Ensuring Your Duct Work Complies
Clean your ducts regularly for proper ventilation
An important factor in the overall performance of your exhaust fan depends on the ductwork in your home. One of the most important aspects of ensuring that your exhaust fan is safely cooling your home is the cleanliness of your duct system.
When choosing to have your ducts cleaned, make sure you choose a reputable firm that complies with the standards set out by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (www.nadca.com). This is an organization that is dedicated to providing consumers with information regarding the standards and regulations of fans and ductwork.
The ACR 2005 (Assessment, Cleaning and Restoration) is NADCA’s latest standards regarding duct cleaning. This document clearly outlines the acceptable levels of cleanliness you should expect after your ducts have been serviced and cleaned, including two methods of measuring the cleanliness and effectiveness of your work or that of the company you have hired to clean your ducts. This document also specifies general requirements for the occupant’s health and safety, equipment standards and other aspects of the cleaning process.
There are a number of duct-cleaning firms that are capable of providing services which comply with the National Air Duct Cleaners Association. It is very important that you make sure the company you choose is one that complies with these standards to avoid receiving poor service.
Simply cleaning the duct system does not guarantee your exhaust fan will run more efficiently. In order for your exhaust fan to operate effectively on a regular basis, there are many maintenance tasks you can do on your own. Dusting dirty fan blades, motors and exhaust ducts, washing the fan grill, and replacing the filter can improve the efficiency of your exhaust fan if cleaned as needed.
