While there are no hard and fast rules around how often to clean your air ducts, the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recommends an annual inspection of the HVAC system and air ducts to stay on top of any potential problems. You may not need to clean your air ducts every year, but it’s a good idea to check regularly for mold and contaminants in air ducts. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) produced an indoor air quality guide that advises keeping an eye out for things like vermin, mold, and contaminant buildup in air ducts, which can cause health problems for residents. Here’s what you need to know about why and how often to clean your air ducts.
Why Air Duct Cleaning is Important
Mold, dust and dirt particles in the air can cause breathing issues and can create potential health problems for infants, children, and people with asthma or cardiovascular diseases. In addition to health risks in high-risk and sensitive individuals, air duct contaminants can also cause:
- Eye irritation
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Sickness from airborne viruses and bacteria
Regular air duct checks and periodic professional cleanings will cut down on these dust and contamination risks.
Air Duct Cleaning Frequency
Typically air duct cleaning is only done as needed when mold or debris buildup has taken hold. However, there are some circumstances that require more frequent cleanings. These include:
- Having smokers in the household
- Multiple pets, or pets that shed
- After home renovations or remodeling
- Residents with health conditions that benefit from fewer pollutants in the air, including asthma and allergies
Most homes and businesses won’t need annual air duct cleanings. But periodic cleanings every three to five years, in addition to regular inspections, offer health benefits that come from cleaner air. Bactronix offers HVAC check-ups and full-service air duct cleaning. To learn more, give us a call or check out our air duct cleaning services.
