Cleaning air ducts is a subject of debate among air quality experts. While some argue that it can provide measurable benefits, especially for those with allergies or asthma, others claim that it does not reduce dust levels in the house. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends reading their document in its entirety, as it provides important information on the topic. Duct cleaning has never been proven to actually prevent health problems. Studies have yet to conclusively show that particles (e.g., dust) are released from ducts into the living space.
It's important to note that dirty air ducts are just one of many possible sources of particulate matter in homes. Contaminants that enter the home from both outdoor and indoor activities, such as cooking, cleaning, smoking, or simply moving around, can cause greater exposure to contaminants than dirty air ducts. In addition, there is no evidence that a small amount of household dust or other particles in air ducts poses a health risk. If any of the conditions identified above exist, it usually suggests one or more underlying causes. Before cleaning, modernizing, or replacing ducts, the cause or causes must be corrected, or else the problem is likely to recur. Some research suggests that cleaning the components of the heating and cooling system (e.g., 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 system efficiency. You may consider cleaning air ducts simply because it seems logical that air ducts get dirty over time and need to be cleaned from time to time. As long as cleaning is done properly, there is no evidence to suggest that such cleaning could be harmful. The EPA does not recommend that air ducts be cleaned routinely, but only when necessary. However, the EPA recommends that if you have an oven, stove, or chimney that burns fuel, they be inspected for proper operation and serviced before each heating season to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning. 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. Whether or not you decide to clean your home's air ducts, preventing water and dirt from entering the system is the most effective way to prevent contamination (see How to Prevent Duct Contamination).
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 eliminate microbiological contaminants, inside the ducts and in other components of the system. Some service providers may also suggest the application of chemical treatments (sealants or other encapsulants) to encapsulate or cover the interior surfaces of air ducts and equipment housings. Knowledge about the potential benefits and potential problems of cleaning air ducts is limited. Since every home's conditions are different, it's impossible to generalize about whether cleaning your home's air ducts would be beneficial or not. On the other hand, if your family members have unusual or unexplained symptoms or illnesses that you think might be related to your home environment, you should discuss the situation with your doctor. The EPA has published several publications as guidance on identifying potential indoor air quality problems and ways to prevent or solve them.
If you think cleaning your ducts might be a good idea for your home but you're not sure, talk to a professional. The company that services your heating system can provide advice on whether cleaning your air ducts would be beneficial for your home.
