Important Reasons to Check HVAC Systems After Water Damage

When water enters a property and there is extensive damage to the flooring, carpets, walls and ceilings, checking all HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems is one of the most important steps in the restoration works. HVAC systems can be used on a daily basis in commercial and industrial buildings. As part of the normal restoration works following a large indoor flood including structural damage, HVAC systems should always be checked for cleanliness and returned to an acceptable status as part of the building requirements.

Can HVAC Systems Get Contaminated?

During large restoration works HVAC systems can be susceptible to contamination with mould, structural particles and dust. This is why these systems need to be re-inspected and cleaned accordingly after building renovations following a large flood damage restoration project. Dust and mould contaminated wall structure particles can travel quickly into HVAC systems and remain there unless properly cleaned. Occasionally with larger restoration projects HVAC systems need to be fully assessed on their engineering capability. This is to identify whether the airflow under normal use is sufficient to keep the building at an optimal temperature and level of humidity. If the indoor environment is compromised due to a malfunctioning or inadequate HVAC system, it will usually need to be replaced following the renovation. In older buildings there is the natural decline in mechanical ability of HVAC systems that reduces their performance ability. This means that they cannot provide the level of airflow capacity necessary to maintain the indoor environment of a building. If HVAC systems get contaminated during the restoration works the specialist with either restore it to its original condition or replace it with a newer one if it no longer sufficiently works.

Why are HVAC systems prone to contamination?

HVAC systems usually have complex internal mechanics and construction making it easy for micro-particles and dust to enter these structures. There are small areas within the environment that provide interior reservoirs for spores and bacterial accumulation over time, especially if there are large restoration works to the property. When assessing the level of contamination experts use visual inspections, surface comparison tests and vacuum tests to determine the level of contamination. These are performed by trained specialists who have the necessary equipment and standards for HVAC systems and their cleanliness. Give that large restoration works can induce contamination of the air inside the property with mould, spores, dust particles and other bacteria, usually multiple cleaning methods need to be used to achieve satisfactory results.