Air Duct Cleaning; an Informed, Sensible Approach

How many times have you received a coupon for discounted air duct cleaning services? Or seen an advertisement warning about health hazards posed by dirty HVAC ducting and how important good Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is for a healthy home?

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) only some instances exist that require professional furnace air duct cleaning. The EPA states that “Duct cleaning has never been shown to actually prevent health problems. Neither do studies conclusively demonstrate that particle (e.g. dust) levels increase because of dirty air ducts…there is no evidence that a light amount of household dust or other particulate matter in air ducts poses any risk to your health.”

In contrast to this eye-opening statement, however, the US EPA does recommend air duct cleaning under the following conditions:

• When there is substantial visible mold growth inside ducts or other HVAC system components - such as condenser coils and drain pans. Four important points to consider in mold detection include 1.) If conditions causing mold growth are not corrected, it will recur after vent duct cleaning. 2.) Some types of air ducts (such as the internally insulated type) cannot be effectively cleaned; it must be replaced. 3.) Many parts of an HVAC unit are not accessible for inspection; insist that an air duct cleaning service provider actually show you the mold that they say exists. 4.) Many non-mold substances may resemble mold; laboratory testing is the only way to positively determine the authenticity of a sample. The average cost of testing is about $50.
• When ducts are infested with vermin such as rodents or insects.
• When ducts are clogged or excessively soiled with dust, debris, or particles. When visible signs of contaminants are released into the room when the HVAC system is turned on.

All of these conditions indicate a problem with HVAC ductwork which must be rectified, or the conditions will most probably recur.

The EPA further recommends annual inspection and servicing of fuel burning HVAC systems before each heating season to prevent carbon monoxide or other hazardous conditions. Research also suggests that keeping HVAC components such as cooling coils, fans, and heat exchangers free from accumulation of soil and other debris can help maintain optimum energy efficiency and service life of the cooling heating system.

However, according to the EPA, “routine” or regular furnace duct cleaning is not necessary; it should be performed only when needed by a certified professional cleaner using only approved cleaning techniques and products.

In addition to the above, when thinking about HVAC cleaning consider the following:

• Thoroughly educate and inform yourself about air duct cleaning before making a final decision.
• If you suspect there is indoor air contamination, eliminate other possible sources before cleaning air ducts.
• Get estimates from at least three different HVAC service providers; thoroughly check references, licensing, and certification credentials of each before making a hiring decision.
• Make sure the HVAC technician you hire will adhere to National Air Duct Cleaning Association (NADCA) and North American Insulation Manufacturer's Association (NAIMA) guidelines for cleaning your ducts.
• The type ducts installed in your HVAC system is important. Are they sheet metal, flex duct, fiberglass duct board, fiberglass lined duct, or a combination of types? Proper cleaning methods and approved products will differ from one type to another.
• Allow the application of biocides or sealants only under extreme circumstances that would necessitate the use of these type chemicals.
• Commit to a preventive HVAC maintenance plan; including regular HVAC air filter changes and annual inspection and servicing of HVAC system components.

When you employ a professional duct cleaning service, use the following Post Cleaning Checklist before writing the check. This will help insure the quality and thoroughness of work performed.

• Did the HVAC tech adequately access and clean all points of the HVAC system, including hard to reach areas of ducts, plenums (space utilized to mix and move air to and from the HVAC system) and system components; such as drain pans, coils, fans, or humidifiers?
• Has it been adequately demonstrated that all duct and plenum surfaces are clean and that no dust or residue remains?
• Are both sides of the cooling coil thoroughly cleaned? (A flashlight shone through the coils should clearly show light on the other side.)
• Is the heat exchanger surface thoroughly cleaned?
• Are cooling fins on the coil bent or damaged from the cleaning?
• Has the drain pan been thoroughly cleaned; does it drain properly?
• Is the blower compartment totally free of dust and debris?
• Are fan or blower blades clean and free from dust, debris, and oil?
• Is the return air exchanger free of all dust and debris?
• Is the new HVAC filter in place with proper alignment? Is it the right size and type?
• Is fiberglass insulation material inside ducts clean and undamaged form cleaning process?
• Are access points into ductwork properly sealed and free from leaks? (Access doors or panels should be secured with screws, rivets, or mastic - not just duct taped.)
• Are all registers, vents and diffusers thoroughly clean and fastened securely in place?
• Does the HVAC system function properly in both heating and cooling modes after cleaning?

After using this checklist, request that the service provider rectify any problems that may exist before payment and leaving the premises.

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