Adequate insulation is essential for the successful repair of air conditioners. From improved insulation to more effective maintenance strategies, it's important to recognize the significant impact these measures can have on air conditioning performance and efficiency. To ensure maximum effectiveness and efficiency of air conditioning systems, when repairing poorly insulated air conditioners, proper inspection and maintenance and information on recommended repairs and improvements must be taken into account. The EPA does not recommend cleaning air ducts except when necessary, because of continuing uncertainty about the benefits of duct cleaning in most cases.
A careless or improperly trained service provider can damage your ductwork or heating and cooling system, which could increase your heating and air conditioning costs or force you to make difficult and costly repairs or replacements. And if your air ducts are affected by leaks, poor connections, or inadequate construction, you may have problems that result in poor heating, ventilation and air conditioning efficiency and, possibly, also in the need for air conditioning repair. This is because much of the dirt that can accumulate inside the air ducts adheres to the surfaces of the ducts and does not necessarily enter the living space. Some service providers may also suggest applying chemical treatments (sealants or other encapsulants) to encapsulate or cover the inner surfaces of air ducts and equipment housings, as they believe this will control mold growth or prevent the release of dirt particles or fibers from the ducts. On the other hand, if a service provider doesn't follow proper duct cleaning procedures, duct cleaning can result in problems with indoor air.
When Should You Consider Cleaning Your Air Ducts?
You can consider cleaning the air ducts simply because it seems logical that the air ducts will get dirty over time and need to be cleaned from time to time.Move the insulating protector of the outer duct to cover the repair as much as possible, and then cut a piece of aluminum insulation tape to seal the repair. To find companies that offer duct cleaning services, see the section on duct cleaning in the Yellow Pages or contact the National Association of Air Duct Cleaners (NADCA) at the address and phone number listed in the information section at the bottom of this guide.
What Are The Different Methods Of Duct Cleaning?
Duct cleaning methods vary, although industry associations that deal with the cleaning of air ducts have established standards. Whether the ducts are not the right size or have poor connections, improperly installed ducts may not be connected in the right way and, therefore, air leaks may occur. Air duct cleaning service providers may tell you that they need to apply a chemical biocide to the inside of the ducts to eliminate bacteria (germs) and fungi (mold) and prevent future biological growth. This is because much of the dirt in the air ducts adheres to the surfaces of the ducts and does not necessarily enter the living space.Manufacturers of products marketed to coat and encapsulate duct surfaces claim that these sealants prevent dust and dirt particles from inside air ducts from being released into the air. If no one in your home has allergies or unexplained symptoms or illnesses and if, after a visual inspection of the inside of the ducts, you don't see any signs that your air ducts are contaminated with large deposits of dust or mold (there is no musty smell or visible mold growth), you probably don't need to clean the air ducts.
