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Air Quality History Health Issues Duct Training Industry News		A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE OF AIR DUCT CLEANING It is important to realize that air duct cleaning is more than just cleaning the air ducts. Air duct cleaning must also include cleaning of the air handling unit (AHU), the return air system - - every component of the air distribution system. In the past, most of the air duct cleaning work was for residential customers, and was performed with truck-mounted systems with huge canvas vacuum bags, The air duct cleaner would hook up a hose from the truck to the furnace and attempt to " suck all the dust and debris out of the system ". This practice was ineffective at best since it is virtually impossible to vacuum debris from one single point without some means of agitation, like air washing or power brushing. This is not to say that all duct cleaners were making one connection and essentially scamming the customer. Many companies took the time to cut a series of access points in the duct system which enabled them to perform a reasonably quality job, given the limitations of the knowledge, traning and equipment available at the time. Due to an increase in indoor air quality awareness, several vacuum-truck and portable equipment manufacturers emerged. The industry's limited advancements to that point included electric hand-held blowers (leaf Blowers) to assist in dislodging loose dirt from the extreme ends of the ductwork system. However these blowers only served to move loose debris a few feet. Air compressors were introduced as a more effective alternative to portable blowers. Their increased air pressure and velocity provided a means to loosen and move the contaminants within an air duct system to a point where they could be vacuumed. Their use was followed by the development and use of air skippers or rotary sweeps. The skipper consists of a machined ball with a series of holes attached to the end of a long flexible air hose. By triggering compressed air into this device, the skipper propels itself through ducts while air washing them at the same time. Today compressed air washing is augmented by manual scrubbing with brushes and flexible rods, as well as powered rotary brushes. These technologies allow contractors to effectively clean hard to reach areas within the duct system. In addition to air duct cleaning being recognized as a standard mechanical practice,the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently published preliminary recommendations on Air Duct Cleaning in its Building Air Quality handbook. The EPA's recommendations include the following: Whenever possible, air duct cleaning should be scheduled during periods when the building is unoccupied. This is because the Air Duct Cleaner can be most productive when not having to work around building occupants. Negative air pressure to draw pollutants to a vacuum system should be maintained at all times. Only high-efficiency particle arrested (HEPA) vacuuming equipment should be used on the vacuuming equipment, especially if it exhausts into the occupied area. Careful attention must be given to protecting the ductwork (some have limited access - - use existing openings where possible, and carefully repair any damage caused when forced to cut new entryways). If biocides are to be used, then select only products registered by the EPA for such use, use the products according to the manufacturer's directions, and pay careful attention to the method of application. Water-damaged or contaminated porous materials (fiberglass duct board, interior insulation) in the ductwork or other air handling system components should be cleaned and coated or sealed or removed and replaced. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also released a study on in October 1996, Indoor Air Quality - Basics for Schools. covering topics effecting the health of our children in public schools. The Department of Energy (DOE) published a summary of sceintific research in January 1999, Causes of Indoor Air Quality Problems in Schools futher supporting the need to take Indoor Air Quality as a serious health issue. Today, a combination of improved equipment and training along with an ever growing number of contractors getting into the business, has helped emerge the air duct cleaning industry so that it is recognized for its benefits towards improving Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). In addition to air duct cleaning, there are several other areas where the IAQ contractor has entered into this new marketplace. These include educating Builders and Real Estate Professionals as to the importance of indoor air quality, not only as a health consideration, but as an effective marketing tool to promote customer satisfaction and retention. Testing and Monitoring Services, IAQ Management Services, and equipment sales of products designed to enhance indoor air quality, such as Energy Recovery Ventilators (air-to-air heat exchangers), high efficiency filters and humidifiers have emerged. What ever your interest in Indoor Air Quality might be, it is important that you recognize the NATIONAL AIR DUCT CLEANERS ASSOCIATION NADCA and its member “certified” companies as responsible professionals in the IAQ Industry. 809 Live Oak Drive, Suite 30 Chesapeake, Virginia 23320-2600 Ph: 757-366-5237 | E-mail: [email protected]

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