Article | HVAC maintenance for commercial buildings

The majority of facilities and commercial buildings utilize HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) units to provide clean air to the site visitors and employees.

These systems have multiple mechanical parts that require regular maintenance and cleaning such as:

• Ductwork
• Vents
• Condensing Units
• Heat Exchangers
• Evaporator Coils

If these parts are left to collect debris and dust they will lower the air quality and put the health of those around at risk. A build-up of dirt will also cause the system to run less efficiently and can result in parts breaking which can be expensive to replace.

Does air duct cleaning improve air flow?

Air duct cleaning will drastically improve airflow in many ways:

• System efficiency – when an HVAC system is dirty it needs to work harder to heat or cool the facility it is installed in. Regular cleaning will ensure the system is not being overworked and produces an efficient air flow.
• Improved health – air ducts can collect harmful contaminants such as mold spores, pollen, and bacteria. These toxins are then spread through the facility which is a danger to human health. Removing these contaminants with an effective cleaning program will get rid of bad odors that can be coming from the system and improve airflow by reducing these allergens.

How air duct cleaning is done

During the air duct cleaning, ceiling sections may need to be temporarily removed to give access to the system. This is all dependant on how the units have been installed in the facility. The process involves sending compressed air into an opening in the duct which will dislodge any dirt and debris. Tough build-ups can be loosened with the help of an electric powered rotation bristle brush and drawn out using a high-efficiency particle air (HEPA) filtered vacuum. It is important to clean anywhere that contaminants could be stored. This also involves parts such as the coils, blades and turning vanes, louvers and fan housings.

HVAC maintenance with NCH Facilities

Does your HVAC system needs cleaning? NCH Facilities offers professional maintenance programs designed to keep your critical systems running smoothly. Contact one of our experts today and talk about how our solutions can improve your facility.