Category: Duct Cleaning

Blog Series #3 – DUCT-PRO®: The “Push” Method

Abatement Technologies® is the industry leader in quality duct cleaning equipment. Our DUCT-PRO® source removal duct cleaning process provides contractors with the tools needed to follow the NADCA recommended steps for cleaning air duct systems effectively. With DUCT-PRO, contractors can benefit from a faster and more efficient cleaning process and customizable duct cleaning packages, and Abatement Technologies® can help contractors select a package that is suited to their needs.

It’s important to understand the role each piece of equipment plays in the duct cleaning process to ensure their efficiency and proper use. In previous blogs, we’ve explained the necessary equipment and prep work and the process for cleaning the HVAC supply. In this blog, we’ll explain the methods for duct cleaning, beginning with the “push” method. 

Conducting the “Push” Method

Once the grills have been covered in the preparation stages, duct cleaning professionals can begin the “push” step of the process using specialized air tools and nozzles operated by the DUCT-PRO® AIRE-SWEEP® portable air compressor. The duct cleaning professional should give the furthest grill an initial air wash using a light blast from an air booster gun, then clean the entire grill completely. In this step, many duct cleaners will also wash and sanitize the grills.

The branch duct will then be cleaned using a forward air sweep. This step uses a nozzle that has holes pointing in a forward direction, which pushes the debris forward toward the main duct and to the power vacuum. Forward air sweeping should be done until the branch is clean. Another common method of branch cleaning is the reverse air sweep method, which is usually done if the ductwork is in the basement and affords easy access. 

Once each branch is clean, the grills should be replaced and the main duct can be cleaned. This process typically involves the use of the reverse air sweep.  However, in an attic or crawl space, the forward air sweep is used. 

Cleaners will often need to air sweep each section of the ductwork several times before they’re considered clean. The cleaners will know the section is clean when they no longer hear or see debris being pulled through the clear power vacuum hose.

In the event of extreme debris, agitation may be required to dislodge the buildup prior to air sweeping. We’ll explain the proper tools and systems for agitation in our next blog.  

Want to learn more about our DUCT-PRO® equipment and packages? Click here - https://abatement.com/usa-duct-cleaning-process/ 

Blog Series #2 – DUCT-PRO®: Cleaning the Supply

Abatement Technologies® is leading the duct cleaning industry with our quality equipment and innovative solutions. Our DUCT-PRO® source removal duct cleaning packages provide the tools professional duct cleaners need to follow the NADCA recommended steps for cleaning air duct systems effectively.

Our DUCT-PRO® cleaning process has been designed to create new business opportunities for contractors. It is faster and more efficient than other solutions on the market, and our customizable duct cleaning packages can accommodate each contractor’s unique requirements. We have developed a process to ensure duct cleaners select the right package for their needs and can customize everything from the vacuum to the AIRE-SWEEP® portable air compressor, agitation devices, and accessories.

It’s important to understand the role each piece of equipment plays in the process to ensure their efficiency and proper use. Our team of Aire Guardians at Abatement Technologies have® created a video series to provide users with the information needed to clean HVAC duct systems quickly and efficiently, leading to a profitable indoor air quality business. 

To accompany the training videos, we’ve created a blog series to help break down the steps and process for using DUCT-PRO®. In our last post, we covered the proper protective equipment and prep work needed to efficiently clean ducts. Here we'll discuss the proper steps for cleaning the supply side of the ductwork. 

Steps for cleaning the supply

The duct cleaning professional will prepare to clean the supply side by cutting a 12-inch access hole.  If cutting a 12-inch hole is not possible, the largest possible size should be cut, keeping in mind that the larger the hole, the better the airflow. If the duct is constructed with duct board instead of sheet metal, it's important to hold the hole cutter blade at a 45-degree angle (similar to cutting the top off of a pumpkin) to achieve a good fit when replacing the piece at the end of the project. 

This access hole is typically cut into the plenum, as high above the coil as possible. Sometimes, the hole is cut into the main duct close to the plenum. It’s important to cut the hole high enough that the cutting doesn’t damage the coil. It’s a good idea to protect the coil by covering it with a tarp or piece of plastic to prevent debris from falling into it during the cleaning process. 

Once the access holes are made, a quick connect adaptor is screwed over the holes using zip screws to hold it in place. The contractor will then use flexible ducting to attach the quick connect collar which will be held in place using the locking collar. Duct tape can be used in this step to attach the quick connection to the duct board. 

The contractor should check all damper settings in the branches and main ducts before beginning the cleaning process to ensure they are all open. With the DUCT-PRO® power vacuum connected to the supply, the duct system can be turned on to create a strong airflow through its supply.

In our next post, we’ll share how to properly conduct the push method in duct cleaning. 

