How Often Should Air Ducts Be Cleaned?

How often should air ducts be cleaned depends on what type of HVAC system you have, the size of your home, and amount of indoor air pollution. We highly recommend that you have your air ducts cleaned every 3 to 5 years, but if anyone in your household suffers from asthma or other respiratory problems, then it might be better to have your air ducts cleaned more frequently.

Frequent Air Duct Cleaning Depends on Your Home

Frequent Air Duct cleaning is not always necessary, and it really depends on the needs and environment of your home. The air quality of your home isn’t just based on the amount of dust your HVAC system collects, but there are a few things to think about when deciding the best time to clean out your air ducts. Read our guide to learn more about what factors to consider when determining how often you should clean out your air ducts.

Excessive Amounts of Dust

A little dirt and dust buildup is expected when it comes to HVAC systems. However, if ducts are clogged with large amounts of dust and debris, it can create an air quality hazard. You may see this more often if you live in a dusty area.

Allergies

As was mentioned earlier, allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues can be the biggest factor that affects the need for more frequent air duct cleaning. Allergens such as pollen, pet dander, and dust mites can accumulate in the air ducts over time. As the HVAC system circulates air, these allergens can spread throughout the home, causing more allergy symptoms.

Air Pollution

For Utah residents, air quality is a huge concern. Outdoor air pollution can lead to an increased buildup of dust and particles within indoor air ducts. Due to the high levels of outdoor pollution in many parts of the state, it may be necessary for Utah residents to clean their air ducts more often than recommended.

Just Moved In

Moving into a new home can be exciting, but it is important to make sure you are breathing in clean air. You may not always know when the air ducts were last cleaned, or whether the previous homeowner had pets or smoked indoors.

It is a great idea to change the filters in your HVAC system as soon as you move in. This small, but important step can create a healthy environment for you and your family.

Rodent or Insect Infestations

If your home has recently experienced any rodent or insect infestations, it could be possible that waste products or body parts have accumulated in the ducts. This can contaminate the air you breathe in and cause health issues.

Vermin can also chew through electrical wires, causing potential fire hazards and costly repairs. Schedule your air ducts to be inspected and cleaned out by a professional right away.

Live With Smokers

Cigarette smoke contains a variety of harmful chemicals and particles. If you or someone you live with is a smoker, then it is crucial that you are consistent with your air duct cleaning. When not cleaned out properly, every time you turn on your HVAC system, you are potentially exposing your family to harmful toxins.

Visible Mold or Water Damage

If you start to notice signs of mold growth or a musty smell coming from your air ducts, it is important to call a professional to inspect and clean them out as soon as possible. Mold is dangerous and can cause serious health issues. Don’t wait another second to call in a professional, as mold spores can spread throughout the home if not taken care of right away.

You Have Pets in Your Home

When you have a pet in your home, their hair and dander can get stuck in your air ducts. As it all collects and piles up, it makes it harder for air to flow through. Cleaning out the air ducts can keep the air clean and fresh.

The Age of Your HVAC System

Older HVAC systems are more likely to gather up dust and debris than a newer system. We highly recommend contacting a professional to help you determine the condition of your system and the appropriate amount of cleaning that is necessary in prolonging its lifespan.

Right After Home Renovations

Home renovations can create more dust and debris to settle in your home’s air duct system. During the renovation process, there may have been insulation or drywall that was cut or sanded down, releasing harmful particles in the air. These particles can easily circulate throughout your home every time you turn on the HVAC system.

Freshen Your Home With So Fresh, So Clean Services

At So Fresh, So Clean, we understand the importance of maintaining a healthy and clean home for you and your family. That’s why we think it’s essential to inform you about how often air ducts should be cleaned, so you can make an informed decision based on your specific situation. If it is time for your air ducts to be cleaned, you can count on our team of professionals to get the job done right! We don’t just offer air duct cleaning services; our additional services are dryer vent cleaning or flood restoration.

We proudly serve residents in Salt Lake City, Davis, and Utah Counties. We are committed to providing homeowners with exceptional service and customer satisfaction. Contact us today for a free quote!