Is Air Duct Cleaning Worth It? - A Comprehensive Guide

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not recommend that air ducts be routinely cleaned, but only when necessary. This is because the vast majority of homes and businesses don't need to disinfect their air ducts after cleaning them. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) states that the best method for cleaning and decontaminating air ducts is to use the source extraction cleaning method. This method thoroughly removes contaminants that can contribute to the formation of mold and other microorganisms.

It is not necessary to apply chemicals as part of the cleaning process to eliminate sources.

Companies that clean ducts often advertise health benefits or suggest that duct cleaning will reduce their energy bills by improving system efficiency

, but there is no data to support these claims. As an expert in the field of air duct cleaning, I can confidently say that even if the ducts are dirty, cleaning them probably won't provide any appreciable benefit. In fact, independent research done on duct cleaning indicates that the process accumulates so much dust that it creates a bigger problem than it solves.

Cleaning the air conditioning system does not usually change the quality of the air you breathe, nor does it have a significant impact on air flows or heating costs. However, it can help you be calm, knowing that the air inside your home is as clean as possible. After testing 33 homes in Montreal before and after duct cleaning, the study found that there had been no significant improvement in air quality and that duct cleaning alone did not improve airflow or energy efficiency. When searching for an air duct cleaning contractor, customers should consider inspecting their duct system for leaks, as leaking ducts reduce efficiency and introduce air quality problems. Currently, there is no research to show that routine duct cleaning improves air quality or reduces dust in your home. CMHC researchers found that when duct cleaners also cleaned fan blades, the amount of particles suspended in the air was slightly reduced. In conclusion, it is important to note that while air duct cleaning may not be necessary for most homes and businesses, it can be beneficial in certain situations.

If you are concerned about the quality of your indoor air or if you have noticed an increase in dust or allergens in your home, then it may be worth considering having your air ducts professionally cleaned. If you decide to go ahead with an air duct cleaning service, make sure you hire a reputable contractor who uses the source extraction method and who inspects your system for leaks before beginning work.