The partnership between Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may receive commissions or earnings from certain products linked in this message. If you recently encountered an advertisement for an air duct cleaning solution, you might be pondering whether it’s time to clean your home’s air ducts, particularly if you’ve never done so before. Will it enhance your indoor air quality? Can it ward off health issues? And what exactly is lurking within them? The assumption that cleaning your air ducts is a wise choice because they likely accumulate dirt over time, akin to other areas in your home such as carpets and walls, is only part of the story.
To begin, it’s crucial to grasp how your home’s duct system functions. According to Gediminas Mainelis, PhD, a professor in the Department of Environmental Sciences at Rutgers and editor of Aerosol and Air Quality Research, as particles of pollutants travel through the duct, some settle due to gravity. Once settled, various forces adhere them to the duct, especially the tiniest particles, and only a robust air stream can dislodge them. The particles that evade settling and continue circulating in the air get trapped by the HVAC’s filtration system. Mainelis further explains that the dust particles in question encompass a variety of components, including outdoor dirt tracked indoors, dust stirred up from carpets, dead skin cells, pollen, bacteria, and molds. How do your air ducts impact your home’s air quality and your overall well-being? To delve deeper into this topic, we consulted several experts in indoor air quality.
**Maintaining Clean Air Ducts**
Filters play a vital role in preventing particles from entering the heating or cooling unit and capturing those circulating in the air. Howard McKew, P.E., F-ASHRAE, president of BuildingSmartSoftware, LLC, highlights that the industry standard for assessing a filter’s effectiveness in trapping particles is the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating. McKew recommends aiming for a MERV rating of 13 or 14 for optimal air filtration, but advises consulting the manufacturer or HVAC contractor to ensure compatibility with your system. Additionally, it’s crucial to replace the filter regularly, with McKew suggesting a quarterly to semi-annual frequency based on your home’s environmental conditions.
In addition to filter maintenance, cleaning the louvered metal grilles of return air ducts when dust or pet hair buildup becomes visible is essential. McKew emphasizes the importance of using a damp rag to effectively remove dust and pet hair clumps around the opening, rather than dispersing them. Investing in a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter is also recommended to prevent dust from being agitated and dispersed in the living space.
In conclusion, while the idea of cleaning your air ducts may seem straightforward, it’s a multi-faceted process that requires regular maintenance and attention to detail to ensure optimal air quality and overall well-being.
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When it comes to duct cleaning, the process involves the use of strong blowers or tools to dislodge dirt. However, according to Mainelis, there is no guarantee that all the particles dislodged during the cleaning will be captured, especially the smaller ones. Surprisingly, this means that after a cleaning, there is a possibility that higher levels of particles may end up recirculating in the air compared to before the cleaning took place.
In an ironic twist, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) points out that duct cleaning has never been proven to prevent health problems. Studies have failed to show a direct correlation between dirty air ducts and increased dust levels in homes, nor have they demonstrated a reduction in dust levels following duct cleaning. Moreover, despite over twenty years of research, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) still lacks sufficient evidence to recommend regular cleaning of air ducts in homes.
Can air duct cleaning actually enhance energy efficiency? The evidence suggests otherwise. A comprehensive review of 48 studies found insufficient proof that duct cleaning can lead to improved airflow within ducts or a reduction in energy consumption. Therefore, from an energy efficiency standpoint, there may not be a compelling reason to opt for duct cleaning.
However, there are specific scenarios where professional air duct cleaning may prove beneficial. According to Dietz, duct cleaning can be advantageous if there has been a recent surge in dust and particulate matter due to renovations or other construction activities in the home. Some experts also recommend scheduling duct cleaning for new constructions. For instance, during activities like drywall sanding, particles can be pulled into the ductwork, making it an ideal time for cleaning before moving in, as suggested by Robert Bean, F-ASHRAE and engineering technologist.
In cases where visible mold growth is detected on sheet metal inside ducts, strange odors occur when the furnace or AC is running, or if an insect or rodent infestation is discovered inside the ductwork, the EPA advises seeking professional cleaning services. It is crucial to address the root causes of these issues, such as fixing leaky pipes, before proceeding with the cleaning.
Should you decide to proceed with a cleaning, it is essential to hire a professional duct cleaning contractor who is a member of the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA). NADCA certification ensures that technicians have received proper training and meet rigorous standards. Obtain multiple written estimates, ensuring that each company adheres to NADCA techniques and methods. Costs for duct cleaning can vary widely based on the size of the system but typically start around $500.
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