How Often Should I Have My Air Ducts Cleaned?

According to the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), homeowners should have their air ducts cleaned every three to five years, but the timing is highly dependent on the region in which they live, how frequently they use their HVAC system, and whether they have family members with respiratory problems. In the latter case, you may want to invest in more frequent air duct cleaning to avoid allergic reactions. After all, improved indoor air quality is critical in every home.

When to Clean Your Air Ducts

Is it time to clean your ductwork? To be certain, you may want to conduct a visual inspection of your air ducts or hire a licensed and certified professional like Air Quality Express to do so for you. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends duct cleaning when the following conditions exist:

• You have a suspicion that mold has grown inside the air ducts. Mold is easily identifiable by its musty odor, so if you’ve noticed this smell in your home for an extended period of time, it’s probably time to check and see if your ducts need to be cleaned.
• You notice visible dust being expelled from the supply registers. If you notice a cloud of dust rising from the ducts or if there is black debris around the air vent register, these are typically indications that your air ducts need cleaning. Additionally, when changing the air filter, look inside the system–excessive dust buildup in the area is another indication they need cleaning.

Within the ducts, there are unwelcome guests. Are you hearing buzzing or scratching from within your ductwork? Or perhaps you’ve already observed pests entering or exiting ductwork? In either case, these signs should prompt you to contact a professional to clean your air ducts.