Updated Oct 14, 2022
Updated Oct 14, 2022
We recommend the best products through an independent review process, and advertisers do not influence our picks. We may receive compensation if you visit partners we recommend. Read our advertiser disclosure for more info.
If you’re like most people, you likely ignore your heating and cooling systems unless you’ve encountered a problem. It’s designed to be inconspicuous.
Tucked behind walls, under floors, and above ceilings, air ducts are the invisible railway system transporting out pre-conditioned air and delivering back conditioned air into your home. Air ducts, just like the condenser and evaporator coils of your air system, need to be cleaned and maintained.
From the benefits of air duct cleaning to what to expect during the process, here’s everything you need to know about cleaning air ducts.
Keep your all of your home’s systems functional with regular maintenance by the best home warranty companies such as Choice Home Warranty. Learn about the benefits that even the cheapest home warranties can offer.
Cleaning and maintaining your HVAC system has several benefits:
While you may be able to handle some aspects of cleaning and maintaining your heating and cooling system, like hosing out the condenser coils, vacuuming the inside of the air handler, and changing air filters, cleaning air ducts should be done by a professional.
If the rest of your heating and cooling system is well maintained, air ducts will only need to be cleaned every few years. But if you notice the following conditions, you should call a professional HVAC service for a thorough cleaning of your air ducts and the rest of your system.
LEFT Mold on the outside of an air vent
RIGHT Debris in a home air duct
Cleaning air ducts is only part of the maintenance process. Because air ducts serve as the network between all parts of the air system, all other components must be inspected and cleaned as well to prevent recontamination of the ducts.
A total cleaning process should include an inspection of the air ducts to check for water damage, leaks, excess dust, or debris.
Once the air ducts have been cleaned or pass inspection, the following components that affect efficiency and effectiveness will need to be cleaned.
Air duct cleaning is a multistep process that should take about two to five hours, but is well worth the time and expense to have it done. In some cases of extreme dirt buildup, air duct cleaning can increase efficiency as much as 40%.
Preventing dirt and dust from getting into your heating and cooling system in the first place is the best way to keep your air ducts clean. Your first line of defense against HVAC dirt and dust is the air filters that clean the air being pulled in by the air returns.
Cleaning replaceable filters or changing disposable ones at least every three months will help keep dust, pet hair, and dander out of your HVAC system.
Other steps you can take to keep your air ducts clean:
According to the United States Department of Energy, Americans could be wasting 10%–20% of their energy costs on inefficient heating and cooling systems. Increasing efficiency by keeping air ducts and the rest of your system clean and well-maintained can substantially reduce your heating and cooling bills and let you breathe easy.
More in Maintenance
Get the best of House Method in your inbox
By creating an account you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy