Frequently Asked Questions About Duct Cleaning

In general, it can be hard to tell if you need to have your air ducts cleaned. However, there are certain warning signs you can watch for that will tip you off that your ducts may need to be cleaned. For instance, if you find yourself constantly dusting and cleaning all areas of your home, there is a good chance that a lot of that dust is simply cycling through your ducts over and over again and it is likely building up in there.

You may also notice that your home heating or cooling system is not functioning as efficiently as it used to or that it is heating or cooling various areas of your house unevenly. This can be a sign that buildup in your ducts is impeding and affecting airflow within the system. This is certainly easy to fix and addressing the problem sooner rather than later allows you to get the most out of your home comfort system.

Another warning sign to watch for is a buildup of dust or other debris around the vents in your home. You may also need your ducts cleaned if your air filters need to be changed more often than the manufacturer recommends.

There are no industry recognized standards governing how often you should have your air ducts cleaned. To a great degree that is because each individual situation is different. Your house may be relatively free of the contaminants that can build up in air ducts. In that case, you would not need to have any type of in depth professional cleaning carried out on a regular basis.

However, plenty of houses are prone to developing mold and dust buildup issues that make it necessary to clean out the air ducts more often. You may have a general sense of what the conditions in your house are like, but it is often helpful to consult with a reputable professional who can help you come up with a realistic estimate for how often you will require duct cleaning.

There are certainly things you can do on your own to keep your ducts from getting too dirty. Vacuuming a little way down each access point is a good idea, and you should also keep up with a good schedule for changing your air filters. But there are simply too many parts of your duct system that you will not be able to reach safely while cleaning. Cleaning on your own can definitely make it so that you need professional cleanings less frequently, but having a professional come out once in a while is important.

Professional duct cleaning can have many benefits. Clean ducts do not spread indoor air contaminants around, which helps to keep your indoor air quality high. Keeping your air ducts free of debris and buildup will also make it possible for your home heating and cooling systems to function more effectively and efficiently. You will get more out of the system and lower your energy bills in the process. It’s certainly worth spending a little every year or so to have a professional come out and clean your air ducts.