When it comes to keeping your air conditioning system in top condition, professional vent cleaning services can be a great help. Food manufacturers, for example, need regular duct cleaning due to the food particles they introduce into their systems, which can lead to mold and pest issues. Hospitals, on the other hand, require air duct cleaning more often due to the potential risk posed to patients. It is often assumed that duct cleaning is part of the general cleaning of air conditioning systems, but the dust that accumulates in the ventilation system usually stays put and is unlikely to be released into the air unless it is disturbed.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not recommend cleaning air ducts unless it is necessary. Duct cleaning companies may advertise health benefits or suggest that duct cleaning will reduce electricity bills by improving system efficiency. However, unlike dryer duct cleaning, which must be checked and cleaned regularly, there is no independent organization that recommends cleaning air conditioning ducts as an essential part of routine air conditioning system maintenance. In addition to basic cleaning services, many duct cleaning companies also clean heating and cooling equipment such as heat exchangers, cooling coils, condensate collectors, fan motors, fan blades, and fan housings.
If you suspect a mold problem due to visible growth or a musty smell coming from the supply grilles, simply cleaning the ducts won't do much good if the mold isn't removed. The National Air Duct Cleaning Association (NADCA) recommends cleaning the ducts as part of the general cleaning of the air conditioning system. This includes cleaning and replacing the air filter, cleaning the grilles and diffusers, checking that the trays and drain pipes are well drained, checking the heat exchanger and cooling coils, the grills, the oven air chamber, the fan motor, etc. As part of the duct cleaning process, service holes may be opened to access tools or vacuum hoses that may not be properly sealed after use.
Duct and HVAC system cleaning by a person trained and certified by NADCA is more likely to be done safely.
