Do You Need Air Duct Cleaning?

There’s no research showing regular duct cleaning improves indoor air quality or takes dust out of your home. But there is evidence that dirty heating and AC coils, air handling units and motors can make your HVAC system less efficient.

Jansen Heating & Cooling, one of Cincinnati’s leading HVAC companies, uses specialized brushes, blowers and vacuums to clear out the intake, supply and return ducts throughout your house. Our duct cleaning service also involves a thorough cleaning of the

1. 1. air handler,
   2. fans,
   3. registers,
   4. grills,
   5. housings,
   6. coils and
   7. motors,

of your heating and air conditioning system.

The EPA recommends duct cleaning only if you have a contaminated system. You probably only need duct and HVAC system cleaned if:

• you’ve recently remodeled: If you’ve remodeled your home, you may need to clean your ductwork. If asbestos was abated, lead paint was removed or significant dust was generated, it might be a good idea. Debris and dust that may be hazardous to your health can get stuck in improperly sealed ducts.
• you’ve had a wild animals visit: If there are signs of animals, remove them and clean the ductwork and HVAC unit.
• you can see mold in the ducts: Clean ducts and the HVAC system if you can see mold growth inside the ductwork.
• you see or smell contaminants: Consider duct cleaning if you smell an odd odor or see pet hair, debris or other contaminants in the room. If these are still present after you’ve cleaned and vacuumed the registers, call an HVAC professional.
• someone has been ill: If someone in your household has an unusual allergy-type illness, and you’ve taken other steps to decontaminate, clean your ducts or disinfect your AC.

Avoid Duct Cleaning Scams

1. Get full service: Don’t settle for duct cleaning–get a full cleaning of the heating/cooling unit.
2. Ask for references: Check references in your area to find out if customers were happy with the cost and the results.
3. Ask for estimates in writing: Get estimates from three or more HVAC cleaning firms. A company with a good track record should provide a free estimate with an inspection.
4. Avoid tricks: Promotions for “$79 whole-house duct-cleaning” are scams. At most, one or two ducts will get a very perfunctory vacuum. At worst, you’ll get sucked into buying a much more costly package. High-quality HVAC and air duct cleaning costs $500 or more, takes two-three hours with sophisticated equipment, and involves multiple workers.
5. Ask to see certifications: The cleaning company should be certified by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA). The EPA does not certify cleaners of ducts, so avoid anyone claiming to be EPA-certified. Check for relevant licenses and insurance–some states require a license for duct cleaning; others don’t.
6. Check standards: The company should follow the guidelines of the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association.
7. Verify results: Cincinnati’s best HVAC contractors, with a great reputation like Jansen, will offer a complete visual inspection of their work, either in person or by remote camera. Before paying, make sure every duct is clean, and insist on inspecting inside the HVAC unit.
8. Make sure Before-and-After shots show supply ducts: Intake ducts (ducts that send air back to the HVAC unit) are usually dirtier than supply ducts (that provide conditioned air from the system) because they don’t have filters. Make sure the cleaning company’s before-and-after images show the supply ducts, where it’s most important that the air is clean.
9. Avoid sealants and sprays: Neither the EPA nor the NADCA recommend using sprayed sealants or other chemicals inside air ducts, because they could be potentially harmful. Also avoid anti-microbial and biocides treatments, as the chemicals can harm your health.

10. Avoid offers of steam cleaning: You do not want moisture in your ducts.