Skip to main content
0

Air handling units (AHUs) are the heart of a central ventilation system and are one of the best ways of ensuring good quality air in buildings. AHUs are used to regulate and circulate air as part of the ventilation, heating, and air conditioning system. Good indoor air quality is vitally important for any business or landlord, as it helps users of a building to remain safe and healthy.

AHUs are commonly used in medium to large industrial and commercial buildings and are typically installed in the floors roof or basement. Multiple smaller AHUs are often utilised to serve different areas of the building. At Swiftclean, we provide AHU cleaning services to organisations throughout the UK.

What is an AHU?

An AHU is a device used to distribute, recirculate, and extract air to ensure adequate air exchange in a building.

What components does an AHU consist of?

An AHU is usually composed of Inlet ductwork, a filter bank, a fan, coils (used for heating or cooling the air), a heat exchanger and distribution ductwork. There are various types of heat exchangers, such as crossover chambre, thermal wheel or return air VCD/chambre.

How does an AHU work??

AHU’s supply fresh air to a room by:

  1. Taking air in from the outside
  2. Filtering the air
  3. Reconditioning the air (cooled by a cooling coil or heated by a heating coil)
  4. Supplying the freshly cooled or heated air into the indoor environment.

AHU cleaning

AHU duct-cleaning is completed with methods advised in BESA TR19® Air Internal Cleanliness of Ventilation Systems Table 8. This usually includes methods of dry cleaning where possible but can be used alongside wet methods where necessary. AHU cleaning is typically carried out by hand.

Get a quote






    Keeping in touch*
    Please choose an option below so that we can keep in touch with you in the future. You can read our Privacy Policy here.

    Add me to your mailing list for offers, news & legal updates.Don't add me to your mailing list.


    By submitting this form you consent to be contacted with regard to your enquiry, please view our privacy policy.

    Access to AHUs

    As specified in TR19® Air which states:

    “Access to all sections of the air handling units is required for adequate cleaning. Occasionally there is no usable access door to the space between sections, for example, heating and cooling coils. In this event, extra access panels may have to be installed subject to the design of the unit. Defective door and filter seals are a common and significant source of inward dirt leakage and filter bypass.”

    AHU cleaning regulations – TR19® Air

    Cleaning of AHUs and ductwork is ‘as and when required’ however it is best to perform regular inspections. Guidance to the frequency and acceptable contamination levels can be found in Appendix F of BESA TR19® Air which is also in accordance with the British and European Standard BSEN15780.

    Swiftclean’s AHU cleaning expertise

    Swiftclean has been involved in the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) industry for over 40 years and is one of the most well-established companies working in the air and water hygiene industry.

    An award-winning service

    Our Managing Director, Gary Nicholls is a pioneering member of the BESA’s Vent Hygiene Register. For over four decades, Gary has worked closely with industry bodies such as BSRIA, CIBSE and The BESA (and formerly HVCA) to help develop industry guidance and specifications in the ventilation hygiene field. He was co-author of TR19® Air and its predecessor TR/17, as well as TR19®Grease.

    To find out more about our AHU cleaning services, get in touch with our team today. You can reach us by calling 0800 243 471 or emailing us at info@swiftclean.co.uk.

    FAQ’s

    Why should I consider AHU cleaning for my business?

    AHU duct-cleaning improves indoor air quality, reduces allergens, eliminates odours, and improves HVAC efficiency. Regular duct-cleaning promotes a healthier environment for occupants and helps to ensure the ongoing effectiveness of your HVAC system. AHU cleaning should be carried out regularly by a competent professional.

    How often should I get my ducts cleaned?

    How often you should have AHU duct-cleaning carried out depends on various factors, including usage, environment, and the presence of pets or allergens. Cleaning is recommended as appropriate by BESA TR19® Air. Guidance to the frequency and acceptable contamination levels can be found in Appendix F of BESA TR19® Air or by calling our team on 0800 243 471 or emailing us at info@swiftclean.co.uk.

    How do I know if my ducts need cleaning?

    There are some common signs that AHU cleaning is required. These include visible mould growth, excessive dust buildup, strange odours, and reduced airflow. Additionally, if you notice increased allergy symptoms among occupants, this is a good indication that duct cleaning may be necessary.

    Contact us

    We are ready to hear from you if you wish to find out more about our duct access door installation services. For further information on our first-class access door services, give us a call on 0800 243 741 or complete the form on our website.

    CALL 0800 243 471

    Close Menu