Your home’s air quality may affect your health, energy efficiency, and comfort more than you realize. Ductwork carries warm or cool air throughout your home but, without proper upkeep, may also spread dust, allergens, and other airborne pollutants. Understanding when to clean your air ducts and the signs of dirty ductwork helps you make informed decisions about maintaining your HVAC system and scheduling duct cleaning with Calvey’s team.
How Often Should You Get Your Air Ducts Cleaned?
Routine air duct cleaning helps prevent dust, debris, and other contaminants from straining HVAC components and impacting indoor air quality.
What is air duct cleaning?
Air duct cleaning involves removing dust, debris, and contaminants from ductwork as well as cleaning the entire HVAC system. That includes:
- Supply and return air ducts.
- Registers and grills.
- Evaporator and condenser coils.
- Condensate drain pan.
- Air plenum.
- Heat exchanger.
- Blower fan motor and assembly.
- Air filter.
Professional duct cleaning starts with a thorough HVAC system inspection, during which technicians use specialized cameras and other tools to assess dust buildup, mold growth, and pest infestations.
They address the source of contaminants, such as mold around a drain pan, by using rotary brushes, compressed air tools, air whips, and other agitation devices to loosen contaminants from surfaces. As contaminants loosen, they’re pulled into a specialized ductwork vacuum that keeps particles contained and prevents them from contaminating your living space. Depending on ductwork condition, technicians may also apply antimicrobial treatments to sanitize surfaces or remediate mold.
Duct cleaning frequency
Most homes benefit from duct cleaning every 3 to 5 years. Your HVAC technician may recommend more frequent cleaning for certain cases, such as households with respiratory conditions or allergies.
Several factors help determine duct cleaning frequency:
- HVAC system configuration and usage: Homes that rely heavily on heating or air conditioning year-round likewise put heavier use and debris buildup on ductwork.
- Air quality concerns: If you live in an area with high pollen counts, industrial pollution, or wildfire smoke, airborne particles can settle in your ducts more quickly.
- Household size and lifestyle: Homes with high foot traffic, carpeting, indoor smoking, or frequent indoor activity tend to generate more airborne dust and pollutants.
- Pets: Pet dander, fur, and tracked-in dirt contribute to faster buildup inside ducts
- Ductwork age and condition: Deteriorating materials, poor design and sizing, insufficient insulation, and other factors impact the rate of dust and mold buildup.
- Regional climate and humidity: Homes in humid climates may experience mold growth inside ducts and require more frequent maintenance.
Best Seasons for Air Duct Cleaning
Scheduling duct cleaning at the right time maximizes its effectiveness by preparing your HVAC system for peak usage. By removing the source of contaminants, optimizing airflow, and improving indoor air quality, strategically timed air duct cleaning has the biggest impact on your home’s efficiency and comfort.
Spring duct cleaning
Spring is an ideal time to clean air ducts and remove dust and allergens accumulated over the winter. During the winter, dust, pet dander, and other indoor air pollutants accumulate inside ductwork, especially if your home has a regularly used fireplace or your pets grow thick winter coats. Cleaning ducts after this period removes winter buildup, allowing for fresher indoor air and preventing strain on your AC as you move into cooling season.
Spring is also pollen season, where trees, flowers, and grasses bloom and contribute to higher airborne allergen levels, particularly as homeowners more frequently open their windows as the weather warms. Cleaning ducts before peak pollen levels enables them to filter and remove them more effectively, minimizing circulation in your home and reducing exposure.
Fall duct cleaning
Fall follows months of heavy air conditioning use during the summer in California, during which dust, debris, and allergens accumulate inside ductwork. Summer humidity also creates ideal conditions for mold and mildew growth inside ducts, particularly in cases with excessive condensation or poor insulation. Left unaddressed, mold growth generates spores that circulate throughout your home, resulting in musty odors and respiratory issues.
Cleaning ducts in the fall removes these contaminants and eliminates buildup before the heating season begins. This allows for better airflow, which improves energy efficiency and reduces furnace strain, and supports healthy indoor air quality.
Duct cleaning after a remodel
Home renovations generate a significant amount of fine particles and debris from drywall and sawdust. Paints, stains, and adhesives may introduce airborne volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and demolition may also uncover mold and release spores. In older homes, construction may also agitate lead or asbestos-containing materials — even after professional remediation, traces may linger in your home if your ventilation system is overburdened.
These airborne substances can linger inside ductwork and affect indoor air quality long after the project is complete, potentially resulting in health issues and reduced HVAC efficiency. Scheduling ductwork cleaning after a remodel helps eliminate these lingering pollutants, creating a safer indoor environment and preventing unnecessary strain on the HVAC system.
Signs You Need Air Duct Cleaning
Routine cleaning every 3 to 5 years helps maintain healthy indoor air quality, but certain signs indicate that your ducts may need more frequent or immediate attention.
Visible dust buildup
Dust accumulating around air vents or building up quickly on surfaces in your home suggests that your ductwork is clogged and circulating dust throughout your home.
Mold or mildew growth
Mold thrives in damp conditions, and HVAC systems can be the ideal environment for growth. If you notice black, green, or white mold spots inside vents or duct openings, mold is likely present within your ductwork. Even if mold isn’t visible, a persistent musty odor during heating or cooling cycles may also indicate mold growth.
Increased allergy symptoms
Your household may experience allergy- or cold-like symptoms, such as congestion, headache, and watering or itchy eyes, if exposed to contaminants indoors. If symptoms are persistent indoors but improve when outside, dirty air ducts may be responsible.
Higher energy bills
Debris buildup restricts airflow in your HVAC system and forces it to work harder to cool or heat your home, resulting in increased energy consumption. Sudden or steady increases in your utility bills may warrant checking your ducts for airflow restrictions. This extra strain also wears out HVAC components, potentially resulting in costly repairs or premature replacement.
Pest infestations
Rodents and insects may enter ductwork, especially if built-up debris provides them with a potential food source. These populations may leave behind droppings, nests, fur, and other contaminants, which further compromise indoor air quality. Note signs of infestations, such as unpleasant odors, marks from chewing, droppings, and scratching sounds.
Hot and cold spots
Blocked or dirty ducts inhibit even temperature distribution, often resulting in noticeable hot and cold spots.
Schedule Air Duct Cleaning with Calvey Heating and Air
Professional duct cleaning improves indoor air quality, extends HVAC system life, and enhances energy efficiency. Proactive care is the best way to protect your household and HVAC equipment — if you’re unsure about the condition of your air ducts, an assessment from Calvey can determine your duct cleaning needs. Contact us today to schedule air duct cleaning and optimize your indoor air quality.