Opinions vary widely concerning how frequently you should have your air ducts cleaned. In general smokers, people with indoor pets, those who suffer from asthma and allergies should probably have their ducts cleaned more frequently.
You should also have your ducts inspected if you notice unpleasant odors coming from the HVAC vents, or if the humidity level in your home seems unusually high. Air duct cleaning is also recommended after interior renovations and remodeling, and prior to occupying a new home. In the absence of an obvioius problem, the question of how often to have your air ducts cleaned is a matter of personal preference.
Does air duct cleaning really make a difference?
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers estimates dirty HVAC ducting, coils and blowers can reduce your system’s efficiency by as much as 40 percent.
What are the benefits of having my air ducts cleaned?
Having your air ducts cleaned by a professional heating and air conditioning company can improve your system’s efficiency, reduce monthly utility costs, and improve the air quality in your home. Improving the air quality can reduce your family’s chances of developing health problems associated with certain types of airborne contaminants.
Dirty air ducts can reduce the air flow in your HVAC system. This can lead to the presence of moisture which encourages the growth of mold and fungi.
In addition to odors created by the formation of mold and mildew within the ducting, heating and cooling ducts also retain and recirculate odors that are present in a home, including odors created by cigarette and cigar smoke and indoor pets.
Having your air ducts cleaned will also reduce the visible dust in the air, and on your furniture.
Need more information?
In our next post, we’ll discuss what should be included in the air duct cleaning, when to have your ducts cleaned, and what to look for when choosing an air duct cleaning professional.
How often do you have your air ducts cleaned? Please share your thoughts with us by leaving a comment below.