If you have insulated air ducts and the insulation gets wet or moldy it cannot be effectively cleaned and should be removed and replaced. If the conditions causing the mold growth in the first place are not corrected, mold growth will recur. Ducts are infested with vermin, e.g. (rodents or insects).
How do I clean the inside of my ductwork?
As Kenny says, they can sometimes be cleaned gently. More often the choice is to either apply a coating to the lining or to replace the ductwork. The encapsulation or coating method has some support but others have concerns that the coating may flake off with time and put little bits of polymers into the air stream where they could be inhaled.
Is it safe to clean your HVAC ducts?
Untrained technicians or scammers who lack the right vacuuming equipment to safely clean the ducts can dislodge dust that was previously adhered to the inside of the ducts and release it into your home. Only qualified HVAC inspection and cleaning technicians can safely clean the ducts and exhaust the air to the outside of your home.
Is it safe to clean and restore fiberglass-lined air ducts?
Before new technologies were developed to safely clean and restore fiberglass-lined air ducts, these systems were either replaced with new ductwork, or the damaged insulation was removed and replaced with new insulation at a significant cost. Fortunately, these systems can now be restored through professional air duct cleaning.
Can you clean flex ducts?
At Planet Duct, we have invested in the proper tools and training to safely clean flexible ductwork. Typically, air duct cleaners may tell commercial property owners, apartment landlords, and others that have flex ducts that they can’t clean them.
Can lined ductwork be cleaned?
Fortunately, these systems can now be restored through professional air duct cleaning. Fiberglass-lined or not, preventative maintenance and cleaning are always recommended for all ductwork.
How long does insulated ductwork last?
Ducts are designed to last for about 10-15 years on average. They are made from a combination of materials such as fiberglass and plastic. At some point, these ducts will get damaged. The sooner you see signs of damage and do something about it, the better.
How do you get mold out of fiberglass ducts?
0:492:17How To Remove Mold From Fiberglass Ducts (2021) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt involves applying antimicrobial paint in the ductwork itself this not only encapsulate. TheMoreIt involves applying antimicrobial paint in the ductwork itself this not only encapsulate. The existing mold growth present it inhibits mold growth long term.
Does cleaning air ducts really make a difference?
Duct cleaning has never been shown to actually prevent health problems. Neither do studies conclusively demonstrate that particle (e.g., dust) levels in homes increase because of dirty air ducts or go down after cleaning.
Should ductwork be replaced after 20 years?
“If your ductwork is over 15 years old, you probably should replace it. Ductwork has a maximum lifespan of 20-25 years. By 15 years, however, it begins to deteriorate, significantly reducing your HVAC system's efficiency, so replacement is the prudent option.”
Is insulated ducting better?
Ductwork insulation ensures that air traveling through the duct system will stay at the desired temperature and won't "leak" out. Leaking air results in unnecessary energy loss, which means that your HVAC system will have to work even harder.
What kills mold in air ducts?
Use an EPA registered disinfectant labeled for HVAC use to clean non-porous surfaces (Ductwork, coils, plenums, pans, etc) of mold, mildew, and other dirt. BIOSPRAY-TOWER ready-to-use disinfectant and mold cleaner will kill and remove mold, mildew, and odor-causing bacteria.
Should fiberglass ducts be replaced?
The problem with old fiberboard duct is that the fiberglass particles come loose and circulate through the house. These particles are inhaled by people in the home (or office), which is hazardous to everyone's health. When this occurs, the ductwork should either be replaced or reinsulated with safer material.
How do you know if you have mold in your ductwork?
How to Identify Symptoms of Mold in Air DuctsDistinctive musty or mildew-like smell throughout the house.Coughing and sneezing when you turn on the AC or come inside.Runny nose, rashes, and watering eyes.Headaches that disappear when outside.Nausea, fatigue, and dizziness when at home.More items...•
How do I know if my air ducts need to be cleaned?
4 Signs that Your Air Ducts Need CleaningDust and debris during start-up. One of the best ways to tell if your ducts need cleaning is to check how much dust and debris are blown out when starting your heating unit. ... Mold growth. ... You notice rodents or insects. ... The presence of carbon monoxide.
How can I clean my ducts myself?
Steps for Cleaning Your Air DuctsRemove vent covers and wash them. Remove your vent covers with your screwdriver. ... Cover vent openings with paper towels. Cover the openings to your supply registers with a few paper towels. ... Loosen the dust. ... Vacuum it up. ... Change your air filter. ... Replace vent covers.
