How Often Should You Clean Your Air Conditioning System's Air Ducts?

When it comes to air conditioning systems, regular maintenance is essential for optimal efficiency and performance. According to the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), air ducts should be cleaned every 3 to 5 years. However, certain methods can extend this cleaning recommendation up to 6 to 8 years. It's important to pay attention to the amount of time the air duct cleaning company spends on ducts, as well as how often they schedule air duct cleaning.

For those who suffer from allergies, experts recommend cleaning the air ducts every two or three years. If an excessive amount of dirt and dust enters the house through the exhaust vents, it can pose a danger to air quality. In larger homes (over 3,000 square feet), it usually takes about five hours to perform a thorough cleaning of the air ducts. If you hire a cheap air duct cleaning company and the cleaning takes less than three hours, it's likely that your system hasn't been cleaned effectively.

The frequency of air duct cleaning can vary depending on factors such as allergy sufferers in the house, pet ownership, and recent home renovations. If you notice any signs of rodents or insects in your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC), it's important to call a professional for duct cleaning services. Additionally, regular HVAC maintenance and changing HVAC filters can help keep air ducts cleaner and reduce the need for frequent professional cleaning. It's important to regularly check the condition of your air ducts to see if they might need professional cleaning services.

Professional air duct cleaning usually involves the use of blowers, vacuums, and specialized brushes to clean the supply, intake and return ducts throughout the house. While duct cleaning is not necessary when there is little dust, hair and other debris present, there are times when it is the best option.