- HEP Heat and Air
- Negative-pressure Vacuums

Negative-pressure Vacuums
Negative-pressure Vacuums | Duct Cleaning | Heating and Air Conditioning | Kelso
When the vents in your Kelso home exhale dust instead of comfort, HEP’s negative-pressure vacuum technology steps in to restore clean, efficient airflow. Our certified technicians seal off every register, then harness hospital-grade vacuums to pull contaminants backward through the entire heating and air conditioning system—capturing stubborn debris, pet dander, and allergy-triggering particles that ordinary methods leave behind. The result is noticeably fresher air, lower utility bills, and HVAC equipment that can finally breathe easy again.
Locally owned and backed by decades of expertise, HEP schedules appointments around your routine and provides before-and-after camera footage so you can see exactly what we removed. Whether you’re dealing with persistent odors, unexplained dust buildup, or a newly purchased home, our meticulous duct cleaning service brings peace of mind and a healthier living space. Call today and discover why Kelso trusts HEP to keep comfort flowing smoothly through every season.
FAQs
What is negative-pressure vacuum duct cleaning and how does it work?
Negative-pressure vacuum duct cleaning is a method that seals your HVAC duct system, places it under powerful negative air pressure, and then agitates and extracts built-up dust, debris, and contaminants. A high-capacity HEPA-filtered vacuum is attached to the main trunk line, pulling air toward it while rotating brushes or compressed-air whips dislodge particles from the interior walls of each branch. Because the entire system stays under negative pressure, loosened pollutants are captured immediately instead of escaping into your living space. The result is a thorough, hygienic cleaning that meets National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) standards.
How often should I have my HVAC ducts cleaned in Kelso?
For most homes and light-commercial buildings in Kelso, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and NADCA recommend professional duct cleaning every 3–5 years. However, frequency can vary based on local pollen counts, proximity to paper mills or highways, recent renovations, indoor smoking, or pet ownership. If you or family members suffer from allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues, or if you notice visible mold, a rodent infestation, or heavy dust buildup, scheduling service sooner is wise. Annual HVAC tune-ups with an inspection allow us to identify whether a full negative-pressure cleaning is warranted.
What are common signs my ductwork needs cleaning?
Indicators include: persistent dust on furniture shortly after cleaning; musty or stale odors when the furnace or AC runs; visible dust puffs from supply registers; uneven airflow or temperature hot spots; black lines (so-called "ghosting") around vents; recent water damage, remodeling, or wildfire smoke exposure; and worsening allergy or asthma symptoms indoors. If you see any of these, a professional inspection can confirm whether negative-pressure vacuum cleaning will restore air quality and system efficiency.
Will duct cleaning disrupt my home and how long does it take?
A typical single-family home in Kelso takes 3–5 hours to clean, while larger homes or light-commercial buildings may require most of a day. Our technicians use protective floor coverings, corner guards, and sealed access panels to keep your home tidy. Noise is comparable to a household vacuum cleaner, and HVAC downtime is minimal—we isolate and clean one zone at a time so the remainder of your system can keep you comfortable. You don’t need to leave the house, but pets should be confined for their safety. Once complete, we re-balance dampers and test the system before leaving.
Are there health or energy-efficiency benefits to negative-pressure duct cleaning?
Yes. By removing accumulated dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and bacteria, you reduce triggers that can aggravate allergies, asthma, and sinus issues. Studies show that clean ductwork, combined with a fresh air filter, can improve HVAC airflow by up to 20 %, enabling the blower motor and compressor to run more efficiently. This can help lower utility bills, extend equipment life, and ensure heat exchangers and coils stay cleaner longer, reducing the need for repairs. Post-cleaning, many customers report fewer odors and a noticeable improvement in indoor air freshness.
Why should I choose your company for negative-pressure vacuum duct cleaning in Kelso?
We are a Kelso-based, family-owned HVAC contractor with NADCA-certified technicians, fully licensed (WA #XXXXXX) and insured. We use state-of-the-art truck-mounted HEPA vacuums that deliver 5,000+ CFM of suction—over four times the power of portable units—ensuring a deeper clean. Our transparent pricing includes before-and-after camera inspections, antimicrobial treatment where indicated, and a written satisfaction guarantee. We schedule around your routine, provide text appointment reminders, and back our work with a 90-day no-dust comeback pledge. From residential homes in Butler Acres to commercial spaces downtown, we bring local expertise and reliable results.