Air Duct Cleaning: Is it a waste of money or worth it?

Are you a homeowner? You've likely been approached by companies to clean your air ducts. They claim they can get rid of all dirt and dust. They can also restore your HVAC system to its maximum potential. The question is: Is air duct cleaning really beneficial? Or is it a waste of money? Let's take a look at what air duct cleaning actually is, how it is done, and how to avoid any potential scams.

What is air duct cleaning?

Homeowners are looking for ways to keep their indoor air clean and safe from polluted air. There are many companies that can clean your cooling, heating, and forced air components. Prices for services can vary from $450 up to $1,000. The price of the service depends on what is being done and other factors such as size, age, and accessibility to your HVAC system.

The first step in tending to your air ducts is to clean them. Next, vacuum everything up. While this is the most common procedure, some companies recommend that you spray a chemical coating to ensure all bacteria are gone.

Spraying a chemical sealant in your home can prevent mold growth and the spread of bacteria. There isn't any conclusive evidence that spraying these chemicals can be beneficial for your home. You should also be aware of the chemicals that are being pumped into your home's air ducts.

Reputable companies can also be hired to repair air duct leakages. They use special sealants and techniques that will ensure your system works efficiently. This is a far different approach to an air duct cleaning service offering to spray sealant in your system.

Why should you clean air ducts?

You will find a list of reasons why you should use the services of any air duct cleaning business website. This includes removing mold, cleaning up after renovations, vermin, clogged pipes, and relieving severe allergies. It is important to go and see a doctor if someone in your house is experiencing severe allergies or difficulty breathing. This could not be related to your house at all.

People have their ducts cleaned because of mold. Mold can be found in your air ducts. However, this does not solve the problem. It is important to determine the source of the problem and to replace parts of your air ducts.

Ask the air duct cleaning company for a sample to confirm that it is mold before you go down this expensive path. To verify that it is mold, have the sample taken to a laboratory. Sometimes it is just thick dust, not mold. It's better to be certain than to spend money that you don't really need.

Here are some things to watch out for

There are many things you should look out for when looking for a reputable air duct cleaning service.

Qualifications

Although the EPA does not certify air duct cleaners as such, the National Air Duct Cleaners Association exists and has established certification standards. The EPA and the NADCA warn against chemical sprays in your HVAC ducts. The EPA has not approved any chemicals that can be used in HVAC systems.

Review

Although yelp is often about complaints, it's important to hear about other peoples' experiences with these companies. Are there any coworkers or friends who have had their ducts cleaned recently? Ask them about their experience and whether it was worth it. Are there any positive changes in your home?