During the inspection of an HVAC system, what must be evaluated?

Evaluating the type of soot residue present in an HVAC system is essential because it directly affects the cleaning process and subsequent restoration efforts. Different types of soot, such as dry soot, wet soot, or fuel oil soot, have distinct characteristics and removal methods. Understanding the type of soot is crucial for determining the appropriate cleaning techniques and materials to use, ensuring that the system is effectively restored to a safe and functional state.

Additionally, the presence of soot can indicate the source of a fire and help identify areas within the HVAC system that may require more intensive cleaning or repair. Proper identification of soot types aids technicians in assessing the overall impact of smoke damage throughout the system and the property, influencing both the restoration timeline and strategy. This evaluation plays a vital role in ensuring that air quality is maintained and that further contamination does not occur once the system is in operation again.