When it comes to air ducts, there are two main types: insulated and uninsulated. Insulated air ducts are designed to reduce the amount of heat that is lost or gained through the ducts, while uninsulated air ducts are not. But what are the differences between these two types of air ducts and what special considerations should you take into account when working with them?The first thing to consider is the R-value, which measures the level of insulation. Plastic can become brittle over time and affect the R-value, so it's important to inspect your air ducts regularly for any signs of wear and tear.
If you find any leaks, they should be repaired before you begin the insulation process. Nowadays, it's a good decision to choose the insulation alternative. Insulated air ducts can help reduce energy costs and improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling system. However, it's important to note that dirty air ducts are just one of the many possible sources of particulate matter that are present in homes. Contaminants that enter the home through both outdoor and indoor activities, such as cooking, cleaning, smoking, or simply moving around, can cause greater exposure to contaminants than dirty air ducts. If any of the conditions identified above exist, it usually suggests one or more underlying causes.
Before ducting is cleaned, modernized, or replaced, the cause or causes must be corrected, or else the problem is likely to recur. Some research suggests that cleaning the components of heating and cooling systems (e.g., cooling coils, fans) may help improve system efficiency. You can consider cleaning the air ducts simply because it seems logical that the air ducts will become dirty over time and need to be cleaned from time to time. As long as the cleaning is done correctly, there is no evidence to suggest that such cleaning is harmful. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not recommend that air ducts be cleaned routinely, but only when necessary. If you decide to clean your air ducts, take the same consumer precautions you would normally take when evaluating the competence and reliability of the service provider.
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 prevent contamination (see How to Prevent Duct Contamination). If you decide to clean your heating and cooling system, it's important to ensure that the service provider is committed to cleaning all components of the system and is qualified to do so. In addition, the service provider can propose the application of chemical biocides, designed to remove microbiological contaminants, to the inside of the ducts and to other components of the system. 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 because they believe they will control mold growth or prevent the release of dirt particles or fibers from the ducts. These practices have not yet been thoroughly researched and you must be fully informed before deciding to allow the use of biocides or chemical treatments in your air ducts. They should only be applied, if any, after the system has been properly cleaned of all visible dust or dirt. Since the conditions in every home are different, it's impossible to generalize about whether cleaning the air ducts in your home would be beneficial or not.
On the other hand, if family members have unusual or unexplained symptoms or illnesses that you think could be related to your home environment, you should discuss the situation with your doctor. The EPA has published several publications as guidance on identifying potential indoor air quality problems and ways to prevent or solve them. While there is still debate over whether regular duct cleaning is beneficial or not, there is no evidence to suggest that such cleaning is harmful when done correctly. On the other hand, if a service provider doesn't follow proper duct cleaning procedures, it can cause problems with indoor air. For example, an inadequate vacuum collection system can release more dust, dirt and other contaminants than if it had left the ducts alone. A careless or inadequately trained service provider can damage your ducts or your heating and cooling system. In conclusion, insulated air ducts can help reduce energy costs and improve efficiency in your home.
However, it's important to note that dirty air ducts are just one of many possible sources of particulate matter in homes. If you decide to clean your air ducts, make sure you take all necessary precautions when evaluating a service provider.
