How Often Should You Clean Your Air Ducts?

Part of keeping your home’s air fresh and clean is to regularly clean your air ducts. Not only is it important for your health, but it’s also a part of keeping your entire HVAC system running for a long time. Accumulated dust and dirt can make your heating and cooling system work harder than it needs to, cutting its life short. The question is, how often should you clean your air ducts?

How often should you clean your air ducts?

There are a few different factors that determine how often you should clean your air ducts, but as a general rule, the National Air Duct Cleaners Association recommends cleaning your air ducts every three to five years.

Signs that you need to clean your air ducts

Even if you plan to clean your air ducts regularly, there could be signs that you need to get around to maintenance sooner than the recommended time. Here are some signs that you need to clean your air ducts.

Higher energy costs
Energy costs can be affected by the quality of your air conditioning and HVAC system. If they are not properly cleaned and maintained, it can cause your system to work harder because the air can’t flow as freely, making it more difficult to maintain the desired temperature.

Cleaning out your air ducts can solve this problem. Getting rid of any dust and debris that are trapped in the ductwork can improve the quality of the airflow, thus allowing your system to function better. This will help to lower your energy costs.

Mold
If you’re noticing mold around your air vents, it could be time to clean out the system. Heating and cooling systems, which include the air ducts, can develop condensation. Too much condensation can cause mold or mildew to grow in and around vents and ducts.

Mold is one of the most dangerous things to have in your home as it can cause serious health problems for you and your family if left untreated. If you’re noticing it around the vents, it’s possible it could also be in other parts of the system that are not visible. This means it can spread bad air, and it should be taken care of immediately.

Rodents or insects
Rodents and insects in your house, namely the walls and air ducts of your home, can be a sign that your air ducts need to be cleaned. Pests can leave behind feces, fur, and bacteria that are dangerous to have in your home, especially with any elderly, small children, or pets.

If you’re experiencing odd smells, seeing droppings, or you are finding chewed wires or other materials, these are signs of infestation. Rodents, especially, can chew their way into your ducts quickly once they make their way into your home. At that point, it is crucial to call in an exterminator along with an air duct cleaning professional to address the issue as soon as possible.

When it’s time to clean your air ducts call Sunrise Heating and Plumbing

Cleaning your air ducts or other parts of your HVAC or heating system is something you shouldn’t take over on your own. Hiring a professional is the only way to ensure that your air ducts are properly cleaned, as it’s more complex than it sounds. Not only will the right team clean your system, but they will also check for signs of other issues or damage.

If you think your air ducts need to be cleaned, call the professionals at Sunrise Heating and Plumbing today at (616) 293-9326. We will be happy to answer any questions you have and help you breathe easier with a clean air duct system.