Air duct cleaning can improve air quality... and it can contribute to indoor air pollution if your not careful

Air duct cleaning may help improve air quality

As awareness of the importance of indoor air quality grows, more people are looking at duct cleaning as a way to solve indoor air quality problems. Individuals considering having ducts cleaned should determine that contaminated ducts are the cause of their health problems. Even when contaminants are found in ducts, the source may lie elsewhere, and cleaning ducts may not permanently solve the problem.

The duct cleaning industry is expanding to meet demand, using extensive advertising to encourage people to use their services.

Individuals who employ such services should verify that the service provider takes steps to protect individuals from exposure to dislodged pollutants and chemicals used during the cleaning process. Such steps may range from using HEPA filtration on cleaning equipment, providing respirators for workers, and occupants vacating the premises during cleaning. [source: Environmental Protection Agency]

Will air duct cleaning prevent health problems?

Duct cleaning has never been shown to actually prevent health problems. Neither do studies conclusively demonstrate that particle (e.g., dust) levels in homes increase because of dirty air ducts or go down after cleaning. This is because much of the dirt that may accumulate inside air ducts adheres to duct surfaces and does not necessarily enter the living space. It is important to keep in mind that dirty air ducts are only one of many possible sources of particles that are present in homes. Pollutants that enter the home both from outdoors and indoor activities such as cooking, cleaning, smoking, or just moving around can cause greater exposure to contaminants than dirty air ducts.

How air ducts become polluted

If not properly installed, maintained, and operated, these components may become contaminated with particles of dust, pollen or other debris. If moisture is present, the potential for microbiological growth (e.g., mold) is increased and spores from such growth may be released into the home's living space. Some of these contaminants may cause allergic reactions or other symptoms in people if they are exposed to them.

How to find certified air duct cleaning specialists

It is recommended that you use a certified air duct cleaner that is a member of the National Air Duct Cleaning Association. You can easily locate a registered air duct cleaning specialist in your area.

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