Want to learn more about our DUCT-PRO® equipment and packages? Click here - https://abatement.com/usa-duct-cleaning-process/ 

Blog Series #1 – DUCT-PRO®: Preparing for the job

Abatement Technologies® is the industry leader in quality duct cleaning solutions. Our high-performance DUCT-PRO® packages utilize HEPA-AIRE® equipment to clean HVAC duct systems faster and more efficiently than other methods. Abatement Technologies’ equipment uses our exclusive source removal duct cleaning process, meaning our equipment captures dirt and debris to provide complete air duct cleaning and decontamination.

Our source removal duct cleaning process is designed to work with the tools professional duct cleaners need to follow the NADCA recommended steps for cleaning air duct systems effectively. Abatement Technologies® DUCT-PRO® equipment is designed for contractors looking to expand their existing business. DUCT-PRO® enables professionals to offer duct cleaning as an add-on service, which can lead to more business opportunities and higher revenue. 

It’s important to understand the role each piece of equipment plays in the process before starting a duct cleaning business. Our team of Aire Guardians at Abatement Technologies® has created a video series to provide users with the key information needed to safely start using DUCT-PRO®. We’ve created a blog series to accompany our training videos and help break down the process for using DUCT-PRO®. In this blog, we’ll discuss the proper accessories and equipment needed for the job as well as the necessary prep work for their optimal performance. 

DUCT-PRO® Accessories & Equipment 

We recommend beginning any duct-cleaning project with personal protective equipment (PPE) including safety glasses and respirators. Additional recommended PPE includes cut-resistant gloves and sleeves to reduce injuries when reaching through ductwork with sheet metal cutouts. 

Once the proper PPE has been identified, it's time to identify which duct cleaning method is right for the job. Our  DUCT-PRO® system uses the state-of-the-art source removal duct cleaning push/pull method. The “push” mechanism is achieved with high-velocity compressed air tools while the “pull” mechanism is accomplished by creating powerful airflow through the air conveyance system with the use of the HEPA-AIRE® portable vacuum included in the DUCT-PRO® package from Abatement Technologies®.

Duct Cleaning Prep Work

Next ensure the furnace, AC, and duct systems are turned off and will remain off for the duration of the project. It’s also good practice to turn off the air handling unit at the thermostat as well as the circuit breaker to prevent accidental startup. It’s important to be aware of, and adhere to, all local regulations regarding gas pilot lights and other utilities before beginning any project.

The duct cleaning professional should conduct a thorough inspection of the project site to identify any potential safety concerns and determine the layout of the ductwork once the systems have been turned off. During this process, the duct cleaning professional will examine the condition of the ductwork and determine the type of air handler used so they can develop a plan for hookup points and air sweeping procedures. It’s important to understand how to clean the supply and return duct networks to avoid pulling debris through the heat exchanger and coil. To separate the supply and return, simply pull out the furnace filter and insert an inflatable zone bag into the air handle to isolate the supply and block airflow. 

Grill masking tape should be used to seal off the registers and increase airflow through the branch being cleaned. It’s important to keep the furthest two or three vents uncovered during this step to allow air into the ductwork to create airflow. The airflow will be inadequate for transferring debris to the power vacuum if all vents are covered.

Our DUCT-PRO® HEPA-AIRE® portable vacuums are designed to pull large volumes of debris through the duct system and filter all of the contaminants before exhausting clean air from the vacuum. For optimal performance, the vacuums should be placed as close to the furnace as possible. 

When the filters become dirty, audio and visual alarm cues will signal that airflow has been reduced and it’s time to change them. Most operators prefer to change the HEPA filter every one to two years of use. 

Check out our next blog post to learn more about duct cleaning with our DUCT-PRO® specialty tools!

Want to learn more about our DUCT-PRO® equipment and packages? Click here - https://abatement.com/usa-duct-cleaning-process/ 

Meet Aire Guardian Shavon Barnard

Meet the Aire Guardian: Shavon Barnard - Lead Segment Specialist for Duct Cleaning, Restoration and IAQ

When Shavon Barnard joined the Abatement Technologies team over seven years ago, she was looking for a role where she could make an impact on people’s lives. Through her extensive sales experience, Shavon has become a core member of our team of Aire Guardians and leverages this background to ensure clients get the air quality products they need to keep people safe.

Being an Aire Guardian is not something Shavon takes lightly. She has witnessed firsthand how poor air quality can negatively impact immunocompromised patients, and how Abatement Technologies’ products really make a difference.

“My daughter has severe allergies and asthma. When I first started with Abatement Technologies, she was prescribed nine medications a day. But after we began using an air scrubber, her medication was cut down to just two. Knowing how much our products have helped me personally just drives me to want to help provide this relief to others."

