Ductworks Awarded NADCA 2009 Outstanding Safety Award

(Washington, D.C.) NADCA – The HVAC Inspection, Maintenance and Restoration Association has named Ductworks, Inc. as a recipient of the 2009 Outstanding Safety Award.  Winners of the Outstanding Safety Award have maintained workplaces with little or no instances of employee injuries for three or more consecutive years.

Matt Mongiello, co-chair of NADCA’s Education & Safety Committee, said, “The success of a company depends not only on production and sales, but also how safely each job is performed. There is no job so important – nor any service so urgent – that we cannot make time to work safely.

“Establishment of a safe environment is the shared responsibility between a contractor and its employees at all levels of an organization. Achieving the goal of accident prevention and health preservation is an admirable feat and shows the commitment of a company dedicated to excellence,” added Mongiello, of Interior Maintenance Company in Lansdowne, Pa.

The requirements for NADCA’s Safety Awards are based on standards from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). In order to complete the Safety Awards Application, a company must maintain an OSHA #300A Log in accordance with record keeping requirements under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970.

The National Air Duct Cleaners Association created the NADCA Safety Awards Program to recognize those companies that have sustained superior employee safety and health program results. The NADCA Safety Awards Program is offered every year.

About Ductworks, Your Air Duct Cleaning Expert

Ductworks, Inc. “Your Air Duct Cleaning Expert” is a Denver-based company founded in 1990 to improve indoor air quality for homes and businesses. Their patented system of scraping and vacuuming is the most effective process for air duct cleaning. They have more technicians certified by the NADCA than any company in Colorado and provide customers with before and after photos to insure top quality performance.

Air duct cleaning services have been available since the 1900’s.  Over the years there have been numerous changes in technologies and industry standards. Before agreeing to clean your air ducts, you should learn about the different air duct cleaning methods.

Source Removal

Source removal is the recommended air duct cleaning method.  Source Removal, is the mechanical cleaning of system components to remove dirt and debris.  Dust and other particle debris tend to stick or statically cling to the interior of air ducts.  Source removal requires two key elements:

Mechanical agitation:

which loosens the debris from the walls of the air ducts and HVAC components.

Extraction:

which safely removes the debris from the HVAC system to levels that are acceptable to industry standard.

Air Duct Cleaning Methods

Steam Air Duct Cleaning:

Steam Air Duct Cleaning methods utilize a wand that delivers a high temperature & high pressure steam to agitate the debris from the walls of the air ducts as the air ducts are drawn into negative pressure by a vacuum.

Steam cleaning and other methods involving moisture should not be used on any kind of duct work.  Modern HVAC components are highly dependent on electronic components to make them efficient; the introduction of moisture will damage system components.

Truck Mounted Vacuum Cleaning:

Truck mounted vacuum methods utilize a vacuum that is powered through the PTO shaft of an operating vehicle.  Truck mounted vacuum cleaning technology is based on the volume of air being drawn.  The truck mounted vacuum draws a volume of air typically ranging between 10,000 to 15,000 cubic feet of air per minute.  A vacuum hose is attached from the truck to the trunk lines of the ventilation system.  As the ventilation system is drawn into a vacuum, either rotary brushes or air lines are inserted into air vent registers to agitate debris to the collection point.

While once a widely used air duct cleaning method, industry professionals are veering away from a truck mounted and gas powered vacuums because of the high probability of cross contamination.  Truck mounted vacuums draw vehicle exhaust and debris into the ambient air while in operation.

Point of Contact Air Duct Cleaning:

Point of contact methods are currently the safest and most effective air duct cleaning method.  A point of contact air duct cleaning method utilizes a portable HEPA filtered vacuum and an agitation device to simultaneously to clean the air ducts.  Portable HEPA vacuum cleaning technology is based on the velocity of air being drawn.  High velocity of vacuum allows for greater lift of the debris, and the HEPA filter prevents the potential of cross contamination.

Though point of contact air duct cleaning methods are currently the safest and most effective means of cleaning air ducts, new and innovative air duct cleaning technologies are always in development.

Selecting a qualified air duct cleaning contractor can be a daunting task.  Luckily there are several great resources for air duct cleaning reviews that can help you with choosing the right company.

Heating and Air Conditioner Contractor Reviews

Heating and air conditioning contractors are often the best resource for air duct cleaning reviews as they see more heating and air conditioning ventilation systems than any other trade.  If you have a contractor that provides regular service your HVAC system, contact them for a referral.  If you do not have a regular HVAC contractor, utilize the internet or yellow pages to contact several local HVAC contractors for an air duct cleaning review.

Consumer Advocate Reviews

Almost every city has a consumer advocate who protects consumers from being victimized by fraudulent, abusive and predatory business practices.  Often times consumer advocates will have websites that will list air duct cleaning reviews.  Stay clear of companies that have a history of bad reviews for unsatisfactory goods or services.

