HVAC System Cleaning Pros & Cons
Your home's HVAC (heating/ventilating/air conditioning) system is one of the largest contributors to your utility bills and your home's air quality. It is universally recognized that regular service and maintenance of your A/C unit and furnace is recommended and can increase the life of your system. What is not so clear is if cleaning your system, especially the ducts, is as beneficial as regular maintenance. There are pros and cons to cleaning your HVAC system. Does this Spark an idea?
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Pro
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System cleaning can remove substantial, visible mold from inside your ducts or system. Mold causes respiratory and other problems and is considered a health hazard. Removal of mold can improve the air quality of your home and prevent mold problems from becoming more serious and widespread.
Con
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According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), studies do not "conclusively demonstrate that particle (e.g., dust) levels in homes increase because of dirty air ducts." Air ducts are only one source of dust and allergens in a home and cleaning the ducts may not remove the problem.
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Pro
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Cleaning the A/C and heating components may increase the system's efficiency. These parts include the fans, cooling coils and heat exchangers.
Con
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There is very little evidence that duct cleaning alone will have any positive benefit on the efficiency of your HVAC system. It is most effective if ducts are so clogged with dust that it is coming into the home through the registers.
Pro
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HVAC system cleaning can help reduce a vermin or insect problem if done in cooperation with an extermination program. Feces left behind by vermin and insects have been shown to have negative health effects and can transmit disease.
Con
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The EPA recommends that duct cleaning only be done as needed. If your ducts are clogged, cleaning may be advisable, but you must discover the underlying problem or it is a quick fix at best. The benefit of duct cleaning may not be worth the cost.
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References
- Photo Credit air conditioner, conditioning image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com
