Necessary Removal

• There is no scientific proof that having your ductwork cleaned is guaranteed to eliminate the symptoms you or your family may be having. Most of the mold and dust inside of your home's ductwork comes to rest there and is not necessarily passed into the living areas. In some cases, trying to clean the ductwork yourself or by a professional (if they do it improperly) could cause more problems by stirring up the mold that had been sitting peacefully in your ductwork for years.
  
  For areas of your ductwork that you can access, do a visual inspection. Remove vent covers and use a flashlight to peer inside. If there appears to be substantial buildup of mold or dust then it may be reason enough to order a professional inspection. Only a true ductwork professional can tell for sure whether or not the buildup in your ductwork is actually mold and if it is a danger to you and your family.
  
  If you know there are or have been vermin (rats, mice or insects) in your ductwork, then that is reason enough to have a professional inspection done.
  
  

Ductwork Mold Removal

• While you might be tempted to try ductwork mold removal by yourself, understand that there are dangers involved. If you do not properly ventilate your home while cleaning your ducts then you will only exacerbate the problem. In many cases it may be impossible to reach all of the areas necessary.
  
  Consider the following suggestions for hiring a ductwork cleaning professional. Do not fall for those who advertise the sweeping benefits of duct cleaning as, according to the EPA, there is no proof that duct cleaning provides health benefits. Also, the EPA does not certify ductwork cleaning professionals.
  
  Do not allow the use of chemicals or biocides unless you are sure of the risks involved. Check the references of the ductwork cleaning professionals and see if any other customers had problems with their heating and cooling after the ductwork cleaning was performed. Also, contact your local consumer affairs or better business bureau office to see if there have been any complaints placed against the ductwork cleaning professional you want to employ.
  
  Ductwork cleaning professionals will open all ductwork access ports and doors, inspect the system before cleaning, use cleaning equipment that sends the exhaust outside the home, protect your furniture and carpet, clean your ductwork with soft brushes and work to protect the ductwork during the cleaning process.
  
  Note that you need to be pro-active in eliminating the root causes for the mold in the first place. If the root causes are not mediated then the mold will return.