How Often Should You Clean Your Ducts?

Spring has sprung and it’s time for cleaning. As you go to vacuum, open up one of the registers in your home, only to see it’s caked in pet hair, random fibers, and dust.

Has this happened to you? It’s not uncommon. And it’s a sign that your ducts may need professional cleaning.

In this article, we’ll cover how often should you clean your ducts, including tips for hiring professionals and more. Let’s begin.

How Often Should You Clean Your Ducts?

According to the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), you should have your ducts cleaned every three to five years. This is to prevent mold, pollutants, and dust buildup that occurs over time.

The more people and pets you have in your home, the sooner on that five-year spectrum, you should have them cleaned.

Unsure When The Ducts Were Last Cleaned?

If you’re in a new home and don’t know when they were last cleaned, it’s not a bad idea to have your ducts inspected and cleaned.

The reason for this is because according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the indoor air quality of a home is often far worse than outdoors. On average, the concentration of pollutants is two-five times higher.

Americans spend 90% of their time indoors, on average, which can lead to health problems. Especially for those that have respiratory illness or allergy sensitivities.

What Can I Do To Limit Buildup?

One of the easiest things you can do is replace your filters. Most in the business would advise changing your filters twice a year, usually in the spring and the fall.

Even with the best filters, you’ll have to evaluate differently based on where you live. A more polluted area, such as a city or urban center, will gunk up air filters and HVAC ducts faster.

Reasons to Have HVAC Ducts Cleaned

If your home has a strange new, musty scent, it’s possible mold has developed in your air ducts. This demands immediate duct cleaning. Spore build-up can extend through your home and be hazardous and painful if left unattended.

The next reason is if you see dust coming from your air vents. This is a clear indicator that your vents need to be cleaned.

Finally, if you have a sudden infestation of bugs (bees, spiders, ants, etc) and you notice they’re coming out of your vents, get your ducts inspected. There’s a good chance your ducts are infested and need to be cleaned.

Tips for Selecting an HVAC Cleaning Contractor

Unless you have a recommendation from someone you trust, it’s often best to get a few quotes for your duct cleaning. Comparing prices and services will help inform your choice.

Next, consider their availability and timing. Spring and fall, when temperatures are mild and not extreme, are often the best. Depending on the size of your home, the cleaning may take hours or days.

You don’t want to be without A/C or heat when they come to clean.