| How is Video-Aire different from all other duct cleaning systems? | |||
| Answer #1: | The Video-Aire 3500 is the only duct cleaning process that lets you and the customer actually see the entire duct cleaning, in real time on a full-color video monitor. For the first time, the customer doesn't have to take your word for it. You can show the entire process and even provide videotaped documentation of the cleaning for insurance or other purposes. | ||
| Answer #2: | Video-Aire is the only duct cleaning equipment manufacturer with scientific proof of the effectiveness of its cleaning process. An independent study conducted by Mychotech Biological, Inc. showed a remarkable 92% overall reduction in molds, fungi, and other allergens, and is published in The Annals of Allergy, vol. 71. ("The Effect of Commercial HVAC Sanitation Procedures on Fungal Populations in a Residential Environment") |
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| There are other companies which state that they, too, have a video system. Is there a difference? | |||
| Answer: | Yes, there certainly is. With the Video-Aire system, the technician and the customer can see the work as it is being done. All other "video" systems are inspection systems only, which to do a comparable job would require a minimum of three insertions per duct. (1.pre-Inspect, 2.clean w/ rotary brush 3. Inspect cleaning, then re-clean if post-inspection is not satisfactory, and fog sanitizer, if needed). Only Video-Aire has the patented brush head that allows you to see the actual cleaning as it is taking place, thus allowing the technician to inspect, clean, sanitize and document, all in ONE insertion per duct. Also, since the Video-Aire system allows you to see what is happening several inches in front of the rotating brush, you can see obstacles before you reach them, avoid accidental closing of in-line dampers, diagnose structural problems and accurately gauge the need for sanitizer. Other brush systems only find out about damage after they have caused it. |
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| How does the Video-Aire System Work? | |||
| Answer: | When Video-Aire's patented brush head enters the register, a high-resolution video camera guides the technician and allows him to watch the cleaning on a full-color video monitor. The rotating brush loosens contaminants such as dust, pollen, molds, fungi, etc., while a powerful stream of compressed air and stationary brush move the debris down the ductline toward a HEPA-filtered vacuum located at the AC unit. The disinfectant sprayer mounted on the brush head then sanitizes ductwork on its return path to the register, ridding it of residual bacteria, viruses, mold, and fungal spores. The technician also inspects and sanitizes the Heating/AC unit itself, cleaning the evaporative cooling coils, fan, and plenum, and installing a new, high-efficiency filter. |
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| Why has air duct cleaning become so important? | |||
| Answer: | Problems associated with indoor air pollution in our homes and public buildings have increased dramatically in the past few years and are now being widely recognized as a major health concern. EPA studies of human exposure to air pollutants indicate that indoor pollutant levels may be 2-5 times, and occasionally more than 100 times, that of outdoor levels, and that the single most important factor in indoor air quality is adequately maintained HVAC systems. Clean air ducts may sound mundane, but the EPA has found more than 105 known carcinogens in both homes and offices, trapped in growing quantities since buildings were sealed during the energy crisis of the 1970's. This "Sick Building Syndrome", as it is called, can make building occupants ill. Duct cleaning, when done properly, can be a very effective tool in reducing our exposure to indoor air contaminants. |
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| What are the markets that Video-Aire was developed for? | |||
| Answer: | The primary markets are residential and light commercial. The Video-Aire 3500 has been used successfully in thousands of homes, schools, churches, restaurants, medical clinics, laboratories, small shopping centers, museums, and apartment buildings. While the 3500 tool itself is not always appropriate for larger industrial applications, Video-Aire can provide complete training in the proper methods and adjunct equipment needed to perform almost any job. |
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| Does Video-Aire work in all types of ductwork, including metal and flex duct? | |||
