• ​What is Air Duct Cleaning? 

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, duct cleaning generally refers to the cleaning of various heating and cooling system components of forced air systems, including the supply and return air ducts and registers, grilles and diffusers, heat exchangers heating and cooling coils, condensate drain pans (drip pans), fan motor and fan housing, and the air handling unit housing.
 

• Why is it important to clean my air ducts?

The EPA says if not properly installed, maintained, and operated, components of forced air systems may become contaminated with particles of dust, pollen or other debris. When moisture is present, the potential for microbiological growth, mold, increases and spores from such growth may be released into the home's living space. Some of these contaminants may cause allergic reactions or other symptoms in people if they are exposed to them.
 

• Should I let my duct cleaner apply a chemical biocide to kill mold?

Chemical biocides, designed to kill microbiological contaminants, can be applied to the inside of the duct-work and to other system components in an attempt to treat mold. These practices have yet to be fully researched and you should be fully informed before deciding to permit the use of biocides or chemical treatments in your air ducts. Biocides should only be applied after the system has been properly cleaned of all visible dust or debris.
 

• Can air duct cleaning be detrimental?

The EPA claims that no evidence suggests that such cleaning would be detrimental, provided that it is done properly. One may consider having their air ducts cleaned simply because it seems logical that air ducts will get dirty over time, and should occasionally be cleaned.
 

• What happens if I use a duct cleaner who is not qualified?

If a service provider fails to follow proper duct cleaning procedures, duct cleaning can cause indoor air problems. For example, an inadequate vacuum collection system can release more dust, dirt, and other contaminants than if you had left the ducts alone. A careless or inadequately trained service provider can also damage your ducts or heating and cooling system, possibly increasing your heating and air conditioning costs or forcing you to undertake difficult and costly repairs or replacements.
 

• When should I consider having my air ducts cleaned?

There are several "checks" one can undertake to determine whether air duct cleaning is needed:
Presence of mold growth inside sheet metal ducts or on other components of the heating and cooling system. Ducts are infested with vermin, e.g. (rodents or insects).  Ducts are clogged with excessive amounts of dust and debris and/or particles are actually released into the home from your supply registers.
 

• What can I expect to pay for air duct cleaning service?

Many companies have begun marketing products and services for use in the home to improve the quality of the indoor air. Duct cleaning is one such service. The EPA says that these services typically -- but not always -- range in cost from $450 to $1,000 per heating and cooling system, depending on the services offered, the size of the system to be cleaned, system accessibility, climatic region, and level of contamination.
 

• What is the difference between vent cleaning and air duct cleaning?

There are some companies that characterize themselves as air duct cleaners, yet the services they provide are limited to "vent cleaning." Rather than use compressed air and air agitators to clean the return and supply duct lines, in conjunction with cleaning inside the air vents, these companies will simply remove the grills/vents and clean inside the vents with a basic vacuum.

This is an improper way to clean ducts and is not mandated by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association. Without targetting the dirt/dust/debris that has built up on the walls of the return and supply duct lines with compressed air, the duct system is not truly clean.

* For more information on having the air ducts in your home cleaned, please go to the EPA website.

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