It could be once or twice a year, it could be once every few years. The only way to know is to look inside the vents and see the amount of build-up. You may consider cleaning air ducts simply because it seems logical for air ducts to become dirty over time and should be cleaned from time to time. As long as the cleaning is done properly, there is no evidence to suggest that such cleaning is harmful. The EPA does not recommend that air ducts be cleaned routinely, but only when necessary.
However, the EPA recommends that if you have an oven, stove or fireplace that burns fuel, you inspect them for proper operation and check them before each heating season to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning. The EPA does not recommend that air ducts be cleaned except when necessary, due to constant uncertainty about the benefits of duct cleaning in most cases. However, the EPA recommends that if you have an oven, stove, or fireplace that burns fuel, you inspect them for proper operation and that you check them before each heating season to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning. Some research also suggests that cleaning dirty cooling coils, fans, and heat exchangers can improve the efficiency of heating and cooling systems.
However, there is little evidence to indicate that simply cleaning the duct system will increase system efficiency. Air ducts are ducts that carry hot and cold air throughout the house. Like any other HVAC system, air ducts require regular maintenance to ensure maximum efficiency. As a general rule, the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recommends cleaning air ducts every 3 to 5 years.
With certain methods, that cleaning recommendation can be extended from 6 to 8 years. The accumulation of mold and other contaminants that cause allergic reactions may be a good idea to clean air ducts more immediately, for the sake of the health of your home and family. Air ducts and ventilation grilles should be cleaned at least every 3 to 5 years, sometimes longer in hot and humid climates such as Florida. A common statement made by some HVAC companies is that a home's HVAC ducts should be cleaned at least once every three to five years to ensure that hair, dust, and dirt don't affect air quality in the home and cause health problems.
However, the EPA takes a different stance, noting that duct cleaning has not been proven to prevent health problems. In addition, studies on the effects of duct cleaning do not conclusively demonstrate that the presence of dust and debris in ducts increases levels of particles inside the home. Regardless of whether or not you decide to clean your home's air ducts, it's essential to commit to a good preventive maintenance program to minimize duct contamination. In addition, spring is also the time when pollen spreads and pets lose hair, so cleaning the ducts during the season will reduce the allergens that circulate in your home.
Cleaning air ducts at least once every four or seven years is essential to ensure good indoor air quality. You've probably seen an advertisement, received a coupon in the mail, or a company contacted you directly offering to clean your air ducts to improve your home's indoor air quality. Duct cleaning methods vary, although industry associations that deal with cleaning air ducts have established standards. If you think duct cleaning might be a good idea for your home, but you're not sure, talk to a professional. If you decide to clean the air ducts, take the same precautions as you would normally take to evaluate the competence and reliability of the service provider.
If you decide to clean your heating and cooling system, it's important to ensure that the service provider is committed to cleaning all components of the system and is qualified to do so. Cleaning the air ducts involves thoroughly cleaning the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Small amounts of dirt don't affect the air quality inside the house, and HVAC ducts don't need frequent cleaning. If your home has recently undergone construction or renovation, it's essential that you clean the air ducts.
While there is no need to clean the ducts to remove a small amount of dust, hair and other debris, there are times when it is best to clean the ducts. Most HVAC companies specify a specific frequency or schedule for cleaning ducts, but there is no need to clean them regularly to maintain the health and quality of the home's air.
