Why construction matters
New homes and remodels produce fine dust: drywall sanding, cutting, sawdust and insulation fibers. If supply registers and returns are left open, or the HVAC system runs while the work is going on, some of that material can be drawn into the ductwork.
NADCA’s overview of the cleaning process notes that construction activity can leave debris in HVAC components and recommends verifying cleanliness after installation or renovation. The EPA does not recommend routine duct cleaning, but it does list excessive dust and debris among the reasons to consider it.
New homes
A brand-new house can still have construction debris in the ducts, particularly if the system was used before final cleanup. Before you move in, ask the builder:
- Were registers and returns covered while drywall and flooring work was done?
- Did the HVAC system run during construction, and with what filter?
- Was the system’s cleanliness checked before handover?
If the answers are unclear, an inspection of the accessible ductwork will show whether there is material to remove.
After a remodel
Check the system after a remodel if any of these apply:
- Drywall sanding, demolition or cutting took place indoors.
- The HVAC system ran while the dusty work was happening.
- Vents in the work area were not sealed off.
- You notice more dust than before, or a lingering construction smell when the system runs.
Tell the inspector which rooms were worked on and how long the system ran during the project. That helps focus the inspection on the parts of the system most likely to be affected.
When to schedule
Book the inspection, and any cleaning, after the final construction cleanup. Cleaning while dusty work is still going on just invites the problem back. If you are moving into a new home, before move-in is often the easiest time, because furniture and belongings are not yet in the way.
Replace the HVAC filter after the project as well. A filter that ran through construction is likely to be loaded with dust.
What a good scope includes
A written scope should name the supply and return runs to be cleaned, the components covered and how the system will be protected during the work. Ask how debris is collected and contained. Our guide to what professional duct cleaning includes lists the details to confirm, and our cost guide explains what affects the price.
