The Three Main Duct Cleaning Methods: Which One Is Best for Your Home or Business?
When homeowners or businesses decide they need a duct cleaning service, they are often looking to improve the air quality of the building and enhance the airflow and function of their HVAC system. However, not all duct cleaning methods are created equal. Today, we’ll compare the three main methods: Rotobrush/Contact Cleaning, Ramair, and Negative Pressure/Source Removal to help you understand the differences and how each method can impact air quality and airflow.
Rotobrush/Contact Cleaning
How It Works:
Rotobrush uses a shop-vac-like vacuum system equipped with a long hose and a rotating brush at the end. The technician inserts the hose into each vent, pushing it as far down as possibleThe vacuum opening is typically 2 inches or less, which doesn’t allow it to pick up larger debris like dead rodents or construction materials.
Pros:
- The rotating brush effectively agitates dust and dirt from the sides of the ducts (where it can reach).
Cons:
- Limited Reach: The trunk lines (the main ducts) are often left uncleaned because the hose cannot reach them.
- Insufficient Suction: The small vacuum opening isn’t powerful enough to remove all loosened dust and dirt, often leaving it airborne and reducing air quality.
- Damage Potential: The rigid vacuum hose and stiff brushes can damage older or flexible ductwork, common in many newer homes.
CLICK HERE to watch promotional video of Rotobrush in action.
Ramair
How It Works:
With Ramair, a technician seals off vents and places a clear plastic box over one vent at a time. This box is connected to an air compressor and a vacuum. The furnace is kept on during the cleaning, and a reverse skipper ball (connected to the air compressor) is used to agitate dust and dirt from the vent sides, sending debris toward the vacuum box.
Pros:
- Agitation through compressed air helps loosen dust and debris.
Cons:
- Air Quality Issues: Similar to Rotobrush, this method does not provide enough vacuum pressure to remove all debris, leading to airborne contaminants and a decrease in air quality.
- Furnace Risks: The process blows dust and debris directly into the furnace, which can clog coils, reduce efficiency, and damage the furnace motor.
- Safety Hazards: Performing the cleaning with the furnace on is dangerous for both technicians and homeowners.
CLICK HERE to watch promotional video of Ramair method in action.
Negative Pressure/Source Removal (Our Preferred Method)
How It Works:
At Bee’s Air Duct Cleaning, we use the Negative Pressure/Source Removal method, which is widely regarded as the most effective. The entire HVAC system is placed under continuous negative pressure using a large vacuum connected to the plenum (where the furnace and ductwork meet). This negative pressure prevents contaminants from blowing into your living space during and after the cleaning.
Step-by-Step Process:
- Technicians start by cleaning the supply side of the system, opening each vent to focus the vacuum’s draw and using various agitation tools (such as brushes, air whips, and compressed air nozzles) to break loose debris.
- The technicians then clean the trunk lines (the main ducts) to ensure a thorough process.
- Once the supply side is cleaned, the vacuum is switched to the cold air return side, and the process is repeated.
In some cases, technicians may need to cut access holes in the ductwork to reach all areas, but these are sealed and patched at the end of the service.
Pros:
- Complete Cleaning: This method ensures all contaminants are effectively removed, improving both airflow and air quality.
- No Airborne Dust: The use of negative pressure keeps contaminants from being released into your home or business.
- System Protection: The furnace is not left on during the cleaning, protecting the motor and coils from damage.
A full HVAC system cleaning doesn’t stop at the ducts. To optimize your system’s performance, we also clean the furnace blower motor and evaporator coil.
- Blower Motor: Removing and thoroughly cleaning the blower motor and assembly improves its longevity and protects the bearings from wear and tear.
- Evaporator Coil: Wet cleaning the evaporator coil removes debris and buildup, significantly enhancing airflow and your air conditioner’s cooling capacity.
Conclusion
At Bee’s Air Duct Cleaning, we believe the Negative Pressure/Source Removal method, combined with furnace and coil cleaning, is the best way to improve both airflow and air quality. The key to a successful duct cleaning isn’t just the method—it’s also the skill of the technician. Every lead technician at Bee’s has a minimum of five years of hands-on experience and is certified by NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaners Association).
Ready to improve the air quality and efficiency of your HVAC system? Contact us today for a thorough and professional duct cleaning service!
