Cleaning anything can create some mess, and air ducts are no exception. When you use a high-suction machine to clean them, you may see some debris and dust inside your house. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) urges you to read their document in its entirety, as it provides important information on the subject. Duct cleaning has never been proven to actually prevent health problems, and studies don't conclusively show that particles enter the living space.
It's important to note that dirty air ducts are just one of many possible sources of particulate matter in homes. Contaminants from both outdoor and indoor activities, such as cooking, cleaning, smoking, or simply moving around, can cause greater exposure to contaminants than dirty air ducts. Before ducting is cleaned, modernized, or replaced, the cause or causes must be corrected, or else the problem is likely to recur. Some research suggests that cleaning the components of the heating and cooling system improves system efficiency.
You may consider cleaning air ducts simply because it seems logical that air ducts get dirty over time and should be cleaned from time to time. As long as cleaning is done properly, there is no evidence to suggest that such cleaning is harmful. The EPA does not recommend that air ducts be cleaned routinely, but only when necessary. It's important to ensure that the service provider is committed to cleaning all components of the system and is qualified to do so. In addition, the service provider can propose the application of chemical biocides, designed to eliminate microbiological contaminants, inside the ducts and in other components of the system.
Some service providers may also suggest the application of chemical treatments (sealants or other encapsulants) to encapsulate or cover the interior surfaces of air ducts and equipment housings. These practices have not yet been thoroughly researched and you should be fully informed before deciding to allow the use of biocides or chemical treatments in your air ducts. They should only be applied after the system has been properly cleaned to remove all visible dust or dirt. Knowledge about the potential benefits and potential problems of cleaning air ducts is limited. Since every home's conditions are different, it's impossible to generalize about whether cleaning your home's air ducts would be beneficial or not.
On the other hand, if family members have unusual or unexplained symptoms or illnesses that you think may be related to your home environment, you should discuss the situation with your doctor. The EPA has published several publications as guidance on identifying potential indoor air quality problems and ways to prevent or solve them.
Preventing Pollution
Whether or not you decide to clean your home's air ducts, preventing water and dirt from entering the system is the most effective way to prevent pollution. If you decide to clean your heating and cooling system, it's important to ensure that the service provider is committed to cleaning all components of the system and is qualified to do so. In addition, some research also suggests that cleaning dirty cooling coils, fans, and heat exchangers can improve the efficiency of heating systems and refrigeration.Conclusion
However, there is little evidence to indicate that simply cleaning the duct system will increase efficiency or prevent health problems.On the other hand, if a service provider doesn't follow proper duct cleaning procedures, duct cleaning can cause problems with indoor air. For example, an inadequate vacuum collection system can release more dust, dirt, and other contaminants than if the ducts had been left without problems. A careless or inadequately trained service provider can damage the ductwork or the heating and cooling system, which could increase heating and air conditioning costs or force you to perform difficult and expensive repairs or replacements. In conclusion, it's important for homeowners to understand that while there are potential benefits associated with cleaning air ducts in their homes, there are also potential risks involved as well. It's important for homeowners to do their research before deciding whether or not they should clean their home's air ducts.
