What is the difference between HVAC cleaning and HVAC remediation?
A cleaning removes accumulated debris from a system that is otherwise sound. Remediation is a corrective project for a system that has a problem beyond debris — water intrusion, widespread contamination, or suspected microbial growth — and it addresses the cause as well as the material. The scope is set by inspection findings and typically combines source-removal cleaning, component cleaning, fiberglass restoration, sealing, insulation repair and treatment. It is defined by the condition of the system, not by a price list.
This is scoped, not sold off a menu
Remediation projects are driven by what an inspection finds. Two systems with the same symptom can need very different work. We document conditions with photographs and camera inspection, set a scope against those findings, and explain what each element of the scope is there to accomplish.
Moisture is almost always the underlying cause
In this climate, a contaminated HVAC system usually has a water story behind it: a failed condensate drain, a leaking roof above attic ductwork, an undersized system that short-cycles and never dehumidifies, or ductwork sweating from failed insulation. Remediating the system without correcting the moisture source gets you a clean system that deteriorates again.
Part of our job is to identify that source and tell you about it, even when the correction falls to an HVAC contractor, a roofer or a plumber rather than to us.
Where we sit relative to mold remediation
We clean, restore and treat HVAC systems and ductwork. We work alongside licensed mold remediation and restoration contractors regularly, and on projects involving building materials beyond the HVAC system we will tell you that a licensed mold remediator is the right party for that portion of the work. We do not blur that line.
At a glance
- Typical scope
- Source-removal cleaning, component cleaning, fiberglass restoration, sealing, insulation repair, treatment
- Driven by
- Documented inspection findings
- Common causes
- Condensate failure, roof leaks, failed duct insulation, oversized or short-cycling equipment
- Documentation
- Photographic and camera inspection records throughout
- Coordination
- We work alongside licensed licensed mold remediation and restoration contractors
What the service covers
- Camera and photographic inspection
- Source-removal cleaning of the full system
- Air handler and component cleaning
- Fiberglass restoration or replacement
- Duct sealing and insulation repair
- HVAC-approved treatment where indicated
- Written scope and documentation
Common questions
Do you test for microbial growth?
We perform HVAC and duct system inspections and can assess conditions within the system. Laboratory testing and clearance testing are performed by independent parties, which is the appropriate separation — the company performing remediation should not be the one certifying its own clearance.
How long does a remediation project take?
It depends entirely on scope. A single-system residential project may take one to two days; a large commercial system is planned around building operations and can run considerably longer. You get an expected timeline with the written scope.
Will insurance cover it?
Sometimes, particularly where there has been a covered water event. We provide documentation of conditions and work performed, which is what carriers typically ask for. Coverage determination is between you and your carrier.
