About Professional Air Duct Cleaning

Ductwork registers should be checked for dirt buildup.

Do your homework before calling a professional service to clear the air ducts to your heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems. The cleaning process involves removal of contaminants such as mold, fungus and bacteria. Industry specialists caution consumers that sooty ducts are only one source of indoor pollution. Smoking, cooking and pet dander can generate impurities, so duct cleaning is no guarantee that air quality will improve. Instead, cleaning is one step toward overall progress.

First Steps

Examine your ductwork for signs of debris, dust buildup or even critters. Watch for excessive amounts of particles blowing loose from your registers; a simple dusting of those registers might be all that is needed. Look for mold, but be aware that other substances may appear to be mold infestation. Spend the extra $50 getting a lab analysis if you suspect mold spores. If no one in your household is experiencing allergies or symptoms of poor health, duct cleaning may be a waste of your time and money, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Hiring a Pro

Take appropriate steps before hiring any contractor to clean your air ducts. Ask for references. Meet with each service provider at your home so he can inspect your ductwork before furnishing a quote. Check each company's standing with the Better Business Bureau as well as the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), which sets professional standards and ethics for the industry. Also, the EPA defines duct cleaning as involving numerous components of a forced-air system, such as grilles, diffusers, heating exchangers, coils, drip pans and fan units. Make certain you understand the work that your contractor intends to complete.

Cleaning Methods

A pressurized vacuum is used to loosen and remove dust, pollen and other grime. Equipment that is connected to a truck or trailer will be significantly more powerful than a stand-alone unit. Some contractors recommend using solvents that are applied to the ducts after vacuuming to prevent future buildups. The EPA discourages homeowners from spending money on these chemical treatments, citing a lack of evidence that they are effective.

Frequency

Several factors necessitate regular air-duct cleanings. Soot from cigarette smoke will accumulate inside ductwork, as will pet fur and dander. Recent remodeling work can generate enough dust and debris to warrant a cleanup. Also, any water damage to the duct network calls for professional services. Moving into a previously-occupied home is a common time to consider duct cleaning.

Pricing

Expect to pay between $450 and $1,000 for a ductwork cleaning service. Factors that will affect the price include size of the home, amount of contamination and ductwork material. The NADCA cautions consumers against "blow-and-go" companies that charge nominal fees but do shoddy work.

References

• Environmental Protection Agency: Indoor Air Quality (IAQ): Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned?
• National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA): Residential Consumers FAQs