How Often Should Air Ducts Be Cleaned_ A Practical Homeowner Guide

1. How Often Should Air Ducts Be Cleaned? A Practical Homeowner Guide Your home’s air ducts play a key role in your indoor air quality. They carry heated or cooled air from your HVAC system to every room. Over time, they collect dust, pet dander, mold, and other debris. This can impact the air you breathe and the efficiency of your system. If you’re wondering when it’s time to schedule Air Duct Cleaning Columbus, this guide will walk you through what you need to know. Why Air Duct Cleaning Matters Dirty air ducts can make allergies worse. They can also spread mold spores and unpleasant odors through your home. Your HVAC system may work harder, which can raise your energy bills.

2. Cleaning your ducts helps: ● Improve indoor air quality ● Reduce allergens and dust ● Boost HVAC performance ● Extend the life of your system How Often Should You Clean Air Ducts? The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recommends cleaning ducts every 3 to 5 years. But this can vary based on your home and lifestyle. You should clean them more often if: ● You have pets that shed ● Someone in the home has asthma or allergies ● You’ve done a recent home renovation ● There’s visible mold in the ductwork ● You notice a musty smell or black dust around vents In newer homes or homes without pets, you may be able to wait closer to the 5-year mark. But homes with kids, smokers, or allergy sufferers will benefit from more frequent cleanings. Signs It’s Time to Clean Your Air Ducts Watch for these signs: ● Excess dust even after cleaning ● Weak airflow from vents ● Vents look dirty or clogged ● Strange odors from your HVAC system

3. ● Increase in respiratory problems These signs suggest your ducts are circulating dirty air and could be due for cleaning. Is DIY Cleaning Enough? Changing your HVAC filters every 1 to 3 months is important. But filters alone won’t stop buildup in the ducts. Vacuuming the vents or brushing them off helps a little, but it won’t remove what’s deep inside the ductwork. Professional cleaning uses high-powered vacuums and tools to remove debris from the entire system, including hard-to-reach areas. This ensures a thorough job. What to Expect From a Professional Cleaning A certified technician will: ● Inspect your ducts for mold, dust, and damage ● Use a vacuum system to clean all ducts and vents ● Clean HVAC components like the blower and coils if needed The process takes a few hours, depending on the size of your home. It’s safe, effective, and can help improve both comfort and energy use. Regular air duct cleaning is a smart step in home maintenance. It keeps the air cleaner, your family healthier, and your HVAC system running smoothly. If you're in the Columbus area and it's been a while since your last cleaning, schedule a trusted Air Duct Cleaning Columbus service today.