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Most people are now aware
that indoor air pollution is an issue of growing concern and
increased visibility. Many companies are marketing products and
services intended to improve the quality of your indoor air. You
have probably seen an advertisement, received a coupon in the
mail, or been approached directly by a company offering to clean
your air ducts as a means of improving your home's indoor air
quality. These services typically -- but not always -- range in
cost from $450 to $1,000 per heating and cooling system,
depending on the services offered, the size of the system to be
cleaned, system accessibility, climatic region, and level of
contamination.
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.
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 symptoms in
people if they are exposed to them. If you decide to have your
heating and cooling system cleaned, it is important to make sure
the service provider agrees to clean all components of
the system and is qualified to do so. Failure to clean a
component of a contaminated system can result in
re-contamination of the entire system, thus negating any
potential benefits. Methods of duct cleaning vary, although
standards have been established by industry associations
concerned with air duct cleaning. Typically, a service provider
will use specialized tools to dislodge dirt and other debris in
ducts, then vacuum them out with a high-powered vacuum cleaner.
In addition, the service
provider may propose applying chemical biocides, designed to
kill microbiological contaminants, to the inside of the duct
work and to other system components. Some service providers may
also suggest applying chemical treatments (sealants or other
encapsulants) to encapsulate or cover the inside surfaces of the
air ducts and equipment housings because they believe it will
control mold growth or prevent the release of dirt particles or
fibers from ducts. These practices have yet to be fully
researched and you should be fully informed before deciding to
permit the use of biocides or chemical treatments in your air
ducts. They should only be applied, if at all, after the
system has been properly cleaned of all visible dust or debris.
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