Whether your ducting has started to make a funny noise or you’re just wanting to be proactive about keeping your home clean, you might be wondering how often ducts should be cleaned?
The frequency of cleaning will depend on a few different factors based on when it was last cleaned, who lives in your house or apartment and if they have any allergies.
Heat ducts should be cleaned every two to three years to prevent heat loss, maintenance, and health issues before they begin. Homes with pets or children who are allergic to dust should have their air ducts professionally cleaned more frequently than the average of twice a year.
Signs Your Air Ducts Need Cleaning
So, how do you know when it’s time to get your heat ducts cleaned? If you notice any of the following, it’s probably time for a professional cleaning:
- Your allergy symptoms worsen when you’re at home.
- There is excessive dust in your home.
- Vents & ducts are clogged with dust and debris.
- Your air filters become clogged.
- Unpleasant odor from ducts.
- Mold & mildew presence inside or outside your HVAC system.
- Unstable or poor airflow in the house.
- Insects, rodents and other vermin infestation in your air ducts.
Related: Is Your Heat Pump Short Cycling?
Your allergy symptoms worsen when you’re at home
If you allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, watery eyes, or a runny nose, worsen when you’re at home, it could be a sign that your ducts need to be cleaned. In fact, if this is happening, I would recommend scheduling to have them cleaned every quarter.
There is excessive dust in your home
If there seems to be an excessive amount of dust in your home, no matter how much you clean, it could be that the ducts need cleaning.
In general, if you can see the dust, it means that there’s too much of it in the air and it needs to be removed.
Vents & ducts are clogged with dust and debris
If you can see that the vents and ducts are clogged with dust and debris, it means that they definitely need to be cleaned as soon as possible.
Not only is this unsightly, but it can also lead to a decrease in airflow and make your HVAC system work less efficiently.
Your air filters become clogged
If your air filters become clogged with dust and debris, it means that they’re not doing their job of filtering the air properly.
This can lead to a decrease in airflow and make your HVAC system work less efficiently. It can also cause your energy bills
Unpleasant odor from ducts
Unpleasant odor coming from your ducts is a really bad sign and means that you need to have them cleaned as soon as possible.
This could be a sign of mold or mildew, which can cause serious health problems.
Mold & mildew presence inside or outside your HVAC system
Speaking of mold and mildew, If you see mold or mildew anywhere in or around your HVAC system, it’s a sign that you need to have your ducts cleaned.
This is because mold and mildew can spread through the air, causing serious health problems.
Unstable or poor airflow in the house
If you’ve noticed that the airflow in your home is unstable or poor, it could be a sign that your ducts are clogged and need to be cleaned.
This is pretty much a slippery slope because the less airflow there is, the more your HVAC system has to work, which can lead to a decrease in its efficiency and an increase in your energy bills.
Insects, rodents and other vermin infestation in your air ducts
Wow! If this is the case, then you have more problems than just dirty ducts. You have an infestation! Insects, rodents, and other vermin can not only cause damage to your ducts, but they can also spread diseases.
So, if you see any of these critters I would recommend calling a professional to have your ducts cleaned as soon as possible.
As you can see, there are a few different signs that you can look for that will tell you when it’s time to have your heat ducts cleaned.
In general, I would recommend having them cleaned at least twice a year, but if you have any of the above signs, then you should schedule a professional cleaning as soon as possible.
Benefits Of Air Duct Cleaning
- Creates a Cleaner Living Environment.
- Reduces Allergens and Irritants.
- Helps Everyone Breathe Easier.
- Removes Unpleasant Smells and Odors.
- Improves Air Flow Efficiency.
Creates a Cleaner Living Environment
Who doesn’t want to live in a clean environment? One of the benefits of air duct cleaning is that it creates a cleaner living environment.
By removing all the dust, dirt, and debris from your ducts, you’re also removing it from your home.
This means that your home will be a lot cleaner and healthier for you and your family.
Reduces Allergens and Irritants
If you or anyone in your family suffers from allergies or asthma, then you know how important it is to reduce allergens and irritants in your home.
Air duct cleaning does just that.
By removing all the dust, dirt, and debris from your ducts, you’re also reducing the amount of allergens and irritants in your home. This can help everyone breathe easier and feel better.
Helps Everyone Breathe Easier
Speaking of breathing easier, another benefit of air duct cleaning is that it helps everyone breathe easier.
When your ducts are full of dust, dirt, and debris, it’s released into the air every time your HVAC system turns on.
This can cause a lot of problems for people with allergies or asthma.
But, when you have your ducts cleaned, all that dust, dirt, and debris is removed so you can breathe easy.
Removes Unpleasant Smells and Odors
Have you ever noticed an unpleasant smell coming from your vents? If so, it’s probably because your ducts are full of dust and dirt.
When this happens, the smell can be released into your home every time your HVAC system turns on.
But, when you have your ducts cleaned, the unpleasant smells will be gone for good.
Improves Air Flow Efficiency
Another great benefit of air duct cleaning is that it improves air flow efficiency.
When your ducts are full of dust and dirt, it can block the airflow and make it harder for your HVAC system to do its job.
But, when you have your ducts cleaned, the airflow will be improved and your HVAC system will be able to work more efficiently.
This is important because it can help to reduce your energy bills. When your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard, it uses less energy, which can save you money on your energy bills.
FAQs
Is heat duct cleaning a waste of money?
If your ducts are infested with mold, heat duct cleaning is suggested by the EPA (Environment Protection Agency) and isn’t a waste of money.
Should I clean the heat ducts myself?
Even though you can clean them yourself, it is recommended that you hire a professional to do it. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you could end up causing more harm than good.
How often should apartment air ducts be cleaned?
The same as a house, every three to five years depending on the condition of the ducts and whether anyone in your home has allergies.
How much does it cost to have heat ducts cleaned?
The average cost is between $450 and $1600. However, the price will vary depending on the size of your home and the condition of your ducts.
Are there health benefits to cleaning my heat ducts?
Cleaning your heat ducts might help to minimize the amount of dust and other allergens in your house, but this procedure should only be considered as one aspect of keeping a safe and healthy home. Other tried-and-true methods for improving air quality within your home include regular cleaning, restricting indoor pets, and investing in HEPA-filtered vacuums and air purifiers.
How do you clean a duct vent cover?
Remove the vent covers by unscrewing the corners, then place them in a basin of boiling hot water or one containing a solution of simple household cleanser. Allow them to soak for only a few minutes, then wash them with a microfiber towel and cool water.
What is the difference between a duct and a vent?
The fans in the ducts draw in ambient air, which is then pushed through the ducts and into your home’s main heating or cooling unit. The return vents bring fresh air back into your house.
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