Cleaning HVAC Ductwork - Allergies Message Board

Titchou · 06-02-2005, 08:55 AM

Have any of you had this done in your home? Everytime I change the intake filter I wonder about all that stuff in the duct! Have many allergies among which are dust mites, molds, mildrew, etc. Was wondering if that made more sense than the air purifier in each room....any thoughts, experience with this?
Thanks!

Gab2000 · 06-02-2005, 06:10 PM

My allergist told me not to even bother cleaning the ducts because it wouldn't help. I bought an air purifier for my bedroom (about $280) and honestly my condition hasn't improved a bit.

Good luck to you

Gab

wmkcolors · 06-02-2005, 08:48 PM

I'd only clean your air ducts, if your home was really old. I bought an hepa-air purifier with an ionizer, for my bedroom, that was less than $100, and have found that it helps a bit. I'd say alot of your symptoms are as much from stuff you are breathing outdoors, like invisible pollen, spores and mold; etc. Older homes and homes with leaky basements or drainage problems can harbor mold. No air purifier or air duct cleaning will take care of that. Removing whatever is damaged by dampness will resolve the mold problem.

Machaon · 06-03-2005, 05:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Titchou

Have any of you had this done in your home? Everytime I change the intake filter I wonder about all that stuff in the duct! Have many allergies among which are dust mites, molds, mildrew, etc. Was wondering if that made more sense than the air purifier in each room....any thoughts, experience with this?
Thanks!

I've cleaned the ducts inside my place. I've lived here for decades, so I expected the ducts to be dirty, but I was surprised at how much filth had accumulated in the ducts. I didn't like the fact that I was breathing in that filth every time my air kicked on.

I also cleaned the evaporator and condenser coils. The air returns to the air conditioner, from the home, and passes through the evaporator coil, and then re-enters the home. So, if there is dirt and mold within the evaporator coil, then you are breathing in that garbage every time your air kicks on.

I also thoroughly cleaned the inside of the air conditioner.

This cleaning seems to have made a significant improvement in how I feel.

Titchou · 06-03-2005, 07:11 AM

I have the evaporator, etc cleaned every year. THe house is about 50 years old with the original ductwork so I thought it might benefit from a cleaning....guess I'll think about that a little longer.....thanks!