Air duct cleaning is a process of removing dust, debris and other contaminants from the ductwork system. One of the most common methods is negative air duct cleaning, which involves generating negative pressure in the duct system by attaching a powerful vacuum, typically to a central juncture to which all main/trunk and branch ducts are connected. Mechanical agitation removes dust and debris from the inner walls of the ductwork, where airflow generated by the negative air machine then pulls it out of the system.

However, negative air duct cleaning can cause problems for flex ducting. According to the manufacturers of flex ducting, the flex ducting utilized in both residential and commercial HVAC applications is not designed to withstand negative pressures exceeding 1 inch of water column (IWC).

The negative air pressures generated by negative air duct cleaning equipment exceed these pressure limits significantly, compromising the structural integrity of the ducting. Some consequences of this damage are: 

• The flex ducts can collapse or tear due to excessive negative pressure.
• The helical wire can break or detach from the inner core due to excessive tension or torsion.
• The insulation layer can compress or peel off due to excessive friction or abrasion.
• The joints and connections can leak or disconnect due to excessive stress or strain.
• Even minor adhesive failure caused by negative pressure can lead to humidity migration into the interior of the duct, creating an environment conducive to microbial (ie: mold) growth.

Methods 

According to the leading manufacturers of negative air duct cleaning equipment, portable machines generate an average of 5 IWC negative pressure, and truck-mounted machines generate 20 IWC negative pressure and higher. 

Conclusion 

The negative pressure applied by negative air duct cleaning equipment, both portable and truck-mounted, significantly exceeds the tolerable limit for HVAC flex ducting, as specified by the manufacturers of HVAC flex ducting.

This damage can reduce the performance, efficiency, and lifespan of flex ducting and compromise indoor air quality and comfort, as well as safety of the occupants. To avoid these problems, it is advisable to use alternative methods of air duct cleaning that do not create excessive negative pressure in the duct system.

Authored by: 

John Miles
Chief Science Officer, Superstratum (mold/mycotoxin solutions)
Chemist, Hexion (flex duct adhesive manufacturing) (former)
34 years experience in applied chemistry 

David Hart
Scientific Advisor & Instructor, Microbial Warrior Academy
Founder/CEO, RamAir International
30+ years experience in HVAC cleaning and remediation

Andrew Luckey
Engineer, RamAir International
 

Reviewed by: 

Brandon Black
Product Manager, H&C Flex (flex duct manufacturing)
B.S. Mechanical Engineering 

Travis Trassey
NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaner’s Association) Certified Instructor- U.S. & Australia (former)
30+ years experience in HVAC cleaning and remediation 

Brad Smith
President, Artemis Bio-Solutions (biocontamination research and remediation)
14 years experience in remediation, decontamination, cleaning and disinfecting solutions 

Wade Kincade
HVAC Project Manager and Installation Instructor, Bend Heating & Sheetmetal
30+ years experience in HVAC  

Kristian May
Certified Mechanical HVAC Inspector, MICRO
Certified Mold Inspector, MICRO