Internet Reviews

Internet reviews can often provide valuable air duct cleaning reviews.  Reviews are often available through by search engine sites such as Google and Yahoo as well as business social networks such as Merchant Circle, City Search and Insider Pages.  These sites provide candid consumer reviews and rating systems that will detail current customer service and performance levels.

Better Business Bureau Reviews

Local Better Business Bureaus are an excellent free resource for air duct cleaning reviews; they provide reliability reports that include background, licensing, consumer experience and other information that is known to BBB. These reports are provided for businesses that are BBB accredited and also for businesses that are not BBB accredited. Before you buy, check out the business you are thinking of doing business with.

Share Your Review

After you have had your air ducts cleaned, be sure to share your experience with the contractor who performed the work.  If it was a positive experience it will potentially reward the technician who performed the work.  If it was a negative experience, it will offer the opportunity for the contractor to correct the problem and  improve their future services.

For decades the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), has been educating consumers on the process and benefits of air duct cleaning. Currently there is research study underway to measure the correlation between energy pressure drop and energy savings.

NADCA Energy Research Study

In February 2008, NADCA entered into a partnership with the Colorado University to conduct a research project that will provide members with a tool for estimating the energy savings associated with HVAC cleaning and restoration projects. The research project was also commissioned to develop a field-testing protocol for NADCA members that will facilitate collection of data to provide broader support for linking HVAC cleaning and restoration to energy savings.

Current Findings and Test Results

NADCA presented the current results of the test at the 2010 Annual Meeting.  Comparisons were made by testing air flow rates when the filter, furnace, and evaporative air conditioner coil were fouled and again when the components were clean.

It was found that a dirty filter increased the filter pressure drop, system pressure drop and reduced the air flow of the ventilation system.

Surprisingly, a clean furnace and evaporative air conditioner coil increases initial energy consumption, but lessoned the amount of time that the furnace an air conditioner had to operate to achieve the desired room temperature. Though there was initial higher energy consumption, there was a net gain in overall energy efficiency.

While further data and testing is required, the current the findings show that proper exchange rate and selection of the furnace filter, routine cleaning of the evaporative air conditioner coil, and sealing of air ducts offer the greatest benefits to energy savings.

Further Testing Underway

Currently NADCA is receiving further test results from companies engaged in the assessment, cleaning, and restoration of HVAC systems.  These test results are being sent to the University of Colorado for further interpretation.

Air sealing the building envelope is one of the most critical features of an energy efficient home.  As new homes grow increasingly tighter to achieve ever higher levels of energy efficiency, the potential for indoor air pollution also increases.

Modern Construction

During construction, there are hundreds of penetrations through a typical home’s exterior. These gaps and holes are often incurred during framing, and from penetrations for wiring, plumbing, and ducts.  Air leakage accounts for 25–40% of the energy used for heating and cooling in a typical home.  To make a home energy efficient, these gaps and holes are closed and insulated to prevent the loss of conditioned air.

Indoor Air Quality Concern

Good indoor air quality is achieved by reducing or eliminating sources of indoor air contamination and providing sufficient fresh air through the heating and ventilation system.  While older homes were not energy efficient, they typically did not have problems with indoor air quality because they allowed for fresh air to freely circulate within the home.

As new homes grow increasingly tighter to achieve ever higher levels of energy efficiency, potential indoor air pollution also increases since many conventional building materials emit volatile organic compounds like formaldehyde.  While energy efficiency is important, gains in energy efficiency, especially in new homes, should not come at the expense of deterioration of indoor air quality and corresponding adverse health impacts.

Source Elimination and Control

The best way to address indoor air pollution is through aggressive source elimination and control.  Pollution should be prevented or reduced at the source whenever feasible.

• Building materials:  If you are having the home constructed or remodeling your home select materials that do not emit volatile organic compounds.
• HVAC System: Make sure your HVAC system distributes the minimum level of outdoor air throughout the home using whole-house mechanical ventilation.
• Sealing Air Ducts:  Sealing ducts can help improve indoor air quality by reducing the risk of pollutants entering ducts and circulating through your home as well as preventing the loss of conditioned air.
• Air Duct Cleaning: Ventilation systems distribute the air you breathe. Have the air ducts and HVAC system professionally cleaned to remove construction debris and pollutants.
• Monitor use of household cleaning supplies:  Some household chemicals can be extremely dangerous.  Choose environmentally safe cleaning supplies, and make sure that the area is well ventilated.
• Check exhaust systems:  Make sure exhaust fans are clean and unobstructed. Exhaust systems are responsible for removing moisture, odors, fumes, and carbon monoxide.

