Complete Inspection

Before you spend thousands of dollars on cleaning or repairs, do you really know what's going on in your ducts?

A complete professional inspection prevents unpleasant surprises and gives you an accurate picture of your system's status.

What does a complete inspection include?

Detailed visual assessment

• Inspection of all air vents with high-intensity lamp
• Checking filter status and replacement recommendations
• Examination of accessible ducts to detect leaks and damage
• Checking connections and seals

Inspection by endoscopic camera

• Flexible HD camera which penetrates deep into the ducts
• Full video recording from inside the system
• High-resolution photos identified problems
• GPS documentation the exact location of defects

System performance tests

• Air flow measurement at each air vent
• Static pressure test to detect obstructions
• Balancing check between different zones
• Energy efficiency analysis system

Advanced inspection technologies

Specialized inspection cameras

1. Snake Eye Micro23mm camera for narrow ducts
2. Push-Rod HDRigid system for long straight conduits
3. 360° cameraComplete panoramic view of intersections
4. Integrated LED lightingPerfect visibility even in total darkness

Professional measuring instruments

• Digital anemometer: Precise air speed and volume
• Differential pressure gaugeStatic and dynamic pressure
• Calibrated hygrometerHumidity level in ducts
• Infrared thermometerThermal bridge detection
• Ultrasonic leak detectorPrecise location of cracks

Air quality analysis equipment

• Particle counterSuspended dust concentration
• VOC detectorHazardous volatile organic compounds
• CO/CO2 analyzer: Carbon monoxide and dioxide levels
• Mould sampling kit: Samples for laboratory analysis

Problems commonly detected during inspections

Biological contamination

1. Active moldsVisible growth on duct walls
2. Bacterial coloniesBiofilms in wetlands
3. Presence of animalsRodents, birds, insects and their droppings
4. Organic matterLeaves, plant debris, animal nests

Mechanical and structural failures

1. Disconnected pipesJoints that have come loose over time
2. Crushed pipesRenovation and subsidence damage
3. Poor insulation: Significant loss of energy efficiency
4. Cracks and perforationsUntreated air infiltration

Accumulation problems

• Excessive dustAbnormal thickness on interior walls
• Construction residues: Drywall scrap, shavings, insulation
• Greasy deposits: Particularly problematic in the kitchen
• Fiber accumulationFrom damaged filters

7-step inspection process

1. Preliminary interview with the customer

Discussion of problems observed, system history, recent renovations, respiratory health issues in the building.

2. External system inspection

Check outdoor unit, fresh air inlets, exhaust outlets and general condition of visible components.

3. Analysis of mechanical equipment

Check furnace or heat pump, condition of coils, fan operation, check electrical connections.

4. Camera inspection of all ducts

Systematic exploration of every branch of the network, with full photographic and video documentation.

5. Performance tests and measurements

Record air flow, pressure, temperature and humidity at various points in the system.

6. Samples for analysis (if necessary)

Samples of dust, air or suspect materials sent to a certified laboratory for microbiological analysis.

7. Compilation of detailed report

Complete report with photos, prioritized recommendations and estimated costs of correction.

Types of specialized inspections offered

Standard home inspection

1. Duration2-4 hours depending on surface area
2. Includes: Main ducts, air returns, basic equipment
3. Report15-25 pages with photos and recommendations
4. PriceFree with cleaning service, otherwise 150-250$

In-depth commercial inspection

1. Duration4-8 hours depending on complexity
2. Includes: All systems, technical roofs, mechanical rooms
3. Report30-50 pages according to commercial standards
4. Certification: Acceptable to insurance companies and health authorities

Pre-purchase property inspection

1. Objective: Avoid costly post-purchase surprises
2. DelayReport available in 24-48 hours maximum
3. FocusEstimated restoration costs
4. Warranty: Precise budget estimates

Post-disaster inspection (fire, water damage)

1. EmergencyIntervention within 24 hours if necessary
2. SpecialityDamage assessment for insurance claims
3. Documentation: Report accepted by all insurance companies
4. Follow-up: Recommendations for decontamination or replacement

When should you have your system inspected?

Alarm signals to watch out for

• Electricity bills that increase without explanation
• Persistent odors that keep coming back
• Excessive dust despite regular cleaning
• Uneven temperatures between different parts
• Abnormal noises from ducts
• Allergies that get worse inside only

Situations requiring priority inspection

• After purchasing a propertyTo find out the actual state of the system
• Before major renovation work: Avoid contaminating clean conduits
• Following health problemsEliminate the system as a potential cause
• Before sale of property: Correcting problems before buyers are inspected

Recommended frequency according to use

• ResidentialFor 3-5 year olds or for specific problems
• Light commercial: Every 2-3 years for optimal maintenance
• Industrial/medical: Annually according to industry regulations
• After a lossImmediately to assess the extent of the damage

Detailed inspection report included

Complete photographic section

• Before/during/after photos each inspection stage
• Side-by-side comparisons problem areas
• Annotated images with detailed explanations
• Short videos of the most critical sections

In-depth technical analysis

• General system statusScoring out of 10 with justification
• Problems identifiedRanked by priority of intervention
• Specific recommendationsConcrete actions with deadlines
• Budget estimatesRealistic costs for each correction

Certifications and compliance

• Compliance with standardsCompliance with Quebec building codes
• Health recommendationsAccording to Public Health guidelines
• Energy efficiencySuggestions for improving performance
• Applicable warrantiesExisting covers on equipment

Vortex Air certified ventilation expertise

Specially trained technicians

• INVC certificationContinuing training in inspection techniques
• In the NADCA processInternational standard of excellence
• 10+ years of experienceMore than 1,000 inspections completed
• Continuing education: Annual update on new technologies