Do Your Air Ducts Need Cleaning?

Written by Rob Villars

11/1/2011

Tags: alergies | duct cleaning | flooding | mold

Change your furnace filter every two months. That’s all most people think is necessary to maintain their home air conditioners and heaters. Though filters are important, cleaning the air ducts can enhance the efficiency of your HVAC system — and may improve the quality of the air you breathe.

We want you to know what the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says about the value of cleaning your air ducts:

• The EPA reports that the evidence tying air duct cleaning to improved efficiency is at this time inconclusive. Click the image to the right or here to read the EPA report.
• However, the EPA acknowledges other research that suggests cleaning heating and cooling system components (cooling coils, fans and heat exchangers, e.g.) may improve the operating life of your system, save energy and reduce maintenance costs.

Ask your air duct cleaning provider precisely what they intend to do. For example, Advanced Restoration Services (ARS) uses compressed air and specialized tools to clear air duct passageways while high volume HEPA vacuum units collect resulting dust and dirt. Our technicians hand-clean all other accessible HVAC system areas. However, ARS does not offer to take apart any HVAC system components. System components should only be disassembled and cleaned by a qualified HVAC technician. An air duct cleaning company should not tell you otherwise.

Why Ducts Should be Cleaned

Dust and dirt accumulate in air ducts through regular everyday activities around the home. These “normal” accumulations of dust and dirt can be exacerbated by indoor pets, cigarette or cigar smoke, fireplace usage and home renovations, among other things. It stands to reason that the HVAC system distributing conditioned air throughout the home can also distribute dust and other pollutants, including biological contaminants throughout the home.

Consider cleaning your air ducts if:

• Mold growth is visibly present inside the ducts,
• Ducts are infested with vermin, or
• Ducts seem to be clogged with debris.

A thorough inspection will determine if a cleaning is necessary. HVAC duct cleaning requires a dual process: (1) Dislodging duct-laden dirt and debris with special tools. (2) Removing contaminants by high-powered vacuum cleaners.

Make sure the company you use keeps abreast of technology. Inadequate vacuum collection can release dust and dirt into the home. Ask the company’s representative what steps they have taken to stay current and whether or not they have recently received some training certificates.

After a Flood

Of particular concern is an HVAC system that has been contaminated by flood water. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, all surfaces and components of an HVAC system submerged during a flood are potential reservoirs for dirt, debris and microorganisms, including bacteria and mold. Moisture can also collect in non-submerged areas of the system such as air supply ducts and lead to microorganism growth. See the CDC article, “Mold Prevention Strategies and Possible Health Effects in the Aftermath of Hurricanes and Major Floods.”

The CDC recommends the HVAC system be thoroughly inspected, cleaned, and disinfected by a qualified professional. A qualified professional will:

• Remove and discard flood-contaminated filter and all flood-contaminated insulation within and surrounding the HVAC system.
• Clean all contaminated surfaces with a HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner.
• Disinfect all contaminated surfaces.
• Replace insulation.

Simple Step

This is a good time to consider upgrading to the highest-efficiency filter practical for your system. Check your HVAC system manual for guidance. Read EPA guidelines on indoor air quality to learn more.