FAQ

Why should I clean my HVAC system? What are the benefits?

People will argue over the benefits of cleaning your HVAC system. The fact is that your HVAC system gets filled with dust, debris, mould, bacteria, germs, etc. There are two main reasons why you should clean your HVAC system.

1. Dust and dirt impacts the efficiency of your furnace system. This causes you to face higher than normal heating and maintenance costs.
2. The air quality in your home can be negatively affected many sources. It’s well known that mould, fungi, bacteria, germs, and microscopic dust mites reduce the quality of air that we breathe. As a result, you may suffer from allergies, asthma, dry coughs, chronic breathing problems, headaches, etc. Ensuring that your HVAC system is regularly cleaned can help improve the air quality in your home.

What does a furnace inspection entail?

Furnace inspection includes inspection of proper operation of your furnace. This includes, but is not limited to, inspection of the furnace chimney, proper start-up, heat exchanger, ignition assembly, motor, fan, belt, filter, etc. Our inspection also includes assessment of all the devices you may have (i.e. humidifier, purifier, etc.). On top of this, we will also check your dryer, dryer vent, and central vacuum system.

What are the different methods of furnace and duct cleaning?

For furnace and duct cleaning, Fresh Air Furnace Services uses a high-compressed air method (skipper line or forward/reversed skipper line method), a brushing method, or both methods simultaneously.

High-Compressed Air Method

This method of cleaning uses high-compressed air at about 200-240 psi (pounds of pressure per square inch) using a blowgun, forward skipper line (air blows from working point), and reverse skipper line (air blows towards working point). Combining these tools will efficiently and effectively clean your heating system.  This is our customers’ most popular and preferable method of cleaning due to its effectiveness.

Brushing Method

In this method of cleaning, the main tool is a brush (different types and sizes). Rotary brushes “wipe” all dust and mould accumulated on the surface of furnace ducts. This method is also especially effective in removing big pieces of debris (i.e. newly built homes or in homes after renovations), toys, and other miscellaneous items from ducts.

Combination of Brushing & High-Compressed Air Methods

A combination of the brushing method and high-compressed air method is the most efficient and effective method of cleaning. The brushes “wipe” all dust and remove debris while the high-compressed air blows out all of contents from ducts. *This method is more labour intensive and requires more time.

What is sanitization?

The purpose of sanitization is to kill mould, eliminate odour, and disinfect non-porous hard surfaces (duct work) by simply spraying or wiping it on and letting it dry. Our company uses Benefect® disinfectant, the first and only botanical disinfectant in North America.

• Kills Over 99.99% of Bacteria, Fungus, TB, and HIV
• No Rinse or Wipe Required
• No Warning Labels or First Aid Statements

Benefect® is suitable for use around children, pets, and the chemically sensitive. The patented technology is a broad spectrum hospital disinfectant made from plants.

What is furnace chimney cleaning?

Furnace chimney cleaning is required for efficient and proper operation of your furnace. It is also a safety issue if blockage of the chimney occurs, restricting carbon monoxide to vent out fully, which might cause gas to leak inside your home (i.e. dead birds fall into the chimney—mostly happens in cold periods).

What is dryer and dryer vent cleaning?

According to the U.S. Fire Administration (Division of U.S. Department of Homeland Security), clothes dryers were involved in an estimated 15,600 U.S. structure fires, 15 deaths, 400 injuries, and $99 million in direct property damage annually, between 2002 and 2004.

A clean, unobstructed dryer vent improves the safety and efficiency of your dryer. As the dryer vent becomes obstructed and filled with lint, drying time increases and causes the dryer itself to overheat. We recommend scheduling dryer and dryer vent cleaning at the same time with furnace and duct cleaning, because we utilize the same equipment. *If ordered separately, you will be charged a service call fee.

What is fireplace cleaning?

Gas fireplaces require regular cleaning, inspection, and maintenance for efficient and long-lasting operation. We remove all the dust and stuck-on dirt inside your fireplace, inspect your pilot light assembly, and clean the front glass cover of the fireplace.

Wood-burning fireplace cleaning is required for safety reasons. A clean fireplace chimney ensures proper and full ventilation of combustion gases—especially carbon monoxide. Unfortunately, we do not clean wood burning fireplace chimneys at this time.

What is central vacuum system cleaning?

Your central vacuum system should be cleaned on a regular basis so major blockages do not occur. The walls of the system collect dust and dirt and can become a source of bacteria and germs. We use the same powerful equipment to clean your central vacuum system as we do for your HVAC system.

What are humidifiers?

Humidifiers are used to transmit moisture in the air. In dry climates, combined with cold weather and high winds, the moisture content in the air is reduced, and people usually face skin and breathing problems. Recommended levels of humidity are 30% to 60%, so when the humidity level falls below 30%, it can cause uneasiness and discomfort in an individual. Such low levels of humidity can also trigger symptoms of asthma. Also, these low humidity levels are harmful for the plaster, wooden floors, wood furniture, and even the structure of your home. Humidifiers restore the moisture content in the air and provide a safe environment to breathe. Our company recommends one of the most popular and reliable humidifiers in the market: GeneralAire® model 1042LH.

What are air purifiers?

Air purifiers disinfect your air with the same ultraviolet light technology used in many hospitals, pharmacies, laboratories, and kitchens. This UV Air Treatment System installs easily into your home’s heating and cooling system, where the UV light sterilizes mould spores and live, airborne bacteria, effectively preventing them from circulating through your HVAC system.

What are carbon monoxide detectors?

A carbon monoxide detector, or CO detector, is a device that detects the presence of the carbon monoxide (CO) gas in order to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

How does a LintAlert® Dryer Safety Alarm work?

The LintAlert® enhances your home safety plan by monitoring the dryer exhaust system for problems. As lint naturally builds up over time, LED indicators progressively illuminate to show how efficiently your dryer is operating. When airflow restriction becomes dangerous, an alarm is triggered.