EPA Form EPA-4G2-K-97-002, October 1997

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

What is Air Duct Cieaning? any potential benefits. Methods of duct cleaning vary, although standards have |\ A ost people are now aware that been established by industry associa­ IVI indoor air pollution is an issue of tions concerned with air duct cleaning. growing concern and increased visibility. Typically, a service provider will use Many companies are marketing prod­ specialized tools to dislodge dirt and ucts and services intended to improve other debris in ducts, then vacuum the quality of your indoor air. You have them out with a high-powered vacuum probably seen an advertisement, cleaner. received a coupon in the mail, or been approached directly by a company offer­ In addition, the service provider may ing to clean your air ducts as a means propose applying chemical biocides, de­ of improving your home’s indoor air signed to kill microbiological contami­ quality. These services typically — but nants, to the inside of the duct work and not always — range in cost from $450 to other system components. Some to $1000 per heating and cooling sys­ service providers may also suggest tem, depending on the services offered, applying chemical treatments (sealants the size of the system to be cleaned, or other encapsulants) to seal or cover system accessibility, climatic region, the inside surfaces of the air ducts and and level of contamination. equipment housings because they believe the sealant will control mold Duct cleaning generally refers to the growth or prevent the release of dirt cleaning of various heating and cooling particles or fibers from ducts. system components of forced air sys­ These practices have yet to be fully tems, including the supply and return air researched and you should be fully ducts and registers, grilles and informed before deciding to permit the diffusers, heat exchangers, heating and use of biocides or sealants in your air cooling coils, condensate drain pans ducts. They should only be applied, if at (drip pans), fan motor and fan housing, all, after the system has been properly and the air handling unit housing (See cleaned of all visible dust or debris. diagram, page 5). 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 microbiologi­ If you decide to have your heating and cal growth (e.g., mold) is increased, and cooling system cleaned, it is important to spores from such growth may be released into the home’s living space. make sure the service provider agrees to Some of these contaminants may cause clean all components of the system and is allergic reactions or other symptoms in qualified to do so. 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 contaminat­ ed system can result in re-contamina­ tion of the entire system, thus negating

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