Your HVAC system’s air ducts are like arteries in a human body. Human arteries transport oxygen and nutrients from the heart to other body tissues. Air ducts are also tubes that link your HVAC system to air vents in your home. Heated or cooled air first passes through the air ducts then through the air vents so as to cool or heat your home. If your body arteries don’t function well or are not clean, then you’d land into lots of troubles in terms of your health. The same applies to air ducts. If your air ducts aren’t clean or they don’t function well, then the air circulating in your home won’t be clean and healthy. But many homeowners wonder: how often should air ducts be cleaned?

First, What Does Air Duct Cleaning Mean?

Air Duct cleaning simply means cleaning your HVAC’s duct system including the vents, fans, coils, grilles and heat exchanger in a professional way using duct cleaning equipment. Duct cleaning ensure dirt and debris in your duct system are completely eliminated, so that they don’t build up and cause problems with your HVAC system and your health.

So, How Often Should You Get Your Air Ducts Cleaned?

This is one of those questions that doesn’t have an exact answer to give. Why? Because how often to clean ducts really depends on a number of factors and who you ask. According to the EPA – Environmental Protection Agency, it’s not really a must that you clean your air ducts, unless you notice  excessive amount of debris, dirt and mold on your HVAC system. Another reason why you might want your ducts cleaned is if someone in your house has constant breathing problems or allergies.

According to National Air Duct Cleaning Association (NADCA), you should get your ducts cleaned:

• Every 3-5 years
• When you relocate to a new house/build a new house
• When you renovate your house
• If there are pets in your house that spread hair and dander
• If there are smokers in your house
• If your house has experienced serious damages such as fire and water damage
• If you’ve not been using your HVAC system regularly

Also, according to NADCA, how frequently to clean ducts really depends on the homeowner’s preference. Cleaning your HVAC system will not only improve the air flow in your home, but it will also save you energy bills.

Also read: Can Air Duct Cleaning Deliver the Results You Need?

Who Should You Contact to Have Your Ductwork Professionally Cleaned?

Every 3 to 5 years, ensure you have your ducts cleaned by an HVAC specialist. If you’re in Atlanta or its environs, contact Moncrief Heating & Air Conditioning for quality air duct cleaning in Atlanta or any other problem with your HVAC. They will professionally check for asbestos before starting cleaning.