By now, you understand the benefits of air duct cleaning. It removes dust, allergens, mold and bacteria from your home’s ventilation system and can increase the efficiency and life of your HVAC system. So how often should you have your air ducts cleaned? And what are some signs that your system is due for a cleaning?
How often should air ducts and vents be cleaned?
The National Air Duct Cleaning Association (NADCA) recommends that home HVAC systems should have their ducts and vents cleaned every three to five years. However, there are some factors that determine how frequently air ducts should be cleaned, including the preference of the homeowner. Air ducts should be cleaned more frequently, the NADCA states, if there are smokers living in the home, if you have pets, or if someone in the home suffers from allergy or chronic lung conditions.
When should air ducts be cleaned?
While the recommendations for air duct cleaning frequency varies, there are some circumstances under which the NADCA and the EPA recommend that air ducts be cleaned. The NADCA recommend air duct cleaning before you move into a new home, as you don’t know how long it has been since the home’s air ducts have been cleaned, or if the homeowners smoked, had pets, or performed recent renovations. Air ducts also should be cleaned if there has been water damage to the HVAC system, mold detected within the home, recent renovations, or a pest infestation.
What are some signs that the air ducts could be cleaned?
Sometimes, your ventilation system will let you know that it’s time to have your air ducts and vents cleaned. The EPA warns that if you see a “poof” of dust erupt from your vents when the air system kicks on, it’s time to have your ducts cleaned. If air ducts and vents are overdue for cleaning, you might notice dust blowing from the vents or debris around the outside of your registers. Your furnace filter often will let you know if it’s time to clean your air ducts. If there’s a lot of dust around your filter, that’s a finite sign that dirt is being circulated through your system, and your ducts and vents should be cleaned. Finally, if you notice rodents or insects entering or exiting your ventilation system, the entire system should be cleaned to ensure that the pests are out of your system and out of your home.
If you live around Cleveland, Akron, or Canton and notice one of the signs that your system should be cleaned, or if you’re due for a dryer vent cleaning, call the experts at Clean Air America! If you think your system may need to be cleaned, let us know, and we can help evaluate the system and determine whether a cleaning is needed. We offer free estimates so start your appointment today!