma or severe allergies.

Does air duct cleaning affect the energy efficiency of my HVAC equipment?

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.

Why should Detmer & Sons' NADCA certification be important to you?

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.

How does the air duct cleaning process work?

The key components of our system are the Giant Power Vacuum truck, a truck-mounted compressor, and our custom-made air-driven and mechanical cleaning tools. This system enables our lead technicians, each of whom is certified as an Air System Cleaning Specialist by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), to reach and thoroughly clean the entire duct system.

First, we cover all registers and cut an eight-inch diameter hole where the furnace meets the supply-side ductwork. Then we connect the truck's eight-inch vacuum hose to the supply ductwork to put the system under suction. We then go to each register and blow in compressed air at 200 psi to push dust and debris into a main duct so the vacuum hose can remove it. Next, we drill one-inch access holes at strategic points in the air ducts. Long lengths of air hose with special 360° high-velocity cleaning heads are connected to the compressor and snaked through the entire duct system using the drilled access holes. This helps dislodge foreign material so it can be pulled out to the power vacuum truck. We then brush and whip the main ducts to dislodge and vacuum out the last remnants of dust and other material. Then, we repeat the entire process on the return-side ductwork. Lastly, we air-wash and vacuum clean the blower, blower compartment, and air conditioning coil of the HVAC system.

As a last step, we remove all hoses and equipment from the work site, thoroughly clean up any dust or debris that the cleaning may have caused, and invite the customer to do a final inspection before we depart.

How often should I have my air ducts cleaned?

We suggest that our customers clean their air ducts every 3-5 years. Factors such as pets, construction, young children and the elderly are reasons why you should consider having them cleaned closer to the 3 or 4 year time period.

How can I be sure the job was complete correctly?

Our technicians adhere to strict NADCA guidelines. We use a NADCA created checklist to insure we have provided our customers with the best possible in the business.