NADCA Member Ductworks Appears on Cable TV Show

Many Companies within the HVAC Inspection, Maintenance and Restoration Industry have seen a dirty HVAC system, but what about on filled with 5,000 pounds of sand and black powder?  Recently Ductworks Inc. of Arvada, Colo., a long-time NADCA member, participated in the Do-It-Yourself  cable network program “Disaster House.”

The show damages a house to then show viewers how to prevent the damages, how to clean them up, and then what to know before filing an insurance claim. In the particular episode, a six foot sand-foot tall, 5,000 pound sand castle was blown up to simulate an extreme case of dirty air ducts and Ductworks was called in to clean the mess up.  They got the system back up to pristine conditions after a full day of hard work.  Although most homes do not see 5000 pounds of dust and debris, it goes to show that even the dirtiest residential air ducts can be cleaned.

SOURCE: NADCA DucTales January / February 2010

Ensuring good indoor air quality is easy once you have an understanding of the components that effect your homes environment.  Using the steps below, perform a quick checklist to improve your indoor quality.

Setting the Standard for Indoor Air Quality

ASHRAE, the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers developed Standard 62.2, Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Low-Rise Residential Buildings.  The standard, which is widely accepted by green builders, state and local around the counties, defines the roles of and minimum requirements for mechanical and natural ventilation systems and the building envelope in order to provide acceptable IAQ in low-rise residential buildings.

10 Steps to Ensure Good Indoor Air Quality

1. Vent bathrooms, kitchens, toilets and laundry rooms directly outdoors.  Use energy efficient and quiet fans.
2. Avoid locating furnaces, air conditioners and ductwork in garages or other spaces where they can inadvertently draw contaminants into the house.
3. Properly vent fireplaces, wood stoves, and other hearth products; use tight doors and outdoor air intakes when possible.
4. Vent cloths dryers and central vacuum cleaners directly outdoors.
5. Store toxic or volatile compounds such as paints, solvents, cleaners, and pesticides out of the occupiable space.
6. Minimize or avoid unvented combustion sources such as candles, cigarettes, indoor barbecues, decorative combustion appliances or vent free heaters.
7. Provide operable windows to accommodate unusual sources or high-polluting events, such as the use of home cleaning products, hobby activities, etc.
8. Use sealed-combustion, power-vented or condensing water heaters and furnaces.  When natural-draft applications must be used, they should be tested for proper venting and should be located outside the occupied space when possible.
9. Put a good particle filter or air cleaner in your air handling system to keep dirt out of the air and off your ductwork and heating and cooling components.
10. Distribute a minimum level of outdoor air throughout the home using whole-house mechanical ventilation.

Source: ASHRAE Standard 62.2 Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality on Low-Rise Residential Buildings, and 2001 ASHRAE Handbook, Fundamentals, Chapter 26, Ventilation and Infiltration.

Qualified air duct cleaning contractors employ a variety of different power, pneumatic and hand tools when cleaning air ducts.  While there are numerous types of equipment used in the air duct cleaning industry, the job site to a large extent, defines what air duct cleaning tools will be used.

Breaking Contaminants Loose

Properly cleaning HVAC systems requires removing the sources of contamination from the walls of the air ducts.  Just as there are numerous types and sizes of air ducts, they are numerous air duct cleaning tools used to loosen debris from the walls of the air ducts.

• Mechanical Agitation: Mechanical air duct cleaning tools are typically brushes powered through an electric motor, and are generally used for sheet metal air ducts.  Mechanical air duct cleaning tools are primarily used for more aggressive cleaning applications.
• Pneumatic Agitation: Pneumatic air duct cleaning tools utilize compressed air to agitate debris from the walls of the air ducts.  There are numerous pneumatic air duct cleaning tools that can be used such as air whips, compressed air nozzles, or skipper balls.  Pneumatic air duct cleaning tools are primarily used to clean sensitive materials such as internally lined fiberglass air ducts, fiberglass duct board, and flex line air ducts.
• Hand-brush & Contact Vacuuming: When accessible, hand brushing and contact vacuuming with a HEPA filtered hand vacuum is always the most effective method of cleaning.

Collection of Contaminants

A vacuum is the most commonly used air duct cleaning tool in the air duct cleaning industry.  The most important consideration for every ventilation cleaning project is the prevention of cross contamination. During air duct cleaning, the entire HVAC system is placed under negative pressure (vacuum) to collect loosened debris and prevent the spread of contaminants.  There are two main types of collection devices:

• Truck Mounted Vacuums: Truck Mounted Vacuums are gas powered vacuums that are powered through the PTO of an operating vehicle.  The amount of vacuum typically ranges from 10,000 – 15,000 cfm.  Because of the high volume of air the Truck Mounted Vacuum draws, they have a high propensity for drawing vehicle exhaust and contaminants within the workspace.
• Portable HEPA filtered Vacuums: In most instances, portable HEPA filtered vacuums are the most effective vacuum collection device.  HEPA filtered vacuums have a high velocity of vacuum draw allowing for greater lift of the debris and can often be brought to the contaminant source.  HEPA filters prevent contaminants from being dispersed from the vacuum exhaust and prevent the potential of cross contamination.

