Duct Cleaning

IN DENTAL OFFICES

Duct Cleaning in Dental Offices

HVAC Ducting is an essential part of an HVAC System. The ducting’s primary purpose in the HVAC system is to deliver the conditioned air to its designated space. In the span of its service life, our ducting system will eventually accumulate particulate matter and moisture. We all know that bacteria and molds thrive in dirty and moist environments. Therefore, it is crucial to periodically clean our ducting to maintain the clean and comfortable air in our offices. We do not want dirty air to be inhaled by dentists and patients. In addition, a well-cleaned HVAC ducting will increase energy efficiency, improve performance, and increase the life of our HVAC system.

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Why do we need to filter the air in an HVAC system?

Our HVAC systems mix outside air with recirculating-conditioned indoor air in the mixing chamber to introduce fresh air in the system. Outside air, especially in cities,  is looming with unwanted particles such as pollution, smoke, allergens, mold spores, bacteria, and viruses. On the other hand, the indoor air in dental offices contains particulate matter and bioaerosols during dental procedures. This mixture of unwanted particles from the outside air and indoor air will most likely accumulate eventually in our air ducts. The negligence in HVAC maintenance will make our ducts infected with bacteria, molds, and viruses. What is the solution to this? It is crucial that before the air leaves the mixing chamber, air must be free from PM, dust, pollens, allergens, and contaminants that might find their way into our HVAC system using an Air Filter.  In addition, air filters also extend the life of our HVAC system.

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What factors to consider when choosing Air Filters?

There are many kinds of filters used in HVAC systems. They are: 

The first factor is efficiency.

close-up shot of professional repairman changing filter for air conditioner hanging on white brick

Efficiency is the measure of an air filter’s capacity to capture particulate matter. Filter efficiency is rated in terms of Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values or MERV Rating (Please see table below). We know that particulate matter varies in size. The smaller the particle, the easier it is for it to pass thru the air filter. Since dental offices contain particles even in the nano-size range, we need to consider using high-efficiency air filters.

The second factor is Air Permeability.

Equipment and dental instruments in dentist's office. Dentist at work

It measures how much air can pass the air filter without too much effort. The more efficient the air filter is, the more effort for the HVAC fan is required to draw air into the air filter. Hence, higher fan pressure, a bigger fan, and consequently higher electricity consumption. That is one give and take that the owner and HVAC designer has to consider.

The third factor is initial cost and maintenance cost.

Kitchen Exhaust Fan Filter Replacement

The initial cost is the cost of the air filter material upfront. Generally, the higher the efficiency and the more complex the technology put into that air filter, the more expensive the material upfront cost. On the other hand, maintenance cost is the cost needed to perform cleaning and inspection in your air filters. Depending on the operating conditions, some filters needed cleaning more frequently than others.

Types of air filters
Types of air filters

Types of Air Filters

Types of Air Filters Efficiency

(MERV Rating)

Air-Permeability Initial Cost Maintenance Cost Remarks
The higher the number, better efficiency The higher the star count, the better air permeability The higher the star count, the higher the initial cost The higher the star count the higher the maintenance cost
Fiberglass Filters 2-4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Disposable and needs to trash them after a month. Many experts don’t recommend using this.
Washable or Reusable Air Filter 1 -4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐ ⭐⭐ These are low-efficiency filters and are only good for capturing dust particles and larger particles.
Pleated Filters 8-16 ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ It effectively removes pollutants such as pollens, mold, dander, dust, and large particulate matter. Many industries use this air filter.
Pocket Filters 8-16 ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ They are bulky and take significant space. Sturdier and have a long service life. Applications are mostly in commercial, industrial and, medical spaces.
Electro-Static Filters 8-16 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ High-Efficiency Air Filters without sacrificing air permeability. A more complex system as it utilizes static electricity to capture pollutants.
HEPA and ULPA Filters 17 – 20 ⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ It is the most efficient type of filter. This Air filters can trap most bacteria and viruses thus it is recommended to use in medical and dental facilities. However, it is the most expensive type of air filter and it requires a bigger fan capacity to draw air into the filter.

Note: This table is meant to be a guide only. It doesn’t represent all air filters available in the market. Air filters efficiency, initial cost and maintenance cost varies with manufacturer and operating condition. Please consult your qualified HVAC professional when purchasing and deciding on changing your HVAC system.

Air Purification

Pure Air offers a variety of indoor air quality solutions including:

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