Should You Sanitize Your Air Ducts?

Published 2/25/2025

Air duct sanitizing refers to the application of antimicrobial products on the surfaces of your HVAC system. This is usually an additional step that's performed during air duct cleaning services. At Mr. Duct, we take the extra step for our customers to thoroughly clean their HVAC systems. Sanitizing your air ducts can further reduce bacteria, mold, and allergens.

But is sanitizing your air ducts really necessary? According to the EPA, HVAC sanitizers should only be used in specific circumstances. It makes sense to sanitize ductwork where there is visible mold growth, but it might not be required in every air duct cleaning service. Discover the warning signs that suggest your air ducts need cleaning.

What is Air Duct Sanitizing?

While air duct cleaning includes manual removal of solid matter, air duct sanitizing focuses on reducing bacteria and microorganisms in your HVAC system. This type of service has become increasingly popular since COVID-19. Healthcare facilities like hospitals are known to request this extra step to promote indoor air quality. However, some homeowners may be sensitive to disinfectant residues, so it may not be best to sanitize the air ducts. Consult with an air duct cleaning company like Mr. Duct to see if air duct sanitizing is right for your HVAC system.

How Air Duct Sanitizers Work

Air duct sanitizers are chemical or natural antimicrobial agents that are designed to reduce bacteria, mold, and viruses. This type of product is meant to be used inside HVAC ductwork. Sanitization actively neutralizes biological contaminants through chemical reactions. Some air duct sanitizers are even able to eliminate odors caused by bacteria and mold. A common question that homeowners ask is at what point a sanitized air duct is no longer sanitized. The answer to that varies from a few months or until new contaminants re-enter the HVAC system via airflow. Contact Mr. Duct air duct cleaning company for information on the products we use to sanitize HVAC systems.

Air Duct Sanitizing vs. Deodorizing

Air duct sanitizing and deodorizing are similar in the sense that both can improve air quality. The difference lies in the purposes of these practices. Air duct sanitizing focuses on reducing mold and bacteria, which can lead to a reduction in the amount coming from your HVAC system. Air duct deodorizing primarily focuses on removing or masking unpleasant odors with the ductwork. Common sanitizing methods include fogging or direct spraying. Common deodorizing methods include sprays and activated carbon filters. Need help identifying your air duct system needs? Consult with Mr. Duct to find the root cause of your HVAC issues.

Why Choose Our Air Duct Cleaning Company?

Mr. Duct has been in the air duct cleaning business for over two decades. We have performed air duct cleaning services for residential, commercial, and industrial properties. With our NADCA certification, our HVAC company practices the industry's most thorough set of standards. Our many client testimonials highlight our honest pricing, quality of work, and outstanding customer service. Learn more about why people choose our air duct cleaning services here.

Mr. Duct's Air Duct Cleaning Services

Mr. Duct offers air duct cleaning services to residential and commercial properties. Depending on the type of service you need, our technicians will inspect various components for issues. This includes return vents, supply vents, furnace components, heat exchangers, coils, air filters, and more. You can also view our air duct cleaning company's checklist, which our NADCA-certified technicians follow during the cleaning process. A typical air duct cleaning can take 2-5 hours, depending on the complexity of your HVAC system. For more answers to commonly asked questions about air duct cleaning, check out our FAQ page. Contact us today by calling 800-501-4157 or request a quote for service.