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Managing HVAC Dust, Mold and Debris Before, During and After Maintenance

Managing HVAC Dust, Mold, Debris

Your HVAC system is responsible for the efficient circulation of clean air throughout your facility. As we’ve discussed in earlier articles, in addition to comfort, indoor air quality is a critical component of keeping your employees and customers healthy and comfortable.  Managing mold, dust and debris before, during, and after maintenance in your commercial or industrial facility can be key to a healthy, efficient environment. Having a clean and unrestricted air flow throughout your warehouse, hospital or manufacturing plant saves your business money in utility bills and unnecessary repairs and replacement costs.

Mold, Dirt & Dust in Your HVAC System

So, how do you best manage the inevitable mold, dust, dirt and debris that finds its way into your HVAC system? The key is regular inspection and maintenance.

FACT: Mold is formed when moisture finds its way into the air handling units, coils and ductwork. It could be the result of a leak, increased humidity or a breakdown in the system. Whatever the cause, your plant manager needs to be on top of it, before it has the chance to spread and make your employees and customers sick.

FACT: Mold can grow and spread in as little as 48 hours. So, if you discover a leak or breakdown in the system, you should contact your HVAC service technician as early as possible to remediate the problem. Using ASHRAE-approved cleaning agents, they will clean the coils, plenums, pans, air-handling units and other components, following up with either a HEPA vacuum or an exhaust vacuum that will blow harmful spores out of the facility.

FACT: Dust, dirt and debris can also find their way into your HVC system in several ways. Maybe there’s construction work going on outside your plant’s air intake vents. Construction dust, dirt and debris can travel through the system, causing an increased level of particulates to be released into the air.

Your HVAC specialists should open all access points in order to ensure that particulate is removed from the entire system. A thorough cleaning should follow, which includes:
  • Supply Ductwork
  • Return Fans
  • Return Ductwork
  • Make-up Air Ductwork
  • Diffusers
  • Grilles
  • Air Handling Units
  • Access Doors
  • Turning Vanes
  • Fan and Fan Chamber
  • Main Coil Banks
  • Reheat Coils
  • Dampers
  • VAV Coils
After cleaning is complete, the system should be inspected to detect any gaps, fissures or openings where dust and debris can travel along the ductwork unrestricted.  Sealing and re-insulating any access points is also a necessary part of the entire cleaning process. Finally, make sure that air filters are being changed on a regular basis and, wherever possible, use high efficiency HEPA filters to capture particles and reduce cleaning and maintenance costs. Our experienced teams of technicians have experience managing mold, dust and debris before, during, and after maintenance in your commercial or industrial facility. Call us at (518) 793-9274 for more information on keeping your HVAC clean in Albany, Troy, Malta, Saratoga, Glens Falls NY and beyond.
Karen Miller