Although it is often referred to as “air duct cleaning”, when performed correctly, it entails cleaning not just the duct work but the entire heating and cooling system. Cleaning a heating and cooling system improves the indoor quality within a home and increases the efficiency of the system. Air duct cleaning is generally performed in one of three scenarios: 1) part of regular home maintenance schedule; 2) triggered by an event such as a leaky roof or water pipe, a fire or after a home remodeling project; 3) a problem is suspected – visible mold growth is present, someone smells mold or someone develops health issues.
How air ducts are cleaned
An air duct cleaner will seal off the air ducts and use a special vacuum to put the entire heating and cooling system under negative pressure. While the system is under negative pressure, the air duct service provider will agitate the inside of the duct work with motorized brushes and other equipment. The brushes loosen any debris and contaminants in the duct work and the vacuum removes it without contaminating the rest of the home. Air duct cleaning is utilized in both residential and commercial buildings.
An air duct cleaning service provider may suggest a chemical biocide be applied to the inside of your air ducts. Applying a chemical biocide to the inside of air ducts is thought to seal any dust and dirt particles or other contaminants in the air ducts and prevent them from being released into the air. The EPA has not yet determined if there are any adverse long term affects related to the application of chemical biocides so proceed with caution if an air duct cleaner suggests applying a chemical biocide to the inside of your air ducts.
What is cleaned
It is very important to clean your entire air conditioning and heating system at the same time you have your air ducts cleaned. If all areas are not cleaned at the same time, a component that wasn’t cleaned can re-contaminate a clean area.
Air ducts consist of the chambers within your walls, attic or basement which carry air to the air vents (registers) in your home and back to the heating and cooling system. The entire length of the duct work, not just the portion near the air vents must be cleaned. Additionally, both the supply side (the ducts that carry air from the air conditioner and heater to the air vents in the rooms of your home) and the return side (the ducts that carry air to your heating and cooling system) need to be cleaned.
Most modern air ducts are constructed of bare sheet metal which accumulate less contamination and are easy to clean. Older homes often have ducts made of other materials which are more porous than bare sheet metal and more prone to contamination. As these types of ducts deteriorate with age, they themselves can contribute to poor indoor air quality. Cleaning the air ducts in an older system may require different cleaning methods than bare sheet metal ducts.
The mechanical parts of your system, including the fans, housing, coils, drain tubes and drain pans should be cleaned too. Accumulated dust and debris can cause units to work harder which reduces their life expectancy and uses more energy. If drain tubes and drain pans become clogged it can cause moisture to accumulate which can lead to the growth of mold and mildew.
Why heating and cooling systems need cleaning
Air ducts and heating and cooling components can accumulate of dust, dust, pollen, pet dander, insects, insect and rodent feces over time or from a specific event such as a fire or home remodeling. An HVAC system can also become contaminated with mold or mildew. Mold or mildew can be caused by the accumulation of moisture related to air conditioner condensation or from an event such a leaky roof or pipe. These contaminants can then be released into the air of a building causing indoor air quality issues which can be especially troublesome for persons with allergies or asthma.
Air vent cleaning is frequently done in response to a specific event, such as a recent home remodel, home improvement project or a fire, or as part of a routine maintenance program. Routine air duct cleaning is done for different reasons depending on your location and condition of your system. For instance, in Phoenix, Arizona air duct maintenance is performed principally due to the dust associated with living in a desert. Air duct cleaning in an older home may be done to get rid of debris related to the deterioration of the system itself (many older systems utilized fiberglass which breaks down and releases fibers into the system and some even have asbestos in the ducts).
Hiring an air duct cleaning service provider
When choosing an duct cleaning service provider be sure to hire a qualified air duct cleaner because an unqualified contractor can do more harm than good. The mechanical components of your system are fragile and can break if cleaned incorrectly. Additionally, if an air duct cleaner dislodged debris in your system but did not successfully remove it all you could have worse air quality than before.
As the benefits of air duct cleaning have become more understood, the air duct cleaning industry has grown tremendously.This rapid growth has lead to many air duct cleaning service providers that lack the proper training and education. You have most likely seen some of these advertisements on TV, newspaper inserts, coupons or fliers in the mail or on the radio touting air duct cleaning specials. These ads typically offer a fixed price to clean any house or a per room price.
Be leery of air duct cleaners that advertise low priced specials. This is often an indication that they intend to clean the vents and registers, a portion of the air ducts or not both the supply and return side of the air ducts. As mentioned earlier, if the entire system is not cleaned simultaneously it is a waste of money. If an air duct cleaner says you have mold ask the service provider to show you any mold they have found.