| Answer: | Yes. The Video-Aire 3500 is safe and effective for metal and flex duct. In fact, the camera allows the technician to successfully navigate through all kinds of ductwork, in all kinds of conditions, and to diagnose improperly installed, broken, or torn duct which might be further damaged using "blind" methods. The Video-Aire technician can also see to negotiate mixing boxes and connectors. He can see inline dampers before reaching them, thereby avoiding the risk of shutting them down. Some other systems claim to be able to navigate turns, but only the Video-Aire system lets the technician see ahead to differentiate between a sharp turn, obstacle, collapsed duct, or the end of the line. The video monitor allows the Video-Aire technician to make educated calls, and to involve the customer in the decision-making. Other systems are only playing guessing games. |
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| What is involved in cleaning the duct system of an average-size residence, in terms of time and manpower? | |||
| Answer: | In order to do the best, most thorough and complete duct cleaning job possible, we recommend using two technicians-one skilled "lead" and one "helper". A 2000 sq. ft. home with a single AC unit would require approx. 2 ½ - 3 hours. |
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| Some other portable systems say they require only one technician. Why do you recommend two? | |||
| Answer: | When a Video-Aire crew enters a home, our goals are three-fold: 1) that the air ducts, including supply and return vent grills, register boots, and ductwork are cleaned thoroughly, 2) that the HVAC unit itself is as free from contaminants as possible, and 3) that all work areas are protected before, and left in pristine condition after the job, so that the customer is completely satisfied. All of this takes time. While the lead technician cleans the unit, including coil, fan, and plenum, his helper covers all work areas with drop cloths, removes all vent grills, cleans them and register boots, and vacuums return areas. Upon completion of this first step, the lead technician uses the monitor to guide the Video-Aire 3500 through each duct run, while the helper operates switches and explains the process to the customer. Upon completion of duct cleaning, the helper replaces clean vent grills, removes drop cloths, and does general clean-up while the lead technician completes final checklist, and presents invoice. Because of the thoroughness of the job, and the unique nature of the Video-Aire process, you will never be in competition with the "$99" duct cleaners. It is common to command 2-4 times (or more) the price of many of the "one-man" portable systems. |
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| How is Video-Aire going to benefit me? | |||
| Answer: | There is no question that adding air duct cleaning to your existing business can add significantly to your bottom line. More services to add to an existing customer base means more income without added advertising expenditure. Perhaps many contractors have been unwilling to jump on the air duct cleaning bandwagon because there is still a prevalent belief among business owners and customer bases alike that air duct cleaning doesn't really work. Fortunately, video technology is now bringing integrity to an industry in which fraudulent technicians once relied upon the blindness of its consumers. By allowing the customer to see the cleaning, you can see your profits soar. |
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| Is the Video-Aire 3500 able to clean "100%"? | |||
| Answer: | No. No system can. However, our video technology allows us to make educated judgment calls, to involve the customer in the decision making process, to document our work, and to simply do the best job possible. We have specialized brushes and compressed air tools for the occasional ducts which will not accommodate our 2" (diameter) x 4" (length) camera head. We provide training and support to help you overcome new challenges. With the Video-Aire 3500 system, accessories, and complete training, we have a solution for almost any duct cleaning problem. |
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| What kind of training do you offer? What does it cost? | |||
| Answer: | Unlike most companies who offer a manual and/or inexpensive video for training, Video-Aire mandates that the dealer invest two days in training at our world headquarters in Fort Worth, TX. The training includes both classroom and hands-on at a pre-selected site in the Dallas/FW metroplex. There is no charge for the training (transportation and lodging are your responsibility). Upon completion of your training, you will be fully certified as a Video-Aire HVAC systems cleaning specialist and will leave with a complete operations manual covering such things as problem-solving, operation procedures, Chemical MSDS's, marketing materials and strategies, and your limited licensing and warranty agreements. |
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| What is the warranty on Video-Aire's equipment? | |||
| Answer: | Video-Aire's warranty extends for one year from original date of purchase when original purchaser is the end user. Parts requiring replacement due to wear and tear (such as brushes, cables, etc.) are not covered under the warranty. |
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| Copyright 2000 by Video-AireTM International | |||