Duct cleaning is a process that involves the removal of dust, allergens, bacteria, and other debris from the air ducts in your home. It is often done to improve air quality and reduce the need for dust removal. It can also help reduce reactions to environmental allergies, such as dust, dust mites, pollen, and similar allergens. The process of duct cleaning involves a technician checking and disinfecting every corner of the system to remove any remaining dust, allergens or bacteria.
This will create a healthier environment inside the ducts, which means that there will be no more mold growth and will enhance air quality. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not recommend that air ducts be cleaned routinely, but only when necessary. If you have an oven, stove, or chimney that burns fuel, they should be inspected to make sure they are working properly and serviced before each heating season to protect them against carbon monoxide poisoning. Some service providers may also suggest the application of chemical treatments (sealants or other encapsulants) to encapsulate or cover the interior surfaces of air ducts and equipment housings because they believe they will control mold growth or prevent the release of dirt particles or fibers from ducts.
However, most organizations that deal with pipeline cleaning, including the EPA, NADCA, NAIMA, and the National Association of Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors (SMACNA), do not currently recommend the routine use of sealants to encapsulate contaminants in any type of duct. Duct cleaning methods vary, although industry associations that deal with air duct cleaning have established standards. If sufficient dirt and moisture are allowed to enter the duct system, there may be no significant difference in the speed or degree of microbial growth in internally lined or bare sheet ducts. This is because much of the dirt in the air ducts adheres to duct surfaces and does not necessarily enter the living space. Preventing water and dirt from entering the system is the most effective way to prevent contamination (see How to Prevent Duct Contamination). Knowledge about cleaning air ducts is in its early stages, so a general recommendation cannot be given as to whether air ducts in the house should be cleaned. You may consider cleaning air ducts simply because it seems logical that air ducts get dirty over time and should be cleaned from time to time.
As long as cleaning is done properly, there is no evidence to suggest that such cleaning could be harmful.
