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How to Pass HVAC Clearance Testing After Mold Remediation


What Inspectors Are Really Looking For- and Why Most Inspections Fail the First Time


Why most inspections fail the first time- What Mold Inspectors are looking for.

 

When mold contamination strikes a home or commercial building, thorough remediation is essential; but if the HVAC system isn’t properly addressed, all that effort can go to waste.

 

Clearance testing is the final step in any mold remediation project. It's how professionals verify the space is safe for re-occupancy. But here’s the truth: HVAC systems are one of the most common reasons mold remediation projects fail clearance.

 

So how do you ensure your system passes?

 

Understand What Clearance Testing Is — And Isn’t

Clearance testing involves:

 

  • Visual inspections for signs of dust, debris, and microbial growth

  •  Air sampling to measure spore counts or particulates

  •  Surface sampling of HVAC components or adjacent areas

  •  Review of HVAC system condition and accessibility

 

But clearance testing isn’t just about numbers on a lab report. It’s about evidence of thoroughness -and the HVAC system is one of the most overlooked zones.

 

Why HVAC Systems Fail Clearance Testing: Even after expensive remediation

 

  • The evaporator coil may still have biofilm (a sticky mix of mold, bacteria, and dust)

  • The blower wheel may show signs of neglect or cross-contamination

  • Internally lined ducts or fiberglass insulation can retain spores 

  • Lack of accessibility to the internal components of the air handler and ductwork.

 

Remember: If a ventilation inspector or hygienist can’t access the system or confirm it’s clean, they can’t pass it.

 

🔍 What Inspectors Are Looking For

To pass clearance, your HVAC system must:

 

  • Be clean to the eye and touch (no visible dust or mold)

  •  Have documented remediation (with before-and-after photos)

  •  Allow access to key components (coil, plenum, blower, ducts)

  •  Show evidence of proper sealing, disinfection, and NADCA-standard cleaning

 

A NADCA Certified Ventilation Inspection is often part of the clearance review process, especially when the HVAC system was part of the original mold contamination.

 

Tips to Ensure Your System Passes


  • Use a licensed and certified HVAC mold remediation team, not just a duct cleaning company

  •  Always consider replacing contaminated insulation inside the system

  •  Encapsulate contaminated insulation if it can’t be removed

  •  Photograph every cleaned section, including inside the coil housing and plenum

  •  Seal all access panels and label new ones added during cleaning

  •  Don’t wait for clearance testing to “see how it went”- prepare for it intentionally

 

Our Process at EnviroAir Systems

At EnviroAir Systems, we take clearance testing seriously — because your health depends on it. Our approach includes:

 

  1. NADCA-standard source removal of all contamination

  2. Detailed before-and-after documentation

  3. Post-remediation assessment walkthroughs

  4.  Coordinated clearance testing with third-party hygienists


We don’t consider a job complete until the system and the space is verifiably clean.

The only HVAC company offering a 100% Third Party Clearance Testing Guarantee and Verifiable Results!
The only HVAC company offering a 100% Third Party Clearance Testing Guarantee and Verifiable Results!

 

📞 Schedule a Pre-Clearance Inspection Today

Don’t leave HVAC clearance testing to chance. If your project is nearing completion or remediation has already occurred, let us inspect your system before testing.

 

Call 813-644-9261 to book an EnviroAir Systems Certified Ventilation Inspection.

 
 
 

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