Duct cleaning is an important way to improve indoor air quality. Without regular duct cleaning, dust, allergens and other residues will continue to circulate through your home or business and can cause respiratory problems for anyone inside. Although duct cleaning should be done on a regular schedule, several factors determine how frequently you should make sure this is taken care of. At Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating in Dallas, TX, our team of experienced HVAC specialists understands how important it can be to make sure the air you breathe indoors is as clean as possible.
General recommendations for cleaning air ducts are every three to five years. But it depends on several factors. The location, climate and use of air conditioners affect the frequency of how often this needs to be done. Other problems such as mold growth or signs of an illness can also be an indicator that your ducts need cleaning. To help our customers and our readers get a better idea of how often to clean their ducts, and the signs to look out for, we decided to spend a little time going over the topic.
The Basics
The fact is that over time, dust, dirt, animal dander, mold, and other unpleasant deposits accumulate in your ductwork as time passes. If there is a break or leak in your ducts, pests can infiltrate these pathways and cause even further damage to your indoor air quality. So how often should a duct system be cleaned? The reality is that it depends on many factors, and the best option is to consult with an experienced HVAC specialist for advice. A cleaner duct system means a healthier environment and improved indoor air quality, which is an important part of staying healthy.
What is the Average Cleaning Cycle?
Sometimes it’s easy to know when ducts need to be cleaned. If dust accumulates around openings or directly inside the ducts, this is a sign that they need to be cleaned. There may also be more dust on your furniture or upholstery. There may also be other signs of concern such as feelings of sickness, coughing, or even faster mold growth on certain food items. These are all signs that your ducts are being ignored and, in most cases, they should be cleaned and maintained well before they reach this stage. With proper cleaning and maintenance, ducts should only need to be cleaned every 3 to 7 years.
How Can Dirty Ductwork Affect Health?
Air quality in an average household can be up to five times worse than outside air quality in some situations. This type of environment can worsen illnesses such as allergies, asthma or COPD. Although the EPA has not officially acknowledged that cleaning ducts can directly prevent the development of health problems, keeping the air indoors clean can go a long way towards helping those who are already suffering feel more comfortable.
Ask Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating in Dallas, Texas for an Inspection
If you’re worried about the air quality in your home, or if you’ve started to notice signs of dirty ductwork such as increased dust, unusually fast mold growth on food, or an increase in feelings of illness such as coughing, then you shouldn’t wait to get your system inspected by an experienced professional HVAC technician. With a decades-long reputation for high-quality service throughout the DFW Metroplex, our team is always ready to work with you to determine the best course of action when it comes to your HVAC system, including your ducts. Don’t hesitate to contact us right away to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment.