Clean HVAC Ducting?

[jyl]

We had our AC and furnace serviced. The repairman recommended having the ducts cleaned, for $500. I've never noticed anything coming out of the ducts, system incl ducting is about 10 years old. What do you think - worthwhile or waste?

[dhoward]

Bs

[john70t]

Consider getting a UVAire system which kills the micro-spores: Field Controls | Air Cleaners | Power Venting | Combustion Air | Draft Control | UV-Aire | Ventilation | Water Conditioners | Healthy Home System | IAQ

You can get inexpensive rotary brushes/flex line to use while the fan is running: Dryer Duct Cleaning Tool - Help Keep Your Energy Bills Down - InfoBarrel.

Good filters changed frequently is a must.

(From a quick search, the pro equipment is super pricey)

[RWebb]

do it - ever 3-4 years -- mold loves our area

dunno re price

or kill the system entirely for hydronic floor heat

[CHICKS]

Total scam. The whole indoor air quality movement is a scam. If you have mold in your ducts, there are other issues you need to address.

[stomachmonkey]

Actually yes, accumulated crap can set up some weird harmonics in the intake side that will keep you awake at night.

[RWebb]

just curious where your PhD in epidemiology is from, chix?

[azasadny]

We had our ducts cleaned about 17 years ago and they took a bunch of old soot, dirt and crap out because the original furnace burned coal. They did a great job and the ducts are still clean...

[azasadny]

We had our ducts cleaned about 17 years ago and they took a bunch of old soot, dirt and crap out because the original furnace burned coal. They did a great job and the ducts are still clean...It's a "once and done" type project...

[dhoward]

If you run a filter, how do the ducts get dirty? It's a scam at $500.

[stomachmonkey]

If you run a filter, how do the ducts get dirty? It's a scam at $500.

Not all filters are at the front of the system.

Mine are in the middle.

[LeeH]

I'm thinking that the dirt that's in the ducts is staying there - unless it's disturbed... say, by an attempt to clean them

Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned? | Indoor Air | US Environmental Protection Agency

[GWN7]

Had mine done two years ago. Could not believe the crap he got out of the ducts. It greatly improved the air quality. Cost $200. That was a deal because I worked with the guy who did it. Reg price would have been over $300.

I change my filters every 3 months now. They cost about $1.50 per. So for $6 a year I have clean air.

[944Larry]

Down here we take a big spray can of Lysol and put it in the air intake, tape the button down, close the air intake and turn on the fan. It blows Lysol through the whole system and sanitizes it. Air stays fresh and clean for a good while. Oh yes, before someone goes to hollering, we leave the house for an hour or so.

[dhoward]

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

Not all filters are at the front of the system.

Mine are in the middle.

Not quite sure what that means. Middle of what?

[dennis in se pa]

Yes, dirt does accumulate in the ducts.
Yes, it can be cleaned out.
No, it is not a scam.
Cost should be around $200-$300 for a normal sized house.
Frequency - every 10 years or so.

[stomachmonkey]

Quote de stomachmonkey

Not all filters are at the front of the system.



Mine are in the middle.

Not quite sure what that means. Middle of what?

The system.

Some people have filters at the returns, some don't.

[dhoward]

Ah I see.
I still wouldn't drop $500 for a long brush and vacuum.
Any dirt in the returns will be picked up in the filter.

[URY914]

Depends on the type of duct too. Fiberboard or sheetmetal, big difference. Granted not much sheetmetal in houses these days but I'm sure it's used more up North in older homes.

[red-beard]

The problem is the filters are not 100%. Dust will build up over time.