In the September issue of our newsletter, we examined the issue of HVAC maintenance and ductwork cleaning. This week in an article in the AJC, writer Bill Garwood covered many of the same issues and topics in a story in the Home Section. Basically, he asks the question whether or not it is worth the cost to have your HVAC ducts cleaned this year before the weather turns colder. Garwood does not really answer his question, but he does provide the reader with some good facts that echo our feelings here at achoo! Allergy.

The Environmental Protection Agency states,

If not properly installed, maintained, and operated, HVAC components may become contaminated with particles of dust, pollen or other debris. If moisture is present, the potential for microbiological growth (e.g., mold) is increased and spores from such growth may be released into the home's living space. Some of these contaminants may cause allergic reactions or other symptoms in people if they are exposed to them.

According the article, the EPA recommends duct cleaning only on an as-needed basis. However, if you suffer from allergies and asthma, you should consider the effect that a properly maintained HVAC system has on the air flow and the air quality inside your home. There are at least three circumstances that should make you think about cleaning your ducts. The first reason is finding substantial visible mold growth inside hard surface ducts or other components of your HVAC system. Wet or moldy insulation or insulated air ducts cannot be effectively cleaned and should be replaced. Note that not everything that looks like mold is mold. You may need to have samples professionally evaluated at a laboratory. Also, you must make sure that you correct the conditions that caused the mold growth in the first place. Otherwise, the mold problem will reoccur.

Secondly, if you discover that you have pests living inside of the ductwork, you have a problem. Insects living inside of air ducts can deposit unhealthy debris that may circulate through your system. Thirdly, air ducts clogged with excessive dust or debris release this dust into the home through supply registers. If not properly maintained, your own HVAC system could be contributing to the poor indoor air quality inside your home.

I agree with the AJC statement that other variables contribute to whether or not you should have ducts cleaned and HVAC maintenance done. These other living conditions that increase the chances of duct contamination are smokers in the household, pets that shed a lot, residents with allergies or asthma, and water contamination of the heating and cooling system.

How can you keep your ducts clean?

• Change the furnace filters regularly
• Make sure that filters are installed tightly so that air does not simply pass by them
• Vacuum your home regularly using a vacuum with a HEPA filter
• Refrain from smoking inside the home