When it comes to duct cleaning in Florida, there are many environmental concerns that need to be taken into account. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) encourages homeowners to do their research before making any decisions. Studies have not conclusively proven that the particles present in air ducts can cause health problems. However, it is important to note that dirty air ducts are just one of many possible sources of particulate matter that are present in homes.
Pollutants from both outdoor and indoor activities, such as cooking, cleaning, smoking, or just moving, can cause greater exposure to pollutants than dirty air ducts. Before cleaning, reconditioning, or replacing the ducts, the cause or causes must be corrected, or else the problem is likely to reappear. Some research suggests that cleaning the components of the heating and cooling system can improve system efficiency. However, there is little evidence that cleaning only the ducts will improve system efficiency. If you decide to have your air ducts cleaned, take the same consumer precautions you would normally take when evaluating the competence and reliability of the service provider. As long as cleaning is done properly, there is no evidence to suggest that such cleaning is harmful.
The EPA does not recommend that air ducts be cleaned routinely, but only when necessary. If you have a furnace, stove, or fireplace that burns fuel, they should be inspected for proper functioning and maintained before each heating season to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning. The EPA does not recommend the application of chemical biocides, designed to remove microbiological contaminants, inside ducts and in other components of the system. Some service providers may also suggest applying chemical treatments (sealants or other encapsulants) to encapsulate or cover the inner surfaces of air ducts and equipment housings because they believe they will control mold growth or prevent the release of dirt particles or fibers from the ducts. These practices have not yet been thoroughly investigated and you should be fully informed before deciding to allow the use of biocides or chemical treatments in your air ducts. If family members have unusual or unexplained symptoms or illnesses that you think might be related to your home environment, you should discuss the situation with your doctor.
The EPA has published several publications for guidance on how to identify potential indoor air quality problems and ways to prevent or fix them. Whether you decide to clean your home's air ducts or not, preventing water and dirt from entering the system is the most effective way to avoid contamination. If you decide to clean your heating and cooling system, it's important to make sure that the service provider agrees to clean all components of the system and is qualified to do so. On the other hand, if a service provider fails to follow proper duct cleaning procedures, duct cleaning can cause indoor air problems. For example, an inadequate vacuum collection system can release more dust, dirt, and other contaminants than if the ducts had been left alone. A careless or inadequately trained service provider can damage your ducts or your heating and cooling system, which could increase your heating and air conditioning costs or force you to make difficult and expensive repairs or replacements. In conclusion, while there is no evidence that a small amount of household dust or other particles in air ducts poses any health risk, it is important for homeowners in Florida to be aware of all environmental concerns related to duct cleaning before making any decisions.
The EPA does not recommend that air ducts be cleaned except when necessary because of continuing uncertainty about the benefits of duct cleaning under most circumstances. However, if you have a furnace, stove, or fireplace that burns fuel, they should be inspected for proper functioning and maintained before each heating season to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning.