Most commercial air duct systems are internally lined with fiberglass duct liners.  Deteriorating fiberglass duct liner is a very common cause for indoor air quality complaints and adverse health effects.

Fiberglass Duct Liner

Fiberglass internal duct liner is commonly used in many commercial heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.  Fiberglass duct liner provides sound attenuation by dampening noise from HVAC equipment, and sound from adjacent office spaces.  Fiberglass duct liner provides thermal insulation for air ducts, preventing the air ducts from losing expensive conditioned air.

Fiberglass Duct Liner Deterioration

Over time internal fiberglass duct liner is exposed to varying degrees of air turbulence, temperature and humidity.  These environmental changes take its toll on the duct liner, breaking down its primary seal.

The primary seal is a black gritty coating on the surface of the duct liner which locks down the fiberglass fibers.  Deteriorated primary coating migrates through the ventilation system depositing within HVAC components and eventually entering the indoor air.

After the primary seal has fully deteriorated, it allows raw fiberglass fibers to be exposed to the airstream.  Turbulent airstreams wick the raw fiberglass fibers through the ventilation system, creating additional deposits within HVAC components and exposing building occupants to raw fiberglass fibers.

Health Effects of Fiber Glass Fibers

Health effects from exposure to fiberglass can be different depending on the fiber size and type of exposure.  Fiberglass, at a minimum, is an acute physical irritant to the skin, eyes, and upper respiratory tract.

• While no long-term health effects should occur from touching fiberglass. Rashes can appear when the fibers become embedded in the outer layer of the skin.
• Eyes may become red and irritated after exposure to fiberglass as occupants touch horizontal surfaces with deposits of fiberglass fibers, and rub their eyes.
• Soreness in the nose and throat can result when fibers are inhaled. Asthma and bronchitis can be aggravated by exposure to fiberglass.
• Temporary stomach irritation may occur if fibers are swallowed.

How Can Fiberglass Air Ducts Be Repaired?

If caught in the early stages of deterioration the internal fiberglass duct liner can be repaired.  Fiberglass duct liner can be resurfaced with an encapsulate specifically designed for HVAC systems.   Initially a commercial air duct cleaning needs to be performed to remove the foreign debris from the air duct surface to ensure for a proper bond.  After the air duct system is cleaned, the encapsulate is applied to the air duct surface locking down the fiberglass fibers.

If the internal fiberglass lining to too deteriorated, the lining must be removed and replaced.  If the damage is localized,  new internal internal insulation can be installed within the ducting.  If the damage is extensive, consider removing the damaged insulation and wrapping the air ducts with an external fiberglass insulation.

Dust is a combination of pollen, plant and mold spores, pet dander, human skin, lint, bacteria, and other contaminants. While any of these can affect breathing and allergies, dust mites can be a particular problem.

What is a Dust Mite?

Dust mites are tiny insects that are invisible to the naked eye that feed on human skin flakes.  Dust mites thrive in stable environments like indoor dwellings and can survive in almost any temperature at almost any altitude. In other words, dust mites are in every home that has dust.

Why are Dust Mites Dangerous?

Dust mites can negatively affect human health because they are a common trigger for allergies and asthma.  Body parts and feces from dust mites can trigger asthma in individuals with allergic reactions to dust mites, and exposure to dust mites can cause asthma in children who have not previously exhibited asthma symptoms.

How to Control Dust Mites

While you cannot eliminate dust mites, the easiest way to limit the amount of dust mites in your home is to limit the amount of dust in your home.

• Wash bedding and pillows in frequently as dust mites thrive in these areas where skin flakes collect.  If necessary, mattresses and pillows can be covered in allergen-impermeable covers.
• Avoid furry and feathered pets as they contribute to the food sources for dust mites.  If you cannot part with your pet, prevent them from occupying your sleeping area.
• Vacuum fabric furniture and carpet with vacuum cleaner equipped with a high efficient vacuum filter.
• If you have children, choose washable stuffed toys, and keep stuffed toys off the bed.
• Dust all surfaces weekly.  Do not scatter dust, use a damp cloth when dusting.
• Maintain a low relative humidity; the ideal relative humidity in a home is between 30-50%.
• Have the air ducts cleaned.  Ventilation systems require routine maintenance to prevent dust from being re-circulated throughout the home.
• In rare instances, chemicals may be recommended to eradicate dust mites, if this is necessary speak to a professional.