Redefining HVAC Cleaning: Embracing the Power of Dry Vapor Steam

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Updated on:

July 4, 2023

Revolutionizing HVAC Cleaning: Harnessing the Power of Dry Vapor Steam

Many different types of microorganisms live everywhere in our environment. These organisms exist outdoors, indoors and on all kinds of surfaces. While many microorganisms are beneficial, some are not, and when they are located inside a building, they can sometimes make its occupants ill. One of the places where undesirable particles tend to accumulate is on components of HVAC systems.

Is Regular HVAC Maintenance Enough?
While HVAC contractors emphasize the importance of regularly cleaning your heating and air conditioning system through annual maintenance from certified technicians, that cleaning isn’t enough. Traditional HVAC system cleaning only brushes away the surface of dust, dirt, pollen and other contaminants. Many microscopic particles remain.

What’s the best way to clean commercial or residential HVAC systems? Dry vapor steam machines remove virtually all contaminants on surfaces. Similar to traditional steam cleaning, these machines use only a small amount of water heated to at least 240 degrees Fahrenheit to produce what is called a dry steam vapor.

Fortador makes a variety of dry steam vapor machines that will make thorough and quick work of cleaning HVAC systems. Our machines typically only produce a moisture content of about 0.5%.

Key Takeaways:

  • Dry vapor steam machines revolutionize HVAC cleaning by thoroughly eliminating a wide range of contaminants, such as mold, bacteria, viruses, pollen, pet dander, and dust mites.
  • Chemical cleaning solutions used in HVAC systems have hidden costs, including environmental pollution, compromised water systems, and increased maintenance expenses.
  • Dry steam sanitation offers a greener and more sustainable alternative, penetrating deeply into coils and surfaces to remove up to 99% of dust, debris, and harmful microorganisms.

Recommended Model for HVAC Cleaning: Fortador Volt Mini

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1. How Dry Vapor Steam Works


This unique cleaning method leaves behind no water or dampness and requires no cleaning solutions as only the steam from the highly heated water is necessary to clean and sanitize. The machine applies steam at a pressure of up to 232 psi to blast away undesirable particles while also maintaining the integrity of the parts and surfaces it cleans. The high heat upon application kills undesirable microscopic particles and then quickly cools as the steam dissipates into the air. Dry vapor steam eliminates allergen triggers and the need for chemical cleaning solutions, the residue from which can also irritate some individuals' respiratory systems. In addition, you'll have no messy cleanup or stubborn wet spots as the dry steam method uses 94% less water than traditional steam cleaning methods.


2.Eliminating Harmful Organisms with Dry Steam Cleaners

Instead of just removing surface particles, dry vapor steam cleaners thoroughly remove a wide variety of organisms that can cause problems in an indoor environment. Dry vapor steam even removes invisible residue left behind by other cleaning methods. By using one of our machines, you can remove the following:

3. Uncovering the Hidden Costs of Chemical HVAC Cleaning

To keep commercial HVAC systems clean, many operations tend to use foaming chemical cleaners on cooling coils with HVAC systems. These chemicals can make their way into the local aquifer and compromise water systems. Such chemicals are often toxic, but in addition to polluting the environment, they can also erode the integrity of the cooling coils. When coils erode, this situation can lead to expensive repairs or even replacement of the entire system.

Conventional chemical cleaning products aren't always efficient at cleaning high-efficiency HVAC coils and other system components. The surface appears clean but what happens in many circumstances is that the dust and dirt remain as those particles get pushed further into the unit, ultimately creating blockages. Additional growth of mold, mildew and bacteria can start.

Cleaning with chemicals can lead to excessive operating costs, comfort control problems and unhealthy air conditions that preventive maintenance was supposed to remove in the first place. As a result, occupants of a building may experience a range of environmental allergy symptoms that include coughing, wheezing, watery eyes, asthma and similar problems. Poor indoor air quality can even affect a person's ability to perform some mental tasks. The worse the air quality is, the more likely that building occupants are likely to experience problems. In extreme cases, these problems can even lead to liability lawsuits.


4. Superiority of Dry Steam Sanitation for HVAC Cleaning

Dry Steam is a green cleaning HVAC process, so it doesn't harm the environment. Because it uses so little water, it's also more sustainable than other methods. Whereas cleaning with chemical solvents only penetrates about a half-inch into the coils, dry steam vapor penetrates eight to 12 inches, resulting in the removal of up to 99% of all dust and debris while instantly killing mold, bacteria and viruses and storing surfaces of HVAC components to a like-new condition.

This process is also suitable for cleaning residential HVAC coils along with duct systems in both commercial and residential buildings. Just as with HVAC system coils, the ducts in HVAC systems will build up with the same kinds of contaminants over time. Once you have cleaned ducts via the dry steam method, you can use an ultra-low volume (ULV) fogger to apply a miss of antimicrobial and antibacterial through the air ducts. The combination of the dry steam cleaning method and antimicrobial and antibacterial agents results in a more effective way to retard the buildup of undesirable organisms amd mold and mildew in HVAC ducts.

5. Catering to Allergy and Asthma Sufferers and Pet Owners

Targeting pet owners and those who suffer from allergies and asthma is an effective way to market your dry steam sanitation service. In addition to the debris of hair and dander, pets are also likely to bring undesirable particles from the outside.

The Allergy & Asthma Foundation of America indicates that allergies affect about 50 million Americans. That's roughly 30% of adults and 30% of children. Indoor air pollution is a major cause of allergy and asthma problems.

Marketing HVAC cleaning services to this group of potential customers is an effective way to increase your business.

6. Advantages of Choosing Fortador for HVAC Services

Fotador state-of-the-art dry steam machines incorporate diesel technology from Lamborghini Caloreclima. Our best-in-class cleaners combine European technology with American sensibility that makes infection control services that you provide compliant with the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) for cleaning, decontamination, deodorizing, disinfecting, and mold remediation of all air handling units, coils, filters, ventilators and ductwork. Our customer service department is ready to help you with the selection of your machine. Financing plans are available to help your purchase your dry steam machine and provide more thorough HVAC cleaning for your customers. Contact us today to learn the difference that a dry steam machine can make for your business.

PRO Tip

Regularly Change Air Filters in Your HVAC System

Change or clean HVAC air filters regularly for better performance and indoor air quality. It optimizes airflow, reduces strain on the system, and traps dust, pollen, and pet dander.

About the Authors

Koren Zitser
Vip Air, Panama: 20+ years in global AC excellence. Partners with industry leaders, offers split to large-scale systems, specializing in VRF, Multi V, maintenance, and innovation.
Lev Tretyakov
With over 25 years in the industry, I bring extensive sales expertise in heavy equipment across diverse sectors. Pioneered the first CAD/CAM school in CIS countries. Proud owner of Miami's premier auto detailing hub, Totaal Steam Detailing, hailed as the finest in Miami-Dade by Google.

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