Think of your home air ducts as the lungs of your home. Your ducts are responsible for receiving and supplying air within your house, and they also trap pollutants.
Consider that contaminants such as pet dander, pollen, and dust are going to find their way into the air you are breathing in your home. This comparison makes it clear why it is so important that you either schedule a duct cleaning or clean it yourself.
Over the years, your air ducts collect not only dust, but also debris, insects, and pests like rodents, as well as mold. All of these elements can begin to obstruct your vents, which causes them to be much less efficient. These air pollutants also lead to higher energy bills because it takes more power to treat your indoor air, so scheduling a duct cleaning can save you money over time.
How Often You Should Clean Your Air Ducts
The National Air Duct Cleaners Association recommends you have your ducts cleaned every three to five years. This range allows for the level of pollution that exists in your town.
Even if you have high-quality filters, your ducts will still gather debris. Particles will escape through the filter or enter the system through other methods. You should especially be mindful of cleaning your ducts if you live in a city that produces high pollution, or if your community is adjacent to construction, or is especially windy or dusty. Every time you turn on your HVAC system, you risk having pollutants enter your home.
Proper Maintenance of Your Duct Cleaning Extends Time Between Service Calls
If you properly maintain your air system and exchange your filters twice a year, you’ll extend the time between duct cleanings. Conversely, if your system has never been cleaned and it’s been operating for more than three years, it’s time for a cleaning.
Keep in mind that you only need one winter or summer of HVAC use to produce sufficient dust and debris in your airflow system to make it less efficient, and this will likely result in an increase in your energy bills.
Environmental Protection Agency Recommendations for Duct Cleaning
The EPA, or Environmental Protection Agency, suggests some proposals for when it is appropriate to clean your ducts. For example, if you have seen mold inside your ducts, you should clean them. Also, if you have observed a vermin infestation or you’ve noticed rodents exiting or entering your ductwork, or if you’ve seen dust collecting on your air register, it is time to clean your ducts.
Contributing Factors That Call for Duct Cleanings
There are potentially many elements that can contribute to needing to clean your ducts. The climate in your area can be a major factor in the timing of duct cleanings.
Other factors that signal it’s time for an HVAC duct cleaning include:
- Dusty build-up around the outside of the vent register
- Obviously thick dirt in ducts
- A noticeable burst of rubbish exiting supply registers
- Mold smell present in the airflow from the vents
- A dusty or musty smell when you turn on your HVAC system
All of these circumstances warrant an HVAC duct cleaning.
Among the additional situations that bring about the need to clean your ducts are:
- Moving into a new home
- After building a new home
- If home occupants regularly experience severe allergic reactions in the house
- If you have pets
- Following a remodeling project
- If you notice a vermin infestation or accessing
Best Timing for Duct Cleaning
It is ideal to set aside time just prior to winter or summer – when you expect maximum use of your HVAC system – to schedule a duct cleaning. You will want to completely clean your ducts well before you plan to use your energy system more consistently. We suggest in the spring or in early fall after you no longer are using your HVAC to cool or warm your home.
Look to Apollo Heating and Air Conditioning for Expert Maintenance of Your HVAC
Look to the HVAC experts at Apollo to ensure your energy system is in excellent condition and operating at optimal efficiency during all seasons of the year. Our experienced team of highly trained HVAC technicians will ensure that you enjoy comfortable and clean air in your home or business.
Apollo field technicians will work closely with you in deciding what HVAC system is the best, and tailor it to fit your unique needs and preferences! We are committed to delivering premium quality HVAC service, maintenance, products, and documentation in Kennewick, Pasco, Richland, and beyond!
Learn more by contacting Apollo Heating and Air Conditioning! Call us at (509) 396-COLD (2653).
