Cleaning your air ducts is an important way to keep your home clean and to prevent dust and allergens from getting all over. When the ducts have not been cleaned for a long time, they may decrease the air quality in your home. But how often will you need to clean out your air ducts to keep your home clean?
You should clean your air ducts every three to five years, any time you move into a new home, after building a new home, after finishing a home remodeling project, and if you have pets or smokers who live in the home. Doing the air ducts this often will allow you a way to keep the air clean and can prevent you from having an allergic reaction or breathing troubles, explains Air Quality Express LLC, specialists in air duct cleaning in Houston.
Many homeowners will forget all about their air ducts and will not get them cleaned out the way they should. Let’s take a closer look at how often you should clean out these air ducts to help you out.
How Often Should You Clean Out Your Air Ducts?
The frequency with which you need to get the air ducts professionally cleaned will depend on your unique situation and who lives in your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, it is not really necessary for you to clean out the air ducts unless you notice signs of vermin, standing water, mold, or lots of debris and dust around the home.
If you have someone within the home who has allergies or breathing challenges and you start to notice their symptoms are getting worse, then it may be time to at least have an expert come look at the ducts to see if they do need to get cleaned. For homes that do not have someone with allergies or breathing challenges, it is a good idea to check for signs of excessive mold or dirt.
The EPA also recommends that caution is used by consumers and that they do their own research if their service company recommends that they apply a chemical biocide or a sealant to protect the ducts. No chemical biocides are registered for use in an air duct system by the EPA, so it is generally better not to use them.
There are a few guidelines that you can follow when it is time to clean out your air ducts if you want some more solid help with when to get this done. According to the National Air Duct Cleaning Association, you should clean your ducts:
- Every three to five years, especially if you notice more dirt and dust around the home.
- When you move into a new home
- When you move into a home that has just been built
- When you have completed a home remodeling project where dust and other things may have gotten into the ducts.
- If you have some pets in the home, especially if they tend to shed often.
- If there are smokers who live in your home.
The choice of how often to clean the air ducts can often come down to the preferences of the homeowner. You may notice that cleaning out the system can improve airflow and energy efficiency. Many homeowners will choose to do this cleaning when they notice an unpleasant around their home. It may be a good idea to call for an inspection of the air ducts if someone in your home has severe allergies or you notice debris and mold.
Hiring a Professional to Clean Your Air Ducts
It is a good idea to hire a professional to take care of your air ducts, rather than trying to do all of the work on your own. Look for someone who specializes in HVAC air duct cleaning and who has certification from the NADCA to do the job. A reputable business will charge you between $270 to $480, depending on the size of your home.
Some of the questions that you should ask before you decide to work with any service provider include:
- Will you inspect for asbestos before beginning any of the cleaning processes?
- Will you take the necessary precautions to protect furniture during the cleaning process?
- Reseal any of the holes that are made during the cleaning process.
Always take the time to check any references and online reviews before hiring a professional to come and take care of your air ducts. Be wary of anyone who is making big claims about their services and the health of your family when you get these services done.
Cleaning Your Air Ducts
While it is easy to forget all about the air ducts in your home, it is important for you to take the time to really clean these out and make them look great. By following some of the tips above and coming up with a good cleaning schedule, you will have fresh and clean air in your home all the time.