How Often Should You Clean Your Air Ducts?

As a general rule, the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recommends cleaning air ducts every 3 to 5 years. With certain methods, that cleaning recommendation can be extended by 6 to 8 years. Air ducts, like any other air conditioning system, require regular maintenance to ensure maximum efficiency and optimal air quality. In some environments, the need for commercial air duct cleaning is more urgent.

Food manufacturers, for example, require quarterly, biannual and annual duct cleaning services due to food particles entering their systems, causing mold and pest problems. The same is true for manufacturing operations that create risks of combustible dust. In homes where occupants suffer from allergies or asthma, air ducts may need to be cleaned more frequently. Dust, pollen, and other contaminants that accumulate in air ducts can aggravate these conditions.

Therefore, experts suggest cleaning the air ducts every two to three years in these cases for optimal prevention of allergies. Pets bring joy and companionship, but they also necessitate more frequent air duct cleaning. Pet dander and hair can build up in air ducts over time, contributing to poorer air quality and to possible allergies. If you have pets, consider cleaning the air ducts every two to three years. There are a few factors that influence when it comes to setting how often you should clean your duct systems. Every 3 to 5 years is a standard recommendation, but you may want to consider doing it more often depending on certain factors.

To see everything inside the ducts, it is necessary for an air duct cleaning company to perform a video inspection. The advantages of duct cleaning are that it removes all debris from the duct system and not just the last few feet that the homeowner can remove with a vacuum.

Shelia Tungate
Shelia Tungate

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