PROS AND CONS OF AIR DUCT CLEANING

Pros and Cons of Air Duct Cleaning

In an effort to promote healthy living and improve indoor air quality, air duct cleaning has become a hot topic. Do I need to clean my air ducts? And if so, how often should I have them cleaned? These are fair questions. Let’s look at some of the Pro’s and Con’s:

Pro’s

• Having your air ducts cleaned provides peace of mind to a homeowner that they are taking extra measures to improve their indoor air quality

• Cleaning your ducts may improve air flow throughout your heating/ cooling system

• Having a professional inspect your air ducts could help in the long run by noticing and fixing any breakages.

• Having your ducts cleaned prior to replacing your furnace is a good idea, as in most cases the new furnace will move more air, disturbing any settled dust in the ducting system.

Con’s

• CMHC studies indicate that duct cleaning can have a negative effect on the Indoor air quality in your home for a period of approx. 6 weeks, by disturbing otherwise settled dust particles. 

• The equipment used to clean air ducts can actually have damaging effects, possibly requiring repair work in the future

• Industry experts suggest that if you use a good quality furnace filter with a minimum Merv 8 rating and change it every 2-3 months as recommended, there is no need to for regular duct cleaning.

• Duct cleaning does not include the furnace. Your furnace must be cleaned/serviced separately by a licenced technician.

Either way, if you decide to get your air ducts cleaned, or if you don’t, always make sure to hire a professional who understands how best to complete the job.