Some studies have shown that poor indoor air quality and certain health issues can be directly related to mold and other irritants lurking inside your air ducts. A periodic inspection can guarantee that your air ducts are performing up to par.
Although it is recommended that a specialist carry out the necessary inspections, there are some pertinent checks that you can do yourself. You can use common tools to do a basic inspection - use a screw driver to open vent covers and a flashlight to peer into dark spaces.
Water leaks or excessive moisture located in or around your air duct grates can be an indication that there is mold and mildew growing in your ducts. Mold will look like little black and white spots; it also has an earthy smell to it. Certain types of mold can release harmful toxins into the air and can endanger the health of the inhabitants. If there are obvious signs of mold, it's best to call a professional air duct cleaner.
Excessive dust and dirt built-up are also bad for your HVAC system. Lots of dust or dirt can decrease the quality of the air in your home and can reduce the efficiency of you heating/cooling system. Also, when looking at your ducts, watch out for insect and rodent infestations.
The EPA maintains that periodic air duct cleanings are not necessary. Nevertheless, certain people with specific health conditions could benefit from a periodic cleaning. If you have allergies or lung problems, a periodic cleaning will reduce the number of irritants in the air.
You could also do some very basic cleaning with a paper towel and a vacuum cleaner, but only if the problem is very minor, like a dusty grate; anything more complicated needs the professional equipment of a specialist. A professional can also offer advice and fix more deep-seated problems, like sources of moisture, or structural problems with your heating/cooling system.
Finding a thorough and reputable air duct cleaning service should be a top priority. Search the internet for reviews on specific providers. Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been launched against the company, and if they were resolved.
It is important to ask any company that you hire about their specific method of cleaning, what chemicals they use, and what equipment they use. Some companies might want to use chemical biocides to do the cleaning; the EPA states that there is some controversy over the health impact of introducing biocides into the air ducts. You should do the research on this practice before letting chemical biocides into your air ducts. And finally, double check that the service provider replaced all duct covers and filters after the job is done. In the long run, keeping your air ducts clean can be beneficial both for your health and for the efficiency of your HVAC system.
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