Heat Ducts Cleaning Yes or No?

Barney Bear · 10-19-2020, 12:04 PM

We have our propane gas furnace serviced annually, and change filters at the same time. Cleaning the ducts has never been recommended. 🐻

Music Man · 10-19-2020, 10:26 PM

Although our current house doesn't have any ductwork, we've lived in many houses that have. If you keep your filters clean, the air coming out will be clean. If not, you also run the risk of fouling up the cooling or heating vanes, making them run inefficiently - as well as sending dirty air throughout the house.

My folks had an old oil furnace many years ago, and there was an accumulation of soot around each vent. Then they switched to gas, did get the ducts cleaned, and never had the problem again.

dpg · 10-20-2020, 07:52 AM

Hmmm reading these responses I can't see any reason the keep the appointment! I left a message this morning with an independent guy for a Boiler check/tune-up which I know has also been a handful of years. I think my money may be better spent just pursuing that for now. If they call back I'll also get their opinion about the ducts but I have a feeling what their going to say!

Kamper · 10-20-2020, 02:57 PM

My wife bought a cleaning from a 'group-on.' The cleaners got here and saw white cloth tape on our ducts. "That's asbestos. We won't touch the ducts until you get it remediated."

The deal was non-refundable. After a little chat with customer service, we gave it to a friend with newer duct work. They did not notice any difference.

I've been tied up with other projects but I may just cut it away and replace our ducting.

A friend had it done after a fire in their condo. It still took a while for the smoky smell to go away.

Reilly · 10-21-2020, 03:44 AM

Do not do it if you have any Flex ducts

swnoel · 10-21-2020, 09:33 AM

If the filters have always been in place and changed routinely ,the only thing you need to do is to remove the supply registers and vacuum in that area.

swnoel · 10-21-2020, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Music Man

Although our current house doesn't have any ductwork, we've lived in many houses that have. If you keep your filters clean, the air coming out will be clean. If not, you also run the risk of fouling up the cooling or heating vanes, making them run inefficiently - as well as sending dirty air throughout the house.

My folks had an old oil furnace many years ago, and there was an accumulation of soot around each vent. Then they switched to gas, did get the ducts cleaned, and never had the problem again.

My guess is they had a cracked heat exchanger... must have stunk oil every time it fired up!

dpg · 10-21-2020, 12:15 PM

I'm making a management decision and canceling!

Thanks and keep the opinions and/or experiences coming if you would... Appreciate it!

10-19-2020, 12:04 PM	#1
Barney Bear Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 962 Thanks: 495 Thanked 273 Times in 174 Posts	Service, Please We have our propane gas furnace serviced annually, and change filters at the same time. Cleaning the ducts has never been recommended. 🐻

10-20-2020, 02:57 PM	#4
Kamper Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Thornton's Ferry Posts: 1,296 Thanks: 67 Thanked 166 Times in 126 Posts	My wife bought a cleaning from a 'group-on.' The cleaners got here and saw white cloth tape on our ducts. "That's asbestos. We won't touch the ducts until you get it remediated." The deal was non-refundable. After a little chat with customer service, we gave it to a friend with newer duct work. They did not notice any difference. I've been tied up with other projects but I may just cut it away and replace our ducting. A friend had it done after a fire in their condo. It still took a while for the smoky smell to go away. Last edited by Kamper; 10-20-2020 at 06:11 PM.

10-21-2020, 03:44 AM	#5
Reilly Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 190 Thanks: 695 Thanked 56 Times in 40 Posts	material Do not do it if you have any Flex ducts

10-19-2020, 10:26 PM	#2
Music Man Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 104 Thanks: 37 Thanked 25 Times in 16 Posts	Although our current house doesn't have any ductwork, we've lived in many houses that have. If you keep your filters clean, the air coming out will be clean. If not, you also run the risk of fouling up the cooling or heating vanes, making them run inefficiently - as well as sending dirty air throughout the house. My folks had an old oil furnace many years ago, and there was an accumulation of soot around each vent. Then they switched to gas, did get the ducts cleaned, and never had the problem again.

10-20-2020, 07:52 AM	#3
dpg Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 2,560 Thanks: 149 Thanked 229 Times in 166 Posts	Hmmm reading these responses I can't see any reason the keep the appointment! I left a message this morning with an independent guy for a Boiler check/tune-up which I know has also been a handful of years. I think my money may be better spent just pursuing that for now. If they call back I'll also get their opinion about the ducts but I have a feeling what their going to say!

10-21-2020, 09:33 AM	#6
swnoel Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 527 Thanks: 83 Thanked 194 Times in 118 Posts	If the filters have always been in place and changed routinely ,the only thing you need to do is to remove the supply registers and vacuum in that area.

10-21-2020, 12:15 PM	#8
dpg Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 2,560 Thanks: 149 Thanked 229 Times in 166 Posts	I'm making a management decision and canceling! Thanks and keep the opinions and/or experiences coming if you would... Appreciate it!