When it comes to repairing older air ducts, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Duct joints are the weakest link in the system, and if they are not sealed properly, it can lead to moisture ingress, lower air quality, and increased energy bills. It is essential that the sealing process is done meticulously and precisely. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) urges you to read their document in its entirety, as it provides important information on the subject.
Duct cleaning has never been proven to actually prevent health problems, and studies have not conclusively proven that particles such as dust and dirt can cause health issues. This is because much of the dirt in the air ducts adheres to the surfaces of the ducts and does not necessarily enter the living space. 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 that enter the home from both outdoor and indoor activities, such as cooking, cleaning, smoking, or just moving, can cause greater exposure to pollutants than dirty air ducts.
In addition, there is no evidence that a small amount of household dust or other particles in air ducts poses any health risk. If any of these conditions exist, it usually suggests one or more underlying causes. 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 can 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. However, they do recommend that if you have a furnace, stove, or fireplace that burns fuel, they be inspected for proper functioning and maintained before each heating season to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning. 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, they may propose the application of chemical biocides designed to remove microbiological contaminants inside ducts and other components of the system. Some service providers may also suggest applying chemical treatments (sealants or other encapsulants) to encapsulate or cover the inner surfaces of air ducts and equipment housings because they believe they will control mold growth or prevent the release of dirt particles or fibers from the ducts. 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 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 conditions in every home are different. 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 this 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. You might consider cleaning your air ducts simply because it seems logical that they will get dirty over time and should be cleaned from time to time. While there is still debate over whether regular duct cleaning is beneficial or not, there is no evidence to suggest that such cleaning is harmful when done properly. On the other hand, if a service provider fails to follow proper duct cleaning procedures, it can cause indoor air problems. For example, an inadequate vacuum collection system can release more dust, dirt, and other contaminants than if the ducts had been left alone.
A careless or inadequately trained service provider can damage your ducts or your heating and cooling system which could increase your heating and air conditioning costs or force you to make difficult and expensive repairs or replacements. In addition, there is no evidence that a small amount of household dust or other particles in air ducts poses any health risk. The EPA does not recommend that air ducts be cleaned except when necessary because of continuing uncertainty about their benefits under most circumstances. However, they do recommend that if you have a furnace, stove, or fireplace that burns fuel, they be inspected for proper functioning and maintained before each heating season to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning. Some research also suggests that cleaning dirty cooling coils, fans, and heat exchangers can improve the efficiency of heating. In conclusion, it's important for homeowners who are considering repairing older air ducts to understand all aspects involved in doing so safely and effectively. It's essential for homeowners who decide on having their air ducts cleaned by a professional service provider to make sure they are qualified for this job and follow proper procedures for doing so.