Why is my house so dusty?
Both low humidity and high humidity play a role in why your house is so dusty. When the air is dry, your air can be extra dusty. But when it's too high, it can feed mites and promote mold growth. If your air is dry, run a humidifier so that you can reach a comfortable level.
SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The best way to ensure that an HVAC system, whether using bare metal or internally insulated ductwork, will continue to provide efficient, quiet air delivery, and occupant comfort is by following a regular system operation and maintenance schedule.
CLEANABILITY
Fiberglass duct liner and duct board products have surfaces that are resistant to the kind of abuse that occurs during duct cleaning. NAIMA has worked with NADCA and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in developing guidelines for cleaning insulated ductwork. Currently, there are several cleaning methods available.
REMEDIATION
If it has been determined that the HVAC system has physical damage or excessive contamination present on the airstream surface of the fiberglass duct liner or duct board, then remediation is required.
Why do you need to clean air ducts?
Air duct cleaning service providers may tell you that they need to apply a chemical biocide to the inside of your ducts to kill bacteria (germs) and fungi (mold), and prevent future biological growth. Some duct cleaning service providers may propose to introduce ozone to kill biological contaminants.
How to prevent ducts from getting wet?
To prevent ducts from becoming wet: Moisture should not be present in ducts. Controlling moisture is the most effective way to prevent biological growth in air ducts. Moisture can enter the duct system through leaks or if the system has been improperly installed or serviced.
What is a residential air duct?
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.
How to prevent dirt from entering ducts?
To prevent dirt from entering the system: Use the highest efficiency air filter recommended by the manufacturer of your heating and cooling system. Change filters regularly.
Do you have to clean air ducts?
EPA does not recommend that the air ducts be cleaned routinely, but only as needed. EPA does, however, recommend that if you have a fuel burning furnace, stove or fireplace, they be inspected for proper functioning and serviced before each heating season to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning.
Is it normal to have dust in your air ducts?
In these cases, duct cleaning may make sense. However, a light amount of household dust in your air ducts is normal.
How to get rid of dust in your home?
Remove dust and vacuum your home regularly. (Use a high efficiency vacuum (HEPA) cleaner or the highest efficiency filter bags your vacuum cleaner can take. Vacuuming can increase the amount of dust in the air during and after vacuuming as well as in your ducts).
Why do HVAC companies clean ducts?
Most HVAC companies will push duct cleaning as a solution to improving indoor air quality, but fail to mention that this service can cause major damage to duct systems that will require repairs in the future.
Why don't we clean ducts in Houston?
However, air duct cleaning can do more harm to your ducts than good. Most Houston residents choose to get their air ducts cleaned because they have old ducts that have been sitting in their attic or inside their walls ...
What is flex duct?
Flex ducts consist of a spring that is wrapped with a very fragile layer of plastic. A layer of insulation covers this thin layer of plastic and blocks the heat from getting in or out of the duct. Around that is the outside cover of the duct itself. Over the years the fragile layer of plastic surrounding the spring has only become even more ...
What causes condensation in ducts?
The Correlation Between Duct Cleaning and Mold. When the cold air from your air conditioning and the heat from your attic combine it causes condensation. The moisture that is collected over time provides a good breeding ground for algae or mold to grow.
Is duct cleaning harmful?
If there is mold in your walls or attic, duct cleaning can pose a health risk because it could cause very small mold particles to be dispersed in the air around your home.
Can air ducts be moved?
These ducts have likely never been moved since they were installed. There is a great risk that the fragile layer of plastic will break when these air ducts are moved for cleaning years after installation. Since the ducts are surrounded by a cover, these breaks will not be noticeable by merely looking at them.
Can vacuum cleaning damage HVAC?
These cleaning methods can cause damage to your HVAC system: Problems With Vacuum Cleaning - most duct systems are very old, and the vacuum cleaning method causes a rapid increase or decrease of pressure inside the duct. This causes the fragile plastic to stretch and crack.
Can You Clean Your Own Ducts?
Regular duct cleaning often seems like a big investment, and you may find yourself wondering how to clean ductwork on your own. In our years of experience, we find that people simply do not have the equipment or training necessary to do it themselves.
How to Clean Ductwork
If you are experiencing a simple problem, such as an unpleasant odor coming from the vent, there are some steps that you can take on your own before you hire a duct cleaning company. However, more thorough cleaning requires trade-specific tools to be safe. These include specialized brushes and high-powered vacuums.
