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

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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@....