HVAC System Cleanliness Inspection
HVAC remediation projects often begin with a comprehensive inspection of the existing
conditions. This inspection generally requires multiple fields of knowledge. DUCTZ
professionals undergo continuous training and obtain emerging, nationally recognized
certifications in numerous disciplines. However, when the situation calls for additional
fields of expertise with specific credentials outside of our own expertise, we call
upon our established critical relationships with Certified Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
laboratories, industrial hygienists, IAQ engineers, architects, system designers,
mechanical contractors, test and balance firms and restoration companies to build
IAQ solutions for your specific needs. Over the years our customers have repeatedly
told us that single source solutions are what they want. DUCTZ professionals understand
that your time is valuable and are here to help you save time in managing the expertise
and resources you need.
DUCTZ professionals are an indispensable source of knowledge about HVAC restoration
and IAQ; we serve customers nationwide, everyday, in commercial and residential
markets. DUCTZ professionals are part of a skilled work force that offers intelligent,
investigative and affordable solutions.
DUCTZ professionals are certified, qualified and trained to offer comprehensive
inspections and build the right team and the right solutions to fit your HVAC restoration
project and IAQ needs.
How to Determine if the Duct Cleaner did a Thorough Job
A thorough visual inspection is the best way to verify the cleanliness of your heating
and cooling system. Digital photography is another way to document conditions inside
ducts. All portions of the system should be visibly clean; you should not be able
to detect any debris with the naked eye. Review the Post-Cleaning Consumer Checklist
with your DUCTZ professional before the work begins. After completing the job, ask
the DUCTZ professional to show you each component of your system to verify that
the job was performed satisfactorily or pictorial documentation of their Quality
Assurance Protocol.
If you answer "No" to any of the questions on the checklist, this may indicate an
incomplete job or a service you have not requested. Ask your DUCTZ professional
to correct any deficiencies until you can answer "yes" to all the questions on the
checklist.
This checklist has been provided by:
EPA-402-K-97-002,
October 1997
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Consumer Post-Cleaning Checklist
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Yes
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No
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General
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Did the service provider obtain access to and clean the entire heating and cooling
system, including ductwork and all components (drain pans, humidifiers, coils, and
fans)?
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Has the service provider adequately demonstrated that duct work and plenums are
clean? (Plenum is a space in which supply or return air is mixed or moves; can be
duct, joist space, attic and crawl spaces, or wall cavity.)
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Heating
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Is the heat exchanger surface visibly clean?
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Cooling
Components
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Are both sides of the cooling coil visibly clean?
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If you point a flashlight into the cooling coil, does light shine through the other
side? It should if the coil is clean.
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Are the coil fins straight and evenly spaced (as opposed to being bent over and
smashed together)?
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Is the coil drain pan completely clean and draining properly?
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Blower
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Are the blower blades clean and free of oil and debris?
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Is the blower compartment free of visible dust or debris?
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Plenums
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Is the return air plenum free of visible dust or debris?
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Do filters fit properly and are they the proper efficiency as recommended by HVAC
system manufacturer?
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Is the supply air plenum (directly downstream of the air handling unit) free of
moisture stains and contaminants?
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Metal Ducts
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Are interior ductwork surfaces free of visible debris? (Select several sites at
random in both the return and supply sides of the system.)
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Fiber Glass
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Is all fiber glass material in good condition (i.e., free of tears and abrasions;
well adhered to underlying materials)?
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Access
Doors
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Are newly installed access doors in sheet metal ducts attached with more than just
duct tape (e.g., screws, rivets, mastic, etc.)?
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With the system running, is air leakage through access doors or covers very slight
or non-existent?
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Air Vents
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Have all registers, grilles, and diffusers been firmly reattached to the walls,
floors, and/or ceilings?
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Are the registers, grilles, and diffusers visibly clean?
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System
Operation
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Does the system function properly in both the heating and cooling modes after cleaning?
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This checklist is taken from:
Indoor Environments Division (6607J)
Office of Air and Radiation (OAR)
EPA-402-K-97-002,
October 1997
"Should You Have
the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned?"