An advocate and teacher 

With a passion for helping others, Shavon is dedicated to sharing her knowledge and expertise with colleagues and clients. Shavon teaches clients about Abatement’s various tools and equipment, such as our new SHIELD WALL™. Shavon particularly enjoys speaking to prospective clients about our duct cleaning services and becoming their own boss with a DUCT PRO® package.

“I’ve always enjoyed helping and teaching people. And at Abatement Technologies, I get to do both. Education is what drives our sales, and being able to be a part of the story and convey our knowledge to others is really what it's all about.”

Continued success

From introducing our SHIELD WALL™ solution, to opening our new Canadian headquarters, Abatement Technologies has experienced a year of growth in 2023. And moving forward in 2024 and beyond, Shavon is excited to support the company’s mission at every step of the way.

“As we continue to grow for years to come, my goal is and always will be to continue educating and providing quality air filtration equipment. Health is critically important, and at Abatement, we take protecting health seriously. Our team of Aire Guardians is capable and knowledgeable when it comes to helping clients find the right solutions to protect air quality.” 

Does a career at Abatement Technologies sound right to you? Find opportunities here.

IAQ Is Creating Big Opportunities for Service Contractors

Indoor air quality is creating big opportunities for service contractors

Residential and commercial air duct cleaning is one of the most lucrative business opportunities in the booming indoor air quality field, with excellent annual growth rates. Industry analysts expect this growth rate to continue through increased customer concern about IAQ in their homes and businesses.

Whether you’re already offering contracted services or you’re interested in getting into the indoor air quality market for the first time - we have a list of considerations to help you in the decision making process.

Cashing in on indoor air quality

Air duct cleaning services allow contractors to increase profits in an ever-growing market. A number of factors make air duct cleaning an attractive business opportunity, such as the following:

- Great return on investment

- Diverse business opportunities

- DUCT-PRO® equipment leasing programs

- Be in control of your earnings and profit

- Provide significant add-on revenues with existing customers

- Generate new customers for other products and services

As the industry leader since 1990, Abatement Technologies® has helped thousands of companies develop and grow successful air duct cleaning businesses. High-performance DUCT-PRO®  and HEPA-AIRE® equipment has helped professionals clean HVAC systems in millions of homes and commercial buildings. 

What is source removal and capture duct cleaning?

Studies have shown that even a small amount of dirt buildup on HVAC system components can significantly reduce HVAC efficiency and increase energy consumption. Complete removal of dirt, debris, and other contaminants from the air duct system is the most effective and acceptable cleaning and decontamination method for ductwork in both homes and commercial buildings.

Abatement Technologies' duct cleaning method goes a step further by combining effective source removal with source capture. Here's how we do it:

- A specially designed compressor equipped with special agitation tools is used to loosen or dislodge dirt, debris and other contaminants from inner ductwork surfaces.

- A HEPA-AIRE® portable vacuum system is taken right into the home or building and plugged into a standard 115 V wall outlet. It combines the power needed to place the ductwork under negative pressure and pull out the contaminants, with a stage 3 filtration system, that has the efficiency and capacity needed to capture them.

Because the HEPA-filtered air exhausted back into the indoor environment from the vacuum is cleaner than many hospital operating rooms, there is no need to pull huge amounts of heated or cooled air out the building and exhaust it outside, as must be done with gasoline or diesel-powered equipment.

Click here to learn more about Abatements Technologies' duct cleaning process.

Give your company a competitive advantage with high-performance duct cleaning equipment

Abatement Technologies offers affordable startup packages of high-performance air duct cleaning equipment and tools designed to deliver superior results in both residential and commercial HVAC ductwork. Key components of Abatements turnkey equipment packages include:

- HEPA-AIRE® portable power vacuums 

- AIRE-SWEEP® portable air compressors and tools

- DUCT-PRO® video inspection system

- Specialty tools and accessories

Affordable start-up packages of air duct cleaning equipment, tools, and professional marketing materials to get your business up and running start around $6,000.00. Contractors often find that Abatement Technologies duct cleaning systems deliver one of the best investment returns of any capital purchase. Many contractors have been able to recoup their entire initial investment within the first few months of operation. For those who want to spread the cost over time, we offer special equipment leasing programs. 

Click here to learn more about starting a duct cleaning business with DUCT-PRO® equipment. Our knowledgeable sales consultants are ready to help you!

The Best Ways to Enhance Whole-Home Air Purification

Learn about the best ways to enhance whole-home air purification

Clean purified air is desired more than ever, especially in our homes. Harmful particles and pathogens can pose a risk on our short and long term health. There is advanced purification technology that exists and is created with the intention of trying to improve whole-home air quality. Allergists and other medical professionals widely promote allergen avoidance as a way to improve health of sensitive individuals with respiratory diseases.

