How Often Should the Air Ducts be Cleaned?

Many studies and articles on the Internet have claimed that there is no appreciable benefit to cleaning air ducts. This is untrue, as many have discovered and as our professionals suggest. Cleaning your air ducts will lead to healthier conditions in your house and a decrease in allergens overall. Even the EPA has recommendations for when ducts need to be cleaned. The real question is not whether you should clean your air ducts, but how often?

When to Have Ducts Cleaned

Most people who have worked with HVAC contractors to have their air ducts cleaned report significant satisfaction with the results. According to EPA recommendations, you should have your air ducts cleaned regularly, especially under certain circumstances. These include:

The presence of piles of dust or lint around the supply registers as they blow air.
You have a problem with rodents or other vermin in your home, particularly if you see rodents or insects around your ducts.
You suspect that you may have mold issues in your home.

Benefits of Clean Ductwork

Many government bodies are currently engaging in studies to determine the benefit of having your ducts cleaned. Currently the dearth of evidence is largely because of the lack of research, but this is beginning to change.

Recent studies have indicated that cleaning ducts can reduce the amount of dust from return registers and a lower concentration of bacteria and mold in the air. These studies also indicate that cleaning the return-air ducts is sufficient, and the best practice involves using the furnace fan to increase the circulation of air.

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Frequency of Cleaning

Most certified HVAC contractors agree that air ducts should be cleaned every three to five years. There are exceptions to this rule, which include:

Whenever you build or move into a new home.
Whenever you engage in home renovations or remodeling projects which spread dust, plaster or sawdust throughout the home.
If there are severe allergy problems in your home, cleanings should be more frequent.
If your pets excessively shed fur or dander, additional cleanings may be helpful to keep air cleaner.
If you live in an urban area.

Cost of Duct Cleaning

When you hire a worker to clean your ductwork, it should take several hours to complete, and cost from $300 to $500. Every aspect of your HVAC system, including your central air, furnace and coils should be covered. The contractor should make use of a truck-mounted heavy vacuum system which removes debris from the house entirely. Always make sure your contractor follows National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) standards to be sure you are getting quality services.

In the end, the best way to know how often you should have your ducts clean is to know your home and family. Know if there are dust, dander or allergen problems and your lifestyle. Shooting for every few years is a good idea, though some cases call for cleaning up to twice a year.

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