Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a top-three tenant complaint category and a growing regulatory focus post-COVID. HVAC systems move enormous volumes of air across coils, filters, and duct interiors — any of which can degrade IAQ if neglected.
The IAQ Chain
Outside air → intake filter → coil → distribution duct → diffuser → occupant zone → return duct → repeat. A failure at any point pushes contamination into the breathing space.
What Cleaning Vendors Should Do (and What They Shouldn't)
Cleaning vendors handle occupant-zone impacts: dusting supply and return diffusers, keeping the raised floor or return plenum free of debris, and vacuuming ceiling tile edges around returns. Duct interior cleaning and coil cleaning are HVAC specialist work.
Coordinated Program
- Change filters per HVAC contractor schedule (typically quarterly for MERV 13).
- Clean supply and return diffusers monthly as part of janitorial scope.
- Inspect and vacuum ceiling plenum returns annually.
- Coil cleaning by HVAC contractor annually.
- Duct interior cleaning every 3-5 years or when contamination event occurs.
Coordinated Facility Programs
We work alongside your HVAC and MEP vendors to align cleaning with maintenance calendars.