Duct cleaning seems like a regular maintenance activity, but there’s no evidence proving air duct cleaning prevents health issues. You might be indecisive about whether or not you should clean your air ducts. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) states it is not detrimental, but you shouldn’t clean them regularly unless needed.
Why Is Air Duct Cleaning Not Required?
Unlike other air ducts that require routine inspection and cleaning, no organization conclusively demonstrates HVAC duct cleaning is a substantial part of HVAC routine maintenance. It is not a bad idea, but it can be beneficial in the following circumstances:
Home Renovation:
If you have your home renovated, specifically if there is lead paint removal, asbestos abatement, or any other dust, you might need to clean your air ducts. During the renovation, the air ducts tend to be sealed. But if they weren’t, your air ducts will accumulate with harmful dust and debris.
Pest Infestation:
If you suspect pest infestation or nesting in your air duct, firstly remove them and call the professionals for air duct cleaning in Lincoln.
Mold Growth:
If you find visible mold inside the duct, get it cleaned instantly to prevent it from recurring.
Contaminants:
If you find noticeable debris, pet hair, odors, and other contaminants in the room circulating through ducts, you may need to clean your ducts.
Illness:
If any person in your family is allergic to dust and you have done everything to decontaminate your house, you need to clean your ducts to determine if the HVAC system is the cause of the problem.
However, it does not provide any substantial value. If your ducts require cleaning, consider cleaning your entire HVAC system. Cleaning only air ducts will not be worthwhile.
Air Duct Cleaning Can Damage Your Air Duct?
Since there is no conclusive evidence supporting the requirement for cleaning, the manufacturers haven’t designed the air ducts to be cleaned. EPA suggests you should clean your air ducts only if they’re contaminated. In most houses, people use flexible ducts that get damaged easily due to cleaning. Moreover, if your cleaning isn’t performed professionally, it can be detrimental to air quality by releasing dust or insulation particles from the torn duct into the home. Once your air duct gets damaged, you’ll have no option but to replace it.
How Air Duct Cleaning Is Performed?
Cleaning of ducts comprises specialized tools to dislodge the dirt in the duct, dust, and other contaminants, making them increasingly loose before they’re vacuumed out. In some instances, the professionals cut the air duct for easy access to reseal. Afterward, air duct contamination is removed by using a strong vacuum system.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to getting clean quality air, cleaning air ducts makes no sense. Some use the ‘before’ and ‘after’ photos of air ducts for marketing purposes, but air ducts require cleaning only in rare cases discussed above. Moreover, consider the entire HVAC system cleaning if you want to clean your air ducts. Regular maintenance does not include air ducts. Only qualified and professional contractors should perform HVAC system cleaning, including air duct cleaning. Hiring the wrong person could do more harm than good.
Also Read: The Top 5 Air Duct Cleaning Myths
