While the debate over the value of regular duct cleaning near Charleston SC continues, there is no evidence to suggest that such cleaning is harmful, whenever that is the case. You may consider cleaning the air ducts simply because it seems logical that the air ducts would get dirty over time and should be cleaned from time to time. While the debate over the value of regular duct cleaning near Charleston SC continues, there is no evidence to suggest that such cleaning is harmful, provided it is done correctly. Cleaning air ducts near Charleston SC can be worthwhile, but only in specific situations, such as mold growth, pest infestations, or major renovations that have left behind dust and debris. For most homeowners, routine duct cleaning isn't necessary and won't improve indoor air quality as much as companies claim.
However, the EPA also states: “A general recommendation cannot be given as to whether you should clean the air ducts in your home. Cases where it may be appropriate to use sealants to encapsulate duct surfaces include repairing damaged fiberglass insulation or combating fire damage inside ducts. Air duct cleaning services, air duct cleaning and disinfection services, and heater grille cleaning are an excellent solution for certain needs of your home. Duct cleaning methods vary, although industry associations that deal with cleaning air ducts have established standards.
So who cleans the air ducts? Can you do it yourself or do you need to hire a company? Is it really worth cleaning the ducts? Some homeowners may think that they can clean the ducts themselves with a vacuum and a long dust brush instead of hiring professional air duct cleaners to fix poor indoor air quality. Some service providers may also suggest applying chemical treatments (sealants or other encapsulants) to encapsulate or cover the interior surfaces of air ducts and equipment housings, because they believe that this will control the formation of mold or prevent the release of dirt particles or fibers from the ducts. This is because much of the dirt that can accumulate inside the air ducts adheres to the duct surfaces and not necessarily enter the living space. As long as the cleaning is done properly, there is no evidence to suggest that such cleaning is harmful.
If you currently have airflow problems, hot or cold spots, or a lack of heating or cooling in your home, duct cleaning isn't a permanent solution. This is because much of the dirt in the air ducts and the air duct system adheres to the duct surfaces and does not necessarily enter the living space. These products are specifically designed for use in ducts or as actual ducts, 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). While the ducts are usually round, they can be molded into all kinds of shapes, depending on the way the ducts need to be routed through the house to properly disperse and return the air conditioner.
The EPA does not recommend cleaning air ducts except when necessary, due to ongoing uncertainty about the benefits of duct cleaning in most cases. Manufacturers of products marketed to coat and encapsulate duct surfaces claim that these sealants prevent dust and dirt particles inside air ducts from being released into the air. While dirty ducts don't necessarily mean that there is unhealthy air in the home and this affects indoor air quality, dirty ducts can contribute to aggravating health problems by containing pollutants that can cause serious problems for people with respiratory diseases, autoimmune disorders, or some environmental allergies. You can clean the ducts yourself, but you must take certain steps to ensure that you don't cause more damage to the ducts than fix any problems.
