Frequently Asked Questions

Do you still have questions about whether to clean the ductwork, HVAC system or high surfaces in your facility? Here are some of the most common questions we receive from our customers.

How much does it cost?

Our pricing is based on the square footage, accessibility, and where you want us to clean. We can clean all or part of your facility, so if you only need the horizontal surfaces near the ceiling to be cleaned, or whether it’s the whole building, Hughes can work within your budget.

What kind of equipment is used?

For non-combustible dust projects, we use HEPA filtered vacuums or pneumatic agitation devices using HEPA filtered negative air machines as collection devices. In some facilities, lifts and scaffolding may be necessary to reach the area to be cleaned.

Are chemicals used?

If a project requires any chemicals, such as disinfectants, sanitizers, or sealants, Hughes will only use EPA approved chemicals for cleaning and sealing.

Is it necessary to cut in to the ductwork? How will you seal it back up?

If we have to cut in to the ductwork for access to clean it, we seal them back with prefabricated sheet metal panels. For round duct work, we use Ductmate Sandwich® Access Doors.

What cleaning methods are used?

We follow the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) industry standards for cleaning.

Will the grilles and registers be cleaned?

We clean from the point where the air enters the system to the point where it exits as part of our duct cleaning process, which includes the grilles and registers, unless otherwise requested by the customer.

Can you clean internally lined/insulated ductwork?

Yes. We can clean and seal internally lined ductwork using an EPA registered sealant.

Will duct cleaning stir up dust and make a mess?

No. The section of ductwork being cleaned is under adequate negative pressure, so nothing should exit the ducts. We’ll also cover under where we’re working to prevent the dirt from your ducts gets on the items below while we’re accessing the ducts.

Can cleaning be done after hours?

Many of our customers prefer to have cleaning done on 3rd shift or during seasonal shutdown. We can easily accommodate scheduling requests.

What kind of certifications  and training will the technicians have?

We are a NADCA Certified Member and NADCA Certified Air System Cleaning Specialist, Indoor Air Quality Association Member, Council-Certified Mold Remediator and Council-Certified Indoor Environmentalist.

All of our technicians have been through either OSHA 10- or 30-hour training, and have been trained in aerial lifts, confined spaces, combustible dust awareness, CPR, and First Aid.

How will cleaning be reported and documented?

We use digital photos and/or videos before and after cleaning for documentation in a post-project report.

What kind of experience does Hughes have in commercial duct cleaning?

We specialize in commercial projects, and it’s all we do. Commercial HVAC systems are more complex than residential systems, so it’s necessary for our customers to have a contractor that is experienced and focused on the difference in commercial ductwork and HVAC systems.