 

The premise is simple, reduce exposure to pollutants. Central Air Purification (CAP®) units from Abatement Technologies incorporate one or more effective and targeted air purification technologies for this purpose.

 

Mechanical particle filtration

 

Filters are assigned a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating between 1-16, the higher the rating the better the filter is at removing small particulates. A standard low-efficiency throwaway furnace filter rated at MERV1 or MERV2 is only effective for large particles.

 

CAP®100, CAP®600 and CAP®1200 series HEPA Air Purification Systems are equipped with MERV 4 first stage pre filters designed primarily to capture large, visible dirt and dust particles that are too large and heavy to be respirable, but can become a housekeeping issue when they accumulate on surfaces. The second stage pleated particle filters in these CAP® models capture smaller, visible particles that can easily pass through most throwaway furnace filters. The high-capacity 5” deep CAP®100 series second stage filter, MERV 13 is especially effective. 

 

Activated carbon filtration

 

The VAPOR-LOCK® activated carbon filters utilized in CAP®600 Series and CAP®1200 Series models capture airborne gasses, volatile organic compounds off-gassed from carpets, composite wood furniture and other materials in the home, and odors caused by pets, cooking or smoking. VAPOR-LOCK® filters utilize a process known as adsorption, in which the gas-phase molecules of the contaminants are attracted to and chemically bond to the surface of the carbon. 

Combining UV Germicidal Irradiation and Photolysis Technologies

Over time our homes endure different issues like persistent molds and fungal odor problems usually found in areas with high moisture or humidity levels like the damp, dark and dirty recesses of an HVAC system where organisms can thrive and multiply.

CAP® systems are equipped with our advanced, dual frequency UV plus lamp. Frequency one creates germicidal UV energy to irradiate and break down molds and fungi. The second frequency creates a controlled amount of trivalent oxygen for enhanced odor-neutralizing capability

CAP®100, CAP®500, CAP®600 and CAP®1200 Series Whole-Home Central Air Purifiers are equipped with germicidal UV lamp technology. Microorganisms are irradiated to high levels of UVGI energy each time they pass by the lamp as the air cycles through the central HVAC system of your home. All CAP® germicidal UV lamps are ozone-free. 

HEPA Filtration

The beauty of a HEPA filter is that its efficiency starts at 99.97% and actually improves as the filter loads. Because of the exceptional small-particle capture performance of CAP®600 Series and CAP®1200 Series models, these units are the most widely recommended for homes with family members who are asthmatic or have the highest sensitivity to respiratory allergens. 

 

To learn more about whole-home air purification and best practices, contact our knowledgeable sales consultants here.

The Secrets Of Negative Pressure Containment

The Secrets of Negative Pressure Containment

The average hospital lasts more than 40 years, and often as many as 100 years. If you've ever considered buying an old house, or seen others do it on TV, you know just how much renovation and maintenance they require. Now multiply the square footage by more than 10, and you can imagine how much renovation is consistently needed in hospitals not only to keep them going but to continually improve services and meet changing building requirements.

While renovation and maintenance projects may pose little more than an inconvenience to homeowners, they require special attention in healthcare facilities because of the danger that airborne particles, spores, and pathogens released into the air by construction pose to patients. In order to carry out essential construction and maintenance work without harming patients, construction zones must be sealed off from patients, and air must be filtered and diverted away from vulnerable patients. 

To do this, facilities must perform Negative Pressure Containment. 

What is Negative Pressure Containment?

By its very definition, a negative pressure room has more air exiting it then entering. There is less air inside the room compared to the other rooms, hence why it is negative. What this does is ensures that any airflow outside of the HEPA exhaust is flowing into the room to fill that vacuum. Because airflow can only flow in one direction through the cracks or designated makeup air locations, the contaminants cannot escape the room.  Always check regulations when exhausting inside a healthcare facility as regulations can vary.

How to create Negative Pressure Containment

There are four key steps to creating negative pressure containment:

1. Construct a physical barrier around the area. 

Product Tip: You can do this with Abatement Technologies' AIRE GUARDIAN® SHIELD

2. Seal off any HVAC Returns

Tip: This ensures that dirty air does not escape into the rest of the building. 

3. Filter air in the sealed room with a portable air scrubber (PAS)

Product Tip: Use a HEPA-AIRE® or PREDATOR® series Portable Air Scrubber (PAS) from Abatement Technologies.

4. Use a PAS (portable air scrubber) to exhaust the filtered air out the construction zone through duct work

Product Tip: Find compatible duct here

Get it right everytime

Before attempting to create negative pressure, use our air change calculator to determine your airflow needs. Once you’ve followed the four steps above, use a portable differential pressure monitor for the most accurate reading of your negative pressurization. 

Ready to learn more about Abatement Technologies? Contact us today!

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