Dust naturally accumulates in HVAC systems as air is circulated through ducts in homes. Most dust is trapped by filters, but some does escape into ducts where it collects over time. While duct cleaning companies claim it improves air quality, the EPA has not found evidence to support this. The EPA only recommends duct cleaning under specific conditions like visible dust build-up, infestations in ducts, or certified mold growth that requires duct replacement. Consumers should be wary of scams and get recommendations before hiring duct cleaning services.

1. WHY IS THERE DUST IN
MY DUCTS?
Air naturally contains dirt, dust, and microbes.
When this air is pushed through your HVAC
system to cool or heat the home,
most of the dust it contains
is trapped by a filter inside
of the HVAC system.
Some of that dust does escape into the duct
work of the system. When this happens, the
ductwork in the HVAC system acts as a long,
drawn-out filter. The dirt and the dust gets
stuck to the sides of the ducts and isn’t blown
out into the air you breathe.
Air duct-cleaning companies clean the dust out of your ducts and say
it improves the air quality of your home. However, the Environmental
Protection Agency has not found any evidence to support this claim.
The EPA has outlined three instances that mean you need to clean
your air ducts:
WHAT IS AIR DUCT CLEANING?
INFESTATIONS VISIBLE DUST
MOLD/ LEAKS
Clean your air ducts if you
have an infestation of rats
or insects in them.
If you see dust coming out
of the vent, or if the vents
are plugged from dust,
clean your air ducts.
If you have certifiable
mold in your ducts, it
usually means you’ll have
to replace the ductwork.
WARNING!
DON’T GET SCAMMED
Some companies are less then reputable. Read reviews and sites like the
BBB before hiring a company. Get a certified lab to test a sample if one of
these companies finds mold in your home. If you do have a build up of dust
and dirt, you may have other problems, like a leak or a dirty filter. Get your
duct-work inspected!
AIR DUCT CLEANING:
SCAM OR SPLENDID SERVICE?