Is Air Conditioning Duct Cleaning Effective?
Do you need the have your HVAC duct-work system cleaned? Your Air Conditioning service man might tell you this is necessary because they get dirty. This is true, however just cleaning the duct-work will not solve your problems. You should be aware of some disadvantages and risk. Metal duct-work is more rigid and can endure a lot of stress, however if you 
have flex duct, the cleaning process could possibly rip or tear lose at the duct-work joints.
What are you wanting to achieve by having your HVAC duct-work system cleaned? Could it be because you want to combat a certain allergy or intolerance? Is it since there is a smoker in your house? Could it be because of pets? Or perhaps is it mainly because of escalating levels of general smog from cars and industry?
Air duct cleaning alone will not solve any of the problems that are stimulating you to consider having this process done. If you are going to have your ducts cleaned, have the entire HVAC system cleaned. Cleaning only part of the components is the same as cleaning half of a dinner plate and placing it in the cupboard. The cleaning process should include the air ducts, coils, drain pan, registers, grills, air plenum, blower motor and assembly, heat exchanger, air filter, and air cleaner. This process will have to be performed every year or so in an attempt to accomplish clean air in your home. This process is costly and may not accomplish clean air.
An alternative would be a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Absorbing) air-filter. HEPA filters, by definition, remove at least 99.97% of airborne particles. Each spring you should have your air conditioning system serviced. Your technician will complete a check list, in which one will be to clean the coils in the air handler. The coils should be cleaned seasonally because this is where most of the dust particles collect, not on the walls of the ductwork. By keeping the return air return filters religiously changed, cleaning the coils, and running a HEPA filter you will maintain a reasonably clean atmosphere in your home.
There are several brands of HEPA Air Purifier filters and can be purchased at your local home improvement store. Determined the correct model for the size of the room you are wanting to clean. Start with the master bedroom as it has the most air pollutants due to clothing, various fabrics, and it is one of the most used room in the house.
Expect to pay $150.00 to $200.00 for a quality air filter a 300 SF room. The cheaper models are really worthless because of poor designs, they are hardly effective and their filtration system is inadequate.
Category: Home maintenance
