- Michelle Landers
- Blog
If you are familiar with air duct cleaning services you have heard about the various methods to clean ducts, the two most popular being the brush and vacuum method and the negative air method. While both are effective at cleaning ductwork, the cleaning application in which they are designed can differ.
Let’s first touch on the air duct cleaning service and why it is needed. Air duct cleaning is a process that involves the removal of dust, dirt, and other debris from the HVAC duct system. Dirty air ducts can contribute to the spread of airborne allergens and contaminants, which can cause respiratory problems. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air quality is often more polluted than outdoor air. In fact, the EPA estimates that indoor air pollutants are two to five times higher than outdoor pollutants! As mentioned, poor indoor air quality can lead to a range of health problems, including allergies, asthma, and respiratory issues.
No matter which method of cleaning is used an inspection of the ducts is a must, this ensures they are in good cleaning condition. If the ducts are already deteriorating, no matter the method of cleaning, you could cause further damage. Utilizing a video inspection camera like the RotoVision or i2Cam allows you to see deep inside the air ducts. Visually seeing inside the duct system allows you to gauge the level of cleaning, duct condition, turns, and more. Often, video inspection aids in selling duct cleaning jobs.
Invented by Rotobrush, the brush and vacuum cleaning method works much like a vacuum on floors. The specially designed brushes scrub the walls of the air ducts while the powerful vacuum simultaneously removes the dust and debris. With this combination of cleaning, you can ensure all debris is being removed from the air duct system. All Rotobrush brush and vacuum machines are remote operated, they include the signature removable pod, and have the capability to clean flex or metal ducts. Best suited for residential and light commercial applications, the cleaning process starts by removing the register and inserting the hose and brush. Once inside the duct you will start the brush rotation and the vacuum, this process will be repeated room by room until the entire duct system has been cleaned.
The negative pressure duct cleaning method is best suited for commercial applications or ducts that are difficult to access. In preparation for cleaning, the HVAC system is turned off and all registers/vents and grills are covered to prevent the release of dirt and debris into the living environment. To gain access to the duct system an access hole will need to be cut. A combination of compressed air and whips are then used to agitate the dust and debris, once the entire system has been agitated you will connect the hose to the access hole and turn the vacuum on. This creates negative pressure inside the duct system and will pull the dirt and debris towards the vacuum.
In 2019, Rotobrush introduced the BlowBeast Negative Air Machine to the market. The BlowBeast provides superior air flow and high vacuum capabilities like most negative air machines but features the Rotobrush removable pod and utilizes brushes like the brush and vacuum machines.
Air duct cleaning can help improve the air quality inside your home or office and helps improve the efficiency of your HVAC system. In addition to the cleaning most companies offer duct sanitizing, dryer vent cleaning, and other indoor air quality improving products.
If you are interested in having your air ducts cleaned by a company that uses Rotobrush equipment visit our Find a Contractor page.
800-535-3878 | [email protected] | www.rotobrush.com
