As a homeowner, you’ve got a big checklist to keep your home in tip-top shape. Where does your ventilation system factor in? If you’re not sure how often to get your home air ducts cleaned, don’t know how long it’s been since the last cleaning, or are seeing signs that your ventilation system is in trouble, you’ve found the right place to start. Let’s go over how often, the warning signs to watch out for, and what you might need beyond duct cleaning.
The Expert Answer for Air Duct Cleaning: It Depends
This isn’t the answer you want to hear, but it’s the truth: while you’ll see a general consensus online that air ducts should be cleaned every 3 to 5 years, that’s an average, and there are so many factors that might change that. For example:
- How Often Do You Replace Filters? Somewhere in your HVAC system, there is one or more filters for your air intake. Unless replaced regularly, these filters will become clogged, reducing efficiency and letting dust bypass the filter.
- How Often Do You Clean Your Cooling Unit? Whether you have a cooling unit or a wall/window-mounted AC unit, its outdoor filter will need to be cleaned regularly; otherwise, similar issues to those above.
- What About Pets, Hobbies & Life? “Dust” is a shorthand for many different types of particulate matter from you, your family, pets, hobbies, cooking, outdoor air quality, and more. All of these factor into how quickly ducts build up with dust.
What the EPA Says About When to Get Home Air Ducts Cleaned
According to their page, Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned?, the EPA also doesn’t specify an interval for cleaning. Instead, it focuses on warning signs that there are issues in the vents you need to deal with, including:
- Mold Growth: There is substantial visible mold growth inside the ducts or on other components of your heating and cooling system.
- Pest Infestation: If there are signs of vermin, such as rodents or insects, in your vents, including droppings or nests.
- Dust from Vents: You see significant dust buildup around your air supply registers (where air comes into the room) or actual dust in the conditioned air.
It’s important to note this EPA page is based on a 1997 document, so you may want to seek experts in your area for their opinion as well.
Other Services Beyond Air Duct Cleaning to Consider
Of course, duct cleaning is only part of improving your home’s performance. If you’re looking for increases in home comfort, health, and efficiency, there are other related and complementary services you should look into:
- Home Evaluation: Getting a comprehensive energy audit and air quality testing helps assess your home’s current state and provide next steps.
- Duct Sealing: If your air ducts are underperforming, it might not just be dust. Get your ducts inspected and sealed for maximum efficiency.
- Air Quality Monitoring: We offer AirAdvice air quality monitoring systems to track air quality to better keep you and your children safe at home.
- HVAC Maintenance & Replacement: Older heating and cooling systems might be contributing to poor ventilation. Get you HVAC inspected and replaced if needed.
- Bathroom & Kitchen Ventilation: Improved ventilation for your bathroom and kitchen can improve air quality and reduce moisture and odor issues.
Your St. Louis Duct Cleaning & Home Performance Experts
At Greenmark Home Performance, we combine ventilation services—including duct cleaning, sealing, and HVAC maintenance—along with home performance expertise through home evaluations, air sealing, and insulation. Not only will your air ducts be cleaned, but we’ll also help you identify underlying issues and improve your indoor air quality and comfort. Our St. Louis offices are standing by to help: start your estimate today or call us at (314) 845-9144!
