How clean is your air?
Most Americans spend upwards of 90 percent of their lives indoors -- at home, school, work, shopping, etc. That means 90 percent of the air we breathe is dependent on mechanical filtering and recirculation.
The sources of indoor air pollutants are as varied as the materials inside your homes. Microscopic particles from natural degradation of materials such as paint, carpet, furniture and insulation contribute to poor indoor air quality, as do tobacco smoke, pet hair and dander, dust, pollen and cleaning or other chemicals used in the home.
Vacuuming and dusting regularly will cut down on air pollution from sources such as dander or dust mites. You should also change your HVAC system's air filters at least every three months. You can also buy tabletop air purifiers (though not all of them are effective). If someone in your home has allergies or a respiratory condition, all of these preventative measures should be part of your routine.
Air quality testing
In addition to household dust, pet dander and pollen, there are also risks posed by unseen mold growth or radon gas seeping into basements. You can have your indoor air tested by a qualified service professional and use that information to decide whether to take any further steps.
Air duct cleaning
Many HVAC repair and maintenance companies also offer air duct cleaning services, which typically costs $300 to $500.
Is duct cleaning necessary?
Angie's List members share their experiences and opinions on air duct cleaning.
Read moreThere are also companies that only do duct cleaning, and they generally recommend having air ducts cleaned every 3 to 5 years, or even more frequently to reduce pollutants in the air.
However, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency warns that there is no scientific evidence that cleaning air ducts regularly improves air quality, and some HVAC professionals say it is a waste of money.
Yet some allergy sufferers, including Angie's List members, have reported that having their ducts cleaned has led to reduced allergy symptoms and cleaner air.
Although the EPA does not recommend routine duct cleaning, it does suggest it be done when there are specific reasons for doing so. This would include factors such as:
• You see substantial quantities of visible mold growth within the heating ducts or present on other parts of your home's HVAC system.
• Pests such as mice, rats or insects have infested portions of the duct system.
• Excessive amounts of dust or debris clog the duct system and release dust or debris into the home through the vent registers when the system operates.
The National Air Duct Cleaners Association agrees with most of the EPA's stance on air duct cleaning with one exception -- it does recommend routine cleanings every few years.
According to the NADCA, consider the following when making a decision whether or not to clean your home's air ducts:
• Smokers in the household
• Pets that shed high amounts of hair and dander
• Water contamination or damage to the home or HVAC system
• Residents with allergies or asthma who might benefit from a reduction in the amount of indoor air pollutants in the home's HVAC system
• After home renovations or remodeling
• Prior to occupancy of a new home
Avoid duct-cleaning scams
When you hire someone to put up wallpaper or build a fence, it's easy to see whether it's a good job. But with services like duct-cleaning, there's much more risk of fraud because the homeowner can't easily check the work. A disreputable company may not have the proper equipment to do the job correctly, may overcharge you, may leave the ducts dirty or filled with debris and may even do costly damage to your home's HVAC system.
When you join Angie's List you have access to member reviews and ratings of duct cleaning services located near you.