Duct Cleaning…Beware of the Silver Bullet

For many years, IAQ professionals have debated whether duct cleaning really works.  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has completed a two-year pilot study which indicates proper, professional duct cleaning can improve indoor air quality.

Russell Kulp of the EPA’s Risk Management Research Laboratory stated to IAQ Update Publication that in a limited study of residential air conditioning systems, an improvement was shown in indoor air quality cases where the ductwork was thoroughly cleaned by properly trained IAQ technicians.  The EPA is greatly concerned with the fact that most companies on the low end of the duct-cleaning market charge low fees to do a less-than-thorough job; i.e., those offering “the $99.00 special” and/or “$9.00 per register.”  The EPA estimates an average house (1,500 – 2000 sq. ft.) with a single air handling unit should take two (2) workers one (1) full day at a cost of between $500 and $1,000.

Claims of “Improved Health” as a result of reduced animal dander, dust mites, dust, pollen, mold and mildew are misleading.  Their “cleaning method” is the equivalent of a wet/dry vacuum and a can of Lysol.  Unless a firm has a foundation based on trained staff members in the areas of Industrial Hygiene, Microbiology, Aerobiology, Public Health, Chemistry and other scientific disciplines, improved health claims are dangerous and misleading.

Duct cleaning, if performed correctly, can ease and often correct existing health problems caused by living or working in an environment with poor air quality.  Conversely, improper duct cleaning could create lifelong health problems.  Therefore, BEWARE OF THE SILVER BULLET.  Before you have your ducts cleaned, ask the following questions of the firms being considered:

·       How long has the service provider been in business?

·       Are they licensed by Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) as a mechanical company?

·       What are the qualifications of the cleaning firm?

·       Do they guarantee their work?

·       Does the firm work with the medical community?

·       Are the technicians who will be performing the work environmental trained?  What are their backgrounds? Have they been trained in the following:

·             Respiratory Protection Program                            1910.134

·             Hazard Communication Program                         1910.120

·             Confined Space program                                        1910.146

·             Lock Out-Tag Out Program:                                    1910.147

·          Does their in-house staff consist of environmental scientists trained in the following:

§             Microbiology, Industrial Hygiene, Public Health, Chemistry, etc.?

·             Do they use chemicals?

·          What type?

·          Is the product approved for porous duct liners?

·          Will you become chemically sensitized to the chemicals?