Air ducts, like any other air conditioning system, require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recommends cleaning air ducts every three to five years. However, in some environments, the need for commercial air duct cleaning may be more urgent. You may also consider cleaning air ducts simply because it seems logical that they get dirty over time and should be cleaned periodically. As long as the cleaning is done properly, there is no evidence to suggest that it is harmful.
The EPA does not recommend that air ducts be cleaned routinely, but only when necessary. However, the EPA does suggest that if you have an oven, stove, or chimney that burns fuel, they should be inspected to make sure they are working properly and serviced before each heating season to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning. By selecting the right company to clean your air ducts, you will get more benefits than just a cleaner air duct system. Knowledge about cleaning air ducts is still in its early stages, so there can be no general recommendation on whether you should clean your home's air ducts. 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 air ducts.
These products are specifically designed for use in ducts or as ducts themselves, and are tested in accordance with standards established by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). They may also propose the application of a sealant to prevent dust and dirt particles from being released into the air or to seal air leaks. This is because much of the dirt in the air ducts adheres to duct surfaces and does not necessarily enter the living space. Providers of air duct cleaning services may tell you that they must apply a chemical biocide inside the ducts to kill bacteria (germs) and fungi (mold) and prevent their biological growth in the future. Controlling humidity is the most effective way to prevent biological growth in all types of air ducts. 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 (see How to Prevent Duct Contamination).
You'll receive good and honest service, professional and knowledgeable staff, and you'll have someone to talk to for any problems or needs you may have with cleaning your air ducts. Reduce the frequency of cleaning air ducts or eliminate it completely, keeping your home less dusty. If you decide to clean your air ducts, take the same consumer precautions you would normally take when evaluating the competence and reliability of the service provider. However, the NADCA adds that homeowners should inspect their air ducts once a year to check their condition. If no one in your household has allergies or unexplained symptoms or illnesses and if, after a visual inspection of the inside of the ducts, you don't see any signs that the air ducts are contaminated with large deposits of dust or mold (there is no musty smell or visible mold growth), cleaning the air ducts is probably not necessary. When considering all costs associated with buying a house, moving or cleaning up after a move, cleaning the air ducts is one of the least expensive costs and at least will ensure that your air ducts are clean and free of contaminants. Most organizations that deal with pipeline cleaning, including the EPA, NADCA, NAIMA, and the National Association of Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors (SMACNA), do not currently recommend routine use of sealants to encapsulate contaminants in any type ofduct. Cleaning your home's air ducts can be beneficial if done correctly.
It can help improve indoor air quality by removing dust particles from your home's ventilation system. It can also help reduce energy costs by improving airflow efficiency. However, it is important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to how often you should clean your home's air ducts. The best way to determine how often you should clean your home's air ducts is by consulting with an expert who can assess your specific situation.
