WATCH OUT FLORIDA
& GEORGIA, THE "RIP-OFF" COMPANIES ARE HERE If a company cleaning your air system is not a Florida
or Georgia State Certified Air Conditioning Contractor, they cannot legally disassemble or open the air handler of your air conditioning system to properly clean your entire air system... and if they don't clean the entire system... you're not getting the service you require and should get...for the price you could pay. What the United States Environmental Protection Agency (E.P.A.) says about air duct cleaning methods Warning If a duct cleaner fails to follow proper duct cleaning procedures, duct cleaning can actually cause more indoor air quality problems.
Inadequate vacuum collection systems can release more dust, dirt and other contaminants into the indoor air than if you had left the ducts alone - Reprinted from the EPA study released in October 1997.
 BEWARE when Selecting a
Air Duct Cleaner
As the EPA states, the use of
inadequate vacuums,
such as low CFM vacuums can cause more
indoor air quality problems then what you
now have. Regardless whether the company who
will be cleaning your air ducts is an Air
Conditioning Company or your local "Carpet
Cleaner" is not using the proper equipment
to clean your duct work they are JUST taking your money
and NOT CLEANING YOUR DUCT SYSTEM.
The EPA and the National Air Duct Cleaners Association stress the need to clean the entire air system when air duct cleaning is accomplished. The entire system includes the Air Conditioning or Furnace
Unit to include the coils and blower fan assembly, Main Trunk (supplies,
returns AND air distribution boxes) that are connected to your air system, and all branch runs attached to your Main Trunk lines.
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You should be aware of the
vacuum power and the type of the equipment
that
the "duct cleaner" will be used in cleaning your air systems for your home or business,
regardless whether the air duct cleaning company is an A/C company
or not.
There are a number of companies that clean ductwork, including
some AC
Companies, using inferior LOW vacuum power equipment with
small vacuums (vacuum power of shop vacuums) with and without a
rotating brush,
that WILL NOT clean like our HIGH vacuum power equipment (Our
smallest piece of air duct cleaning vacuum has a minimum of
2,300 CFM as compared to 100-500 CFMS with the small vacuums).
With over
15 years in the business and buying and trying a number of
different pieces of "duct cleaning equipment", our opinion is that
the
equipment we presently use to be the very best
and most effective
in cleaning and
decontaminating our clients air ducts, Residential as well as
Commercial, Industrial, Government (Local and Federal) and Military Navy and Cruise
Ships, based on the type of duct
systems and wide variation of air systems we have cleaned.
Our equipment has a
MINIMUM of 2,300 Cubic Feet per Minute
of VACUUM POWER
as compared to small vacuum equipment
which typically has 100-500 CFMs. Again this is just another case of
"bigger is better" (more
vacuum power) when it comes to vacuuming
out the contaminates in your air duct system.
Unlike other pieces of equipment
used to clean air ducts, Atlantic Environmental Service &
Products, Inc., uses only high power air devices, motorized, and
manual brush systems designed to get into the smallest ductwork
without damaging the ductwork or your air control devices within
your ductwork such as zoning devices (where one system has multiple
thermostats controlling individual rooms), dampers, etc.
Additionally our air hoses along with the high-pressure air
agitation devices used to dislodge and "push" the debris in the
ductwork back to be captured by the HEPA filtered 2,300 - 3,000 CFMs
high velocity vacuum systems.
This is important as there is such a variation of the configuration
of many duct systems that we have cleaned over the 15 years, vacuum
hoses can get hung up on obstructions (screws, pan heads, duct work
connections, zoning equipment, various air distribution devices,
etc) within the duct work and the need of pure vacuum power to do
the job right.
Our commercial equipment ranges from 4,000 to 6,500 CFMs
and more when a number of our HEPA filtered vacuum commercial
vacuums are used in tandem.
Click here to see the type of equipment we use
ATLANTIC EQUIPMENT and
compare the competitors equipment.
I have also provided a link to
Abatement Technologies
Web Site about the FAQs About Equipment
for Source Removal Duct Cleaning.
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If you
have an accessible attic or crawl space, find out whether or not they
will be going into the attic or crawl space to open, clean, and properly
reseal your ductwork and air distribution boxes.
If they don't, tell them to keep on walking because if this is not
accomplished all they are doing is just taking your money as the debris and
contamination left in the ductwork or in the air distribution boxes will
recontaminate your "cleaned" system again.
If they do, check to see if they are a
licensed A/C contractor. If you are unsure, contact your State
Contractor's Licensing Board.
