Immediate action is critical. Within 24-48 hours of water exposure, mold can begin growing in damp ductwork. After a fire, acidic soot residues begin corroding metal components immediately. We recommend shutting down your HVAC system immediately after an incident and scheduling professional cleaning within the first 72 hours to prevent permanent damage and widespread contamination.

For most standard cleanings, yes. We establish containment and use negative air pressure to prevent contaminants from entering living spaces. For post-fire or severe mold remediation, temporary relocation may be recommended due to odors or chemical treatments. We assess each situation individually and provide specific recommendations based on the contamination level and treatments required.

Typical timelines: Standard residential system (up to 3,000 sq ft): 4-6 hours. Larger homes or complex systems: 6-8 hours. Post-fire or flood restoration: 1-2 days depending on contamination level. Systems with extensive mold growth requiring antimicrobial treatments: 1-3 days. We provide accurate timelines after our initial assessment.

Regular cleaning focuses on dust and allergen removal using standard vacuuming and brushing. Post-disaster restoration involves: 1) Specialized treatments for specific contaminants (alkaline cleaners for soot, fungicides for mold), 2) Complete system disassembly for thorough cleaning, 3) Antimicrobial coatings to prevent regrowth, 4) Air quality testing to verify results, and 5) Insurance-grade documentation. Restoration is a more intensive process designed to address severe contamination.

We clean the complete system: ductwork, coils, blower assembly, drain pans, air handler, registers, and grilles. Partial cleaning (ductwork only) leaves contaminants in other components that will quickly recontaminate the entire system. NADCA standards require complete system cleaning for effective results, which we follow for all our services.

Warning signs include: musty odors when system runs, visible mold around registers, increased allergy symptoms, visible water in ductwork, or known water intrusion near HVAC components. However, the most dangerous contamination is often invisible. If your home experienced flooding, roof leaks, or plumbing leaks near HVAC components, professional inspection is recommended even without obvious signs.

Essential certifications include: NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaners Association) certification, IICRC certification for water/fire damage restoration, EPA lead-safe practices certification, and proper business licensing and insurance. NADCA certification requires specific training, equipment standards, and adherence to industry best practices. Always verify current certifications before hiring.

Yes, significantly. Clean systems operate more efficiently: 1) Clean coils transfer heat better, reducing runtime by 15-20%, 2) Clean blowers move air more efficiently, reducing energy use, 3) Clean ductwork reduces airflow resistance. After cleaning contaminated systems, homeowners typically report lower energy bills and more consistent temperatures throughout their homes. We document efficiency improvements with before/after airflow measurements.