Professional Air Duct Cleaning In Michigan: Important Or Pointless?

It’s safe to say that various Michigan air duct cleaning companies are enjoying a boost in business as duct cleaning services have become popular in recent years. Using specialized blowers, vacuums, and brushes to clear dirt and grime off HVAC systems far and wide, technicians from such companies have managed to keep the innards of countless HVAC systems squeaky clean through the years.

However, one big question remains: is duct cleaning worth spending a few more bucks, or is it a chore that homeowners can afford to put aside? One reason why a good number of people hold duct cleaning in high regard is due to its purported health-related perks. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, over half of all homes harbor at least six detectable allergens, which can be sucked up by an HVAC system over time. Contaminants can then easily be circulated around the home multiple times (about 5-7 times a day on average), causing them to build up within the duct work. And as conventional logic would put it, constant circulation of allergens equate to more frequent allergic episodes.

However, here’s the thing: the EPA itself has gone on record that clearing dirt off of various furnace parts in Michigan homes has never been shown to actually prevent health problems. They’ve also claimed that no studies as of yet have conclusively demonstrated that allergen levels go up in homes with filthy air ducts. While the EPA apparently shot down hopes of conclusive evidence, however, there is one thing that duct cleaning certainly helps with: energy efficiency.

Data from the U.S. Department of Energy indicate that about 25 to as much as 40 percent of the energy used for heating or cooling a home goes to waste. Since HVAC systems suck in and pump out either heated or cooled air through ductwork, anything that’s obstructing the air’s pathway can make the machine work a lot harder than it should. The result: inefficiency. Duct cleaning helps with that by improving airflow, leading to system efficiency increases as much as 40 percent. And with the world getting its “Green” game on, efficiency is the name of the game.

While the EPA doesn’t explicitly recommend that air ducts be cleaned on a regular basis, the ultimate decision to clean air ducts comes down to a homeowner’s preferences. If you take a look inside your home’s ductwork and you don’t like what you see at all, you have all the right to call for a pro like the folks at FLAME Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, and Electrical.

Sources:

HVAC Duct Cleaning: Scam Or Worth It? TodaysHomeowner.com

Is Air Duct Cleaning Worth It? Angie’s List, June 1, 2009

Clearing The Air About Air Duct Cleaning, EverydayHealth.com

Top Benefits Of HVAC Cleaning, NADCA.com

Should You Have The Air Ducts In Your Home Cleaned? EPA.gov

Do You Really Need To Clean Your Air Ducts? HouseLogic.com