National Air Duct Cleaners Association Publishes White Paper on Inspection and Cleaning of Open Air Plenums

The National Air Duct Cleaners Association has published 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 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.

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.

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.

The white paper is available for download at nadca.com/resources/nadca-white-papers.