How often should you clean your air ducts? You’re about to find out.
Below, we explain how often your air ducts need to be cleaned, in general. Plus, we share other situations besides this timeline that warrant the need for this service.
Furthermore, you may be wondering if you even need air duct cleaning at all and, if so, why. We also put this controversy to rest once and for all. So, to learn all you need to know about when to clean your air ducts, keep reading.
Why Do Air Ducts Need to Be Cleaned?
As mentioned there is some debate over whether or not air duct cleaning is even necessary. But if you could see the inside of your air duct after two or three years, you wouldn’t debate this anymore. And since we’re professionals who spend a lot of time in dirty air ducts, you can trust us on that.
What Your Air Filter Doesn’t Catch
You see, your HVAC air filter catches most of the dust, pollen, and indoor air pollutants that would otherwise go into your lungs. However, some of these air contaminants slip past or through the filter, especially a filter with a low MERV rating.
Fortunately, most of these particles will stick to the sides of the air ducts or catch on the supply vents. You probably clean the gunk on the supply vents yourself. If so, you know what that filthy buildup of dust and dander looks like.
Reduced Heating and Cooling Efficiency
But what about all the contaminant buildup on the sides of your air ducts? If you could see it, you would know that it looks the same as the buildup on your supply vents. This buildup restricts the airflow in your vents, reducing the efficiency of your HVAC and causing it to wear out faster.
Reduced Indoor Air Quality
Besides that, the walls of your air ducts can only hold so much of this stuff. When there’s nowhere left for these particles to stick, they flow into your home out of every supply vent.
How Often Should You Clean Your Air Ducts?
So now, let’s get back to our original question. To avoid the undesirable outcomes we just described, you should clean your air ducts every 2-3 years.
Unfortunately, air duct cleaning is one of the most neglected home maintenance steps there is. That’s one reason why the indoor air in many homes is 2-5 times more polluted than outside air, according to the EPA.
When You Move In
When you move into a previously-owned home, you probably have no idea what maintenance steps the previous owners took or when. So, in this situation, it’s a good idea to put “air duct cleaning” at the top of your home maintenance to-do list.
You Notice Other Signs That You Need Air Duct Cleaning
Other signs that you should have your air ducts cleaned include the presence of mold, dust, or constant respiratory problems. We’ve made a whole list of these signs you can read about here. If you notice any of these signs, have your air ducts cleaned.
Do You Need Your Air Ducts Cleaned?
Now that you have your answer, do you have any friends who are wondering, “How often should you clean your air ducts?” If so, please share this helpful guide with them.
Furthermore, if you are in need of an air duct cleaning service, we can help with that, too. Contact us here to request more information, get a quote, or set up an appointment for air duct cleaning.
