Some Factors in Air Duct Cleaning

 

As the term suggests, air duct cleaning Plano generally refers to the cleaning of various heating and cooling system components of forced air systems in your home. This includes the supply and return air ducts and registers, grilles and diffusers.

 

Also included are the heat exchangers’ heating and cooling coils, condensate drain pans (drip pans), fan motor and fan housing, and the air handling unit housing.

 

As it is, many people are now aware that indoor air pollution is an issue of growing concern and increased visibility. There are now many companies that are marketing products and services intended to improve the quality of your indoor air.

 

Cleaning reminders

 

If you decide to have your heating and cooling system cleaned, it important to make sure the service provider is qualified to do so, and agrees to clean all their components in cleaning your air duct system.

 

There are sections of your heating and cooling system that may not be accessible for a visible inspection. A service provider can do the job.

 

Knowledge about the potential benefits and possible problems of air duct cleaning is limited, though. Since conditions in every home are different, it is also impossible to generalize about whether or not air duct cleaning in your home would be beneficial.

 

Backfire

 

If not properly installed, maintained and operated, the equipment of the service provider and their other components may become contaminated with particles of dust, pollen or other debris from their last projects. The problem begins when they bring it into your homes.

 

If moisture is present in your system, the potential for microbiological growth (e.g., mold) is increased and spores from such growth may be released into the home's living space.

 

Chemical treatments

 

Some service providers may also suggest applying chemical treatments (sealants or other encapsulants) to encapsulate or cover the inside surfaces of the air ducts and equipment housings.

 

They believe it will control mold growth or prevent the release of dirt particles or fibers from ducts.

 

Caution

 

However, 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.

 

They should only be applied, if at all, after the system has been properly cleaned of all visible dust or debris.

 

Some considerations

 

You may consider having your air ducts cleaned simply because it seems logical that air ducts will get dirty over time and should occasionally be cleaned.

 

While the debate about the value of periodic duct cleaning continues, no evidence suggests that such cleaning would be detrimental, provided that it is done properly.

 

Cleaning can be hazardous

 

On the other hand, 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 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.