There are a number of ads for companies that can do HVAC duct cleaning to prevent health promblems. But can HVAC duct cleaning prevent health problems?

About HVAC Duct Cleaning

The air that circulates through your house from your furnace and central air conditioning unit must travel through a system of ducts before reaching the final destination, which is the rooms you live in. Duct cleaning companies will come to your home and clean dust, mold, pollutants and debris from the components of forced air systems. Theoretically, duct cleaning results in better indoor air quality, creating a healthier living environment. There are several different methods for performing this operation which may include high powered vacuum cleaners and specialized tools. Sometimes a company will apply a chemical sealant coat to the inside of the ductwork after it is cleaned for continued maintenance.

Issues and Considerations

Every home is different and every family is different. Although there are guidelines created by the United States Enviromental Protection Agency it is difficult to generalize whether or not to have this service performed. The reasons to have your HVAC ducts cleaned may include:

• allergy or health issues of people living in the house
• visible accumulation of debris in the air ducts
• visible mold in the air ducts
• odor emanating from air ducts

If you are experiencing any of the above issues it is important to remember that while HVAC duct cleaning may help temporarily relieve the problem you still need to address the underlying issue. For example, if there is mold growing in your air ducts the removal of the mold does not begin to address how the mold got there in the first place. If there is mold in the air ducts it is probably in other locations of the house and a mold specialist should be called.

Another important consideration is the biocides or chemical treatments that may be used to seal the inside of the air ducts. Remember that these chemicals will be part of the air that you are breathing inside your home and could be detrimental to your health.

Preventing Health Problems?

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states, "EPA does not recommend that air ducts be cleaned except on an as-needed basis because of the continuing uncertainty about the benefits of duct cleaning under most circumstances." Each home has different needs, however, and you may decide to have this service performed. If this is the case be certain to fully investigate any claims your service provider is making. Claims about the health benefits of HVAC duct cleaning are unsubstantiated and should be reported to the EPA.