How Often Should You Have Your Ducts Cleaned?

Regular duct cleaning is vital for improving indoor air quality and ensuring that your HVAC system works efficiently. However, the timing of duct cleaning depends on several factors such as the presence of pets, breathing issues, or other problems specific to your property and household.

Aim for Duct Cleaning Every Five Years

It is commonly recommended to have your ducts cleaned every five years. However, there is no strict danger in exceeding this timeframe. Instead, aim for regular inspections if it’s been more than five years since your last cleaning to determine when your next one may be necessary.

Your duct manufacturer might require cleanings every few years to keep your warranty intact. Our team can review your warranty to determine if any action needs to be taken and will discuss our findings with you before any work begins.

If your ducts are out of warranty and nearing the end of their useful life, it might be worthwhile to consider replacing them. This can make your home more efficient and potentially increase its value, especially if existing ducts are damaged or sagging.

How Debris Can Impact Your Home’s Ducts

Allowing your ducts to become too dirty can have multiple consequences. Accumulated dust, dirt, and debris can make ducts heavy, causing them to sag or break apart, creating gaps that hot or cold air can escape through.

Even if your ducts are in place, debris can cause them to narrow inside, reducing airflow and causing uneven temperatures in your home. Spaces close to the furnace may get concentrated air, while those farther away may not receive adequate heating or cooling.

Ducts in basements, attics, or garages may face moisture issues due to poor ventilation. This can attract insects, rodents, and other pests, as ducts provide warmth, hidden areas, and sometimes food sources.

Moisture can also lead to mold or mildew growth, spreading throughout your house. A musty smell indicates mold or mildew presence, suggesting that ducts should be cleaned sooner rather than later, even if they were cleaned recently.

How Dirty Ducts Impact Your HVAC System

Dirty ducts can significantly impact your HVAC components. Dust and pollen in the ducts can cycle through and collect on your furnace, causing it to overwork. This extra strain can lead to part failure or complete furnace breakdown, especially in older systems.

If your HVAC components get dirty quickly after a cleaning, it may indicate that your ducts need cleaning. Our team can inspect your ducts, clean them if necessary, and provide tips to improve your HVAC performance and indoor air quality.

How Dirty Ducts Impact Air Quality

Dirt, pollen, and other particles in your ducts will likely spread throughout your home, worsening breathing issues, affecting your skin, and damaging surfaces. This highlights the importance of maintaining clean ducts.

Issues That Might Necessitate Frequent Cleanings

If you have pets, their fur and dander add to the debris in your home’s ducts, especially if they shed a lot or have long hair. Homes with carpeted surfaces also trap more dirt and pollen, which can eventually make its way into your ducts.

Consider annual or biannual duct cleanings if you have pets, carpeted floors, or other factors that enable debris accumulation in your home.

Obvious Signs That Cleaning Is Necessary

While a duct cleaning schedule depends on your needs and budget, certain situations warrant immediate cleaning to ensure the health of everyone in your home.

For instance, seeing dust coming out of the vents indicates it’s time for a cleaning. External debris, pollen, and even debris from unchanged air filters can accumulate in your ducts.

Air filters typically last about 90 days before they need replacing. Check yours at least once a month, especially if you have smokers or long-haired pets in your household.

Contact Us for Duct Cleaning Services

Our team at Lightfoot Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical, LLC is ready to assist with air conditioning repair, heating system installation, electrical repair, and plumbing issues, including leak detection and toilet installation. If you need duct cleaning services in Weatherford, TX, or the surrounding area, contact Lightfoot Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical, LLC today.