Re: It’s time to clear the air about getting ductwork cleaned

[Guest guest]

KC,

This is perhaps the single most accurate news article I've read,

especially about duct cleaning.

The only additions I'd make is to emphasize the importance of

being sure any chemical used, especially as an anti-microbial

(fungicide, sanitizer, etc) is actually registered (they are not

approved!) with the EPA. The label on the container will have a

registration number which you can search for on the Web. It must

specifically say it can be used in forced air ducting, and how

(wiping, not fogging, etc). If not, then such use is against Federal

law. EPA registration is not the same as verifying it is " safe. " You

need to determine that for yourself as an individual.

An organization similar to NADCA is the Air Conditioning

Contractors of America (ACCA) at www.acca.org. Good

consumer info at www.acca.org/consumers and you can find

ACCA members at www.acca.org/contractors.

Carl Grimes

Healthy Habitats LLC

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> It's time to clear the air about getting ductwork cleaned

> Evidence of benefits of HVAC system cleansing are inconclusive.

> Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA,*

>

> By Bill Garwood

> For the Journal-Constitution

>

> Sunday, October 19, 2008

>

> http://www.ajc.com/services/content/homefinder/stories/2008/10/19/ins

> pector.html

>

> In the past couple of weeks we have experienced our first taste of

> fall and cooler temperatures. With nighttime temperatures dropping

> into the 50s, some people are beginning to use heating systems.

>

> It is also the time of year that we begin to see advertisements

> recommending cleaning of the heating system ducts. Especially with

> growing concerns about mold and other indoor air contaminants,

> cleaning of ducts seems to be a no-brainer. But is it really worth

> the cost?

>

> Unfortunately, there is not a yes or no answer to this question. The

> decision to have your ductwork cleaned is an individual one. To help

> you make a decision, here are some facts:

>

> Q What is duct cleaning?

>

> A This general term refers to the cleaning of several components of

> your heating and cooling systems. Those components include the

> ducts, registers, heat exchanger, heating and cooling coils,

> condensate drain pans, fan motor and motor housing, air handler unit

> housing and humidifiers, if your system has one. Most of these areas

> are not visible, readily accessible or even understood by the

> average homeowner. So choosing a qualified duct-cleaning contractor

> is critical.

>

> Why do ducts need to be cleaned?

>

> If your heating and cooling system has not been properly installed

> or maintained, it can become contaminated with particles of dust,

> pollen or other debris. If moisture is present in the heating and

> cooling system, it can promote the growth of mold. These

> contaminants can be introduced into the living space through the

> heating and cooling ducts. Properly performed duct cleaning can

> remove these contaminants from the heating and cooling system.

>

> Should I have my ducts cleaned?

>

> Because of broad variations in the way homes are used and the

> sensitivity of the people living in them, there is no conclusive

> evidence that duct cleaning is beneficial for everyone. In fact,

> according to the Environmental Protection Agency, duct cleaning has

> never been shown to actually prevent health problems.

>

> The EPA recommends duct cleaning only on an as-needed basis. Some

> signs that may indicate cleaning is needed are the presence of mold

> on the hard surfaces of heating and cooling registers or people

> living in the house experiencing unusual allergic symptoms that

> cannot be explained by a doctor.

>

> When looking for visible signs of mold, remember that just because

> it looks like mold does not mean it is. To be sure a substance is

> mold requires sampling and laboratory testing.

>

> Other living conditions that increase the chances of duct

> contamination are smokers in the household, pets that shed a lot,

> residents with allergies or asthma, and water contamination of the

> heating and cooling system.

>

> How do I know if my ducts are dirty?

>

> You can perform a simple test at home to get an idea whether your

> ducts are dirty. First you will need a flashlight and a small

> mirror. Small inspection mirrors are available at hardware and home

> improvement stores. Remove one or more of your registers and examine

> the inside of the ducts using the mirror and flashlight. You can

> also use a digital camera to take a picture of the interior of a

> duct at a register. If either of these methods shows a buildup of

> dust or debris, you may want to consider having your ducts cleaned.

> If you do not feel qualified to perform this simple inspection, you

> can get a professional duct inspection by a certified member of the

> National Air Duct Cleaners Association.

>

> How can I keep my ducts clean?

>

> To keep ductwork clean and avoid the cost of duct cleaning follow

> these simple procedures.

>

> > Use the highest energy air filters possible with your

> heating/cooling system.

>

> > Change filters regularly.

>

> > Make sure that filters are installed tightly so that air does not

> simply pass around them.

>

> > Vacuum your home regularly using a vacuum with a HEPA filter.

>

> > Have ducts in unconditioned spaces such as basements, attics and

> crawl spaces properly sealed by a licensed heating and cooling

> contractor.

>

> > Have your system maintained yearly by a licensed HVAC contractor.

> A good maintenance regimen includes cleaning the heat exchanger,

> cooling coils, drain pan, registers, air plenum, blower motor and

> assembly, and humidifier, if your system has one.

>

> Who should I get to clean my ducts and how much will it cost?

>

> The cost of duct cleaning varies with the size of your house.

> Typically you can expect to pay between $450 and $1,000.

>

> In choosing a contractor, look for someone who adheres to the

> standards of the NADCA. Remember, there is no conclusive evidence of

> health benefits related to duct cleaning, so be cautious of

> contractors who make claims about health benefits or recommend

> making duct cleaning a part of your regular heating and cooling

> maintenance. Also be wary of contractors who claim to be EPA

> certified. The EPA offers no certification for duct cleaners. Duct

> cleaning contractors may also recommend treating your ducts with

> chemicals or biocides.

>

> The EPA does not recommend the use of chemicals or biocides unless

> the homeowner completely understands the pros and cons of their use.

> Further information on this can be obtained from the EPA at

> www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/airduct.html or by calling 404-562-9590. For a

> list of duct cleaning companies in your area, contact the NADCA at

> www.nadca.com or 202-737-2926.

>

> Do you have a home repair question? Send e-mail to Ask the Inspector

> at homestyle@....

>

>

>

> ------------------------------------

>

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