There
is a tremendous amount of confusion when it comes to the
issue of A/C duct cleaning. You may have seen
advertisements from duct cleaning companies claiming that
cleaning your ducts will do everything from improve
the efficiency of your A/C system to cure your
allergies. As in most controversial issues, there
are two sides to the story. So, what's the real
scoop?
First,
the system of ducts in your home or office is how your
HVAC system distributes conditioned air throughout the
building. They are essentially the "lungs"
of the building taking air in (through the intake),
conditioning it by either heating it or cooling it, and
then sending it back out through the building.
Second,
since the ducts form an air distribution system, any
contaminants in the air such as dust, smoke, fumes, or
mold, can get distributed throughout the house or office
as well. If the HVAC system isn't maintained
properly, these contaminants can accumulate in the ducts
and may eventually restrict the flow of air through the
system. These situations don't always happen but the
potential of spreading contamination throughout the
building is there.
Third,
according to the EPA, "Duct cleaning has never
been shown to actually prevent health problems.
Neither do studies conclusively demonstrate that particle
(e.g. dust) levels in homes increase because of dirty air
ducts or go down after cleaning. This is because
much of the dirt that may accumulate inside air ducts
adheres to duct surfaces and does not necessarily enter
the living space."
So
should I have my A/C ducts cleaned? The answer is a
definite "Maybe."
The
EPA recommends that you have your A/C ducts cleaned when:
1.
When there is substantial mold growth on duct
surfaces. Keep in mind, however, that the presence
of mold can only be positively confirmed through
laboratory analysis so make sure you ask for proof when
a contractor tells you that there's mold in your
ducts. If mold is really present, you must
correct the moisture problem that created the
mold in the first place. Otherwise, the mold is
sure to return, even after the ducts are cleaned.
2.
When your ducts are infested with vermin such as rodents
or insects.
3.
When the ducts are clogged with excessive amounts of
dust and debris and/or particles are actually being
released into the home from the supply registers.
Finally, ask yourself
whether it really makes sense to have your ducts
cleaned. Many homes use flexible ducts as part of
the duct system. It may be more cost effective to
simply have these ducts replaced rather than to have them
cleaned. Make sure you evaluate this option as well.
What
to look for in a duct cleaning company
If
you decide to have your ducts cleaned, it's
important to find a reputable company. Make sure
that the company you are talking to is a member of NADCA,
the National Air Duct Cleaners
Association. You can find a list of
members at the NADCA website (click
here to go to the NADCA website). Other tips
include:
-
Do
not hire duct cleaners who make sweeping claims about
the health benefits of duct cleaning -- such claims
are unsubstantiated. Do not hire duct cleaners
who recommend duct cleaning as a routine part
of your heating and cooling system maintenance.
You should also be wary of duct cleaners who claim to
be certified by the EPA. The
EPA neither establishes duct cleaning standards nor
certifies, endorses, or approves duct cleaning
companies.
-
Do
not allow the use of chemical biocides or chemical
treatments such as sealants or encapsulants unless you
fully understand the pros and the cons of using
them. Only chemicals
that have been approved by the EPA for use inside
of air ducts should be used. Ask
the contractor to show you the label.
-
Check
references to be sure other customers were satisfied
and did not experience any problems with their heating
and cooling system after cleaning.
-
Contact
your county or city office of consumer affairs or
local Better Business Bureau to determine if
complaints have been lodged against any of the
companies you are considering.
-
Ask
the service provider whether they hold any relevant
state licenses. As of 1996, the following states
require air duct cleaners to hold special licenses:
Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia,
Michigan and Texas. Other states may require
them as well.
-
If
the service provider charges by the hour, request an
estimate of the number of hours or days the job will
take, and find out whether there will be interruptions
in the work. Make sure the duct cleaner you
choose will provide a written agreement outlining the
total cost and scope of the job before work begins.
...and
finally, take your
time. Do not allow yourself to be pressured or
scared into doing something that may not be in your best
interest or that may actually make your situation worse.
For
more information, the EPA
has recently updated their booklet, "Should You
Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned?"
Only the version on the EPA website has been updated so
don't let anyone tell you that this information is
out of date and no longer valid. This booklet
provides a wealth of information as well as a good
checklist and should answer just about every question you
might have about duct cleaning. (Click
here to see the EPA pamphlet on Duct Cleaning)
CAM
Environmental does not perform duct cleaning but we can
help determine whether ducts contain mold or other Indoor
Air Quality related issues . For
more information on our microbial or IAQ services, please contact us at info@cam-enviro.com.
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