local exhaust

local exhaust ventilation addresses the issue of avoiding the contamination of indoor air by specific high-emission sources by capturing airborne contaminants before they are spread into the environment. This can include water vapor control, lavatory bioeffluent control, solvent vapors from industrial processes, and dust from wood- and metal-working machinery. Air can be exhausted through pressurized hoods or through the use of fans and pressurizing a specific area

The highest level of

The highest level of
cleaning is achieved by
power brushing and air
washing because it does
the best job of removing
the accumulated dirt
and debris in the
ductwork. The
brushing does the best
job of dislodging the
accumulated dirt and
debris because it is
making physical contact
with more of the
interior ductwork than
the other methods. Air
washing after brushing
is necessary to help
move any remaining
Dirt and debris out of
the ductwork to the
vacuum, collection
system.

that contractors use to

There are three main
types/levels of cleaning
used to clean ductwork
that contractors use to
achieve source removal
of the accumulated dirt
and debris:
The first level is air
washing only. Air
washing is the use of
high-pressure air that
comes from your air
compressor through an
air hose to an air
nozzle. This air nozzle
delivers the streams of
high-pressure air, which
dislodges the
accumulated dirt and
debris. The suction
from the vacuum
collection system and
the high-pressure air
from the air nozzle
move the dirt and
debris that has been
dislodged from the
ductwork into the
vacuum collection
system.

In addition many

In addition many
Contractors also offer:
• System sanitizing.
• Dryer vent cleaning.
• Installation of UV
lights
NADCA has also
published a document
called ACR 2006 –
Assessment, Cleaning
and restoration of HVAC
Systems. This
document is the basis
for many commercial
cleaning specifications
today. These
commercial
specifications spell out
what is required on that
project. Typically you
need to clean anything

esidential air duct

esidential air duct
cleaning. This list
includes the following
activities:
• Visual inspection
before and after
cleaning.
• Remove, clean and
replace supply
registers and return
grilles.
• Clean supply
ductwork and plenum.
• Clean return ductwork
and plenum.
• Install access openings
as needed and reseal
after cleaning.
• Clean blower motor
and assembly.
• Clean air steam side of
heat exchanger.
• Clean secondary heat
exchanger.
• Clean evaporator coil
and drain pan.
• Wash air cleaner.
• Replace air filter.

If microbial

If microbial
contamination is a
concern the HVAC
system can be cleaned
and then sanitized. In
some HVAC systems
there is fiberglass
insulation. In many of
these systems this
insulation is
deteriorated over time
and must either be
replaced or repaired.
The ultimate goal is to
remove all of the
accumulated dirt, debris
and other contamination
found in the system.
This is called source
removal.

vacuuming. Others, like

vacuuming. Others, like
ductwork, you put
under negative pressure
with a vacuum
collection unit and then
dislodge the
accumulated dirt and
debris with your air
washing and power
bushing tools.
This dirt and debris is
collected (via the
negative pressure or
suction from the
vacuum collection unit)
and blown (via air
washing tools) to the
vacuum collection unit.
Coils can be cleaned via
air washing, contact
vacuuming or with coil
cleaning solutions and
water.

1. What is Air Duct Cleaning?

1. What is Air Duct
Cleaning?
Air duct cleaning is
more than cleaning
air ducts. A more
appropriate term to
use would be “HVAC
system cleaning.”
The HVAC system
includes everything in
the air steam like all
of the registers, grilles
and diffusers, the
supply ductwork and
the return ductwork.
In residential systems
it also includes the
furnace or air
handler. In
commercial systems it
would also include
turning vanes, reheat
coils, vav boxes,
dampers etc.
Some surfaces, like
the inside of the
furnace or air
handler, you clean
via contact

Measure 3: Makeup and Transfer

Measure 3: Makeup and Transfer Air Requirements Members of CAL OSHA who attended stakeholder meetings expressed concerns about maintaining minimum ventilation in kitchens in system designs that use high rates of transfer air usage approaching 100%. If kitchen ventilation is provided via 100% transfer air from other spaces, the air handlers serving those spaces must include enough outside air to serve the kitchen too. Otherwise, ventilation shall be provided via direct makeup air units. It remains the designer’s responsibility to ensure ventilation is provided.  This is stated explicity in the following section of Title 24: EXCEPTION to Section 121(b)2: Transfer air.  The rate of outdoor air required by Section 121(b)2 may be provided with air transferred from other ventilated spaces if:  A. None of the spaces from which air is transferred have any unusual sources of indoor air contaminants; and  B. The outdoor air that is supplied to all spaces combined, is sufficient to meet the requirements of Section 121(b)2 for each space individuall

Measure 4:

Measure 4: Commercial Kitchen System Efficiency Options Members of CAL OSHA who attended stakeholder meetings raised some key issues which stimulated the addition of the following requirements for demand controlled systems: 1) Demand controlled systems shall include failsafe controls that result in full flow upon cooking sensor failure 2) Demand controlled systems shall allow occupants the ability to temporarily override the system to full flow 3)  Demand controlled systems shall be capable of reducing exhaust and replacement air system airflow rates to the larger of: a. 50% of the total design exhaust and replacement air system airflow rates  b. The ventilation rate required per Section 121
All of these additions addressed a concern for kitchen occupants to be provided minimum ventilation and provisions for maintaining a safe environment in the event of a hood control failur

6. Recommended Languag

6. Recommended Language for the Standards Document, ACM Manuals, and the Reference Appendices
6.1 Measure 1: Direct Replacement of Exhaust Air Limitation
6.1.1 Code Language SECTION 101 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION SECTION 144 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE CONDITIONING SYSTEMS (m) Limitation on Direct Replacement of Kitchen Hood Exhaust Air. Replacement air introduced directly into the hood cavity of kitchen exhaust hoods shall not exceed 10% of the hood exhaust airflow rate.

6.2 Measure 2: Type I Exhaust Hood Airflow Limitations

6.2 Measure 2: Type I Exhaust Hood Airflow Limitations
6.2.1 Code Language SECTION 144 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE CONDITIONING SYSTEMS (o) Type I Exhaust Hood Airflow Limitations. For kitchen/dining facilities having total Type 1 and Type II kitchen hood exhaust airflow rates greater than 5,000 cfm, each Type 1 hood shall have an exhaust rate that complies with Table 1. If a single hood, or hood section, is installed over appliances with different duty ratings, then the maximum allowable flow rate for the hood or hood section shall not exceed the Table 1 values for the highest appliance duty rating under the hood or hood section. Refer to the ASHRAE Standard 154 for definitions of hood type, appliance duty, and net exhaust flow rate

Measure 3: Makeup and Transfer Air Requirements

Measure 3: Makeup and Transfer Air Requirements
6.3.1 Code Language SECTION 101 – DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION 101 (b) Definitions.   Makeup Air (Dedicated Replacement Air): outdoor air deliberately brought into the building from the outside and supplied to the vicinity of an exhaust hood to replace air, vapor, and contaminants being exhausted. Makeup air is generally filtered and fan-forced, and it may be heated or cooled depending on the requirements of the application. Makeup air may be delivered through outlets integral to the exhaust hood or through outlets in the same room. Replacement Air: outdoor air that is used to replace air removed from a building through an exhaust system. Replacement air may be derived from one or more of the following: makeup air, supply air, transfer air, and infiltration. However, the ultimate source of all replacement air is outdoor air. When replacement air exceeds exhaust, the result is exfiltration. Transfer Air: air transferred from one room to another through openings in the room envelope, whether it is transferred intentionally or not. The driving force for transfer air is generally a small pressure differential between the rooms, although one or more fans may be used

SECTION 144

SECTION 144 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE CONDITIONING SYSTEMS (n) Kitchen Ventilation – Makeup and Transfer Air Mechanically cooled or heated makeup air delivered to any space with a kitchen hood shall not exceed the greater of: a) The supply flow required to meet the space heating and cooling load b) The hood exhaust flow minus the available transfer air from adjacent spaces.  Available transfer air is that portion of outdoor ventilation air serving adjacent spaces not required to satisfy other exhaust needs, such as restrooms, not required to maintain pressurization of adjacent spaces, and that would otherwise be relieved from the building.
6.3.2 Nonresidential ACM Manual Refer to Section 6.5 for Nonresidential ACM language.
6.4 Measure 4: Commercial Kitchen System Efficiency Options
6.4.1 Code Language SECTION 125 – REQUIRED NONRESIDENTIAL MECHANICAL SYSTEM ACCEPTANCE 15. Type I Kitchen Hoods shall be tested in accordance with NJ.16.1.  SECTION 144 – PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE CONDITIONING SYSTEMS

Kitchen Ventilation

 Kitchen Ventilation – Efficiency Options. A kitchen/dining facility having a total Type I and Type II kitchen hood exhaust airflow rate greater than 5,000 cfm shall have one of the following:  a) At least 50% of all replacement air is transfer air that would otherwise be exhausted. b) Demand ventilation system(s) on at least 75% of the exhaust air. Such systems shall: 1) Include controls necessary to modulate airflow in response to appliance operation and to maintain full capture and containment of smoke, effluent and combustion products during cooking and idle 2) Include failsafe controls that result in full flow upon cooking sensor failure 3) Allow occupants the ability to temporarily override the system to full flow 4)  Be capable of reducing exhaust and replacement air system airflow rates to the larger of: i.  50% of the total design exhaust and replacement air system airflow rates  ii.  The ventilation rate required per Section 121  c) Listed energy recovery devices with a sensible heat recovery effectiveness of not less than 40% on at least 50% of the total exhaust airflow. d) A minimum of 75% of makeup air volume that is: a. Unheated or heated to no more than 60°F  b. Uncooled or cooled without the use of mechanical cooling

The snow that

The snow that softened on the upper top zone will solidify as it moves onto the lower top region if that lower territory is colder than at the top, which typically is the situation. Commonly, the lower range of the top will remain colder than the upper top territory, particularly in the region just over the eave, where temperatures may not be much higher than the surrounding outside air. In the event that the open air temperature is well underneath solidifying, conditions for ice dam shaping are positive.

Warm air thinks

Warm air thinks that its path into the upper room, amid winter, in light of the fact that the upper carpets of most homes encounter some hotness misfortune through the protection, even overall protected homes. Since warm air climbs, the upper bit of a storage room is dependably the hottest. On the off chance that loft ventilation is not sufficient to vent away this warm air and make a "frosty top" — a condition where the top temperature is adjusted start to finish — snow that has gathered on the top can soften.

Unvented high temperature

Unvented high temperature in chilly climate brings about ice dams.

Ice dams can structure at the edge of a top on the grounds that warm air caught at the highest point of the loft can liquefy snow on the top that, then, solidifies as it runs around the lower, cooler territory of the top.

Ice dams can turn into a gigantic issue for mortgage holders.

Ice dams can turn into a gigantic issue for mortgage holders

As the melted

As the melted and frozen snow continues to freeze, melt, and refreeze, it creates a barrier, or dam, preventing water from running off the roof. Once dammed, water and ice can creep back up under the shingles and underlayment resulting in leaks.

Proper ventilation and added insulation help mitigate this melting and freezing process and eliminate ice dams. Ice dams may not be a large concern at sea level, but in homes at higher elevations and inland this can be a serious issue.

The snow that

The snow that melted on the upper roof area will freeze as it moves onto the lower roof area if that lower area is colder than at the top, which usually is the case. Typically, the lower area of the roof will remain colder than the upper roof area, especially in the area just above the eave, where temperatures may not be much higher than the ambient outdoor air. If the outdoor temperature is well below freezing, conditions for ice dam formation are favorable.

Unvented heat

Unvented heat in cold weather results in ice dams.

Ice dams can form at the edge of a roof because warm air trapped at the top of the attic can melt snow on the roof that, then, freezes as it runs toward the lower, cooler area of the roof.

Ice dams can become a huge problem for homeowners.
Ice dams can become a huge problem for homeowners.
Warm air finds its way into the attic, during winter, because the upper floors of most homes experience some heat loss through the insulation, even well insulated homes. Because warm air rises, the upper portion of an attic is always the warmest. If attic ventilation is not sufficient to vent away this warm air and create a “cold roof” — a condition where the roof temperature is equalized from top to bottom — snow that has collected on the roof can melt.

high storage room

These high storage room temperatures additionally can prompt higher vitality utilization: Typically, on a hot day, the second story rooms of a house are hotter in light of the fact that warm (lighter) air ascents while cooler (denser) air falls. Nonetheless, when despicable loft ventilation permits the upper room to end up super-warmed, the wonder of descending high temperature movement happens (through the storage room floor and into the home's upper carpets). This makes the upper carpets of the home significantly hotter. The additional warming of the upper floors is not normally lightened by the evening time; a deficiently ventilated storage room at times loses enough high temperature overnight to adjust for the hotness picked up amid the day. This impact is magnified in cutting edge homes with heavier protection that keeps heat from getting away from the upper carpets. The additional warming of the upper carpets because of the descending relocation of high temperature causes mortgage holders to run mechanical supplies, for example, ventilation systems and window fans, longer than they generally would keeping in mind the end goal to chill off the home. Along  these  lines, insufficiently ventilated upper rooms help more prominent vitality utilization in higher service bills amid the mid yea

Poor air quality sources

Poor air quality sources

Indoor air pollutants from combustion devices

If your home uses a combustion-based furnace such as natural gas-fired furnace or an oil-burning furnace, these heating systems produce pollution particles from that combustion cycle. Other heating devices such as gas stoves, space heaters, wood-burning stoves and dryers will also produce pollution particles that can affect indoor air quality.

If your home’s HVAC system is installed properly and is up-to-date on maintenance or repairs, these pollution particles should be expelled from the furnace and vented through the exhaust or chimney.

However, if your home’s chimney or exhaust vent are not sealed properly, combustion byproducts such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide can enter your home’s air and cause symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, irritation of the mucous membranes in the eyes, nose and throat, and, in the case of carbon monoxide, even death.

Avoid duct-cleaning scams

Avoid duct-cleaning scams

When you hire someone to put up wallpaper or build a fence, it's easy to see whether it's a good job. But with services like air duct cleaning, there's much more risk of fraud because the homeowner can't easily check the work. A disreputable company may not have the proper equipment to do a quality air duct cleaning job, may overcharge you, may leave the ducts dirty or filled with debris and may even do costly damage to your home's HVAC system. Some companies entice you with very low offers, such as $59 for a whole-house cleaning, then pile on extra charges. 

The National Air Duct Cleaners Association agrees with most of the EPA's stance on air duct cleaning with one exception -- it does recommend routine work by quality air duct cleaners every few years. According to the NADCA, consider the following when making a decision whether or not to hire an air duct cleaner: Smokers in the household Pets that shed high amounts of hair and dander Water contamination or damage to the home or HVAC system Residents with allergies or asthma who might benefit from a reduction in the amount of indoor air pollutants in the home's HVAC system After home renovations or remodeling Prior to occupancy of a new home

The National Air Duct Cleaners Association agrees with most of the EPA's stance on air duct cleaning with one exception -- it does recommend routine work by quality air duct cleaners every few years.

According to the NADCA, consider the following when making a decision whether or not to hire an air duct cleaner:

• Smokers in the household
• Pets that shed high amounts of hair and dander
• Water contamination or damage to the home or HVAC system
• Residents with allergies or asthma who might benefit from a reduction in the amount of indoor air pollutants in the home's HVAC system
• After home renovations or remodeling
• Prior to occupancy of a new home

Is air duct cleaning necessary?

Many HVAC repair and maintenance companies also offer air duct cleaning services, which typically cost $300 to $500.

Is air duct cleaning necessary?

Angie's List members share their experiences and opinions on air duct cleaning. Read more

Some companies specialize as air duct cleaners. They generally recommend having air ducts cleaned every 3 to 5 years, or even more frequently to reduce pollutants in the air.

However, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency warns that there is no scientific evidence that cleaning air ducts regularly improves air quality, and some HVAC professionals say it is a waste of money.

Yet some allergy sufferers, including Angie's List members, have reported that having their ducts cleaned has led to reduced allergy symptoms and cleaner air.

Although the EPA does not recommend routinely hiring air duct cleaning services, it does suggest it be done when there are specific reasons for doing so. This would include factors such as

Energy Savings

Energy Savings

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 25 to 40 percent of the energy used for heating or cooling a home is wasted. Contaminants in the heating and cooling system cause it to work harder and shorten the life of your system. Although filters are used, the heating and cooling system still gets dirty through normal use.

When an HVAC system is clean, it doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain the temperature you desire. As a result, less energy is used, leading to improved cost-effectiveness.

Shower too powerful

Shower too powerful

A shower should only use about six to ten litres of water a minute, but many use much more. Many use 18 litres a minute, and some up to 25 litres.

If your shower is using too much water, you’re wasting money on electricity and possibly on water charges. If you have an eight-minute shower every day and the shower uses 18 litres per minute, you’re using more than 52,000 litres of water a year, and the water heating will be costing you more than $440 a year (based on electricity cost of 18c/kWh). Reducing the flow to 6L/min would cut power costs alone by two thirds, that’s saving you $293 a year.

To test your shower’s flow:

• Set the shower at the temperature and flow you normally use.
• Hold a bucket underneath it and measure how much water you collect in a minute.

If you get more than 12 or 13 litres in a minute, you can save energy and water by doing one of the following:

• Not turning the mixer on to full flow when you use the shower.
• Installing a flow restrictor.
• Restricting how far you can turn the shower mixer on by adjusting the mixer. You may need a professional to do this.
• Fitting a low-flow showerhead.

COMMERCIAL AIR DUCT CLEANING

CLEANER AIR. HEALTHIER WORKPLACE.

If you think the air you breathe indoors is cleaner than what’s outside, think again. The EPA estimates indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. All that bad air translates into everything from frequent colds and sore throats to headaches, asthma, allergies and chronic fatigue, which in turn causes employee downtime.

When dust, debris and other contaminants build up in your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, they can trigger allergies and other health issues. But they also reduce energy efficiency, which increases your energy costs. Now you have two compelling reasons to make sure the air ducts and HVAC system in your workplace are running efficiently.

The Stanley Steemer air duct cleaning free inspection will show you exactly how much dirt is in your HVAC system and where it has collected. After we’ve completed the evaluation and inspection, we develop and provide a scope-of-work document. It outlines the work to be performed and a timeframe for completing it.

Next, our NADCA certified technicians use powerful equipment to remove the pollutants. With Stanley Steemer air duct cleaning, we systematically clean every component of your building’s ventilation system, including air handling unit components, outdoor air intakes, VAV boxes and reheat coils, and supply, return and exhaust ductwork.

We maintain an open line of communication with your employees throughout the entire cleaning process. Our goal is to contain the work areas, ensuring minimal disruption to your business operations. After the Stanley Steemer air duct cleaning is complete, we conduct a final inspection and then provide you with before-and-after photos of the work we’ve done.

As always, only trained Stanley Steemer employees perform the work. It’s an approach that differentiates us from the competition. Because we want you to be completely satisfied with the results. Stanley Steemer—your partner in clean.

Top Benefits of HVAC Cleaning

Top Benefits of HVAC Cleaning

NADCA’s rule of thumb for consumers is that “if your ducts look dirty, they probably are,” and that dirty HVAC systems should be inspected by a reputable, certified HVAC professional. Below are some other reasons homeowners choose to have their air ducts cleaned.

Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality is one concern that homeowners have when they decide to investigate air duct cleaning. In a typical six-room home, up to 40 pounds of dust is created annually through everyday living. Your heating and cooling system is the lungs of your home. The system taken air in and breathes air out.

Through normal occupation in a home, we generate a great deal of contaminants and air pollutants, such as dander, dust, and chemicals. These contaminants are pulled into the HVAC system and re-circulated 5 to 7 times per day, on average. Over time, this re-circulation causes a build-up of contaminants in the duct work.

While dirty ducts don’t necessarily mean unhealthy air in your home, school or workplace, they may be contributing to larger health issues or harboring contaminants that could cause serious problems for people with respiratory health conditions, autoimmune disorders or some environmental allergies.

Toilet using too much water

Toilet using too much water

An average single-flush toilet uses 11 litres per flush. An average three-occupant household flushes 15 times a day. That’s 165 litres per day or over 60,000 litres per year. If you pay for your water, that’s money down the toilet.

Some local authorities require you to install a dual flush system when replacing a toilet, but you may decide it makes sense to do that even if it’s not required. Modern systems use only three litres or six litres of water per flush. This is 30% less than older dual-flush cisterns and up to eight litres less than single flush cisterns. You will need a plumber to replace the toilet cistern.

On older toilets, you can also install a flush control device, such as a ‘gizmo’. Some councils give them out for free. It could save significant amounts of water in your toilet system.

Alternatively, place a brick or zip-lock plastic bag filled with water in the cistern. This will reduce the amount of water used for each flush.