The Ductwork Environment in Your HomeIf your home has a forced air system for heating and cooling, you most likely have air ducts that distribute air around your home. This section discusses health issues related to your ductwork environment and ways to mitigate many of the potential causes of indoor air pollution.
What does the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency say about the ductwork environment and your health?
Does duct cleaning prevent health problems? The bottom line is: no one knows. There are examples of ducts that have become badly contaminated with a variety of materials that may pose risks to your health. The duct system can serve as a means to distribute these contaminants throughout a home. In these cases, duct cleaning may make sense. However, a light amount of household dust in your air ducts is normal. Duct cleaning is not considered to be a necessary part of yearly maintenance of your heating and cooling system, which consists of regular cleaning of drain pans and heating and cooling coils, regular filter changes and yearly inspections of heating equipment. Research continues in an effort to evaluate the potential benefits of air duct cleaning.
While the Indoor Air Alliance cannot make claims about the impact of the ductwork environment and your health, we suggest you consider the following:
• The air duct system is the major transport system for air in your home;
• The air duct system can be a repository for dust, mold and other irritants and triggers for asthma, allergies and other respiratory ailments;
• Duct cleaning can remove a significant amount of debris, up to 20 pounds.
If your duct system contains significant levels of dust, mold, and pollen, it is reasonable to suggest the ductwork be cleaned AS PART of an overall “healthy home” strategy. In most situations where cleaning is recommended, the best solution includes a filtration system. The proper sequence in this case is to clean the ductwork, sanitize it if necessary and then install an air cleaner. If you choose to have a Healthy Home Survey conducted by Indoor Air Alliance, your certified IAA Technician will recommend a course of action concerning your ductwork environment.
Example of Duct with mold and debris before cleaning
Debris in residential ductwork
Example of ductwork after cleaning