Why Should You Clean Your Duct System?

Today’s Health Concerns Put a Spotlight on Indoor Air Quality

Customers frequently ask HVAC experts, “Why should you clean your duct system?” In the course of our work, Steers Heating & Cooling sees a variety of duct system conditions and problems. The cleanliness of a duct system can often make a big difference on indoor air quality and more.

In our previous blog post on pets and their dander, we mentioned a few indoor air quality issues. It might be surprising when customers make the connection between air quality and overall health. Today’s health concerns about coronavirus and airborne particle contamination put another spotlight on ways to keep indoor air healthier.

The Questions of Cleaning Duct Systems

Along with the question asking whether to clean duct systems comes the second part of the inquiry. Does duct cleaning prevent health problems? Answers to the questions of cleaning ducts can depend on several factors. We will outline some of these factors below.

EPA.gov provides a few words on cleaning duct systems:

“…There are examples of ducts that have become badly contaminated with a variety of materials that may pose risks to your health. The duct system can serve as a means to distribute these contaminants throughout a home. In these cases, duct cleaning may make sense. However, a light amount of household dust in your air ducts is normal. Duct cleaning is not considered to be a necessary part of yearly maintenance of your heating and cooling system, which consists of regular cleaning of drain pans and heating and cooling coils, regular filter changes and yearly inspections of heating equipment….”

–EPA.gov

Generally, indoor air quality is a vital concern to anyone who enters a building, whether it is a residence or business. Homeowners may be more aware of the specific health-related issues of family members. A home may have intermittent air quality problems that go beyond the duct system. If there’s a fireplace or pets, smoke and dander from these may affect health more than dirty ductwork.

Those who operate a commercial building carry liability for the overall general welfare of employees and visitors. However, specific types of businesses, like their residential counterparts, may have specific air or ventilation issues. Commercial indoor air issues could impact daily operations as well as health and safety.

As we review the different contaminants and factors one thing will become clear. Perhaps it will help you better determine the importance of indoor air quality. The duct system carrying breathable air in any instance ought to be as clean or fresh as possible.

We Know About Dander…What Else?

To recognize healthy indoor air quality we generally have to think very small. And by small, we mean microscopic. The small particles traveling on air currents which land on our skin or that we breathe in can affect health. The EPA labels these ‘biological pollutants:’

“Biological contaminants include bacteria, molds, mildew, viruses, animal dander and cat saliva, house dust, mites, cockroaches, and pollen….”

These pollutants can trigger asthma and other conditions in those with sensitivities or compromised immunity. It is worth investigating the additional information at the EPA link. After you review the facts you can decide whether to make duct system cleaning part of your routine.

We can note here that most air system filters capture contaminants. Changing filters regularly can help reduce the likelihood of most pollutants in the duct system.

Ductwork Materials Can Make a Difference

Perhaps you are well aware of air sealing and ventilation issues for your residence or commercial building. Most building owners stay current on weatherization and pest control maintenance to reduce chances of pollutant problems. The composition and sealing of ducts may not be as evident, however, as using caulk to seal a crack.

Builders over time use various materials in constructing duct systems. This is what EPA.gov tells us:

“You may be familiar with air ducts that are constructed of sheet metal. However, many modern residential air duct systems are constructed of fiber glass duct board or sheet metal ducts that are lined on the inside with fiber glass duct liner. Since the early 1970’s, a significant increase in the use of flexible duct, which generally is internally lined with plastic or some other type of material, has occurred.”

In short, the smoother sheet metal ducts can be easier to keep clean than those consisting of fiberglass boards. Fibrous and flexible duct systems could be more of a problem to clean and keep clean. This would be an important consideration when deciding to clean a duct system.

Industry Leaders in Duct Cleaning

EPA.gov mentions two industry leaders who are authorities in duct cleaning practices. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) and North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) offer sites with additional information.

Of course, in the Parkersburg area, you can rely on Steers Heating & Cooling for helpful advice and preventive maintenance. We serve residential, commercial, and industrial heating and cooling needs throughout the region. Give us a call with any questions you might have about indoor air quality for your home or business.

Steers Heating & Cooling, Inc., providing the Parkersburg, West Virginia, region with excellence in HVAC for over 80 years. Call (855) 226-9630 or contact us to schedule services and get answers to why should you clean your duct system.