How Often Should I Clean My Air Ducts?
The air ducts in your home channel a large volume of air generated from your HVAC equipment when it is running. This air, if it is not properly filtered and kept free from contaminants, can carry various debris, including dust, hair, pet dander, mites, spider webs, microbes, and mold spores. Much of this debris can end up getting stuck in your home’s ductwork and then some of it can be carried into your living spaces. So how frequently should you have your air ducts cleaned? We cover this below. At Comfort By Design, we have your HVAC system repair and maintenance needs covered.
HVAC Ducts Collect Debris Regularly
Air ducts will accumulate debris over time even with the best HVAC filters in place. Some particles will pass through the filter and get into the ducts and your home. The question is, how many? This is why duct cleaning on some periodic basis is important. It is especially important to ensure you have your ducts clean at the recommended intervals if you live in a high pollution area or if the area is particularly dusty or windy. Air ducts will accumulate particles that can degrade the air quality in your home, leading to health concerns.
Recommended Duct Cleaning Frequency
Typically, the average duct system should be cleaned by a professional every two to five years. If you do an excellent job of changing your HVAC filters – about twice per year – this time period may be extended somewhat, depending on the pollution level outside your home and in your home with respect to dust and pet dander, etc. Lack of duct cleaning over a period of time can degrade the efficiency of your HVAC system.
When to Have Your HVAC Ducts Cleaned
The optimum time to have your HVAC ducts cleaned is either in the spring or early fall when the outside temperatures are such that you don’t need to use your HVAC system to cool or heat your home at all or very often. Also, if your HVAC system is operating inefficiently or if your indoor air quality is lower than normal, or if there is a strange odor coming from the system, it may be time to have your ducts cleaned.
To learn about the HVAC maintenance and repair services we offer at Comfort By Design, or to request service, call us today at 719.374.1776 or drop us a message through our contact form.
