An HVAC unit could be cleaned with many different tools and pieces of equipment. Some contractors have high-powered truck-mounted systems, and other contractors favor portable vacuums. Both systems of equipment, according to the NADCA standard, are fine, provided that they are set up properly.

Below is an overview of common air duct cleaning tools and air duct cleaning equipment typically used for HVAC inspection, maintenance, and restoration. This is not even an exhaustive list of the specialized tools because these tools are different in some ventures.

Air Duct Cleaning Equipment and Tools 

Access Tools

Technicians use access tools so they can make entry points into the HVAC system to enable inspecting and cleaning it out. Such openings may be as small as an optical inspection hole or as large as personnel or equipment service panels that open into the ductwork.

Inspection Tools

Inspection equipment aids in assessing the accumulation of dust, trash, and other pollutants in an HVAC system. They are also used as a monitor of the cleaning process and verification.

Common Examples of Inspection Tools

• Hand-held mirrors

• Direct-view periscopes (right-angle mirror devices, often with a light source)

• CCTV camera systems

• Standard cameras (such as 35mm SLR)

Hand Cleaning Tools

The tools to clean with your hands include simple brushes to more sophisticated pneumatic agitation devices. Such tools as power brushes or manual brushing are also frequently used by technicians in order to loosen debris: the use of compressed air, such as blowguns, air whips, and air skippers, then move the loosened particles to the collection device. Particularly in the ductwork of a fibreglass-lined, flex duct, or ductboard, extra caution should be observed during the cleaning process.

Vacuum Collection Devices

Vacuum collection devices create negative pressure within the HVAC system, preventing contaminants from spreading during cleaning. These devices come in two main types:

Truck or Trailer-Mounted Vacuums

Generally, more powerful and commonly used for large-scale cleaning projects.

Portable Vacuums

It can be brought inside buildings, placing the vacuum source closer to the ducts.

Compressed Air Sources

Since many HVAC cleaning tools are pneumatically powered, compressed air is essential. Air compressors are commonly used to supply the required pressure for these tools.

Robotic Air Duct Cleaning Systems

Robot air duct cleaning is one of the most advanced technologies in the HVAC cleaning service. These robots are fitted with cameras, brushes, vacuum attachments, and, in some cases, are used to clean and inspect otherwise inaccessible ducts. They offer high accuracy when it comes to sucking dirt, mold, and dust, without damaging sensitive duct surfaces.

Real-time video monitoring is one of the most important advantages of robotic duct cleaners and results in a clear understanding that the entire duct cleaning process is observable and verifiable. This makes them especially important in the large HVAC systems or ducts that are complex to approach manually.

Hand-Held HEPA Vacuums and Wet Vacuums

Portable vacuums are common project equipment on HVAC clean-up assignments and are commonly utilized in a range of small-scale applications. HEPA-filtered vacuums are necessary to provide safety and efficiency, particularly when a water extraction would be necessary, as well as for dry debris.