Like any other HVAC system within your home or business, air ducts must be regularly cleaned to maintain efficiency.
You might wonder, “How often should I have my air ducts cleaned?” Knowing how often to clean air ducts can save homeowners money and keep the air circulation through their homes free from allergens and contaminants.
Clean-N-Dry will explore how often you should have your air ducts cleaned, thus ensuring your home maintains a higher standard of air quality.
Is Air Duct Cleaning Necessary?
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air can be 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air. These pollutants circulate throughout your home via air ducts, potentially causing harm to your family’s health and your home’s environment.
Besides routine ductwork cleaning by a licensed HVAC and indoor air quality contractor, some instances may require more immediate attention. For example, if you notice visible mold growth inside your ducts or on other heating and cooling system components, you should contact a professional as soon as possible.
Mold can cause allergic reactions, respiratory problems and other health issues. Similarly, if you suspect your ducts are infested with rodents, insects or other pests, you should have them removed and cleaned promptly. These animals can leave behind droppings, urine, fur and other contaminants that can affect indoor air quality and damage your ducts.
Another reason to consider air duct cleaning is if you or someone in your household suffers from asthma, allergies or other respiratory conditions. Cleaning your ducts can help reduce the amount of dust, pollen, pet dander and other allergens that circulate in your home.
This can improve your comfort and well-being and lower your energy bills by improving the efficiency of your HVAC system.
How to Tell If You Need Air Duct Cleaning
Routine air duct cleaning helps eliminate regular buildup in your HVAC system, thus supporting healthy indoor air quality (IAQ). It also facilitates smooth airflow for your heating and cooling system, improving efficiency, smarter energy consumption, and reduced utility bills.
However, in certain situations, more than routine maintenance may be needed, and you might need to schedule air duct cleaning sooner than the recommended three to five years interval.
Signs indicating an urgent need for ductwork cleaning include:
- Allergy
- Asthma
- Respiratory issues
- Pest infestation
- Mold growth
- Following a remodeling or renovation project.
Benefits of Clean Air Ducts
The primary advantage of clean air ducts is the elimination of mold growth. Contaminated air ducts can serve as a breeding ground for microbes under normal conditions. Toxigenic mold, or mycotoxins, can be hazardous to residents when dispersed throughout the house via the HVAC system.
If water has entered the ductwork and the moisture wasn’t immediately dried, mold and mildew are likely to develop. Hence, it’s advisable to clean the ducts following such incidents. Similarly, after a significant home renovation involving drywall work or floor sanding, cleaning the ducts before turning the HVAC system back on is beneficial.
How Often Should Your Air Ducts Be Cleaned?
Air ducts do not require cleaning on a rigid schedule. The EPA recommends cleaning air ducts only when needed, such as when there is visible mold or dirt in the system, rodent or insect presence, and for residents with allergies or illnesses.
The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), a professional trade group, supports this as-needed approach. However, NADCA advises homeowners to inspect their air ducts annually to monitor their condition.
Having your air ducts cleaned at the right time can contribute significantly to your home’s overall health and comfort.
You can access the best air duct cleaning in Fort Worth, Texas with Clean-N-Dry Services. Our 30 years of industry experience and dedication to customer satisfaction guarantee a job well done. Take your time with issues. Schedule your air duct cleaning appointment with Clean-N-Dry services today!
