Some air duct cleaning companies offer a fogging service, typically upsold to their customer as a means of disinfection. What is it? Should you consider it?

Fogging is the process in which a chemical biocide or ozone is sprayed directly into the vents to kill germs. Ozone is classified as a biocide. A biocide is a chemical substance intended to destroy any harmful organism by chemical or biological means. Chemical biocides are regulated under Federal pesticide laws.

There isn’t much research on the effectiveness of using chemical biocides and ozone inside ducts, but what we do know is that even the mildest of these products can cause lung and skin irritation in some people.

We also know that chemical biocides or ozone cannot be used inside fiberglass lined vents or those made with fiber glass duct board. Some chemical biocides can be used on bare sheet metal but may require rinsing with water afterwards. Rinsing with water may stimulate the growth of mold.

Four Seasons does not offer fogging. Our customers notice a difference in their air quality through our meticulous process of dust removal and our incorporation of Young Living Essential Oils. We feel that air duct cleaning should benefit your health – not pose potential risks to it.

If you decide to permit the use of fogging with a company using chemical biocide or ozone make sure your service provider actually SHOWS you why they feel it is warranted, and then get a second opinion. Also make sure you see the biocide label and it’s approved uses, and remember again, that no fogging should ever, under any circumstances, be done in fiberglass vents.