How Often To Clean Air Ducts: When to Schedule a Visit

Your air ducts form an important part of your heating and cooling system that serves to channel hot and cold air through your home. Over time, your air ducts collect dust, pollen, and other debris, which can negatively affect HVAC performance. Regular duct cleaning can prevent these problems.

With that in mind, the team at Steam Smart Pro put together this article on how often to clean air ducts in your home. We will cover regular air duct cleaning schedules and point out symptoms of dirty air ducts.

Whether you need air duct cleaning or local carpet cleaners, Steam Smart Pro has the skills and know-how to help you.

How Often Should I Clean My Air Ducts?

Experts recommend that you clean your air ducts once every three to five years. However, your actual cleaning schedule depends on the kind of HVAC system you have, your location, and the local climate.

For example, if you live in an area that receives heavy rainfall, you may want to clean your ducts from mold and mildew once every one to two years. If you live in a dry area that gets a lot of dust and dirt, you may need to clean your ducts once every year.

What Does Duct Cleaning Involve?

When you get your ducts cleaned, a technician will clean each component of your HVAC system, including but not limited to:

• Grilles
• Diffusers
• Heat exchanger
• Evaporator/condenser coils
• Blower motor
• Fan
• Condensate pans
• Supply/return ducts

The actual cleaning process involves the technician cleaning your ducts with handheld scrapers and brushes. The technician may also use a rotary cable system and an air vacuum to loosen and suck the dirt off the walls. It typically takes anywhere between two to four hours to clean air ducts.

Signs You Need to Clean Your Ducts

Excessive Dust

The most obvious sign that you need to clean your ducts is the presence of excessive dust and debris throughout your home. As debris like dirt, pollen, pet dander, and allergens build up in your ducts, your HVAC system will blow dust into your house. Excessive dust in the air can lead to respiratory problems and other health issues such as cold or allergy symptoms.

Moldy or Musty Smell

Mold and mildew flourish in damp, dark spaces, such as the inside of your air ducts. Water can collect in your ducts and facilitate the growth of bacteria, fungi, mold, and other organic growth. This can produce a foul odor emanating from your vents. Professional duct cleaners can sanitize the inside of your ducts to remove mold, bacteria, and other growths.

Pests

Pests such as insects and rodents can take up residence in your dirty air ducts. If you notice more bugs than normal or find bugs near the exterior of your vents, you may want to call an expert to inspect them. A thorough cleaning can remove pests and sanitize the affected surfaces.

Decreased Efficiency

One final common sign that you need to clean your air ducts is if your HVAC efficiency drops. Dirty vents/ducts make it harder for your heating and cooling system to distribute air, which can cause cold spots, hot spots, and increased energy bills. Keeping your ducts free from debris keeps your HVAC system working efficiently.

Duct Cleaning Pros and Cons

The EPA does not give advice on how often to clean air ducts, and they do not consider it a necessary part of HVAC maintenance. But duct cleaning has pros and cons.

Pros

Improve HVAC Efficiency

Excessive dust and dirt in your ducts can negatively affect HVAC performance. The cleaner your ducts, the less difficult it is for your AC and furnace to circulate air. Air duct cleaning results in lower energy bills for heating and cooling. It can also improve your furnace and air conditioner’s lifespan.

Remove Mold/Pests

If you live in an area with a wet climate, mold and mildew growth in ducts might be a relatively common problem. Visible mold growth or pests in your ducts indicates that you should clean and sanitize them.

Remove Odors

All kinds of substances can make their way into your ducts, producing bad smells. Cleaning and sanitizing your ducts can get rid of these bad smells.

Cons

Effect on Air Quality Not Clear

Despite what many people claim, no conclusive evidence that regular duct cleaning improves indoor air quality exists. According to the EPA, it is possible that duct cleaning can reduce in-home air particle concentrations but offers no scientific proof. However, duct cleaning can remove other harmful pollutants, such as mold and allergens.

May Knock Fixtures Loose

If you have broken or fractured ductwork, cleaning the inside with rough brushes can knock fixtures loose or punch through the walls. Any damage of this sort will have a significant impact on your heating and air conditioning performance. As such, we recommend always hiring a professional to clean your ducts.

Tips To Keep Your Ducts Clean

You can keep your air ducts clean by following a few simple steps.

• Make sure to use a high-efficiency air filter for your furnace. Air filters typically do an excellent job of keeping debris and particles out of your vents. The better the filter, the less often you’ll need to clean your ducts.
• Remember to get regular HVAC service and maintenance at least once every year.
• If performing home renovations or repairs, make sure to temporarily seal and block off any nearby vents to prevent debris from falling in.
• Vacuum and dust your home regularly to prevent debris from falling into your vents.

Make sure you use a high-efficiency vacuum filter to remove as much dust from the air as possible.

Affordable Air Duct Cleaning and Repair

Air ducts are an essential structural element of your HVAC system and need regular care and maintenance. Knowing how often to clean air ducts depends on your specific HVAC system and local climate. If you require Steam Smart Pro’s AC duct cleaning services in Tucson, AZ, contact us online or call us at (520) 416-4308 to schedule an appointment!

Author Bio:

Eric Bullard

The owner of Steam Smart Pro in Tucson, AZ, brings over 20 years of invaluable experience in the field of carpet, tile, and air duct cleaning. With a strong dedication to quality and a deep understanding of effective cleaning techniques, Eric consistently delivers outstanding results to his satisfied residential and commercial clients.