23 Sep Should you have your air ducts cleaned?

When should you have your air ducts cleaned?

It makes logical sense that your air ducts may need to be cleaned because they can get dirty over time and should be occasionally cleaned.

But the Environmental Protection Agency doesn’t suggest you do it regularly, instead only as needed.

Polluting particles can enter your home in a variety of ways. Every time you open a door or window, you create a chance for foreign particles to enter your house.

These particles can cause problems for individuals with allergies, asthma, COPD and other breathing issues. Which begs the question: Should you have your air ducts cleaned?

According to the EPA, research on the effectiveness of cleaning air ducts is in its early stages, so it cannot offer a blanket recommendation. The existing research does not conclusively show that dust levels are increased because of dirty air ducts.

But having your ducts cleaned can make a difference in a few situations.

Mold Growth

If you have mold growth inside your ducts or other components of your heating and cooling system.  Some sections might not be easily accessible, so ask the servicer to show you any mold. If the insulation on your ducts gets wet or mold, replace it. It cannot be cleaned.

Infestation

Rodents and insects can leave quite a bit of debris and scat in a compromised duct. You don’t want mouse feces in the air.

Clogged Air Ducts

Excessive amounts of dust and debris and/or particles trapped in your ducts can be distributed throughout your home from your vents.

If you have any of these issues, there is likely a root cause. Prior to any cleaning, retrofitting, or replacing of your ducts, the cause or causes must be corrected.

If you have mold, track down the source of the mold. If it isn’t remedied, the mold will recur. Call animal and/or pest control services to take care of rodents and other animal infestations and/or insects.