Ventilation Duct Cleaning

The Importance of Ventilation Duct Work Cleaning

Virtually every non-domestic premises will have a ventilation system and associated duct work in the walls or ceilings or both. Over time, the ducts accumulate dust and debris, which can then become a breeding ground for bacteria and mould, especially if raised temperatures and humidity are also present. Air passing through the duct work can then carry these allergens and pathogens into the building. Without adequate and regular Duct Cleaning, the ventilation system designed to provide building occupants with clean, fresh air, could be doing the exact opposite, with potentially serious consequences.

In an office building or school, occupants can suffer from Sick Building Syndrome, involving repeated minor illnesses such as colds, flu and allergies. While the causes of Sick Building Syndrome were a mystery for a long time, it has now been shown to be a direct effect of poorly maintained ventilation systems helping to spread dust and airborne micro-organisms through a building. The Environmental Protection Agency has published studies showing that the air inside buildings can be as much as 70 times more polluted than air outside.

In more sensitive environments such as hospitals, the effects can be deadly, including the spread of MRSA and other serious infections which can threaten the lives of patients.

Thorough and regular Duct Cleaning is therefore a significant contribution to the health of building occupants. 

Duct Work Cleaning Frequency

While every two years is the default requirement for cleaning ventilation duct work, some buildings may need more frequent cleaning. For instance:

Heavily used buildings 

• Buildings which generate greater quantities of dust (e.g. factories, clothing stores).
• Buildings which are exposed to greater quantities of pollution from outside (e.g. in city centres, next to motorways or next to industrial sites).
• Buildings which need cleaner than average air or where risk to occupants is higher (e.g. computer data centres, hospitals, nursing homes).

If in doubt, the best option is to arrange regular tests and inspections and take advice from an HVAC professional about whether cleaning has become necessary.