Save Money and Improve Air Quality with HVAC Cleaning
(ARA) – Whether in a home or in a commercial building, the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is crucial to ensure a comfortable temperature, fresh airflow, and an overall healthy indoor environment. But over time, these systems can get dirty or damaged, reducing indoor air quality and efficiency, hitting your health and energy bill hard.
Some people believe air distribution systems do not get dirty, but thousands of buildings throughout the world suffer from significant ventilation issues including particle accumulation, insulation deterioration and mold growth. They mistakenly think that ventilation systems are pristine when installed, or believe filtration will stop everything. Some believe that it is less expensive to replace an HVAC component rather than keeping it clean and properly maintained. Others mistakenly believe that you just can’t clean ductwork. Here are some of the issues you need to know about:
Filtration Issues
HVAC systems become contaminated in a variety of ways. Improper filtration is a major factor. Low-efficiency filters, lack of a filter replacement program, and improperly sized filters can all allow particles and debris to flow into a home or building. The age of the system is also a factor. Filters may keep large particles from entering a system, but small particles will accumulate over months and years of service.
Duct Work Contamination
One of the most underreported problems in HVAC system maintenance is the deterioration of the insulation duct liner. It is estimated that more than 90 percent of HVAC systems installed over 10 years will have some level of insulation deterioration. Over time, the insulation fibers are distributed and blown into occupied spaces every time the blower turns on. Fibers from fiberglass insulation can become an eye, nose and throat irritant for some people.
Debris also enters HVAC systems during the installation process. When ductwork sits waiting in a construction yard prior to installation, it gets filled with dirt, debris, and rainwater. During many projects, newly installed ductwork may be dirtier than already existing ductwork. Many engineers are finally recognizing this issue and requiring contractors to seal the ductwork during transport and before installation.
Dirty Evaporator Coil
Over time, evaporator coils become matted with dust and dirt, which insulates the coil and significantly reduces the system’s ability to cool the air. This system will work longer and harder to keep a conditioned space cool, which very quickly leads to sharp increases in energy costs.
Cleaning your HVAC system will improve indoor air quality, air flow, efficiency and thermal comfort. Because your system is more efficient, energy costs also go down. Coil cleaning alone has been shown in multiple studies to increase air flow and increase efficiency of an entire system by up to 30 percent.
Indoor air quality is another major reason that HVAC systems are cleaned. A dirty evaporator coil has the potential to cause the largest amount of mold in the system. The combination of condensation and dirt buildup on a coil creates an ideal breeding ground for mold, which can get into the air and cause health problems.
So what is involved in cleaning an HVAC system? A proper cleaning includes the elimination of all visible debris and particles from all components of a ventilation system. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) has published an internationally recognized standard that specifies requirements for proper cleaning. NADCA is a widely recognized nonprofit trade organization representing certified contractors worldwide that sets standards and provides certification and training for the industry.
What about the effectiveness of cleaning insulated ductwork? In many cases, after cleaning, insulated ductwork can be treated with coating products specifically designed to "lock-down" deteriorated fibers and provide a new surface and extended life. Many of these coating products contain anti-microbial additives, which help to inhibit future mold growth. When insulation is beyond repair, fiberglass insulation can be replaced with a closed cell insulation product.
The best way to determine the need for cleaning any air-conveyance system is to perform a visual inspection. Many NADCA contractors have the capability and equipment to provide this inspection. For more information about HVAC cleaning and to find a certified and knowledgeable contractor, visit www.NADCA.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
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