There are different methods of detecting if the system needs cleaning. One way is to find out from the a/c company that regularly maintains your furnace. If you don't have one, then another method you can do is open a vent from any room in the house and shine a flashlight in it; if you see a thick film of dust/debri then its time to clean the system. Or when you turn the system on and debri comes out of vents that would also be an indication to get the system cleaned.
 

The length of time to complete the cleaning varies depending on the size of the system. A typical residential project can usually be completed in one day.
 

In addition to normal hand tools such as power drills, the crews use high power HEPA vacuums which make a moderate amount of noise.
 

No. However, in commercial buildings, the work is normally done off hours so regular operations of the business are not interrupted. The air conditioning is shut down during the time of the cleaning. If the project takes longer than one shift, the crew ensures that the system is operational for the next day's business.
 

We will install new filters if they are provided by the homeowner or business. There are many, many sizes and types of filters and we do not carry a full stock of all types. If arranged prior to contracting for the project, however, we can provide the filters as well.
 

There are many types of filters, from basic "flat panel" filters to expensive high efficiency filters of various types. We do not recommend cheap flat panel filters as they are very inefficient in trapping dirt and debris. At the same time we do not necessarily recommend going with the most expensive high efficiency filter. A good pleated filter is the kind most commonly recommended as they filter out a much higher amount of dust while maintaining a good air flow.
 

No. The cleaning performed by Machado complies with the guidelines laid out by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association which mandates "source removal" or mechanical cleaning which is defined as follows: "Physical removal of contaminants and debris not intended to be present from internal HVAC system surfaces." Simply sealing the dirt in leaves the dirt in place and introduces another contaminant (the glue itself) to the system and in time this glue will break down and spread throughout the system.
 

Sanitizing a system, while it sounds good, is only needed when there are positive indications of microbial contamination such as visible mold growth, slime in the condensate pans or laboratory analysis of samples taken from the system. Just as you wouldn't take cold medicine if you didn't have a cold, you wouldn't sanitize without indication that it is needed. And we use only sanitizers registered with the EPA for use in HVAC systems.
 

We use a negative air industrial vacuum unit with HEPA filters to capture dirt from he system while cleaning. While setting up to clean your system, like taking down air vents, our crews take care to protect furnishings, floors, etc and they carefully clean up afterward. Our commercial proposal specifications states: "Cleaning of premises: Air Duct shall keep the job site clean of all surplus materials and debris. We shall dispose of all debris and leave area broom clean at the end of each work shift". The same applies to residential projects.
 

The residential service area includes Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, Santa Barbara Counties and portions of Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.
 

Our terms are net on receipt of service. Other arrangements can be discussed with our accounting department prior to contracting the project. We accept major credit cards and checks.
 

We recommend cleaning the dryer vent once per year. However, if there is heavier than normal usage of the dryer or if the duct is very long, it may need to be cleaned more often.