The Cons of Air Duct Cleaning
The issue of air duct cleaning remains an unsettled debate because while it may appear reasonable to clean air ducts, no one knows for sure what may result from such cleaning. Just about the only area of agreement on this matter is that it is important to change the air filters in your home on a regular basis. While there may be some benefits to cleaning the air ducts, there are also negatives associated.
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What Is Air Duct Cleaning?
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Air duct cleaning is the process of removing various deposits that may have accumulated inside the air ducts of the house. Air ducts are used for heating and cooling the air inside a house. Over time there may be residue accumulations of dusty particles inside the air ducts. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is neutral on this matter. In fact the EPA's opinion is that if nobody inside the house is suffering from extreme allergies, or other unexplained sickness, it is better to leave the air ducts alone and not clean them. There are some cons of air duct cleaning
Contamination
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Air ducts attract all kinds of contaminants floating inside the house. Some of these particles may contain mold and harmful bacteria. When air ducts are cleaned, such cleaning may help to spread these contaminants all over the house, which may be more harmful than leaving them in the air ducts.
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Use of Chemical Biocides
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Another danger in cleaning the air ducts comes from the type of chemicals used in the cleaning process. Many professional cleaning companies use chemicals such as biocides to do the actual clean-up work. Chemical biocides are not recommended for such cleaning, as these and other chemicals that are used can be harmful in the long run to occupants of the house.
Cost
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Air duct cleaning is expensive. Homeowners should not attempt to carry out such a project themselves, as it requires special handling and equipment. Many companies charge no less than $500 at minimum, with some estimates as high as $1,000. Some companies use scare tactics to advertise and solicit for customers. Some even inform potential customers that government authorities recommend air duct cleaning.
Warning
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However, air duct cleaning is not recommended by the EPA, and homeowners should not attempt to clean their air ducts by themselves. If home air quality is poor to the point of making the residents sick, air duct cleaning is a last resort. Contact several companies for estimates and information about guarantees, and check each firm with the Better Business Bureau. The cleaning should be done by experienced agents, who inform the homeowner in advance of the materials used in the cleaning process. Any chemical used can eventually find its way through the heating and air-conditioning vents to the entire house.
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