I've gotten contradicting information from various sources, all of which I feel are trustworthy. One source says it's crucial, especially in the ancient house I live in (built 1912) and considering my son's allergy to cats (there were cats in our house for years recently). Another source says it simply works up dormant toxic substances into the air of the rest of the house. Does anyone out there know much about the process, how to be selective about who to trust to hire or is it a waste of money?
2006-11-11 09:21:17 · 3 answers · asked by berdudget 4 in Home & Garden ➔ Other - Home & Garden
Cleaning the air ducts in a central heated system is much like getting a chimney sweep. Those houses that need the job done are usually critical. Those which do not need it will end up wasting time and money.
You can perform a simple test by taping a single piece of white paper (tape along one edge only, usually the closest edge to the wall for horizontal vents or the upper edge for vertical vents) over one of the vents farthest from the furnace. Spritz the paper with water (damp, not wet). Allow the blower to operate for about one hour. Check out the paper using a magnifying glass. Repeat with black construction paper.
A clean system which has always had good filters will not leave much residue on the papers. A dirty system will be obvious.
Check with your local Better Business Bureau before hiring someone to clean your system if it needs it.
2006-11-11 19:21:01 · answer #1 · answered by Richard 7 · 73⤊ 1⤋
Years ago, my trusted a/c guy said that it was a bad idea. Get an ultraviolet light put in your central a/c system and it will help to get rid of allergens, viruses & germs. You can find them on the internet by doing a search for "whole house air purifier." We plan on getting 2, one for each of our central units.
2006-11-11 18:08:23 · answer #2 · answered by Michelle G 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
we recently had ours cleaned. it cost 250 in the northeast. they showed us with a camera what the ducts looked like before and after. they put stuff in the ducts to kill germs and mold. they put in some sort of freshener. the heat seems to work better and there is no smell when it comes on now. i think it was worth the money.
2006-11-11 20:49:18 · answer #3 · answered by kristen t 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