« Back to Facilities Management News Home

« IAQ

Improve Indoor Air Quality with Source Removal Cleaning Method


 
MOUNT LAUREL, N.J.—– The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), an association dedicated to establishing standards for the HVAC maintenance and restoration industry, is urging professionals to avoid using chemicals as a method for cleaning and maintaining air duct systems. NADCA, otherwise known as the HVAC Inspection, Maintenance and Restoration Association, upholds the ACR standard for assessment, cleaning and restoration, promoting physical source removal as the best technique for cleaning and decontaminating HVAC systems.
With every sniffle and sneeze, the concern of indoor air quality continues to increase and the desire to create a healthy indoor environment remains a priority. The first step in creating a healthy atmosphere is to rid the air of contaminants that contribute to mold, mildew and other microbiological growth.
“The physical removal of contaminants and debris is the ideal method for cleaning HVAC systems,” said Matt Mongiello, ASCS, president of NADCA. “Source removal is also the safest method because it will decontaminate HVAC systems without the use of chemical products.”
NADCA offers the following tips and reminders regarding the importance of proper HVAC cleaning and maintenance:
    •    Overuse of antimicrobial products can lead to needless exposure to chemicals. Any product without specific HVAC directions should not be used. For best results, the entire HVAC system should be cleaned; this includes cleaning the coils, blowers and other components of the air conveyance system.
    •    Understand the difference between ductwork and HVAC systems. Application of chemicals in an air conveyance system is only acceptable when the product is legally approved for the application for which it is being used. At this time, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has not accepted any disinfectant, sanitizer or fungicidal product for use in the ductwork of HVAC systems. However, the EPA has accepted some of these products for use in other components of the HVAC system, when needed.
    •    There are many risks associated with chemical products; this is why NADCA encourages physical source removal rather than chemical application to HVAC systems. Possible risks associated with chemical products include allergic reactions, chemical burns and respiratory irritation.
“It’s essential that an individual performing any kind of maintenance on an HVAC system is a trained professional,” added Mongiello. “Proper and professional cleaning and upkeep can eliminate dust, increase energy efficiency and improve overall indoor air quality and comfort.”
About NADCA: The HVAC Inspection, Maintenance and Restoration Association, otherwise known as the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) was formed in 1989 as a non-profit association of companies engaged in the cleaning of HVAC systems. NADCA’s mission is to represent qualified companies engaged in the inspection, maintenance and restoration of HVAC systems, promote source removal as the only acceptable method of cleaning, establish industry standards for the association, and assist NADCA members in providing high quality service to their customers. With nearly 930 members, NADCA is made up of a diverse group of HVAC industry professionals, including air systems cleaning specialists, mold remediators, and HVAC inspectors. To learn more about NADCA, visit www.nadca.com.

More From 2/28/2013 on FacilitiesNet