National Air Duct Cleaners Association Publishes White Paper On Inspection And Cleaning Of Open Air Plenums

The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA); also known as the HVAC Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Association announces the publication of a white paper on methods of inspecting and cleaning open-air plenums.

The paper addresses common contaminants found in open-air plenums that can adversely impact the conditioned space and provides guidance for the inspection and cleaning of those areas.

Open-air plenums

Open-air plenums are found in both commercial and residential settings and consist of intended non-ducted air pathways formed in building cavities, voids, and spaces outside of the occupied zone of buildings.

By design, they facilitate airflow between HVAC equipment and the occupied space of a building, and often contain building elements such as mechanical (HVAC), electrical, plumbing, gas piping, fire protection, sewer, and telecommunications systems that are essential to the operation of the building or residence.

indoor air quality issues

NADCA's white paper provides approaches to inspecting and cleaning open-air plenums"

Open-air plenums are typically unfiltered spaces and can contain dust, dirt, debris, asbestos, lead, animal and insect by-products, microbial contamination, and a broad range of hazardous chemicals and materials.

The accumulation of contaminants in an air plenum can cause indoor air quality issues that potentially pose health risks to the occupants of the building.

Paul Keller, Jr., ASCS, NADCA Board Member, said “As the authority in the industry, NADCA has developed this white paper to provide recommended approaches to inspecting and cleaning open-air plenums. These spaces are often overlooked when cleaning HVAC systems because typical duct materials like duct board and flex duct may not be present."

inspect and clean periodically

"Unlike sealed ductwork, open-air plenums can be used for purposes other than to facilitate a pathway for air circulation, and often contain items unrelated to the HVAC system,” adds Paul Keller, Jr.

Open-air plenums should be inspected and cleaned periodically since airflow throughout these spaces can create an increased risk of contamination, odors, condensation, microbial growth, and other conditions that may require attention and cleaning.