How Often Should You be Cleaning Your Air Ducts in Your Home?

March 01, 2022

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Air ducts are the passageways where cool air and heat get transported throughout your home. The National Air Duct Cleaning Association recommends you get your air ducts cleaned every three to five years depending on factors such as where you live and how often you use your heating and cooling (HVAC) system. Cleaning your air ducts may not only extend the life of your HVAC system but keep your family safe from mold buildup and other pollutants. 

Why Get Your Air Ducts Cleaned?

The EPA says that indoor air quality can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air quality. Since more of us are spending our time at home, it’s important to invest in the air we breathe. This is especially important if you or someone in your family has respiratory problems. Cleaning your air ducts can prevent allergic reactions and improve the overall health of your family.

When to Get Your Air Ducts Cleaned

Below are some ways to know that it’s time to get your Air Ducts cleaned:

Changes to Your Home

If you are a new homeowner, it’s always a good idea to get your ducts cleaned. This is especially true if the previous owner was a smoker, a pet owner, or neglected to get their ducts cleaned. If you’re building a new home or doing renovations, it’s also a good idea to clean your ducts from all the drywall dust and construction debris that can accumulate in the process.

Visible Mold or Musty Smell

Mold commonly grows in humid and damp places like your air duct. If you see physical mold on your air vents or ducts or experience a musty smell coming from your air, you need to get your air ducts clean. A professional HVAC service technician can sanitize your ducts, clean the mold and prevent new growth.

Excess Dust

Things like pet dander and allergens can build up in your ductwork over time. This debris can often be seen in visible poofs of dust that come out of your vents when your air or heating is turned on. If you experience this, cleaning your air ducts can not only get rid of the debris but improve your overall health and help your system run more efficiently.

Cold or Allergy Systems

Dust, debris, and dust mites can all live in your air ducts and cause allergy and cold symptoms. If you’re experiencing unusual or heightened allergy symptoms, your dirty ducts could be the culprit. Cleaning your ducts can help improve your indoor air quality and reduce symptoms especially in those with respiratory problems, the elderly and newborns.

At A.J. Perri, we know how important it is to keep your home and your family healthy. Call an experienced A.J. Perri HVAC tech at (732) 733-2548 to schedule a service today.