Having your air ducts sealed can be beneficial for the environment in more ways than one. Not only does it increase efficiency and reduce energy bills, but it can also allow you to downsize to a smaller, less expensive heating and cooling system that provides better dehumidification. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that homeowners read up on the subject of duct cleaning, as it is still in its early stages. Cleaning air ducts has never been proven to actually prevent health problems, nor do studies conclusively prove that the particles present in the air ducts pose any health risk.
It's important to note that dirty air ducts are just one of many possible sources of particulate matter that are present in homes. Pollutants from both outdoor and indoor activities, such as cooking, cleaning, smoking, or just moving, can cause greater exposure to pollutants than dirty air ducts. Before cleaning, reconditioning, or replacing the ducts, the cause or causes must be corrected, or else the problem is likely to reappear. Some research suggests that cleaning the components of the heating and cooling system may improve system efficiency.
You may want to consider cleaning your air ducts simply because it seems logical that the air ducts will get dirty over time and should be cleaned from time to time. As long as cleaning is done properly, there is no evidence to suggest that such cleaning is harmful. The EPA does not recommend that air ducts be cleaned routinely, but only when necessary. If you decide to have your air ducts cleaned, take the same consumer precautions you would normally take when evaluating the competence and reliability of the service provider.
Whether you decide to clean your home's air ducts or not, preventing water and dirt from entering the system is the most effective way to avoid contamination. If you decide to clean your heating and cooling system, it's important to make sure that the service provider agrees to clean all components of the system and is qualified to do so. In addition, the service provider may propose the application of chemical biocides designed to remove microbiological contaminants inside ducts and in other components of the system. These practices have not yet been thoroughly investigated and you should be fully informed before deciding to allow the use of biocides or chemical treatments in your air ducts.
They should only be applied, if at all, after the system has been properly cleaned of all visible dust or debris. Knowledge about the potential benefits and potential problems of air duct cleaning is limited. Since the conditions in every home 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 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 for guidance on how to identify potential indoor air quality problems and ways to prevent or fix them. In conclusion, sealing air ducts helps improve efficiency and reduce energy bills which can benefit both homeowners and the environment alike.
While there is no evidence that a small amount of household dust or other particles in air ducts poses any health risk, it's important to take consumer precautions when evaluating a service provider for cleaning your air ducts.
