Commercial Cleaning Checklist

This checklist is designed to help the commercial/industrial community understand NADCA’s recommendations regarding the process of HVAC cleaning. NADCA advises reading and understanding the information on this page before hiring an HVAC cleaning company. To keep the review process organized, place a check next to each discussion topic the contractor has addressed to your satisfaction.

Download printable version of the Commercial/Industrial Checklist

1) Special Provisions

Qualification of the HVAC System Cleaning Contractor

  • NADCA Membership
  • Certification
  • Equipment, Materials and Labor

Standards

  • NADCA Standards

Documents

  • Project drawings and specifications.
  • Approved construction revisions pertaining to the HVAC system.
  • Any existing indoor air quality (IAQ) assessments or environmental reports prepared for the facility.

2) HVAC System Cleaning Specifications and Requirements

Scope of Work

  • Minimum requirements necessary to render HVAC components clean.
  • Verification of cleanliness through inspection and/or testing in accordance with NADCA Standards.

HVAC System Component Inspections and Site Preparations

  • HVAC System Component Inspections
  • Site Evaluation and Preparations 
  • Inspector Qualifications

General HVAC System Cleaning Requirements

  • Containment
  • Particulate Collection
  • Controlling Odors
  • Component Cleaning
  • Air-Volume Control Devices
  • Service Openings
  • Ceiling sections (tile) 
  • Air distribution devices (registers, grilles & diffusers)
  • Air handling units
  • VAV, Dual duct boxes, blowers and exhaust fans 

Contractor shall:

  • Clean all air handling units (AHU) internal surfaces, components and condensate collectors and drains.
  • Put operative drainage system in place prior to beginning wash down procedures.
  • Clean all coils and related components, including evaporator fins.
  • Create service openings as necessary to accommodate cleaning of otherwise inaccessible areas.
  • Mechanically clean all duct systems to remove all visible contaminants.

Health and Safety

  • Occupant Safety
  • Disposal of Debris

Mechanical Cleaning Methodology

Source Removal Cleaning Methods

Damaged Fibrous Glass Material

  • Evidence of damage:  Possible ID for replacement. Replacement of damaged insulation is not covered by NADCA specification.

Cleaning of coils

Antimicrobial Agents and Coatings

  • Only applied if active fungal growth is reasonably suspected.

Cleanliness Verification

  • General
  • Visual Inspection

Verification of Coil Cleaning

Post-project Report