If you didn't have to breathe, this wouldn't be a problem. But since it's a good idea to breathe often, you have a few other choices. One would be to have your hard ducts cleaned by a duct cleaning company. The flexible duct in walls and ceilings is another matter, since they'll be damaged by most cleaning equipment. Anyone installing a new system should use hard ductwork so that it can be cleaned in the future.Your second choice is to ask your air conditioning installer or servicing company about adding a filtration system to your fan unit -- essentially an in-line system. Make sure to ask about the different choices of filtration systems, since some are electronic and have static-type filters. These units employ a particle-attraction method that has been found to be very effective with certain types of dust, due to the charge of the particles. Combined with a filter, they tend to work most effectively, according to rating agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers. They report that you can employ either portable air cleaners or in-line air duct devices, but they'll only be effective if they use a combination of filtration techniques and effectively move a lot of air through the system.For example, some units on the market claim to be very quiet, moving air over an electrostatic device loaded with metal fins. This type of system has been rated as poor due to a lack of ability to move air through the unit and the inability to filter out particles. A good filtration system has a high-efficiency, multiple-stage filter and electrostatic capability. You basically need to remove particles, gaseous pollutants, and radon or related substances. So if you live above a taco stand or dry cleaner, these devices are a must.After much research, I settled on units made by Oreck. I was impressed with their ability to move air through the system and to attract particles by filter and by electrostatic charge, and the controls, ranging from quiet when I'm in the room to powerful circulation while I'm away. Not that they're the only one on the market, but I consulted with Marc Goodman at the Oreck Factory Showroom, on Long Beach Road in Oceanside (near Nathan's). I tested the product and found that the filter really removed a lot of "dirt." It needs cleaning once a month, and I no longer see duct particles floating in the sunlight through my windows. Oreck can be reached at (516) 766-1807. If you don't clean your air, however, don't hold your breath. It doesn't work for long. Good luck!Readers are encouraged to send questions to: HERALD Homes, 379 Central Avenue, P.O. Box 220, Lawrence, N.Y. 11559-0220Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.
