Real Duct Cleaning FAQ: Your Complete Guide to Cleaner Air in Clearwater

Basic cleaning only removes dust near the vents. HVAC restoration restores the entire system to a clean, balanced, and dry condition — from the return to the supply, including the blower, coil, and plenum. Real Duct Cleaning follows NADCA’s ACR standards, which emphasize complete source removal and system integrity, not shortcuts or surface treatments.

No heavy chemicals or harsh fogging agents are ever used as a cleaning substitute. We rely primarily on mechanical removal under negative air. When needed, we use safe, EPA-registered solutions for light sanitization or odor control — but only as a final precaution, not as the main cleaning step. Our goal is to restore, not coat or mask.

Yes. These materials are common in Florida homes, and we’ve refined a process that restores them safely without damaging the surface. When necessary, we apply a protective sealant designed for HVAC use to help stabilize older or porous materials. Every decision is made to preserve airflow integrity and long-term cleanliness.

A lingering musty smell usually means there’s still microbial residue or moisture inside the air handler or plenum. True odor removal requires addressing the source, not just treating the air. That’s why we include moisture checks, coil inspections, and airflow balancing in our assessments — to ensure the entire system stays dry and odor-free.

If a home has experienced mold growth, water intrusion, or remediation, the HVAC system must be cleaned. Fine particles and residues settle in the ductwork and can reintroduce contaminants when the unit turns on. Cleaning the HVAC system after remediation prevents cross-contamination and helps the home stabilize long term.

Negative air means the system is under suction from a commercial HEPA vacuum. All debris removed during cleaning is captured and contained instead of released into your living space. This is the standard required by NADCA and the approach we use on every project to keep the environment clean and controlled.

No. UV lights and air purification systems are excellent maintenance tools — they help keep a clean system clean. But they can’t remove what’s already built up on surfaces or inside ducts. For best results, these devices should be installed after a proper mechanical cleaning and verified inspection.

Whole-house HEPA filtration can be an excellent upgrade, especially for those with allergies or sensitivities. It captures fine particles and helps keep ducts cleaner for longer. However, filtration systems perform best when installed after the HVAC and ductwork are already restored to a clean baseline.

That depends on usage, occupancy, pets, and humidity. In most Florida homes, we recommend inspection every year and cleaning every 2–4 years. Homes with prior water damage, remodeling dust, or sensitive occupants may require more frequent service. We document every cleaning so you’ll know exactly when your system is due.

• A persistent musty or dusty odor when the AC turns on

Not when it’s done properly. We use soft-contact methods compatible with metal, flex, and ductboard systems. Every cleaning is performed under negative air with pressure control to protect the integrity of your ducts. We never use equipment or chemicals that could degrade materials or insulation.

A clean system breathes easier. Removing dust and buildup improves airflow, reduces strain on the blower motor, and helps coils transfer heat more efficiently. This translates into lower energy costs, longer equipment life, and more stable indoor comfort — especially important in Florida’s long cooling season.

Yes. Our methods are safe for occupied homes. All debris is contained, and any products used are low-toxicity and VOC-free. Many clients notice a cleaner, fresher indoor environment immediately after service.

• Are you NADCA certified and insured?

• Maintain indoor humidity below 55%.

1. A professional inspection and explanation of findings.

It can be when it is not done to NADCA ACR standards or when only the first few feet of duct near the vents are vacuumed. That kind of job stirs up contamination and redistributes it. Real Duct Cleaning uses full system restoration under negative air with containment and verification photos. If it is not top to bottom, it is not cleaning. That is our standard.

Containment and capture. We place clear shields at each register being worked, seal the rest, run the system under negative air with HEPA capture, and add a dedicated air scrubber in the work zone. Tools are clean, hoses are bagged, and the home is protected from small particles during the entire process. The goal is source removal with nothing escaping into the living space.

No. Fogging or spraying does not remove buildup and does not replace mechanical source removal. We clean first, then if needed we use a light, HVAC appropriate sanitizer or deodorizer as a precaution. The product is never the plan. Removal is the plan.

Yes, if you know what you are doing. Flex requires gentle, controlled agitation while the line is under negative air. The wrong tools can tear it. We use soft contact methods designed for flex. If flex is crushed, water damaged, or structurally degraded, we will recommend replacement rather than risk damage.

Yes. Florida has a lot of ductboard and fiberglass lined plenums. We restore these with soft contact, controlled vacuum, and careful technique. Where the surface is friable or stained, we can stabilize and encapsulate with an HVAC rated coating after cleaning. If a section is beyond recovery, we will tell you and price replacement.

