The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), an association dedicated to upholding industry standards for cleaning, restoring and maintaining air handling units has unveiled the international standard of excellence—the 2013 ACR, the NADCA Standard for Assessment, Cleaning and Restoration of HVAC systems.

During the 24^th Annual Conference and Exposition held March 15-18 in New Orleans, NADCA released the Standard to industry professionals for the first time. The 2013 ACR Standard has been designed to reflect the most current industry information and best practices of HVAC inspection, cleaning and maintenance. NADCA, also known as the HVAC Inspection, Maintenance and Restoration Association, prides itself on promoting the highest standards in the industry.

“The ACR Standard provides guidance to professionals as they evaluate the cleanliness of system components,” said NADCA president, Matt Mongiello. “The Standard sets an expectation for cleaning and restoring HVAC systems to a specific level of cleanliness.”

The Standard provides practical, reliable and industry-backed information for:

• Assessing new and existing HVAC systems
• Evaluating and verifying the cleanliness of HVAC system components
• Preventing job related hazards
• Guiding the cleaning and restoration o f HVAC systems to a specific level of cleanliness 

The NADCA ACR Standard is available for all industry professionals and defines the minimum performance and procedural requirements for the assessment, cleaning and restoration of heating, ventilation and air conditioning units. The Standard is based on reliable principles, practical experience and review of applicable industry lecture and information. It focuses on preventing job-related hazards, such as exposure to workers and occupants, as well as cross-contamination to the indoor environment.

“It’s important to be sure that the individual or company inspecting your HVAC system is trained and qualified for the job,” added Mongiello. “NADCA certified professionals are equipped with the knowledge and experience to inspect the air handling system and determine the specific needs for cleaning and restoring the unit, when necessary.”

• The HVAC System is contaminated with an accumulation of particulate
• The system’s performance is compromised, due to contamination build up
• The system has been discharging visible dirt or debris and is a source of odor
• The HVAC system has become contaminated with construction debris or dust
• The HVAC system has been contaminated as a result of fire, smoke and/or water damage 

The 2013 ACR Standard recommends that inspections of air handling systems be performed both before and after HVAC cleaning and restoration projects. Doing so helps the contractor determine the current state of the system, the scope of work that needs to be performed, and the tools and equipment needed for task.

NADCA encourages all HVAC professionals to order their free copy of the ACR Standard by visiting www.nadca.com.

About NADCA: The HVAC Inspection, Maintenance and Restoration Association, otherwise known as the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) was formed in 1989 as a non-profit association of companies engaged in the cleaning of HVAC systems. NADCA’s mission is to represent qualified companies engaged in the inspection, maintenance and restoration of HVAC systems, promote source removal as the only acceptable method of cleaning, establish industry standards for the association, and assist NADCA members in providing high quality service to their customers. With nearly 930 members, NADCA is made up of a diverse group of HVAC industry professionals, including air systems cleaning specialists, mold remediators, and HVAC inspectors. To learn more about NADCA, visit www.nadca.com.