Duct cleaning has been a topic of debate for many years, with some claiming that it can improve air quality and reduce health risks, while others argue that it is unnecessary and can even cause more harm than good. But what is the truth? Is duct cleaning really necessary or beneficial?As an expert in the field of air quality and duct cleaning, I can tell you that the evidence does not support the claims that duct cleaning can prevent health problems or reduce energy bills. Studies conducted by the governments of the United States and Canada and health professionals who have researched duct cleaning have not found any conclusive evidence that particles in air ducts can enter the living space. In fact, the few independent research conducted on duct cleaning indicates that the process accumulates so much dust that it creates a greater problem than it solves. Under most circumstances, dust is inert and harmless, and removing it with cleaning equipment actually creates major problems.
While some companies may advertise health benefits or suggest that cleaning ducts will reduce energy bills by improving system efficiency, there is no data to support these claims. Even if the ducts are dirty, cleaning them probably won't provide any measurable benefit. Changing air filters frequently is the best way to keep dust, allergens, and other particles out of the home. With a newly installed system or one in a house you just moved into, check the filter once a month to determine how quickly it gets dirty at different times of the year. Most should be replaced every two to three months. Although not always part of their basic cleaning services, many duct cleaning companies also tend to clean heating and cooling equipment (heat exchangers, cooling coils, condensate drain pans, fan motors, fan blades and fan housings).
While much of the energy used to power heating and cooling equipment is wasted, that waste is due to equipment inefficiency, poor insulation, leaks around doors and windows, and unsealed ductwork. While there are some benefits to cleaning and maintaining heating and air conditioning equipment, these benefits are relatively small and little energy waste is attributed to dirty ducts or equipment. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recommends performing professional air duct cleaning every three to five years. However, if you suspect that you have a mold problem either because of visible growth or because of a musty smell that constantly comes out of supply grilles, cleaning your ducts won't do much good if it doesn't get rid of mold. Mold starts with a moisture problem and ducts themselves are unlikely to be cause for this issue.
The most likely culprits are cooling system's evaporator coils which your heating and air conditioning contractor can inspect and maintain as well as leaky return ducts. In conclusion, while duct cleaning isn't necessarily a bad idea, it's not necessary in most cases. In fact cleaning normally dusty ducts provides no real value. If done properly duct cleaning can be useful in limited situations but ordering things only helps to a certain extent if in first place you keep buying too much stuff!.