Replacement is the gold standard. Many families cannot or do not want to spend that much. With the right process we routinely achieve roughly 80 to 90 percent of the benefit for about 10 percent of the cost. We will show you which parts should be replaced and which can be restored so you can choose the smartest plan for your home and budget.

Sometimes it is dust marks from airflow. Often it is a mix of dust, moisture, and microbial growth. Those small black dots on the registers or ceiling are a red flag. The only way to answer honestly is to open the vent, inspect the boot, and look into the duct and plenum. We always put eyes on it and show you photos so there is no guesswork.

Not when it is done correctly and the materials are respected. We use soft contact agitation that is matched to the duct type and we keep everything under negative air. We do not rely on aggressive whip systems that can shred flex or fuzz ductboard. Method matters more than horsepower.

Think dentist, not demolition. Put eyes on the plenum and coil at least once a year. Replace filters on schedule. If you have pets, heavy use, remodeling dust, a musty odor on startup, or you recently completed remediation, schedule a full cleaning. In a typical Florida home cleaning cycles land every two to four years, but inspection annually is the rule.

Yes when they are installed after a proper cleaning and kept current. Treat UV bulbs and purifier cells like toothbrushes. They must be replaced on schedule or they stop doing their job. They help keep a clean system clean. They do not remove buildup that is already on surfaces.

Set the fan to Auto for most homes so the coil can drain and the system can dehumidify. Use On only for short periods when you want more mixing or filtration. Keep indoor humidity below 55 percent. Use quality filters with the right MERV for your equipment and change them on time.

We commonly see moisture loving species on coils, drain pans, and inside fiberglass lined plenums. The exact species is less important than why growth occurred. We focus on eliminating the conditions that allowed growth in the first place. Dry, clean, and balanced airflow wins long term.

That startup odor usually means the air handler, plenum, or ductwork has microbial residue. The fix is not to mask the odor. The fix is to restore the system to clean and dry, then keep it that way with proper filtration, humidity control, and maintenance.

During remediation, fine particles and residues can settle inside the HVAC system. If the HVAC is not cleaned, it can reintroduce contaminants back into the home. We coordinate with your inspector or remediator, set up containment, and clean the system as a final step so the home can stabilize.

NADCA is the National Air Duct Cleaners Association. Their ACR Standard sets the bar for HVAC cleaning and restoration. Hiring a NADCA certified firm means your project is performed to an accepted national standard with documentation. Real Duct Cleaning is NADCA certified and trained for Florida systems including flex and ductboard.

High speed whips, oversized brushes, and untrained use of compressed air can shred flex and fuzz ductboard. If a company cannot clearly explain how they protect flex and fiberglass or they will not work under negative air with containment, keep shopping.

We close off non active vents, shield the vent being serviced, run a powerful HEPA negative air machine on the system, and place a separate air scrubber in the work zone when appropriate. Debris is transported out of the home sealed and bagged. At the end we wipe registers and surrounding surfaces and remove containment carefully. The idea is clean in, clean out, no mess.

No harsh chemicals. We rely on mechanical source removal with negative air. If a light sanitizer or deodorizer is needed we use EPA registered, HVAC appropriate options and apply them as the final step only.

Cleaner air pathways, fresher startup, better airflow, less dust settling, and a system that is easier to keep clean. We photo document the project and review results with you before we leave.

Are you NADCA certified. Will you run the system under negative air. How do you protect flex and ductboard. What containment do you use to prevent cross contamination. Will I receive before and after photos of the plenum, coil face, supply, and return. If answers are vague, choose another provider.

1. Inspect the plenum and coil annually.

We clean and restore supply and return trunks, flex runs, boots, registers, blower cabinet, and coil face where accessible. If any component is structurally compromised, water damaged, or not cost effective to restore, we will recommend replacement. You will see the photos and choose the path that fits your goals and budget.

Yes. Many of our clients are working with IEPs or recovering from mold related illness. We coordinate with your professionals, use careful containment, and communicate each step so you feel in control of the process.

Thirty plus years around air systems and a decade focused on indoor air quality in Florida homes. NADCA certification. A method built for flex, duct-board, and high humidity. Clear pricing, full documentation, and a clean home when we leave. We call it the Blue Diamond Experience.

Call 727 776 9779 or request a visit our website. We will look inside the plenum and air handler, show you what we see, and give you a simple plan. Clean, restore, prevent. That is the Real Duct Cleaning way.