Potential Hazards of DIY Duct Cleaning
Cleaning your ducts on your own might seem like a harmless DIY afternoon project, but you can definitely do more harm than good. Here are some potential hazards to cleaning your ductwork on your own.
Skip The DIY and Give Us a Call
Hiring professionals to clean your ductwork can help keep you safe and save stress. We know your time and money are valuable. Don’t waste either by buying expensive, specialized equipment or having to learn how to safely navigate complicated ductwork. Overall, the best way to clean your ducts is to hire professionals.
Educational Video Transcript
Hey everybody its Brandon Kirk with planet duct air duct cleaning here in Colorado Springs. Recently, I spoke with a customer who stated that they called other air duct cleaning companies in Colorado Springs that turned them away due to inability to clean flexible air ducts.
Flex Duct Cleaning Tools
Flexible ductwork requires much more sensitive tools and cleaning strategies than standard, hard air ducts which use rotary brushes that can snag flexible ducts and tear them apart. At Planet Duct, we understand that it takes more specialized cleaning tools to properly clean flex ductworks.
How much does duct cleaning cost?
Legitimate duct-cleaning services average $500 to $1,500, depending on the size of the home. Once scammers get in the door, they often claim to find mold in the ducts and then demand more money to remove it.
Why do you need to change the air filter in an HVAC system?
Changing air filters when they become dusty is the best protection against dust entering the system.
Does dust go in ductwork?
While it’s true that the ductwork in your home may contain dust, the particulates often adhere to the inside of the ducts and are not dislodged when the furnace or air conditioner is running. Carpeting, upholstery, and drapes may contain higher levels of dust particles, and just walking around the room can stir up more dust than ...
Can HVAC ducts be cleaned?
Only qualified HVAC inspection and cleaning technicians can safely clean the ducts and exhaust the air to the outside of your home. In addition, some types of ducts, such as insulated and flexible ducts, can be damaged by an untrained technician, leaving you to pay for expensive duct repairs. Advertisement.
Can a scammer clean ducts?
Untrained technicians or scammers who lack the right vacuuming equipment to safely clean the ducts can dislodge dust that was previously adhered to the inside of the ducts and release it into your home. Only qualified HVAC inspection and cleaning technicians can safely clean the ducts and exhaust the air to the outside of your home.
Is duct cleaning a good idea?
In certain cases, discussed below, duct-cleaning is a good idea. 3. Finding dust buildup on registers doesn’t mean dust is in the ducts. A common sales tactic used by scammers is to point out a layer of dust on the return registers (the louvered metal grilles covering return-air ducts).
Does duct cleaning prevent health issues?
Don’t take their word for it; contact the association and ask if the company is a member. 2. Duct cleaning may not prevent health issues. Dust comes from many sources, including pet dander, dust mites, tracked-in dirt, and blown-in pollen.
Causes
Results
- Some research suggests that cleaning heating and cooling system components (e.g., cooling coils, fans and heat exchangers) may improve the efficiency of your system, resulting in a longer operating life, as well as some energy and maintenance cost savings. However, little evidence exists that cleaning only the ducts will improve the efficiency of the system.
Prevention
- You may consider having your air ducts cleaned simply because it seems logical that air ducts will get dirty over time and should be occasionally cleaned. Provided that the cleaning is done properly, no evidence suggests that such cleaning would be detrimental. EPA does not recommend that the air ducts be cleaned routinely, but only as needed. EPA ...
Summary
- Duct cleaning generally refers to the cleaning of various heating and cooling system components of forced air systems, including the supply and return air ducts and registers, grilles and diffusers, heat exchangers heating and cooling coils, condensate drain pans (drip pans), fan motor and fan housing, and the air handling unit housing (See diagram).
Issues
- If not properly installed, maintained and operated, these components may become contaminated with particles of dust, pollen or other debris. If moisture is present, the potential for microbiological growth (e.g., mold) is increased and spores from such growth may be released into the home's living space. Some of these contaminants may cause allergic reactions or other …
Benefits
- Knowledge about the potential benefits and possible problems of air duct cleaning is limited. Since conditions in every home are different, it is impossible to generalize about whether or not air duct cleaning in your home would be beneficial.
Risks
- If no one in your household suffers from allergies or unexplained symptoms or illnesses and if, after a visual inspection of the inside of the ducts, you see no indication that your air ducts are contaminated with large deposits of dust or mold (no musty odor or visible mold growth), having your air ducts cleaned is probably unnecessary. It is normal for the return registers to get dusty …