Reasons Why Your Commercial Building’s Ducts Should Be Cleaned This Fall

As you take steps to ensure your commercial HVAC system and heating equipment will work properly this winter, also take care of your commercial building ducts. In addition to making sure the duct system is in good repair and well sealed to prevent air leaks, you should also schedule a thorough duct cleaning. Here are some of the reasons why cleaning commercial building ducts will pay off in improved indoor comfort, better HVAC system performance, and higher indoor air quality.

Why Clean Commercial Building Ducts?

The ductwork in your commercial building is the distribution pathway for the heated or cooled air produced by your furnace, air conditioner, heat pump, or boiler. Without this extensive network of pipes extending throughout the building, the conditioned air from your HVAC equipment would have nowhere to go. Over the course of an average day, a commercial HVAC system will move a significant volume of air through the ductwork. This air will usually contain a larger amount of contaminants than a residential system has to handle. Commercial building ducts can contain:

• Particulates, such as dust, dirt, pollen, fibers, or other small pieces of solid matter.
• Microorganisms, such as germs, bacteria, viruses, and mold spores.
• Byproducts of industrial processes or activities that occur in your commercial building.
• Animal or insect nests, fur, body parts, and excrement.
• Potentially harmful substances such as mold.

As heated and cooled air moves through the ductwork, it can dislodge accumulations of this material and circulate it into the work areas, offices, and functional spaces of your commercial establishment.

The effects can be seen in areas such as:

• Reduced indoor air quality.
• Negative effects on customer and employee health.
• Increased problems with respiratory issues, allergies, asthma, or similar conditions.
• Discomfort caused by exposure to odors and particulates.

Large accumulations of material in commercial building ducts can also affect the performance of your HVAC system. Material in the ductwork can prevent heated or cooled air from reaching its intended destination. HVAC equipment efficiency and performance will be impaired by obstructions in the ductwork, driving up your heating and cooling bills and causing unnecessary wear and tear to the equipment. In the worst cases, reduced or blocked airflow can cause damage to your heating and cooling equipment.

Benefits of Commercial Duct Cleaning

By having your commercial building’s ducts cleaned by a professional, you’ll be certain that any accumulations of objectionable material have been removed and that that the air moving through your HVAC system is as clean and fresh as possible. You will see multiple benefits from a commercial duct cleaning, including:

• Fresher, cleaner-smelling air throughout your facility.
• Fewer airborne contaminants in your indoor air.
• Less dust and other material settling on your furniture and equipment.
• Better employee health and comfort, with corresponding improvements in productivity and morale.
• Fewer customer complaints about air quality.
• Better performance from your HVAC system.
• Reduced monthly costs for heating and cooling.

Getting Commercial Building Ducts Cleaned

When you are ready to have your commercial building ducts cleaned, contact your local trusted HVAC services provider to see if he also offers duct cleaning. If not, your regular contractor should be able to provide a referral to a trustworthy duct cleaning company.

Check the references of the duct cleaning company you’re considering. Ask if they belong to any professional industry organizations, such as the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA).

Get a written contract, signed by you and the contractor, for duct cleaning services and ask questions until you understand what the contract covers.

Make sure the ductwork is inspected thoroughly and any repairs or replacements are made before the cleaning is performed.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about Plumbing, HVACR, Fire Protection, and Alarm Systems in Mechanical, Commercial, and Residential settings. For more information on the benefits of and reasons for cleaning commercial building ducts, or to view projects we’ve worked on, visit our website!