Indoor air quality is extremely important for productivity and occupant health in any industrial, commercial, or residential property. HVAC air conveyance systems, with associated ductwork and ductless mini-split systems, provide acceptable indoor air quality atmospheres. Research suggests it is possible coronavirus droplets can be aerosolized, carried, and transmitted through HVAC duct systems. However, they must be routinely inspected, maintained, and cleaned to operate most efficiently and cost effectively. This routine includes cleaning the interior of the ductwork and replacing filters.
HVAC system and ductwork cleaning and disinfecting best practices
Review HVAC air conveyance systems and associated ductwork drawings and diagrams.
Document and log any observations, even if the ductwork “looks clean.”
Test and inspect for any air leakage, VOCs, particulates, and metal seam issues on ducts.
Perform pre- and post-surface swab sampling of the HVAC air conveyance systems and associated ductwork, registers/vents, motors, coils, and filters.
Implement ultra-low volume (ULV) fogging using a non-acidic, non-chlorine-based U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered virucide, biocide, and fungicide disinfectant outside and inside ductwork, on registers/vents, motors, coils, and the entire project area, to inactivate any viral aerosols.
Visually inspect to prevent recontamination.
On metal interior ductwork, registers/vents, motors, and coils, clean and disinfect using a non acidic, non chlorine-based, EPA-registered virucide, biocide, and fungicide disinfectant. For efficacy, allow a minimum 10-minute dwell time on surfaces or follow the dwell time per the virucide label.
Replace and install new HEPA filters. Ductless mini-split systems may have a washable filter.
It’s important to inspect, maintain, and clean HVAC systems on a routine schedule. Having a proper maintenance system, helps the air conveyance system to operate better, which contribute to a healthier indoor air environment, and save operating costs over time.
