When it comes to improving indoor air quality and keeping HVAC systems in top condition, not all duct cleaning services are the same. Anyone can claim to be a duct-cleaning professional, but without approved National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) training, there’s no guarantee that sensitive HVAC components will be handled correctly and to industry standards. This can result in an incomplete cleaning, or even damage.
Some cleaners blow air through ducts and vacuum around vents, often with a basic shop vacuum. Unfortunately, this practice does not remove contaminants effectively or thoroughly. Poor cleaning practices can actually make air quality worse by dislodging contaminants and sending them back into air circulation.
NADCA establishes standards for how air duct cleaning should be performed in order to guarantee thorough, safe, and highly effective results. If you’re considering air duct cleaning, choosing a reputable company with NADCA air duct cleaning certification makes all the difference.
What is NADCA?
NADCA is the leading authority on HVAC cleaning, inspection, and restoration. Founded in 1989 as a non-profit trade association, NADCA promotes proper and thorough cleaning practices in order to discourage ineffective or even harmful methods.
HVAC systems are expensive. NADCA’s protocols prevent damage to delicate parts like blowers, coils, and ductwork from improper cleaning. Poor cleaning practices can also negatively impact air quality. If contaminants like bacteria, dust, and mold aren’t properly removed, they can end up back in circulation around buildings and homes, degrading the air quality instead of improving it.
For more than 30 years, NADCA standards have prioritized containment and removal to protect building occupants. The organization has developed training programs, certifications, and published standards that guide industry professionals. The standards help businesses and homeowners understand what to look for and expect when selecting an air duct cleaning service. NADCA duct cleaning certification is a promise to customers that a company is committed to professionalism, safety, and quality results.
What are NADCA’s Standards?
NADCA’s ACR (Assessment, Cleaning, and Restoration) Standard is the foundation of professional air duct cleaning. It’s a step-by-step guide that cleaners follow to ensure all procedures are followed from start to finish. These procedures also greatly reduce any risk to your HVAC system during or as a result of cleaning.
The following are highlights of NADCA standard cleaning procedures:
Recommended Inspection Intervals
Regular inspections catch problems early and prevent contaminants from building up. Time between inspections differs based on the setting:
- Residential homes: every 2 years.
- Commercial and industrial buildings: annually.
- Healthcare facilities: annually.
Negative Pressure Containment
To keep dust and debris from spreading during cleaning, NADCA says the system should remain under continuous negative pressure using special vacuum equipment. This way, all the contaminants are collected instead of being blown back into your home or building.
Approved Mechanical Cleaning Methods
Using tools like air whips, brushes, and compressed air paired with simultaneous vacuuming, certified professionals are able to dislodge debris from ductwork. The goal is removing buildup without causing damage.
Verification and Documentation
At minimum, NADCA requires a visual inspection, and in some cases, vacuum testing and photo documentation are also required for accountability.
Mold and Disaster Remediation Protocols
In cases of mold growth, fire, or flooding, NADCA provides clear protocols to safely restore HVAC systems or replace damaged components.
The Importance of NADCA Certification for Duct Cleaning
Choosing NADCA certified air duct cleaners has several important advantages.
Cleaner, Safer Air
Certified technicians make air healthier to breathe by removing contaminants like dust, mold spores, and pet dander from deep inside the ducts.
Proven Furnace and HVAC Cleaning Protocols
Certified technicians are educated on which components to clean inside furnaces and HVAC systems, and how to do so without causing damage. This leaves the entire system cleaner and running more efficiently.
Protection for Your Ductwork
Older or fragile ducts can be damaged by aggressive cleaning. NADCA-certified companies know how to clean thoroughly without cracking, bending, or tearing your ductwork.
Customer Trust and Transparency
NADCA certification is an indicator that the company follows expert-backed standards and procedures. This builds trust and offers peace of mind.
Improved System Efficiency
Dust buildup slows airflow and makes the HVAC system work harder. Clean ducts improve system efficiency, reduce wear and tear, and lower energy costs.
Health Protection
When you hire a certified professional, allergens and biological contaminants are removed the right way, keeping occupants safe and healthy.
Thorough, Complete Cleaning
NADCA-certified pros clean the entire system, so there’s no dust or mold hiding out of sight.
Support for Insurance and Warranty Claims
Some manufacturers and insurers require proof that duct cleaning was done correctly in order to process claims. NADCA certification offers that assurance, protecting your warranty and lowering the risk if repairs come up later.
Partner with Interior Maintenance Co.
When you hire Interior Maintenance Co., you’re gaining the expertise of a NADCA-certified duct cleaning company with multiple Air System Cleaning Specialists (ASCS) who maintain their knowledge through continuing education. In fact, we are one of approximately 1,000 organizations worldwide with this type of credential. Our trained team follows the highest industry standards to make sure air is cleaner, the HVAC system runs better, and your system is fully protected during cleaning.
Not only is our work backed by NADCA standards, our commitment to cleaner, safer air is also part of what gave the NADCA its start too. With our project estimator Dave Gerhard as a founding member of NADCA, and our current VP Matt Mongiello and several of our project estimators as past presidents, it’s easy to see just how much we value our work and our customers.
Have questions or need pricing? Contact us today and request a quote to get started. Trust the experts who follow NADCA standards. Air quality is critical, and shortcuts simply aren’t an option.