- HEP Heat and Air
- Truck-mounted Vacuums

Truck-mounted Vacuums
Truck-mounted Vacuums | Duct Cleaning | Heating and Air Conditioning | Rutledge
When Rutledge homeowners call HEP, they’re choosing the unmatched power of truck-mounted vacuums to pull every speck of dust, pollen, and pet dander out of their ventilation system. Our seasoned technicians park right at your curb, hook up industrial-grade hoses, and let the negative-pressure suction do its job while you relax. The result is fresher indoor air, a more efficient HVAC system, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing hidden contaminants and allergens are gone for good.
From the first friendly phone call to the final inspection, we treat your home with the same care we give our own. Transparent pricing, on-time arrivals, and a satisfaction guarantee are baked into every visit, so you’ll never be left guessing. Schedule your HEP duct cleaning today and discover why so many of your Rutledge neighbors already trust the bright yellow truck for cleaner, healthier air.
FAQs
What is truck-mounted vacuum duct cleaning and how does it differ from portable equipment?
Truck-mounted systems generate up to 3–5 times more negative pressure (up to 12,000 CFM) than portable units. A large vacuum hose—usually 8–10 inches in diameter—is run from the truck directly to your main supply or return trunk line. As we agitate the interior of every branch with rotary brushes and compressed-air whips, the powerful suction pulls loosened dust, pet dander, pollen and debris straight into the sealed truck hopper outside your home or business, rather than recirculating it indoors. The higher air volume and sealed exterior containment mean a faster, cleaner and more thorough job with virtually zero mess left behind.
How often should HVAC ducts be cleaned in the Rutledge area?
The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recommends professional cleaning every 3–5 years for most homes. In Rutledge, factors such as our high spring pollen counts, humid summers that can foster mold growth, and increased wood-burning in winter may justify more frequent service—about every 2–3 years. Commercial buildings, medical facilities, and properties with pets, smokers, recent renovations, or allergy-sensitive occupants should also adhere to the shorter end of the cycle or schedule cleanings after any major dust-producing event.
What are the signs that my ducts need cleaning?
Common indicators include: visible dust “poofs” from supply vents when the system starts; dark lines or streaks on vent covers and surrounding walls; increased allergy or asthma symptoms indoors; persistent musty or burning odors when the HVAC is running; rodents or insect activity in the attic/crawlspace; recent remodeling work that generated drywall or sawdust; and noticeably uneven airflow caused by debris restricting certain branches.
Will duct cleaning improve indoor air quality and lower my energy bills?
Yes. Removing accumulated contaminants reduces the volume of airborne particulates circulating through your living space, which can lessen allergy triggers and respiratory irritation. Cleaning also eliminates obstructions that force your blower motor to work harder, potentially trimming HVAC energy use by 5–20 %. While savings vary, clean ducts help the system operate at its designed efficiency and can prolong equipment life by reducing strain and overheating.
What happens during a service visit and how long does it take?
1) Arrival & inspection: Our NADCA-certified technician walks the property, photographs current duct conditions, and protects floors with drop cloths. 2) System isolation: Supply and return sides are blocked so the vacuum draws through one section at a time. 3) Hook-up: The 8-inch hose from the truck is connected to the main trunk; smaller access panels are cut if necessary and later sealed with code-approved sheet-metal plates. 4) Agitation & extraction: Each register is brushed or air-whipped while the truck vacuum evacuates debris. 5) Optional sanitizer: An EPA-registered antimicrobial fog can be applied if requested. 6) Final inspection & reassembly. A typical single-family home (10–15 supply vents) takes 2–4 hours; larger homes or commercial sites may require half a day or more.
Is the process safe for my HVAC system, family, and pets?
Absolutely. We follow NADCA ACR (Assessment, Cleaning & Restoration) standards, use only round-tip nylon brushes that match your duct material, and apply negative pressure before agitation to prevent debris from escaping. Our truck’s containment unit is HEPA-filtered, capturing 99.97 % of particles ≥0.3 µm. If you opt for sanitizer, we use hospital-grade solutions with low VOCs and advise stepping out for 30–45 minutes until any mist settles. Pets can remain in a closed room away from the work area. All access holes are professionally sealed and labeled for future service, preserving duct integrity and your manufacturer’s warranty.