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
| Consumer Post-Cleaning Checklist |
Yes |
No |
|
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?"