Can Flexible Ductwork Be Cleaned?
According to the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), the failure to clean ducts may lead to the development of ailments like allergies, respiratory complications, or autoimmune disorders. Dirty air ducts circulate contaminants throughout the room, compromising the health of occupants.
On the other hand, clogged ducts undermine energy efficiency by overloading the HVAC systems. As a result, you may waste between 25 and 40 per cent of your energy. Cleaning the fixtures, including flexible ductwork, helps improve energy efficiency and the health of occupants.
Key benefits of air duct cleaning
Air circulates through ductwork several times throughout the day. The same air fills up rooms of your property. Hence, the need to keep it clean at all times. During the cleaning process, supply and return ducts, diffusers, and registers undergo a thorough cleaning. Doing so prevents contaminated air from recirculating.
Here are the advantages of keeping the flexible ductwork as clean as possible.
Eliminates allergens and contaminants
Having your flexible ductwork professionally cleaned is an assured way to remove harmful contaminants and allergens trapped in the ducts. Some of the micro-organisms and contaminants that compromise air quality include pollen, bacteria, dust, mould, pet dander, and mildew. Cleaning the ducts is particularly useful for people who have asthma, allergies, and other respiratory ailments.
Makes breathing easier
Cleaner air enables all occupants to breathe easier throughout the day, thanks to the absence of mould, bacteria, and other contaminants. This benefit is vital to everyone, even if they do not suffer any respiratory problems or allergies. Dust and other pollutants can lead to bronchial congestion, sneezing, and coughing. Cleaner ducts make indoor spaces more comfortable.
Improves airflow
Clogged registers and ductwork impede the flow of air in HVAC systems. Thus, your air conditioning system works harder to keep rooms cooled or heated. Reduced airflow significantly reduces efficiency. A cleaner system enhances airflow and runs at peak efficiency, which maximizes cost-effectiveness.
The failure to remove dust from the ducts can lead to the particles landing on flooring, bedding, and other furnishings. Clean ducts enable you to maintain a hygienic indoor environment.
Eliminates odours
Flexible air ducts accumulate unpleasant odours due to the presence of pets, paint fumes, mould spores, and cigarette smoke. As a result, the air conditioning recirculates the stale smells into rooms during day-to-day operation. The presence of dirt and dust in the ducts can also produce a musty scent.
Fortunately, specialised cleaning equipment offered by Hasman Ltd, such as the negative air machines, rotary brush machines, vacuum cleaners make it easier to clean flexible ductwork. Proper cleaning eliminates trapped dust particles and odours.
Cleaning flexible ducts
Both flexible and metal ductwork require regular cleaning to maximise air quality. Flexible fixtures can also gather dust, mould, bacteria, and other contaminants. However, their structural design makes them more challenging to clean. In such cases, you need flexible duct inspection and cleaning machines.
Specialised cleaning equipment helps prevent damage to the ductwork. These units are ideal for cleaning after extensive remodelling, infestation, or as part of periodic cleaning. You can count on the machines to remove mould, dust particles, bacteria, odours, and other contaminants.
When it comes to flexible ductwork cleaning, professionals consider factors such as the actual installation, age, and size of the fixtures. Doing so ensures thorough cleaning and a fresher airflow. Professionals understand the pressure and velocity requirements necessary for getting the job done correctly.
The radius section of the flexible ducts requires careful handling since they are more delicate than other parts. Specialised equipment removes dust and contaminants without damaging the Mylar lining, which undergoes considerable pressure due to tight installation conditions. Improper ductwork cleaning machines can tear, fracture, or split the lining.
Optimised HVAC systems may reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission
Making specific changes to HVAC settings and upgrades may help mitigate the risk of contracting the novel coronavirus. This approach makes occupants feel more comfortable amid the uncertainty triggered by the pandemic. Configuring air conditioning units maximises the delivery of fresh air drawn from outside the home or office. The increased air exchange rate minimises recirculation of contaminated air.
Technicians configure the system to run continuously overnight and on the weekends to reduce airflow speeds and ensure efficient air replacement. Meanwhile, older HVAC equipment needs upgrading. In such cases, technicians may consider replacing fixed speed fan motors to fit components with variable speed. Doing so bolsters airflow control to achieve lower speeds.
Units also provide better protection against airborne Covid-19 when fitted with advanced airflow control features, allowing optimal airflow adjustment. Likewise, installing sophisticated air purification components boosts the delivery of cleaner air to indoor spaces. In most cases, air conditioning systems use filtration to trap contaminants.
Some equipment use irradiation and thermal sterilisation to neutralise contaminants in the air. Alternatively, units employ ozone generators, ionic purifiers, or other solutions to maximise hygiene. In turn, occupants face reduced risk of contracting the coronavirus.