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Check to see if they will clean the air handler, blower fan assembly (disassemble, clean, and reassemble) and motor,
and coils. If they don't they are not cleaning your system
because debris and contamination starts here.
If they do clean the
air handler, blower fan assembly and motor, and coils... they MUST
have a A/C Contractor's License... Check to visually see that they are a
licensed A/C contractor.
If you
are unsure, call your State's Contractor's Licensing Board.
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Watch out for companies that send out a air
duct cleaning
crew to inspect your ductwork.
The newest
gimmick are companies that send out a duct cleaning crew to give you the
estimate but, instead "push" you to get the duct
cleaning done while the crew is there. |
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What about those well known Department Stores offering Duct Cleaning? First, MOST of these department stores DO NOT have their OWN
EMPLOYED duct cleaning crews, they are contracted out to CARPET CLEANERS and other contractors. 1. Most do not have an Air Conditioning License as required by State of Florida to disassemble your air system (air handler, blower fan, ductwork, coils) for proper cleaning. Those that do have a Air Conditioning License just borrow or buy them from retired or out-of-business air conditioning companies, 2. most do not have the proper equipment to effectively clean your air system, 3. most do not have trained air conditioning technicians (MOST are carpet cleaners) to disassemble your air conditioning system, 4. Most of these WELL KNOWN DEPARTMENT STORES, use Carpet Cleaning
Companies DO NOT hold a A/C Contractor's License (When they call on
you, ask them to see their A/C Contractor's license). 5. Most use inadequate vacuums or duct cleaning equipment
(we know we had to re-clean some these "cleaned" systems, and 6.
most are NOT members of NADCA. Don't Believe It?? Call
NADCA and find out.
NADCA
1518 K Street, NW
Suite 503
Washington, DC 20005 Phone: (202) 737-2926 To properly clean and disinfect your air system, more than just duct cleaning is required;
a) air handler's blower fan needs to be removed to be cleaned and
sanitized (especially for mold), b) coils need to be cleaned AND
SOMETIMES pulled to be cleaned of mold and sanitized, c) air ducts
need to be checked for leaks and minor repairs made, and d) the air
systems checked for proper operation. Additionally, some special
services, such as replacement of ductwork, replacement of air
handler liners, application of EPA registered fungicidal sealers may
be required depending on severity of the contaminates in the air
system.
NON-LICENSED
companies cannot perform these services without violation of the
State Florida Law. Just because they have a well known department store name, BEWARE.. Check them out! Do they have an A/C License (ask them for a copy) and find out if they will be sending qualified air conditioning technicians on these duct cleaning jobs...WE DO!!, do they have trained certified A/C technicians that will clean your system?, do they open the air handler and clean and sanitize the interior of the air handler were 90% of the contaminates start?, do they pull the blower motor to clean the fan?, do they clean the coils?, do they belong to the National Air Duct Cleaners Association?, what professional organizations do they belong to, to assure you get an effective air system cleaning for the price you pay? SO, what is it they do?? They do only about 50% of the proper job at 100% of the price (even with their "specials"). They just clean the air ducts because they do not have an air conditioning contractor's license or A/C trained technicians to properly clean and sanitize your total air system. |
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Watch out for Carpet Cleaners and Chimney Sweeps that advertise they clean air conditioning systems. MOST ARE NOT licensed A/C companies. Florida State Law requires an Air Conditioning Contractor's license to properly clean A/C systems. This includes Opening Air Handlers, Pulling & Cleaning Blower Fans, Cleaning Coils (in some cases due to the type and amount of contamination, coils need to be pulled...can that company legally do this?), cleaning the drain pans and drain pipes, replacement of severely contaminated air ducts, and installing air filtration devices on the air system. NOTE: Some of these companies think they can get around having an air conditioning license by contracting an A/C contractor to open-up and/or clean the air handler. By Florida Law, this is illegal as well and the company should be reported to the Florida State Licensing Board. BEWARE...of these misleading and illegal companies coming to Jacksonville to take your money and do less than half the job....and they can damage your air conditioning and heating equipment in the process. When you get your quote, GET IT IN WRITING to include EXACTLY how they are going to clean your air system and compare it to what should be done & check to see if they are a Florida licensed air conditioning contractor. Click Here To Compare Service. |
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What about the Air Conditioning Companies Advertising or Offering Environmental or "Healthy" Check-ups?
