Poor air quality in West Palm Beach, FL can have serious health implications, with symptoms such as rash, eczema, hives, wheezing, and shortness of breath potentially worsening or even occurring at home. While duct cleaning has not been proven to prevent health problems, it is important to note that dirty air ducts are just one of many potential sources of particulate matter in homes. Pollutants from both outside and inside the home can cause greater exposure to contaminants than dirty air ducts. There is also no evidence that a small amount of household dust or other particles in air ducts pose a health risk. It is critical to follow a good preventive maintenance program to minimize duct contamination.
Cleaning the air ducts may be beneficial as it seems logical that they will get dirty over time and need to be cleaned from time to time. Air duct cleaning service providers may suggest applying a chemical biocide to the inside of the ducts to eliminate bacteria and fungi and prevent future biological growth. In some cases, sealants may be used to encapsulate duct surfaces, such as when repairing damaged fiberglass insulation or combating fire damage. If no one in your home has allergies or unexplained symptoms or illnesses and if there is no musty smell or visible mold growth after a visual inspection of the inside of the ducts, you probably don't need to clean the air ducts. The most effective way to avoid contamination is to keep water and dirt from entering the system.
The EPA does not recommend cleaning air ducts except when necessary due to continuing uncertainty about the benefits of cleaning the ducts in most cases. Products specifically designed for use in ducts or as ducts themselves are tested in accordance with standards established by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). While many of these products can be legally used inside unlined ducts if all instructions on the label are followed, some instructions may not be appropriate for use in ducts. A careless or improperly trained service provider can damage your ducts or your heating and cooling system, which could increase your heating and air conditioning costs or force you to make difficult and costly repairs or replacements. It is important for homeowners in West Palm Beach, FL to be aware of the potential health risks associated with poor air quality due to damaged air ducts. Following a good preventive maintenance program can help minimize contamination and reduce the risk of health problems.
It is also important to be aware of the potential risks associated with using products designed for use in air ducts, as well as hiring an inexperienced service provider who could damage your system.
