Australian Standards for HVAC Cleaning and Microbial Control
Commercial HVAC maintenance should be planned around the building, the equipment and the condition found during inspection—not an assumption that cleaning alone guarantees healthy air.
“We argue that the existing Aus Standard outlines a set of minimum requirements that are directly linked to the spread of COVID-19.”
DARREN BRODERICK, CLEAN AIR FILTRATION SERVICES CEO, 2021
Australian Standards for HVAC & Duct Cleaning
| HVAC COMPONENT | INSPECT | CLEANED / REPLACED | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outdoor air intakes and exhausts | Monthly | When Necessary | |
| Air filters | Monthly | When Necessary | |
| Humidifiers | Monthly | When Necessary | |
| Evaporative air-cooling equipment | 3 Months | When Necessary | |
| Sump | 3 Months | When Necessary | |
| Wetted pads | 3 Months | When Necessary | |
| Water strainer | 3 Months | When Necessary | |
| Air filter | 3 Months | When Necessary | |
| Drainage system | 3 Months | When Necessary | |
| Ducts and components | |||
| Coils | Monthly | When Necessary | |
| Trays and sumps | Monthly | When Necessary | |
| Condensate drains, tundishes, and traps | Monthly | When Necessary | |
| Ductwork | Annually | When Necessary | |
| Fans | 3 Months | When Necessary | |
| Terminal units inc. coils | Annually | When Necessary | |
| Terminal units components including coils | Annually | When Necessary | |
| Return air and relief air grilles | Annually | When Necessary | |
“This is a bomb waiting to explode & has legal consequences …. a duct that has not been properly cleaned …. can directly cause a COVID-19 outbreak.”
Clean Air Filtration Services, 2021
Understand the scope of AS/NZS 3666.2
AS/NZS 3666.2 addresses operation and maintenance of building air-handling and water systems for microbial control. It is not a kitchen exhaust cleaning standard or a guarantee against infection. Confirm the applicable edition, equipment requirements and site maintenance plan with the responsible maintenance professional rather than copying an online schedule.
Inspect the whole relevant air-handling path
A maintenance review can include outdoor-air intakes, filters, coils, drainage, fans, ductwork and outlets. Confirm which components are included in the cleaning quotation and which require a mechanical services contractor.
Cleaning and moisture control work together
Dust and deposits can accumulate on air-handling components. Persistent dampness and blocked drains deserve attention as well as cleaning. Record the condition, investigate the source and arrange repairs where needed.
Use testing to answer a defined question
Air sampling or surface testing may be appropriate for a specific concern. Agree sampling locations, methods and interpretation with a suitable professional; do not treat a single result as building-wide clearance. See indoor air quality testing and management.
Do not confuse cleaning with infection prevention
HVAC cleaning is not a cure for respiratory illness and does not guarantee prevention of airborne transmission. Ventilation performance, filtration, occupancy and the building’s broader controls also matter.
Maintain a clear service history
Keep the agreed scope, service date, before-and-after photographs, PDF report, inaccessible sections and recommended follow-up together. A service report documents the work completed; the insurer, auditor or relevant authority determines whether it meets their requirements.
Arrange a commercial service
Clean Air Filtration provides commercial HVAC duct cleaning in Melbourne and Victoria. Tell us your site location, system details, access restrictions and operating hours so we can discuss the cleaning scope. Call (03) 9303 9661 or email sales@cleanair.com.au.
Every client receives a client portal, including one-off services. Completed-service PDF reports and job photos are available there. See our service records guide for what to keep with your maintenance history.
Cover image: AI-generated editorial illustration of representative equipment or premises, not a client-site photograph.