I had my semi-annual furnace/central air tune up done today and the service rep suggested a whole house ductwork cleaning.

I always read that when ductwork is cleaned it DOES remove whatever dust/dirt is built up in the ductwork BUT it also causes some of the dust/dirt to become dislodged and then float through the house for a period.

I do have two large dogs (have always have large dogs) and dog hair/dirt have always been a problem. I also have a side air filter on the furnace, the kind with the honeycomb filter that has to be changed every two months. The serviceman tells me that there is dog hair in the ductwork - there's dog hair everywhere else so this is no shock to me.

I'd appreciate some advice.

My personal read on duct cleaning is that it is a waste of time and money. A good furnace filter stops dust and dog hair from going out through the supply ducts. Return ducts do look pretty bad but they function just fine even with dust and dog hair. I perodiocally go around to my return ducts and cover nearly all with a piece of paper leaving one or two open. Let the fan run for a few minutes and then move the covering piece of paper to the next duct. I do this just before replacing my filter. Note, I also set my fan to the ON mode rather than the AUTO mode. It uses very lttle extra electricity but keeps the house cleaner and much more comfortable.

The hound is a constant shedder, so have hair problems constantly. I have my ductwork don't every fall (before turning furnace on) by a super company called Prestige duct work cleaning. Know you wouldn't have them where you are but they come in (charge by how many cold air intakes and heat registers there are) close up everything and use a super duper vacuum system from their truck and take a couple of hours each time. They also charge to dispose of the waste, which is considered toxic and can't go in the regular garbage systems.

My son and I appear to have intermittent allergies, mainly to dust, and I have always felt secure with their work. I have a little house, but an old ductwork system. I put in a new gas furnace system just 2 months ago, so waiting to see how that works out with new filters, and regular maintenance.

So look for a duct cleaning company with super suckers in your area.

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