Certified Ventilation Inspector

Local HVAC System Inspector Achieves Prestigious Certification

WASHINGTON, DC –  Local contractors Donald Kaufman, Paul Frisk, Edward Frisk, and Jason Erb of Ductworks, Inc has successfully completed the examination process to be named a Certified Ventilation System Inspector (CVI). The certification, which is administered by NADCA – The HVAC Inspection, Maintenance and Restoration Association, is recognized worldwide as the hallmark of the HVAC industry’s most qualified and reliable inspection professionals.

“While achieving the CVI certification takes commitment on the part of an HVAC professional, the certification itself is a commitment to consumers of reliable, best-in-class service,” explained NADCA Executive Director John Schulte. “NADCA membership and the CVI certification mean that a professional is dedicated to providing state-of-the-art service to their customers.”

The CVI designation recognizes the knowledge and understanding of various HVAC components and systems and the proper methodology for conducting a comprehensive inspection that meets the intent of NADCA’s Standard for Assessment, Cleaning & Restoration of HVAC Systems (ACR).

Donald Kaufman, Paul Frisk, Edward Frisk, and Jason Erb are now four of roughly 250 CVI-certified professionals in the world.

HVAC system cleaning is the process by which heating, air conditioning, and ventilation systems are cleaned to remove excessive accumulations of dust, debris, and biological contaminants.  With heightened public awareness of the dangers of indoor air pollution and the need for home energy efficiency, the demand for professional HVAC system cleaning has increased dramatically.  The NADCA Certification Program helps to ensure that members of the association possess the required knowledge and expertise to perform these services in a competent and professional manner.

NADCA recommends that homeowners and building managers have their HVAC systems inspected annually and cleaned as needed. For more information regarding the benefits of professionally performed HVAC inspection and maintenance, contact Donald Kaufman, Paul Frisk, Edward Frisk, and Jason Erb at Ductworks, Inc.

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.

About NADCA:
NADCA – The HVAC Inspection, Maintenance and Restoration Association was formed in 1989 as the National Air Duct Cleaners Association, and has since expanded its mission to become a trusted advocate for consumers and the industry on environmental and health issues surrounding heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.  NADCA was the first organization to develop industry-standard best practices and its standard for “Assessment, Cleaning & Restoration of HVAC Systems” is in use in more than 30 countries worldwide as a best practice and/or basis for national law. NADCA has more than 1,000 corporate members and more than 1,500 individuals certified as Air System Cleaning Specialists, Ventilation Inspectors or Ventilation System Mold Remediators. For more information or to find a NADCA-certified contractor near you, visit www.Nadca.com.

Air Pathways and Indoor Air Quality

Air pathways are a key component of indoor air quality. Understanding and improving air pathways will greatly improve your indoor air quality.

Understanding Air Pathways

Air flow is created by pressure differentials.  Air flow always flows from higher relative pressure to lower relative pressure.  Air will flow through any available opening (pathway) in an attempt to equalize pressure.  Pathways include windows, doors, electrical outlets, floor drains, heating and cooling systems, and most importantly air ducts.

Air Pathways within a Home

A forced air system works by creating a difference in pressure between the area where the supply registers are located and the area where the returns are located.  As air moves from supply diffuser to return air grill, it is diverted or obstructed by partitions, creating pathways of air movement throughout the home.

How do Air Pathways affect a Home?

Pathways can change from one minute to the next – Opened windows, an exhaust fan, open/closed doors etc… Unintended pathways need to be acknowledged to have a comprehensive understanding of a homes airflow patterns.

Improving Air Pathways

Air ducts are the pathways for energy efficient homes.  With a couple of simple steps you can improve your air pathways.

  • Seal the air ducts to prevent costly, conditioned air flow from being drawn from or escape into unknown, unspecified, or unintended areas of the home.
  • Filter the air by changing the furnace or air conditioning air filter.
  • Make sure that air ducts are not blocked by interior furnishings that prevent their designed use.
  • Have the air ducts cleaned to prevent obstructions in air flow.
  • Use bathroom exhaust fans when using the shower to exhaust moisture.
  • Use kitchen exhaust fans when cooking to exhaust fumes from cooking.
  • Have your HVAC technician inspect exhaust flues when they perform annual HVAC inspections to ensure carbon monoxide is properly exhausted.

Is It Time For You Have The Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned?

You may have heard about having your air ducts cleaned, but how do you know if you need to? Here are a few tips to help you decide if the time is right for you to clean you air ducts.

Ask Your HVAC Maintenance Technician

The next time you have your heating or air conditioning unit maintained, ask the technicians opinion about your air duct cleaning needs. Since they are not trying to sell you their cleaning services you will likely get an honest answer.

Inspect Your Air Ducts

Inspecting the condition of the air ducts is relatively simple.  The best place to inspect the condition of the air ducts is at the trunk line.  The trunk line is the large rectangular air duct attached to the furnace, extending overhead across the basement area.  Locate a vent register on the trunk line, and remove it with a screw driver.  Look inside the trunk line with a flashlight and mirror, or take a snapshot with a digital camera.  The trunk line is the central part of the heating and cooing system and will be the best indicator of the systems cleanliness.