When it comes to keeping the air in your home clean and healthy, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to how often you should clean your air ducts. However, a good rule of thumb is to clean them every three to five years. This is the minimum frequency, as dust, dirt, and other debris can accumulate in the ducts faster than you may think. Cleaning the air ducts is a relatively low-cost task when compared to other expenses associated with buying and moving into a new home. Duct cleaning involves removing bacteria, pet dander, mold, and pollen particles from the air you breathe.
The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recommends that homeowners inspect their air ducts annually to check their condition. If you are comfortable with DIY projects, you can clean your air conditioning system ducts yourself with the right instructions from a reliable online source or manual. If you notice any signs of rodents or insects in the air conditioning system, it is best to have the ducts professionally cleaned. If you have pets that shed hair, this will increase the amount of dust, dirt and hair inside the ventilation grilles, so you may need to clean your ducts more often than the recommended average. In general, commercial properties such as office buildings, educational facilities, and shopping malls should have their air ducts cleaned every three to four years.
Cleaning your air ducts regularly is a great way to improve the quality of air inside your home. The benefits of duct cleaning include removing all debris from the duct system and not just the last few meters that can be vacuumed out. If you have pets or children with allergies in your home, it is recommended that you have your air ducts professionally cleaned more frequently than usual. Cleaning your air ducts less often or not at all can help keep your house less dusty. However, according to NADCA, there are several reasons why you may need to clean your air ducts more often than recommended.
These include preventing unpleasant odors such as pet odors, mold, paint fumes, tobacco smoke, or cleaning agents from entering your home. Choosing the right company to clean your air ducts will give you more benefits than just a cleaner system. Additionally, consider cleaning your ducts if you smell dampness or burning when you turn on your oven.