The debate over the value of regular air duct cleaning continues, but experts agree that it provides no measurable benefit, even if residents have allergies or asthma. Studies have not conclusively demonstrated that the particles present in air ducts can cause health problems. Much of the dirt in the air ducts adheres to the duct surfaces and does not necessarily enter the living space. Contaminants that enter the home through both outdoor and indoor activities, such as cooking, cleaning, smoking, or simply moving around, can cause greater exposure to contaminants than dirty air ducts.
There is no evidence that a small amount of household dust or other particles in air ducts poses a health risk. You may be wondering if cleaning air ducts is worth it. The answer is not straightforward. While there is no evidence to suggest that such cleaning is harmful, studies have not conclusively demonstrated that it provides any measurable benefit either. The EPA does not recommend that air ducts be cleaned routinely, but only when necessary.
If you decide to clean your air ducts, take the same consumer precautions you would normally take when evaluating the competence and reliability of the service provider. Knowledge about the potential benefits and potential problems of cleaning air ducts is limited. Since the conditions in every home are different, it's impossible to generalize about whether cleaning the air ducts in your home would be beneficial or not. On the other hand, if family members have unusual or unexplained symptoms or illnesses that you think could be related to your home environment, you should discuss the situation with your doctor. The EPA has published several documents as guidance on identifying potential indoor air quality problems and ways to prevent or solve them. If you decide to clean your heating and cooling system, it's important to ensure that the service provider is committed to cleaning all components of the system and is qualified to do so.
In addition, the service provider can propose the application of chemical biocides, designed to remove microbiological contaminants, to the inside of the ducts and to other components of the system. 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. These practices have not yet been thoroughly researched and you must be fully informed before deciding to allow the use of biocides or chemical treatments in your air ducts. They should only be applied, if any, after the system has been properly cleaned of all visible dust or dirt. The EPA recommends that if you have a furnace, stove, or fireplace that burns fuel, it be inspected for proper functioning and maintained before each heating season to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning. Some research also suggests that cleaning dirty cooling coils, fans, and heat exchangers can improve the efficiency of heating and cooling systems. However, there is little evidence to indicate that simply cleaning the duct system will increase efficiency.
Preventing water and dirt from entering the system is still considered as one of the most effective ways to prevent contamination. Ultimately, whether or not you decide to clean your home's air ducts depends on your individual circumstances.
