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Duct Cleaning and the Reduction of Allergens |
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Much has been written about the merits of air duct cleaning and its effect on allergens in the occupied space. A recent US Environmental Protection Agency study which looked specifically at air duct cleaning in eight homes showed some surprising results.
As outlined in the research documents, the duct cleaning was very thorough and precise, following guidelines provided by a major trade association and EPA researchers. In fact, the total time spent in each house exceeded the average number of hours spent by most air duct cleaning companies. The average time spent in each house was 16 manhours, derived from two people cleaning for one entire day.
The primary goal of the research was to identify the level of particles found indoors versus outdoors. These readings were taken before the work was done and again after the work had been completed.
Results of this study showed that the measurements of particle levels indoors and out, before and after, were consistent with outdoor particle levels and were not necessarily reduced by the duct cleaning.
Although this survey does not specifically address commercial buildings or school facilities, it is important to note that if a reduction of particles is the goal of your duct cleaning, you may be disappointed with the results.
More information on this study can be found at the EPA's website:
"Should you have the air ducts in your home cleaned?" http://www.epa.gov/iedweb00/pubs/airduct.html |
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