EPA-approved Sanitizers
EPA-approved Sanitizers | Duct Cleaning | Heating and Air Conditioning | Charleston
Breathe easier in your Charleston home with HEP’s thorough, EPA-approved sanitizing services for heating and air conditioning systems. Our certified technicians navigate every twist and turn of your ductwork, eliminating dust, allergens, and microbial buildup with hospital-grade solutions that are safe for your family and pets. From historic downtown cottages to modern island retreats, we tailor each visit to suit the Lowcountry climate, restoring peak airflow and energy efficiency in just one appointment.
Choose HEP for duct cleaning that goes beyond a quick sweep. We inspect, sanitize, and seal, helping you enjoy fresher air, lower utility bills, and the peace of mind that comes from partnering with Charleston’s trusted indoor-air experts. Call today and feel the difference with every breath.
FAQs
What makes your duct-cleaning sanitizers “EPA-approved,” and why does that matter?
An EPA-approved sanitizer has passed rigorous federal testing that confirms it kills specific bacteria, viruses, and mold spores when used as directed. Using these products in your HVAC system means the treatment is both effective and compliant with national safety standards. In Charleston’s humid climate, this added antimicrobial protection helps prevent mold regrowth in ducts, safeguards indoor air quality, and ensures we meet all state and local environmental regulations.
How is your EPA-approved sanitizer applied during a duct-cleaning service?
After mechanical brushing and HEPA-vacuum removal of dust and debris, we fog the sanitizer through the entire supply and return duct network using a ULV (ultra-low-volume) cold fogger. The fine mist evenly coats interior duct surfaces, registers, the air handler cabinet, and the evaporator coil housing. We then run the system on fan-only mode for 20–30 minutes to circulate the product and achieve the EPA-mandated contact time before restoring normal operation.
Is the sanitizer safe for my family, pets, and HVAC equipment?
Yes. The solutions we use are water-based, non-corrosive, low-VOC formulas that the EPA has cleared for use in residential and commercial HVAC applications. They leave no harmful residues, do not off-gas toxic fumes, and are compatible with metal and fiberglass ducting, blower motors, and coils. Occupants—including children, elderly family members, and pets—can re-enter the treated space once the 30-minute post-application ventilation period is complete.
How long does a complete duct cleaning and sanitizing visit take, and will I have to shut down my HVAC system?
A typical single-family home in Charleston takes 3–5 hours for full service. This includes setup, duct agitation, negative-pressure vacuuming, sanitizer fogging, and final system testing. Your HVAC must be off during mechanical cleaning, but we switch it to fan-only mode while fogging. Cooling or heating operations can resume as soon as we finish and confirm proper airflow—usually the same day.
How often should HVAC ducts be sanitized in Charleston’s coastal climate?
The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recommends duct inspection every 2 years and professional cleaning every 3–5 years, but Charleston’s high humidity and pollen levels often justify sanitizing every 2–3 years. Homes with pets, smokers, recent renovations, or allergy sufferers may benefit from annual inspections and more frequent sanitizer applications to keep mold, bacteria, and odors under control.
Will EPA-approved sanitizing improve energy efficiency or just air quality?
Primarily, sanitizing targets biological contaminants, so the most immediate benefit is cleaner, healthier air and reduced allergy triggers. However, by neutralizing microbial growth on coil surfaces and inside duct walls, the treatment prevents the slimy biofilm that restricts airflow and insulates coils. Keeping these components clean can improve air-handler efficiency by up to 15 percent, translating into lower utility bills and extended equipment life.