The recommendation for air duct cleaning is every three to five years, but this can vary depending on several factors. Location, climate, and HVAC use can all affect the frequency of air duct cleaning. Other problems, such as mold and diseases, can also be a sign that ducts need to be cleaned. You may want to consider cleaning your air ducts simply because it makes sense that they will accumulate dirt and debris over time and should be cleaned periodically.
As long as the process is done correctly, there is no evidence to suggest that such cleaning is harmful. The EPA does not recommend that air ducts be cleaned routinely, but only when necessary. However, the EPA does suggest that if you have a furnace, stove, or fireplace that burns fuel, they be inspected for proper functioning and maintained before each heating season to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning. Although some duct cleaning operations may claim that their services are essential for health reasons, there is no scientific evidence to back up these claims.
Companies that offer duct cleaning services often advertise health benefits or suggest that duct cleaning will reduce your energy bills by improving the efficiency of your system. Some ads even use language such as: “Studies have shown”, but there is no data to support these claims. Even if your ducts are dirty, cleaning them probably won't provide any measurable benefit. In fact, the little independent research done on duct cleaning indicates that the process removes so much dust that it creates a bigger problem than it solves.
The average duct system needs to be cleaned every two to five years. If your system is properly maintained and you change the filters twice a year, you can increase the time between professional cleanings. If your system has never been cleaned and has been active on your property for more than three years, it's likely due for a cleaning. Even a single station can accumulate enough dust and debris in the system to make it less efficient than when it was first installed.
If you decide to have your air ducts cleaned, take the same consumer precautions you would normally take when evaluating the competence and reliability of the service provider. On the other hand, if a service provider fails to follow proper duct cleaning procedures, duct cleaning can cause indoor air problems. In addition, sealants have not yet been evaluated to determine their resistance to deterioration over time, which could add particles to the air in the ducts. The NADCA also says that the frequency of cleaning depends on homeowners' preferences, but cleaning the system can improve airflow and improve energy efficiency. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it is not necessary to clean air ducts unless there is evidence of mold, vermin, standing water, or an excessive amount of dust and debris.
While the debate over the value of regular duct cleaning continues, there is no evidence to suggest that such cleaning is harmful, provided it is done properly. Some service providers may also suggest applying chemical treatments (sealants or other encapsulants) to encapsulate or cover the inner surfaces of air ducts and equipment housings because they believe they will control mold growth or prevent the release of dirt particles or fibers from the ducts. Also, consider cleaning the ducts if there is a musty or burning smell when the oven is turned on. If air ducts are not cleaned regularly, these contaminants and contaminants will spread throughout the house. Air duct cleaning professionals are also trained to detect other problems in an HVAC system that the average homeowner may not know how to look for. Most HVAC companies will set a specific frequency or time for duct cleaning, but regular HVAC cleaning is not necessary to maintain health and air quality in the home.
If you're looking for information on how to clean air ducts yourself, you can find plenty of resources online. To find companies that offer professional duct cleaning services, see the Yellow Pages in the Duct Cleaning section or contact the National Association of Air Duct Cleaners (NADCA) at the address and phone number listed in the information section at the end of this guide. Beware of air duct cleaning companies that offer unusually low rates or promise superfast service. You might see mold around the vent covers, but unfortunately many components of your heating and cooling system aren't easily accessible, so mold in air ducts is especially difficult to detect visually. Cleaning your air ducts regularly is essential for optimal performance of your HVAC system.
The EPA does not recommend routine duct cleaning but suggests it should be done when necessary due to factors such as location, climate and HVAC use as well as signs of mold or disease in your home. While some companies may claim their services are essential for health reasons, there is no scientific evidence to back up these claims. In fact, research indicates that excessive duct cleaning can create more problems than it solves by removing too much dust from your system. The average duct system needs to be cleaned every two to five years depending on maintenance habits such as changing filters twice a year and inspecting fuel-burning appliances before each heating season.
If you decide to have your air ducts cleaned professionally, take precautions when evaluating service providers and beware of companies offering unusually low rates or superfast service. Also keep in mind that sealants have not yet been evaluated for resistance over time which could add particles into your air. The NADCA states that frequency of duct cleaning depends on homeowners' preferences but can improve airflow and energy efficiency if done properly according to EPA guidelines which include inspecting for mold, vermin or an excessive amount of dust and debris before deciding whether or not cleaning is necessary.
