Air Duct Cleaning: Process and Benefits

A major reason for having heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in homes and businesses cleaned is for the health benefit. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). There are examples of ducts that have become badly contaminated with a variety of materials that may pose risks to your health. The duct system can serve as a means to distribute these contaminants throughout a home.” Such contaminants may include mold, fungi, bacteria and miniscule dust particles.

The term “air duct cleaning” is inaccurate. The entire HVAC system must be cleaned. If part of it is not included that section can contaminate the rest. There are two major areas that need to be addressed in cleaning: loosening contaminants and collecting them. Loosening is done by agitation devices such as brushes, air whips and compressed air nozzles. Contaminants are collected by vacuuming both during cleaning and afterward.

The cleaning of HVAC systems may be especially important for those suffering from respiratory ailments by reducing contaminants causing the problem. Cleaning can also decrease offensive odors and fight the growth of mold. Some companies apply antimicrobial chemicals to the surface of ducts to combat microbes such as fungi, mold and bacteria. The ductwork should be thoroughly cleaned before antimicrobial treatment. Any microbial chemical used in the system must be registered by the EPA as specifically for use in HVAC systems.

There is also a cost benefit to having air ducts cleaned. Research by the EPA has shown that air conditioning becomes more efficient due to increased air flow through clean AC ducting, thus reducing energy bills. Clean HVAC systems operate at higher levels of efficiency than dirty systems and are less likely to break down so they have longer life spans.

According to the National Air Duct Cleaning Association (NADCA), other reasons for residential air duct cleaning include: the presence of smokers, pets that shed a lot of hair or dander, water contamination or other damage to the HVAC system, cleaning after remodeling or renovation of the home, and cleaning prior to moving into a house.

When choosing a company to perform air duct cleaning it is important for the consumer to make sure the technician is certified as an Air System Cleaning Specialist (ASCS). By passing the examination they have shown their extensive knowledge of HVAC design and how to clean the systems. They are required to take continuing education by attending seminars to maintain their certification.

As to cost, the EPA says that  “duct cleaning services typically – but not always – range in cost from $450 to $1,000 per heating and cooling system, depending on the services offered, the size of the system to be cleaned, system accessibility, climactic region and level of contamination” and type of material used for the ductwork. The NADCA warns consumers to “beware of ‘blow-and-go’ air duct cleaning companies. These companies often charge a nominal fee and do a poor job of cleaning the heating and cooling system.”

The NADCA provides a Residential Cleaning Checklist for the consumer to use in selecting a contractor.