4 Things You Need to Know About Duct Cleaning
Learn the top things you need to know about air duct cleaning and when it might be necessary.
By Anne Fonda
You’ve seen the commercials and flyers in the mail. What is all the fuss about duct cleaning? Should it be part of routine HVAC maintenance? No. We will be the first ones to recommend that you get your HVAC system serviced every spring and fall before the cooling and heating seasons begin. This can help the system operate safely and efficiently.
However, air duct cleaning is different from regular AC maintenance or furnace maintenance. Learn what you need to know about making an informed decision and avoid dishonest companies.
#1: Air duct cleaning is not a scam
Contrary to what you might read on Reddit, air duct cleaning is not a scam. Sure, there are some bad actors out there who will convince you that you need air duct cleaning, will do a sub-par job of cleaning your air ducts, (all for the low price of $99!), and could damage your ductwork in the process.
This is why if you opt for air duct cleaning, you need to hire trained professionals, certified by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA). They have the training and the correct tools for cleaning ducts according to NADCA standards. Some HVAC companies provide air duct cleaning services, while other companies specialize in air duct cleaning and other interior services.
The NADCA website allows you to search for certified providers using your zip code. Don’t rely on a logo on a mailer. Unfortunately, some companies illegally use the logo and claim to be members, when they’re not.
#2: There are specific times when you need air duct cleaning
How do I know if my ductwork needs to be cleaned? You do not need air duct cleaning to be done routinely. However, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lists three specific situations where furnace and air conditioner duct cleaning is necessary.
- You have substantial visible mold growth in your ductwork.
- Your air ducts are infested with rodents or insects.
- Ducts are clogged or have an excessive amount of dust being released from your air supply registers.
#3 is the most common reason to get your ducts cleaned. If your home is over 10 years old, you may have substantial dust levels and other particulates in your air ducts. If you notice decreased airflow or excessive dust, it may be worth scheduling duct cleaning - at least an assessment.
Just know that it is normal for your return air vents to get dusty as dust-filled air is pulled through the grates. This does not mean your ducts are clogged. You can dust or vacuum the grates to remove the dust.
#3: Proper air duct cleaning targets the whole HVAC system
Professional air duct cleaning should involve the entire heating and air system. Before making recommendations, they should conduct an assessment. A company should be able to use a small camera inserted into your ductwork to evaluate the extent of any problem. They can then show you what the camera found.
If they recommend duct cleaning, it should include:
- air ducts
- coils
- drains
- drain pans
- registers
- grilles
- air plenum
- blower motor and assembly
- heat exchanger
- air filter
- air cleaner
According to the EPA, you can expect professional air duct cleaning to cost between $450 and $1,000, depending on:
- Size of your ductwork system
- Type of ductwork
- System accessibility
- Climate region
- Level of dirt, dust, mold, or other contaminants
How do you clean air ducts? You as a homeowner don’t. A certified company will use specialized equipment to dislodge debris stuck to the inside of your ductwork and essentially vacuum it out through a large hose connected to your HVAC system.
Cleaning (and disinfecting) the whole system is especially important if the reason for the cleaning is mold growth. It’s also important to know that you have to resolve the cause of the moisture that allowed mold growth in the first place, or it will come back.
Learn how to protect your HVAC system from mold.
#4: Duct cleaning MAY improve your indoor air quality
If you have mold in your ductwork, an infestation of vermin, or clogged air ducts, duct cleaning can improve your indoor air quality. Otherwise, duct cleaning may not make much of a difference. If you’re concerned with indoor air quality and keeping particulates and allergens out of your HVAC system and the air you breathe, a higher-quality air filter or whole-house air purification system might be a better investment.
HVAC air duct system maintenance tips
To help keep your air ducts clean, you should:
- Change your air filter regularly.
- Schedule regular maintenance of your heating and cooling system.
- Regulate the humidity in your home to keep it between 30%-50%.
- Sweep floors and vacuum rugs and carpeting regularly - especially if you have pets.
- Contact your local HVAC company if you notice changes in airflow - you may have leaky ducts.
Work with the HVAC experts
If you think you need duct cleaning, consult with your local Trane Comfort Specialist first. