How We Clean Air Ducts
Our comprehensive, NADCA-certified process ensures thorough cleaning and lasting results
Professional Duct Cleaning vs. "Blow and Go" Services
Not all duct cleaning is created equal. Many companies offer cheap services that simply run a vacuum through your ducts without proper cleaning—the industry calls this "blow and go." This approach moves dust around rather than removing it, and may even damage your ductwork.
Air Duct Pros Denver follows the rigorous standards established by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), ensuring complete system cleaning using professional-grade equipment and proven techniques. Our NADCA-trained technicians have completed over 500 hours of specialized training in proper duct cleaning methods.
Our 7-Step Cleaning Process
Complete System Inspection
We begin every job with a thorough inspection of your entire HVAC system using advanced video camera technology. This allows us to:
- Assess the condition of your ductwork and identify problem areas
- Locate heavy contamination zones, mold growth, or structural issues
- Document the initial state with before photos and video
- Identify the number of supply and return vents for accurate pricing
- Check for leaks, disconnected sections, or damaged ductwork
This inspection ensures we understand your specific needs and can provide targeted cleaning where it matters most.
Home Protection Setup
Before we begin cleaning, we protect your home:
- Technicians wear protective shoe covers throughout service
- Drop cloths placed under work areas and high-traffic paths
- Furniture near vents moved carefully if needed
- Containment systems set up to prevent dust migration
- HEPA air scrubbers deployed in work areas (when appropriate)
Your home should be cleaner after we leave, not dustier. These precautions ensure a mess-free experience.
Negative Air Pressure System Setup
We create negative pressure throughout your entire duct system using professional-grade equipment:
- Connect high-powered vacuum system (1000+ CFM) to main trunk line
- Create negative pressure that pulls debris toward collection point
- Use HEPA-filtered vacuums that capture 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns
- Seal system to ensure all dislodged debris is captured, not released into your home
- Maintain continuous vacuum throughout cleaning process
This containment approach is what separates professional cleaning from amateur services—nothing escapes into your living spaces.
Mechanical Agitation & Brushing
We use specialized tools to physically dislodge stubborn buildup from duct walls:
- Rotary Brush Systems: Power rotating brushes in various sizes scrub duct walls clean
- Compressed Air Tools: Air whips and skipper balls use compressed air to dislodge debris in hard-to-reach areas
- Contact Vacuuming: Direct suction at each vent removes surface contamination
- Manual Brushing: Hand brushing for delicate areas or specialty components
We clean each supply and return duct individually, working methodically through the entire system. This mechanical action is essential—vacuum alone cannot remove years of accumulated contamination.
Professional equipment can reach 30+ feet into ductwork, cleaning the entire system, not just accessible sections.
Register & Component Cleaning
We thoroughly clean all visible and accessible HVAC components:
- Supply and Return Registers: Removed, cleaned, sanitized, and reinstalled
- Grilles and Diffusers: Washed to remove dust and allergen buildup
- Furnace Blower Assembly: Carefully cleaned to restore airflow efficiency
- Evaporator Coil: Cleaned using approved methods and products
- Blower Motor and Fan: Dust removed from motor housing and fan blades
- Condensate Drain Pan: Cleaned and treated to prevent mold growth
A dirty blower can reduce system efficiency by up to 40%—cleaning these components is critical for both air quality and energy savings.
Optional Sanitization Treatment
After cleaning, we offer EPA-approved antimicrobial treatment:
- Only applied to clean duct surfaces for maximum effectiveness
- Uses hospital-grade, EPA-registered products safe for homes
- Kills 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, and mold spores on contact
- Provides residual protection against future microbial growth
- Eliminates odors at their source (not just masking)
Especially recommended for homes with mold issues, water damage, persistent odors, or family members with respiratory concerns.
Final Inspection & Verification
We verify our work and ensure your complete satisfaction:
- Post-cleaning video inspection showing clean ductwork
- Before and after photo documentation provided to you
- Airflow verification to ensure optimal system performance
- Final walkthrough with homeowner to answer questions
- Maintenance recommendations specific to your system
- System operational testing before we leave
You'll receive documentation of our work—proof that your ducts are truly clean, not just promises.
Professional Equipment Makes the Difference
True duct cleaning requires specialized professional equipment that most homeowners and general contractors don't possess.
High-CFM Vacuum Systems
Industrial-grade vacuums producing 1000+ CFM with HEPA filtration to capture particles as small as 0.3 microns—including mold spores, bacteria, and fine dust.
Rotary Brush Systems
Variable-speed rotating brushes (3", 4", 5" diameters) specifically engineered for duct cleaning. These aren't standard chimney brushes—they're designed for lint removal without damaging ductwork.
Compressed Air Tools
Specialized air whips and skipper balls that blast stubborn lint from vent walls using controlled bursts of compressed air—reaching areas brushes alone cannot access.
Video Inspection Equipment
High-resolution cameras on flexible cables for visual inspection of duct interiors, identifying damage and verifying cleaning thoroughness with video documentation.
Extension Rod Systems
Flexible semi-rigid rods extending 30+ feet to handle long vent runs in multi-story homes. Standard DIY kits only reach 6-8 feet—inadequate for most Denver homes.
Airflow Measurement Devices
Professional-grade anemometers measuring exhaust velocity in feet per minute, providing objective data about vent performance before and after cleaning.
NADCA Certification: What It Means
The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) sets the gold standard for professional duct cleaning. Our NADCA certification guarantees:
Rigorous Training
Over 500 hours of specialized training in duct cleaning methods, safety protocols, and HVAC system operation.
Industry Best Practices
We follow NADCA's published standards (ACR 2013) for inspection, cleaning, and restoration of HVAC systems.
Professional Equipment Requirements
NADCA standards require specific equipment types and capabilities—ensuring we have the tools needed for thorough cleaning.
Ongoing Education
Continuous education requirements keep us current with new techniques, equipment, and industry developments.
Code of Ethics
We adhere to NADCA's strict code of ethics, ensuring honest assessments, transparent pricing, and quality workmanship.
Consumer Protection
Choosing NADCA-certified companies protects you from "blow and go" operators who run a vacuum without proper cleaning.
See Our Process in Action
Watch how our NADCA-trained technicians clean your air ducts professionally.
Full Cleaning Process Overview
Watch our complete air duct cleaning process from inspection to final verification.
Equipment Demonstration
See our professional-grade equipment in action and learn why it matters.
Before & After Results
Real before and after footage from Denver homes we've cleaned.
Videos coming soon! In the meantime, call us for a live demonstration during your free inspection.
Schedule Your Service Online
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or call (720) 397-7267
Experience Professional Duct Cleaning
Schedule your comprehensive cleaning with NADCA-trained technicians
Get Your Free Quote Call (720) 397-7267