As a duct cleaner, your job is to clean the air ducts of heating and cooling systems. This includes performing basic maintenance, inspections, and cleaning the systems. It is often the first step to a career as an HVAC technician. Manufacturers of products marketed to coat and encapsulate duct surfaces claim that these sealants prevent dust and dirt particles from inside air ducts from being released into the air.
However, there is little evidence to suggest that simply cleaning the duct system will increase the efficiency of the system. Sealants should never be used on damp lining of ducts, to cover mold that is growing, or to cover dirt in ducts, and should only be applied after cleaning in accordance with NADCA or other appropriate guidelines or regulations. Allergy and asthmatic people, as well as young children and the elderly, are often more susceptible to the types of poor indoor air quality that cleaning the air ducts can help correct. Most organizations that deal with duct cleaning, including the EPA, NADCA, NAIMA, and SMACNA, do not currently recommend the routine use of sealants to encapsulate contaminants in any type of duct. Indoor air quality is one of the concerns homeowners have when they decide to investigate air duct cleaning. If you think that cleaning the ducts might be a good idea for your home, but you're not sure, talk to a professional.
These products are specifically designed for use in ducts or as ducts themselves, and are tested in accordance with standards established by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). While many of these products can be legally used inside unlined ducts if all instructions on the label are followed, some of the instructions on the label may not be appropriate for use in ducts. You've probably seen an advertisement, received a coupon in the mail, or a company has contacted you directly to offer to clean your air ducts as a way to improve the quality of your home's indoor air. If enough dirt and moisture are allowed to enter the duct system, there may not be a significant difference in the speed or extent of microbial growth in internally lined or bare sheet metal ducts. This is because much of the dirt that can accumulate inside air ducts adheres to duct surfaces and does not necessarily enter the living space. You can also contact professional duct cleaning service providers and ask them about the services they offer.
The NADCA general rule for consumers is that “if their air ducts look dirty, they probably are, and dirty air conditioning systems must be inspected and cleaned by a certified and accredited HVAC professional. However, there is little evidence that cleaning only the ducts improves system efficiency. Duct cleaning is an important part of maintaining a healthy home environment. It helps reduce allergens and other airborne contaminants that can cause health problems. It also helps improve energy efficiency by removing dust and debris from your HVAC system.
If you're considering having your air ducts cleaned, it's important to understand what's involved in this process so you can make an informed decision.
