After My House fire, Can I Salvage my HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) System?

8/18/2021 (Permalink)

What's lurking in your duct work after a fire?

SERVPRO Restoration Technicians Clean and Restore Ducting and HVAC Systems

Charred furniture, strong odors, and thick smoke residue dusted throughout your home are alarming after-shocks from the fire. It is crucial to begin repairs right away; however, it is also essential to assess hidden damage and detect soot and smoke odor hiding in out-of-the-way-places such as your HVAC system.

If There Is No Visible Damage, Do Technicians Still Need to Clean the Ducting?

Yes, Technicians Clear Debris from Ducting and Seal in Odors to Mitigate Further Damage 

Part of the fire-damage found in your home may be hiding in your ducting. Imagine finishing a restoration project, only to smell smoke or see soot in the air, bringing you back to square one. As a standard component of repairs after a fire, it is essential to inspect and clean the HVAC system immediately to determine the air quality within your home.

How Do SERVPRO Technicians Address Smoke Residue Inside Ducts?

• First, technicians make sure the system is off and not circulating contaminants throughout your home.
• Technicians clean the HVAC system by blowing and vacuuming debris and smoke residue.
• After adequate cleaning, technicians may seal the ducting to create a protective coating on the surface, effectively stifling any remaining odor.

What Equipment and Products Are Beneficial in Sealing and Cleaning the HVAC System?

• Duct cleaning systems like the Nikro PDC 4000 include a rotary brush for cleaning and a discharge hose to remove waste easily.
• After cleaning, technicians may use a ULV (ultra-low-volume) fogger to mist Duct Sealer inside the ducts to create a flexible film that seals the surface to contain odors.

For prompt 24/7 assistance after a fire, contact SERVPRO of Farmington at 573-756-5191. We make it, "Like it never even happened."