The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not suggest that air ducts be routinely cleaned, but only when necessary. 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. However, if you have a furnace, stove, or fireplace that burns fuel, they should be inspected for proper functioning and maintained before each heating season to protect them from carbon monoxide poisoning. In certain cases, duct cleaning can be beneficial, but it is a job that is best left to professionals who have the necessary tools and knowledge.
Air ducts can be contaminated with mold, bacteria, pollen, dust mites, chemical waste, and other household pollutants. If done correctly, cleaning these ducts can help eliminate odors and improve air quality for you and your family. After odors are eliminated, consider adding or improving your air purification system to help keep the air in your home healthy and clean. The National Association of Air Duct Cleaners (NADCA) recommends homeowners to have their air ducts cleaned by a professional every three to five years.
Dirty air ducts force your heating and cooling system to work harder, so they use more energy to operate less efficiently. Duct and air conditioning system cleaning by a person trained and certified by NADCA is more likely to be done safely. The NADCA suggests cleaning the ducts as part of the general cleaning of the air conditioning system, which includes cleaning and replacing the air filter, cleaning the grilles and diffusers, checking the trays and drain pipes to see if the drain is correct, the heat exchanger and cooling coils, the grills, the oven air chamber, the fan motor, etc. Cleaning your air ducts can be a great way to improve your home's air quality and reduce energy costs.
However, it is important to make sure that you hire a professional who is certified by NADCA to do the job correctly. This will ensure that your air ducts are properly cleaned and that no damage is done to your home's HVAC system.
