Can Dirty Air Ducts Make You Sick?

Even though many duct cleaning companies claim the health benefits attached to getting your heating and cooling system cleaned, however, there is no evidence to support these claims. If you have come across advertisements that say getting your air ducts cleaned can have great health benefits or improve the efficiency of your system, we advise you not to trust them.

What is air duct cleaning?

With increased awareness of commercial cleaning services, duct cleaning has become popular as well. Air duct cleaning is mostly advertised as a way to improve your indoor air quality. You probably would have seen an advertisement that may suggest getting your air ductscleaned as a way to improve your home’s indoor air quality. It is not surprising why most of us fall for that. These services typically are priced between $450 and $1000 per heating and cooling system. The prices vary due to the

  • Size of your heating and cooling system that requires cleaning
  • The accessibility of your system
  • Climatic region
  • Level of contamination

Duct cleaning generally involves the cleaning of various heating and cooling system components. These components consist of air ducts and registers, grilles and diffusers, heat exchangers, cooling and heating coils, fan motor and fan housing, and air handling unit housing. If these components are not properly installed, maintained and operated may become contaminated with dust, pollen, and other allergens. Moisture presence can make things worse as it can accelerate the growth of microbiological organisms such as mold. These contaminants, if released into the air can cause allergic reactions or other symptoms if you or your family members are exposed to them.

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If you have decided to get your air ducts cleaned, ensure that your service provider agrees to clean all the components of your system and is qualified to do as well. If your service provider does not clean your system’s components properly, it can cause the recontamination of the entire system again.

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How is the air duct cleaned?

Although the methods to clean an air duct differs greatly, normally a service provider will use a specialized tool to loosen the dirt and other pollutants in the ducts and then use a high-powered vacuum cleaner to vacuum it out. Additionally, some service providers may suggest the use of chemical biocides while others may recommend applying chemical treatments to the inside of the ducts. A chemical biocide will help in killing the microbiological contaminants whereas a chemical treatment (such as sealants) will be used to cover the inside surface to prevent mold growth and release of dirt particles or others from the ducts.

How to avoid duct cleaning scams?

With so many professional HVAC cleaning services out there, it is hard to differentiate between an original and a scam. Homeowners run the risk of getting trapped by these service providers into paying more for services due to their lack of knowledge. Here are a few tips to avoid such scams.

  • Go for the service providers that are certified and are well-trained. A common way is to ensure they are NADCA certified. Whereas this is not the most perfect way to choose one, but it is better than hiring someone completely unknown.
  • Do not settle for duct cleaning only, your service provider should provide full cleaning of the heating and cooling system.
  • Ask for written estimates from at least three different air duct cleaning service providers. A certified company will provide you with an estimate and inspection free of cost.
  • Ask your friends, neighbors or relatives for references. This will help you hire someone who had previously worked for someone you know and let you know if the previous customers were satisfied or not.
  • Check for industry standards in this case air ducts cleaning standards. There are many associations that provide guidelines for professionals and customers on safe duct cleaning.
  • You should be offered a complete inspection of your unit once it is cleaned so you can compare the results and after effects.
  • Most associations recommend avoiding the use of harmful chemicals and sealants inside the air duct as they can be harmful to your health.
  • Any kind of duct cleaning that involves steam or moisture should be avoided.

Deciding whether to have your air ducts cleaned or not?

The benefit of air duct cleaning is still not completely known. Suggesting whether or not air duct cleaning in your home would be beneficial for you is impossible to claim. The growing concerns regarding indoor air quality deeply concern homeowners and convince them into thinking that their ducts need cleaning. But unless your ducts are extremely dirty, there is no reason to get them cleaned. There is no harm in getting your air ducts cleaned once in a while, but it is definitely not something that should be on your regular home maintenance list. You might need to get your air ducts cleaned under the following conditions.

  • Renovation, if you have modified your home or have moved into a new home then getting your air ducts cleaned might be required. If remodeling your house consisted of lead paint removal, visible dust and debris then your ductwork may need to be cleaned. Ducts should be sealed off during renovations in order to avoid the ductwork to trap dirt and other pollutants. In case you don’t seal your ductwork, dirt and dust may become blocked inside it and may even contaminate it.
  • Animals, if you can spot visible animal infestation in your ducts or HVAC system, it is advised to remove the animals get the air duct cleaned.
  • Mold, if there is visible growth inside the ductwork, you should get your air ducts cleaned.
  • Contaminants, again if noticeable debris, dirt, pollen, and hair are being released into the room through the ducts even after the registers were vacuumed, you may need to get your air duct cleaned.
  • Illness, if you or your family member is experiencing an unexplained allergy-related illness or other symptoms, and you have tried everything else to decontaminate your home, getting your air ducts cleaned may be an option to consider.

If no one in your family is complaining about unknown allergies, illness or asthma, and if you have clearly inspected your air ducts and there was no mold or other contaminants present then having your air ducts cleaned in unnecessary.

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Are your air ducts making you sick?

When it comes to keeping your home safe and healthy, the matter requires serious attention. Your home is exposed to several things that can cause contamination. A dirty environment can cause nasal congestion, asthma, allergies, and many other health issues. One way to ensure your air stays clean is to get your air ducts cleaned. Regular duct cleaning will ensure dust and pollutant-free heating and cooling systems. Your air duct might require cleaning especially when;

  • The inside of your air duct is contaminated by mold growth
  • The infestation of unwanted insects and pests in the air ducts
  • If the air ducts are blocked because of the dust and other debris.

If you or your family member is experiencing an allergic reaction or asthma, getting your air ducts cleaned may seem like an attractive option. Afterall many duct cleaning companies claim to improve your indoor air quality which directly impacts the health of you and your family. But even if that is not the case, the idea of just getting your ducts cleaned may appeal to you at an instinctive level. Because clean ducts impose that the air coming out of your vent is clean too, right?

Contact us at Toronot Steam N Clean for cleaning services.