How Often Should Air Ducts Be Cleaned?

Air ducts play an important part in any HVAC system. It provides you thermal well-being and quality indoor air to your family. Given how air ducts work in many different ways in your home, it makes sense to have them cleaned occasionally. Even though you don’t use your heating and cooling system most of the time, your air ducts constantly collect dander, dust, allergens and potentially harbor molds that can affect only the health of the people living in it but the health of your home itself. Cleaning your air ducts will prevent dust and debris from building up in the system and help you improve your air quality.

Every homeowner needs to know how often they should have the air ducts cleaned and the signs that it is time to clean. Our expert technicians suggest cleaning your air ducts every two to three years. There are also factors to consider in air duct cleaning frequency.

Factors that Impact the Frequency of Air Duct Cleaning

Many factors influence how often you should have your air ducts clean. Read the following to know how often your air ducts are cleaned.

• Living with people who are at risk of getting sick.

Consider if you live with people at high risk of getting sick. Examples are babies, infants, toddlers, elderlies, individuals with allergies or asthma, or sick. Your air conditioner and furnace distribute the allergens in your air ducts, which impacts their health quicker.

• Having multiple pets at home

Consider if you have multiple pets at home. The more pets you have, the more fur and dander will be in your air ducts. In addition, the smell of pet fur and dander can leave a noticeable pet smell in your ducts.

• Check the location and home environment.

You also have to consider the location of your home. If you live in busy areas, dirt roads, or ongoing constructions around you, the dirt, dust, and allergens can set in your ducts and enter your home.

• Having too much moisture at home

Check if you have high moisture content in your home. One way to find out is if your home feels damp or needs to use a dehumidifier frequently. Your air ducts could be at risk for mold spores that can greatly affect the health of the people living in your home.

• You just had a home renovation.

Have you done any home renovation in your home that includes cutting of woods, sanding, and carpentry? Keep in mind that your air ducts collect all the debris and dust during the home renovation process, which can greatly affect the air quality inside your home.

According to the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), your indoor air could be two to five times more polluted than the outdoor air, and your air ducts play an important role in keeping the air quality in your home. Now you have an idea about the factors that affect the frequency of air duct cleaning; you must also be aware of the signs that your air ducts need cleaning. The following are guidelines on whether you need to have your air ducts cleaned.

• Change of Residence

If you move into a new place, make sure to have your air ducts at home cleaned. You have no idea if the previous owner is a smoker, has multiple pets, or has not cleaned the air ducts within the last three years. Hiring a licensed air duct contractor to professionally check and clean your unit to ensure indoor air quality.

• Pest Infestation

Do you notice any pests around your ductwork? Or is there a frequent problem in your air ducts performance? Having a professional air duct cleaning can eradicate pest infestation and prevent them from malfunctioning frequently.

• Visible Mold or Musty Smell

Your air duct is a perfect place to grow molds. Molds grow in humid and hard-to-reach places. Molds are recognizable by their musty odor, and if you notice the smell inside your home, it’s probably time to check and call a trusted service provider to sanitize the area, stop the growth of mold, and clean your air ducts professionally.

• Experiencing Allergy or Cold-like Symptoms

Those homes with clean air ducts report having better health conditions than other homes. If you have dirty air ducts, they also distribute contaminated air that can cause allergies and trigger other health problems.

Benefits of Air Duct Cleaning

Professionals recommend cleaning your air ducts every two to three years to maintain their cleanliness and avoid health problems. However, people who have allergies and other health problems should consider cleaning their air ducts frequently. Here are some of the benefits of cleaning your air ducts.

1. You can expect better and more reliable performance from your HVAC system.
2. You can avoid having costly repairs from wear and tear. Having your air ducts cleaned is also an opportunity to check whether your unit needs repair.
3. Lower the chance of experiencing allergies and respiratory problems
4. Less dust makes your home easier to clean. It can also maintain clean air door quality.
5. A clean air duct is energy efficient and reduces your energy bills.

Should You DIY Air Duct Cleaning or Call the Professionals?

You’ve already understood the importance of having clean air ducts; the next question is, should you clean your air ducts or hire a professional?

While it can be a do-it-yourself project, professionals do duct cleaning best. Aside from having the proper tools and equipment, professional companies have certified contractors that follow the standards for cleaning air ducts. Hiring a professional will ensure that your air ducts are cleaned according to certain specifications and standards using the right cleaning products. You will pay for a service that will save you costs in the long run as your ducts get cleaned without any damages. When you call a professional company, you can benefit from the entire full-service cleaning of the heating and cooling unit and the air ducts cleaned, ensuring cleaner and healthier indoor air in your home.