How Often Should You Have Your Air Ducts Cleaned?

Your heating and air conditioning system is essential for your home, and your ducts are a prime component that can frequently go overlooked until problems start occurring. Knowing how often to maintain them is critical, so in this article, we will discuss the recommended time frame for maintenance and some signs it might be time to schedule a professional air duct cleaning.

How Often Should You Clean the Ducts?

While some may argue that air duct cleaning is not a remedy to help resolve health issues, there is evidence that it offers multiple benefits. A good rule of thumb is to have a cleaning completed every two to five years, especially if:

●        You live in an older home because they are more prone to leaks.

●        Your pets frequently shed dander or fur.

●        Someone in the house has allergies.

●        There is a smoker in the home.

These situations can contribute to a larger build-up of contaminants and can linger inside the ducts, resulting in excess odors and a decrease in indoor air quality.

What are the Benefits?

Air duct cleaning has many benefits, and advantages include the following:

●        Better airflow, which helps with temperature regulation in your home.

●        A cleaner living environment because particulates will be removed.

●        Higher levels of HVAC system efficiency due to no restrictions in the ductwork.

●        Reduced risk of unwanted pests taking up residence in the safety of the system.

●        Reduction in irritants and allergens like mold, mildew, bacteria, and pet dander.

Signs It's Time for a Cleaning

The indicators that a cleaning is needed may be subtle, but there are some ways to gauge that it is time to call a professional, and here are just a few.

Debris or Dust in the Ducts

This is one of the biggest signals that it's time for cleaning. If you can see a build-up after removing the vent cover and the ducts have not been cleaned for an extended period, it is recommended to call a professional.

Dust Build-Up Around the Registers

The air from your ducting gets pushed out through the registers, so this is a common place for build-up. Finding a visible accumulation of matter is a crucial indicator of build-up in the internal system and that a cleaning is needed.

Increased Allergies

Your home is supposed to be an environment to help you control issues like allergies, so the last thing you want to deal with is symptoms popping up. While the ductwork might not be the first thing to come to mind as the culprit, the accumulation of particulates in the system is another area that gets overlooked and can cause increased allergy issues.

You Smell Mold, or Mildew

Mold thrives in dark, damp, and humid spaces, and the air duct is the perfect environment for it. So, if you notice any strange or moldy smells when you turn on your HVAC system, this is another sign your ducts may need professional cleaning.

Dust Doctors: Your Experts in Professional Duct Cleaning

Your air ducts are an essential part of your home and can often go neglected, so the Dust Doctors are here to help! Every aspect of your HVAC system is critical, and whether you need furnace cleaning or it is time for air conditioning repair, we deliver the highest quality services in Minnesota.

Our team is here to answer all your questions or help you schedule an appointment, so call us at 651-319-9777 or message us online and we will get back to you shortly.