Why Outside Air Intakes Matter for Indoor Air Quality & Energy Efficiency
When it comes to indoor air quality (IAQ) and energy efficiency in commercial buildings, most conversations revolve around filter replacements or coil cleanings. But one of the most critical—and frequently overlooked—components is the outside air intake.
The outside air intake introduces fresh air into the HVAC system and directly impacts the performance of your air handling unit (AHU). Routine outside air intake cleaning and air handler cleaning are essential elements of a comprehensive facility maintenance program. These services help ensure clean airflow, reduce equipment strain, and keep your building compliant with industry codes.
What Is the Outside Air Intake—and Why Is It So Important?
Every commercial building in Colorado (and nationally) is required by code to bring in outdoor air to dilute indoor contaminants. This is achieved through the outside air intake, a designated opening in the HVAC system that draws outside air into the air handler.
The outside air intake introduces the ventilation air your building depends on. When it’s clean and unobstructed, your air handling unit can maintain proper airflow and ventilation rates.
The Outside Air Intake Supports:
- Lower CO₂ levels
- Removal of airborne pathogens
- Reduction of VOCs and off-gassing from furnishings
- Control of humidity and odors
- Improved ventilation rates in compliance with ASHRAE and local codes
But fresh air isn’t always clean. Without routine outside air intake cleaning, this component can become a source of contamination rather than ventilation.
What Gets Pulled into Your Outside Air Intake?
Depending on your building’s location, orientation, and nearby activity, the outside air intake may be pulling in much more than “fresh” air.
- Dust and dirt from traffic, construction, or high winds
- Cottonwood fluff clogging screens during spring
- Leaves and organic debris, especially in landscaped areas
- Insects like gnats and moths
- Birds and wildlife, often nesting near warm HVAC enclosures
- Industrial pollutants, including exhaust and manufacturing debris
Intakes located near loading docks, roof drains, or HVAC exhausts are especially vulnerable. Without proper maintenance, these contaminants enter your AHU, reducing airflow and efficiency and contributing to poor indoor air quality.
Why Intake Screens Aren’t Enough
Most systems use metal mesh intake screens to block large debris, insects, and animals from entering the air handling unit. Over time, these screens accumulate compacted debris that restricts airflow and reduces ventilation performance.
Without Routine Intake Cleaning, You May Face:
- Increased energy consumption due to restricted airflow
- Reduced ventilation and comfort complaints
- Accelerated wear on air handler components
- Poor IAQ that leads to occupant dissatisfaction
- More frequent filter changes and higher maintenance costs
- Possible non-compliance with ventilation standards
The Colorado Climate Challenge
In Colorado’s semi-arid and high-debris environment, outside air intakes clog faster than in many other states. Cottonwood, dust, and seasonal weather shifts make routine maintenance not just recommended—but necessary.
Left uncleaned, clogged intakes contribute to stale or musty indoor air complaints, shortened HVAC equipment lifespan, and system inefficiencies that drive up operational costs.
The Solution: Annual Outside Air Intake Cleaning
Adding outside air intake cleaning to your facility’s annual maintenance schedule is a high-impact, low-cost investment in building health and operational efficiency.
At Ductworks, Inc., our intake cleaning service goes beyond the surface. Our team thoroughly removes compacted debris, inspects for pest issues and structural concerns, and provides full photo documentation for your facility records.
Key Benefits of Outside Air Intake Cleaning:
- Restores proper airflow to the air handling unit
- Improves energy efficiency by reducing static pressure on fans
- Protects internal components from contamination or damage
- Supports better IAQ, especially in densely occupied or sensitive environments
- Helps prevent costly repairs and unplanned system downtime
- Keeps your building in compliance with ASHRAE 62.1 and local codes
When Should You Schedule Intake Cleaning?
Perform a visual check the next time you’re near your air handler. If the outside air intake screen looks clogged, if airflow seems restricted, or if pests have made their way inside, it’s time for action.
Remember: By the time airflow is noticeably reduced, the damage to your system may already be underway.
Schedule Your Outside Air Intake Cleaning or Request a Free Inspection
Protect your building, your equipment, and your air quality. Contact Ductworks, Inc. today to schedule outside air intake cleaning, or to request a no-obligation facility inspection.
Request Commercial HVAC Cleaning Estimate