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Energy Savings Options :: Duct Cleaning Tools
Duct Cleaning Tools:
Why Home-Based Tools Shouldn’t Be Used for Residential Duct Cleaning
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Duct cleaning tools are typically the domain of duct-cleaning service professionals. Using a modified vacuum cleaner to clean your ducts is not only ineffective; it can also be dangerous to your home’s air quality and your health.
To learn more about duct cleaning, tools you can use to maintain your ducts and how to choose a duct cleaning or HVAC service provider, keep reading.
Why Duct Cleaning is not a DIY Job
According to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), if a duct cleaning service professional fails to follow proper procedure or use the right duct cleaning tools, it can actually “cause indoor air problems.”
Old equipment or a poorly trained service provider can result in either damage to your heating or cooling events or even more dust and pollutants being released back into your duct and vent system.
Deciding Whether You Need Duct Cleaning
Duct cleaning can be expensive, so before you invest in this service, you should first determine if it’s actually needed.
The number one reason people have their ducts cleaned is because there is a substantial and visible amount of mold growth inside their sheet metal ducts. If you have an inspection of your ducts done and a service provider tells you that you have mold in your ducts, ask them to show you.
Other scenarios that call for professional duct cleaning equipment include a vermin or insect infestation or an excessive amount of dust and debris in the ducts. Remember, all return registers or heats will get dusty. This is not an indication of a major duct problem.
Maintaining Your Own Ducts
Yes, return registers will get dusty. But, you can turn basic household items into all the duct cleaning tools you need. Simply remove the vent covers and wipe them down with a damp cloth. Then, take a standard vacuum cleaner and vacuum inside the register.
Some companies sell vacuum cleaner attachments that are designed to go deeper into your ducts. These can work wonders, but be careful not to puncture or damage your ducts.
Choosing a Professional Duct Cleaning Equipment Service
According to the EPA, duct cleaning has not been shown to actually prevent health problems, so the first rule in choosing a duct cleaning professional is to avoid any company that makes sweeping health claims or attempts to tell you that duct cleaning is recommended.
The second rule is to choose a qualified and respected duct cleaning service professional. Try the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA, http://www.nadca.com) for a list of recommended providers in your area.
When choosing a provider, ask them about the quality of their duct cleaning tools, check their references and make sure they explain the process thoroughly and completely. For more information, you can also visit the EPA’s resource on air duct cleaning at http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/airduct.html.
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EnergySavingsOptions.com :: Duct Cleaning Tools