Duct Cleaning on Mold Remediation

Air Duct Cleaning Procedures:

1. Timing and Coordination:

• Optimal Timing: Air duct cleaning should be conducted towards the beginning of the detail vacuuming phase.

  • This timing minimizes the risk of re-contamination from duct cleaning debris.

  • It allows for easy cleanup if duct cleaning equipment malfunctions and disperses debris.

  • It prevents recontamination of the HVAC system during dust generating activities.

• Qualified Professionals:

  • Air duct cleaning must be performed by an experienced and qualified company.

  • Upon completion, a representative of the remediation company must inspect the work.

2. Duct Cleaning Scope:

• Thorough Cleaning:

  • The duct cleaning must include cleaning and disinfecting of the entire HVAC system.

  • This encompasses the air handler, coils, & the interior of the duct system.

  • The coils & air handler tend to be the most contaminated part of the duct system.

  • The return air assembly (the intake) tends to be more contaminated than the supply side (outlet)

• Encapsulation:

  • The interior of the duct system must be encapsulated with an approved product.

3. Register and Grill Management:

• Removal and Cleaning:

  • Registers should be taken down by the duct cleaning company.

  • Registers and return air grills should be cleaned.

  • Registers should not be reset by the duct cleaning company 

    • This provides valuable information, as it proves that all registers were cleaned out & registers are easily inspected for cleanliness.

    • Duct cleaning companies famously skip hard to reach registers, and suggest that they were detached, cleaned & reset.

• Remediation Professional Responsibilities:

  • The remediation professional will inspect the system after cleaning.

  • The remediation professional will reset the registers after cleaning is complete.

4. Quality Assurance:

• Remediation Technician Inspection:

  • A remediation technician should detach the air handler covers & visually inspect the interior of the air handler for quality of cleaning.

    • If the interior doesn't appear clean enough, it must be remedied before proceeding with the following structure cleaning stages.

  • A remediation technician should reach into each register with a damp towel to wipe the interior of the ductwork.

    • This ensures thorough cleaning and prevents surprises during IH/CIE inspections or clearance testing.

    • This will prevent debris from getting on the IH/CIE's arm, and from being found on tape lifts during clearance testing.

  • The register boot should be cleaned by hand with a mild detergent and water.

  • Harsh cleaning products can remove paint from registers.