The Importance of Regular Commercial Air Duct Cleaning
Regular air duct cleaning in commercial buildings is an important part of preventative maintenance. It is a key element in keeping the building’s occupants comfortable and safe as well as making sure the system lasts as long as possible. Investing in routine professional air duct cleaning saves money in the long term.
Health and Safety
Air ducts and HVAC systems that are not routinely cleaned and maintained can pose a health risk for the inhabitants of the building. Dust, debris, mold, and even pests in the ventilation system can cause or exacerbate health conditions for building occupants. It is important to hire a professional air duct cleaning company that is experienced with a variety of commercial spaces to ensure that the job is done thoroughly and efficiently.
Duct Cleaning in Commercial Buildings Means Better Efficiency
Routine inspections and professional air duct cleaning commercial buildings not only keep the occupants safe, it also saves money in the long-term. Clogged and dirty air ducts cause the HVAC system to work harder than necessary. This uses a lot more energy and puts strain on the entire system. More energy means higher utility costs. More strain on the system means that potentially expensive repairs are likely to occur more frequently.
When commercial air ducts are cleaned by a reputable professional air duct cleaning company, the technicians will also do an inspection. This way, building managers can repair any potential issues before they become larger, more costly problems. Well-maintained air ducts ensure that the HVAC system has a longer lifespan.
Cleaning to Reduce the Risk of COVID-19 Transmission
These days, the spread of deadly viruses like COVID-19 must also be considered when scheduling air duct cleaning on a routine basis. Air ducts and HVAC in commercial spaces should be cleaned and disinfected in order to reduce virus transmission within the building. It is especially important to have air ducts cleaned if there has been an outbreak in the building, if it is in a community with high COVID-19 rates, or in a community with low vaccination rates.
Cleaning commercial air ducts as well as inspecting and changing filters when needed are both practical ways that building owners can keep their properties safe.
Post-Wildfire Cleaning
While routine air duct cleaning in commercial buildings is important to keep occupants healthy and for the system to maintain peak performance, it is even more important to have commercial air ducts cleaned after a wildfire. As wildfires in this country become more and more common, commercial building owners and managers have had to pay closer attention to the indoor air quality of their buildings.
If there has been a wildfire in the vicinity of a commercial building, the air ducts and entire HVAC system should be cleaned as soon as possible. Filters should be replaced, and the entire system cleaned and flushed of smoke, soot, and ash. Failing to do so can cause serious health issues for those who work in the building.
What to Look for in an Air Duct Cleaning Service
There are many different types of professional air duct cleaning services to choose from, but they are not all equal. A building maintenance manager should look for a company that has a few key qualifications, including:
1) They are experienced in commercial air duct cleaning and HVAC maintenance. Many residential companies are willing to work on a commercial building, but it is best to work with a company that has the experience and the equipment for the specific type of building.
2) They offer video inspection. The best commercial air duct cleaning companies have state-of-the-art video inspection equipment so the technicians and building managers can see exactly what types of problems they are dealing with.
3) Find a company that is a member of NADCA. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) is the HVAC inspection, cleaning, and restoration association.
4) Look for a company that offers both air duct cleaning, HVAC cleaning, and entire system maintenance.
5) Only work with companies that are highly regarded in their industry, have a long list of positive reviews and referrals, and are transparent about their quoting/billing practices.
Keeping on top of routine cleaning and maintenance of commercial air ducts makes sense, both for safety reasons and to save money in the long term. Air duct cleaning in commercial buildings should be a part of the routine maintenance plan.