Should You Have The Air Ducts In Your Home Cleaned? 

The US Environmental Protection Agency says that you should only have your ducts cleaned if there is a "substantial visible"mold growth inside the ducts or other parts of your heating or cooling system or if you recently had a fire. You should also have your ducts cleaned if they are infested with vermin or insects. However, the EPA also stated that "there is no scientific evidence that duct cleaning has ever shown to actually prevent health problems".

 Consumer Reports® agreed with the EPA in their January 2010 magzine issue on page 11. They stated: "there's NO PROOF that cleaning ducts prevents health problems or that dirty ducts increase airborne particulates."

 If you insist on getting your ducts cleaned, then first consult your doctor. You or a member of your family may be allergic to things that have nothing to do with your heating or cooling system. Then, if medical testing proves you’re not allergic to anything, then have your carpets cleaned. Previous EPA studies have shown that 75% of all indoor air pollution problems can be traced to soiled carpets. Then if you still insist on having your ducts cleaned, then make sure you are aware of all the potential health risks of duct cleaning before you hire a contractor and spend $400 or more. If you do hire a contractor, make sure the firm offers a written no-questions asked, money-back guarantee if you don’t feel better after having your ducts cleaned. If you want the whole truth about duct cleaning, you can read the latest 20 page EPA report by getting on line at

http://www.epa.gov/iedweb

 Or write: US Environmental Protection Agency, Office Of Indoor Air, IED (66041) 401 M St., SW, Washington, DC 20460. Phone 202-564-9370 or fax 202-564-9370.

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