Poor Indoor Air Quality is a global concern, especially in the built environment, where people spend 90% of their time. Through normal occupation in a building, we generate a great deal of contaminants and air pollutants, such as dander, dust and chemicals. These contaminants are pulled into the HVAC system and re-circulated 5-7 times per day, on average. Over time, this re-circulation causes a build-up of contaminants within the system.

Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) and respiratory issues can result from inadequate HVAC system maintenance. The World Health Organization estimates that up to 30% of new or renovated buildings globally may contribute to SBS, largely due to poor IAQ.

The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) provides resources to help facility managers, architects, engineers, specifiers and industrial hygienists tackle these issues head-on.

ACR, the NADCA Standard, is the global standard for assessing, cleaning and restoring HVAC system components, such as air-handling units, ductwork and coils. It provides clear guidelines to ensure HVAC systems are thoroughly cleaned, reducing the risk of contamination and inefficiency.

The General Specification for the Cleaning of Commercial HVAC Systems is a customisable tool for creating effective project plans. It outlines the steps to keep HVAC systems running at peak performance. It addresses project documentation, scheduling and verification to ensure compliance with NADCA standards and to optimise system performance.

Make HVAC system maintenance a central part of standard operating procedures to help prevent costly repairs, improve system performance and to create healthier environments for occupants.

To download these tools and view more information, visit www.nadca.com/commercial-consumers.