Top 5 Misconceptions About Duct Masks With Facts
Some consider them wholly unnecessary, while others swear by them.
What are we talking about?
The humble duct mask, of course. Since containment and precision are the foundational pillars of duct cleaning, skipping duct masks can render the containment process incomplete. However, these “glorified tapes” as they are often referred to, are mostly overlooked despite the crucial role they play.
But for HVAC technicians like you, whether seasoned or starting out - separating fact from fiction is crucial. Using duct masks can actually help you work cleaner and faster, so it’s best to avoid the common misconceptions and choose the facts instead.
Let us burst the bubble on 5 myths surrounding duct masks!
1. Duct masks are just another fancy tape
This is so far from the truth! Sure, they have a similar appearance, but that’s where it ends. The purpose of duct masks is quite different from a simple adhesive tape. Engineered to temporarily seal vents and registers during an HVAC cleaning or testing drill, duct masks do not leave any residue behind despite their power to stick firmly to a wide variety of surfaces.
If you compare them to standard tapes or even duct tapes, you will find that these tapes always leave a sticky residue behind. That’s not all. They also tend to damage the surface they’re used on and are seldom able to hold up to negative pressure.
2. You can avoid using duct masks if you’re careful
Wrong! No matter how careful you are, there’s simply no way to prevent airborne contaminants and dust from proliferating other spaces unless you use a containment tool. Enter duct masks.
With these by your side, you can isolate airflow when sanitizing or cleaning an HVAC unit, thus preventing contaminants from spreading into adjoining areas. Skip this step and you’re most likely to cause an increased mess (which takes more time to clean) along with compromised air quality.
Both of these scenarios are easily avoided by taking a few seconds out to apply a duct mask on vents and other registers.
3. Buying the cheapest roll is good enough
This assumption stems from another assumption - all duct masks are the same. It’s a costly thing to assume because not all duct masks are made equal. If you get the cheapest option, you might end up with a few issues on your hands, such as low adhesive power, zero perforations or damage to the surface when removed. If you don’t want to harm customer property, you have to invest in a high-quality duct mask that meets professional-grade standards.
4. You only use duct masks for large-scale projects
You might also hear that this duct cleaning tool is not necessary for residential projects, but has to be used for commercial ones. This is false! They have to be used for all kinds of HVAC cleaning jobs - be it small-scale residential ones or large-scale commercial ones. Think of it this way - when you use a duct mask, you’re protecting the customer's space from dust and other allergens. Your clients are bound to appreciate that. Besides, cleaner, more controlled results are possible with the use of this humble tape. They really show your professionalism.
5. They’re wasted during quick clean-ups
Absolutely not! In fact, they can make quick jobs even quicker by improving the suction efficiency of your tools and reducing post-job clean-up time. No matter how small or simple the project is, if you don’t seal unused vents, the effect of negative pressure will decrease. So will the performance of your vacuum and other agitation devices. So, to maximize productivity and performance, use duct masks.
Conclusion
Duct masks are an essential, not an accessory. When added to your HVAC cleaning arsenal, they can improve air quality and containment, thus giving your reputation in the market a veritable boost. But that’s only possible when you use good-quality duct masks. Luckily, Heat Seal Equipment Ltd. offers perforated, easy-to-apply and remove, and non-residual duct masks that do the job better than competitors. Contact us today to stock up on our duct masks.