There are a number of Air Conditioning Companies that are getting on the "mold" and/or "duct cleaning" bandwagon to make money. Unfortunately, most do not have the proper IAQ personnel that have been through and certified for "Mold Awareness", " Certified Environmental Specialists", and "Certified Environmental Inspector". At Atlantic Environmental, we have the personnel and the specialists with the proper certification. While we strive to resolve the problem with a cost effective solution, their normal answer is to replace the ductwork and replace the air handler... Why not, they can get 2-4 times the amount of money for replacement rather than cleaning. While there may be some isolated situations that may require ductwork and/or air system replacement (which we are also qualified to complete), majority of the times IT IS NOT NECESSARY.
If a company recommends replacement, get the following items in writing; 1). Justification as to why it needs replacement, 2). What specifically they will do and 3). The TOTAL cost. Then call us for a second opinion and price. |
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Check to see if the company is listed in the Yellow Pages, or do they work off of newspaper and/or coupons working with a Toll-Free Number? Could be one of those companies who are here today and GONE tomorrow.
If they are
in the Yellow Pages, do they show there Air Conditioning License
Number which is REQUIRED by STATE LAW?
Our Does!!
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Does the Crew they are sending you to clean your air systems, have A/C Technicians? There are a number of companies (Carpet Cleaners and Chimney Sweep companies) have been known to BUY A/C Contractor licenses from other A/C contractors either retired or unprofessional, who put up their license for sale or to the highest bidder giving the consumer a false sense of security because they obtained a license. However, what they don't let you know is the people who are cleaning your system are NOT A/C Technicians and in fact are the same people that clean carpets, furniture, and chimneys. With the cost of A/C equipment, the complexities of newer A/C equipment, and the fact these people have NEVER been trained on A/C equipment, its BUYER BEWARE, especially if they damage your furnace or Air Conditioner! Atlantic Crews have trained A/C technicians to assure that the air system and air duct cleaning is accomplished properly and without damage to your air system. |
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Has the company been cleaning air duct systems long enough in your city (5 or more years minimum) to have adequate experience in air conveyance system decontamination? |
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Compare the cleaning process; i.e., Are they licensed as a Florida State Air Conditioning Contractor with qualified air conditioning technicians cleaning your air systems? Do they take down the vents to be cleaned? Do they open the air handler to vacuum, clean, and sanitize? Do they clean the Drain Pan and Drain Lines? Do they clean the air ducts by using HEPA filtered vacuum (minimum of 2,300 cfms) equipment and agitation equipment (brushes and/or high air pressure tools)? Do they Remove, clean, reinstall and test the blower fan
assembly to clean the blades which are normally coated with dust and mold? Do they clean the coils TOP & BOTTOM (in some cases they may have to be remove for cleaning due to the amount of contamination)? Do they clean accessible ductwork
and air distribution boxes in the attic or crawl space to open up and clean the main duct runs? Do they check for duct leaks? Are they licensed to replace ductwork and equipment if it is necessary, install air filtration systems, whole house dehumidification and HEPA systems?
IF NOT, THEY ARE NOT CLEANING YOUR SYSTEM PROPERLY. GET IT IN WRITING and GET A COPY OF THEIR AIR CONDITIONING CONTRACTOR'S LICENSE . If they won't come out to your home to inspect and put the bid in writing, OR they won't prove they have an Air Conditioning Contractor's License, OR if they do not send qualified Air Conditioning Technicians to clean your Air System or ductwork...don't use them. |
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Verify that the company in your city is a member in good standing with the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA). There are some companies in Jacksonville that say they are members, when in fact they are talking about their other franchise offices that have been qualified by NADCA. Each office MUST be individually qualified, not just the franchise company. (202) 737-2926 www.nadca.com Email: nadca@aol.com |
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What percentage of their business is Air Conveyance System cleaning? Is this just an "add-on" to an existing business?
Many A/C companies have gotten involved in duct cleaning just to
increase their revenues. Most use inferior equipment and properly
trained crews. Most either do not belong to NADCA or do not follow
NADCA guidelines in cleaning Air Systems. Atlantic Environmental
Service & Products, Inc., revenue comes from Air System Cleaning and
Environmental Products.... 90% or more in air system cleaning and
remediation. |
Protect Your Family, Yourself, Your Home, Your Business, and Your Building occupants.
Florida CACA20207 and Georgia
CN208117 State A/C Contractor Licenses
Copyright 2008 Atlantic
Environmental Service & Products, Inc.
Use a Professional, State licensed Air Conditioning Contractor, with Qualified and Certified personnel
with the right equipment for your IAQ needs. |
