If you have insulated air ducts and the insulation gets wet or moldy, it can't be cleaned effectively and must be removed and replaced. If any of the conditions identified above exist, it usually suggests one or more underlying causes. Before cleaning, modernizing, or replacing ducts, the cause or causes must be corrected, or the problem is likely to reappear. Some research suggests that cleaning the components of heating and cooling systems (e.g.However, there is little evidence that cleaning just the ducts will improve system efficiency.
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. As long as the 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. However, the EPA recommends that if you have an oven, stove or fireplace that burns fuel, that you inspect it for proper operation and be serviced before each heating season to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning. If you decide to clean the air ducts, take the same precautions as you would normally take to evaluate the competence and reliability of the service provider.
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 that they are qualified to do so. In addition, the service provider may 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 applying chemical treatments (sealants or other encapsulants) to encapsulate or cover the interior surfaces of air ducts and equipment housings because they believe they will control mold growth or prevent the release of dirt particles or fibers from the ducts. These practices have not yet been thoroughly researched and you should be well informed before deciding to allow the use of biocides or chemical treatments in air ducts.
If they are applied, they should only be applied after the system has been properly cleaned of all visible dust or dirt. Knowledge about the potential benefits and potential problems of cleaning air ducts is limited. Since the conditions in each home are different, it's impossible to generalize about whether cleaning the air ducts in your home would be beneficial or not. On the other hand, if family members have unusual or unexplained symptoms or illnesses that you think could be related to your home environment, you should discuss the situation with your doctor. The EPA has published the following publications as guidance on how to identify potential indoor air quality problems and ways to prevent or address them.
On the other hand, if a service provider doesn't follow proper duct cleaning procedures, duct cleaning can cause indoor air problems. For example, an inadequate vacuum collection system can release more dust, dirt and other contaminants than if it had left the ducts alone. A careless or inadequately trained service provider can damage your heating and cooling system or ducts, which could increase heating and air conditioning costs or force you to perform difficult and costly repairs or replacements. The EPA does not recommend cleaning air ducts, except when necessary, because of ongoing uncertainty about the benefits of duct cleaning in most cases. However, the EPA recommends that if you have an oven, stove, or fireplace that burns fuel, you inspect them for proper operation and that you check them before each heating season to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning.
Some research also suggests that cleaning dirty cooling coils, fans, and heat exchangers can improve the efficiency of heating and cooling systems. However, there is little evidence to indicate that simply cleaning the duct system will increase system efficiency. If you think duct cleaning might be a good idea for your home, but you're not sure, talk to a professional. The company that services your heating and cooling system can be a good source of advice. You can also contact professional duct cleaning service providers and ask them about the services they provide.
Remember that they are trying to sell you a service, so ask questions and insist on getting complete and well-informed answers. A thorough visual inspection is the best way to verify the cleanliness of your heating and cooling system. Some service providers use remote photography to document conditions inside pipelines. All parts of the system must be visibly clean; you should not be able to detect any debris with the naked eye. Show the service provider the consumer checklist after cleaning before work begins.
After completing the work, ask the service provider to show you each component of your system to verify that the work was done in a satisfactory manner. If you answer no to any of the questions on the checklist, this may indicate a problem with work. Ask your service provider to correct any deficiencies until you can answer yes to all the questions on the checklist. You may be familiar with air ducts that are made of metal sheets.
However, many modern residential air duct systems are built with fiberglass or sheet metal ducts lined inside with a fiberglass coating. Since the early 1970s, there has been a significant increase in the use of flexible conduits, which are generally internally lined with plastic or some other type of material. Experts agree that moisture should not be present in the ducts and, if there is moisture and dirt, there is a possibility that biological contaminants can grow and be distributed throughout the house. Controlling humidity is the most effective way to prevent biological growth in all types of air ducts. In addition to doing an incredible job cleaning our air ducts, they responded quickly and scheduled the appointment. 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.
Duct cleaning methods vary, although industry associations that deal with cleaning air ducts have established standards. Moisture can enter the duct system through leaks or if the system has been incorrectly installed or maintained. Over time, without proper cleaning and maintenance of the air ducts, moisture will generate mold and mildew with the weather. Gray Duct Technologies, a company certified by the NADCA, offers comprehensive services to improve indoor air quality.
