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| | | With concern growing about molds, allergens and indoor air quality, residential duct cleaning is an emerging industry. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association asserts that removing contaminants from a home's ventilation system is an important step toward improving indoor air quality. However, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says knowledge about air duct cleaning is in the early stages, and there is currently no evidence that a small amount of household dust or other particles in air ducts poses any health risks. The EPA indicates it might be warranted in some cases but not in all situations. | | |
| Typical costs: | - A proper home air duct cleaning costs anywhere from $400 -$1,000, depending on the size of the system to be cleaned, the type of services offered, the regional climate and the level of use the ventilation system gets, the type of materials inside the ductwork and the amount of contaminants (dust, mold, etc.). A 1,400-square-foot home with only one system of ducts will usually be at the lower end of the scale, while a 3,500-square-foot home with multiple heating/cooling systems is at the upper end of the price range.
What should be included: | - Cleaning should include: cleaning all of registers, inside the ductwork, the interior of the heating/ventilating system, the furnace fan, and the coils for an air conditioner or heat pump, according to Real-Estate-Agents.com. Once the system is clean, a disinfectant can be sprayed throughout to kill any mold, bacteria or dust mites that remain.
- The EPA recommends having the air ducts cleaned only as needed -- that is, when there is substantial visible mold growth inside, if the ducts are infested with rodents or insects, or if they're clogged with excessive amounts of debris.
- According to the EPA, there is considerable controversy about the wisdom of spraying chemical biocides inside the ductwork.
- Both the EPA and the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) warn against companies that make sweeping claims about the health benefits of duct cleaning. The NADCA also cautions consumers about "blow-and-go" air duct cleaners who charge a nominal fee (often offering extremely low-cost coupons) but use substandard equipment, do a poor cleaning job and perform unneeded services at an extra cost. Cleaning fans and coils is mandatory for a properly cleaned system and should never be listed as an "extra cost." Be wary if the total "cleaning" process will take only an hour or two.
Additional costs: | - Some older air ducts may contain asbestos in the insulation, register boots or other areas. Asbestos removal absolutely requires specialized procedures which will add to the total cost, depending on the complexity and extent of the problem.
Shopping for duct cleaning: | - The EPA lists suggestions for choosing a duct cleaner, explains what to expect and provides an after-cleaning checklist.
- Referrals are available through the NADCA.
- Get several estimates, and be sure you understand the specific work covered by each company's quote. Ask about the service providers' training and experience. If disinfectant spraying is recommended, ask for a clear explanation of the pros and cons of this treatment in your particular circumstances. Request and check references, and ask if the service provider holds any relevant state licenses. See if there are any complaints with the Better Business Bureau.
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Article updated February 2008 |
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