Air ducts, like any other air conditioning system, require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recommends cleaning air ducts every three to five years. However, in certain circumstances, the need for commercial air duct cleaning may be more urgent. It may seem logical that air ducts accumulate dirt and debris over time and should be cleaned periodically, but there is no evidence to suggest that such cleaning is harmful.
The EPA does not advocate for air ducts to be routinely cleaned, but only when necessary. When service providers arrive at your home, ask them to show you the contamination that would necessitate cleaning the ducts. This way, you can be sure to receive quality service from knowledgeable and professional staff, as well as someone to talk to for any problems or needs you may have with air duct cleaning. Reducing the frequency of air duct cleaning or eliminating it altogether can help keep your home less dusty. While there is no need to clean your air ducts on a set schedule, there is nothing negative other than the cost of cleaning them regularly. In general, in office buildings, schools, shopping centers and other commercial properties, it is advisable to clean the air ducts every three to four years, just like in residential homes.
The durability of sealants over time, which could add particles to the air in the ducts, has not yet been evaluated. These practices have not yet been thoroughly researched and you should be fully informed before deciding to allow the use of biocides or chemical treatments in your air ducts. Hiring a professional HVAC technician to repair your unit and air ducts is the best way to keep your home healthy. Manufacturers of products marketed to coat and encapsulate duct surfaces state that these sealants prevent dust and dirt particles inside air ducts from being released into the air. If you haven't lived there before, you don't know what's in the air ducts and you don't know how well the former owners treated them. You can also contact professional duct cleaning service providers and ask them about the services they offer.
Cleaning your air ducts regularly is essential for maintaining a healthy home environment. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recommends cleaning air ducts every three to five years. However, in some environments, the need for commercial air duct cleaning is more immediate.
