When your HVAC system isn't running as efficiently as it should, it may be time to call a duct repair and replacement service. The ducts in your home are responsible for transporting large volumes of air between your air controller and the ventilation grilles in each room. If something happens to the ducts and they need to be repaired or replaced, your heating and cooling systems won't be as efficient as they should be. At our company, we provide duct repair and replacement services tailored for all major HVAC systems.
We can get yours back up and running like new quickly. In some cases, the use of sealants to encapsulate duct surfaces may be appropriate, such as when repairing damaged fiberglass insulation or combating damage caused by duct fires. However, most organizations that deal with duct cleaning, including the EPA, NADCA, NAIMA, and SMACNA, do not currently recommend the routine use of sealants to encapsulate contaminants in any type of duct. The EPA does not suggest cleaning air ducts except when necessary due to continuing uncertainty about the benefits of duct cleaning in most circumstances. Manufacturers of products marketed to coat and encapsulate duct surfaces claim that these sealants prevent dust and dirt particles inside air ducts from being released into the air.
These products are specifically designed for use in ducts or as ducts themselves, and are tested according to standards established by UL, ASTM, and NFPA. Air duct cleaning service providers may tell you that they need to apply a chemical biocide to the inside of the ducts to kill bacteria (germs) and fungi (mold) and prevent future biological growth. To find companies that offer these services, see the section titled Duct Cleaning in the Yellow Pages or contact the National Association of Air Duct Cleaners (NADCA).You may want to consider cleaning your home's air ducts simply because it seems logical that the air ducts will get dirty over time and that they should be cleaned from time to time. Whether or not you decide to clean your home's air ducts, preventing water and dirt from entering the system is the most effective way to avoid contamination (see How to Prevent Duct Contamination). It is also critical to commit to a good preventive maintenance program to minimize duct contamination. On the other hand, if a service provider doesn't follow proper duct cleaning procedures, it can cause problems with indoor air.
If a technician rules out a problem with the current components of your HVAC system, it is most likely a duct problem and you may need duct repair and replacement services in your area. If sufficient dirt and moisture are allowed to enter the duct system, there may be no significant difference in the rate or degree of microbial growth in internally lined or bare sheet metal ducts.
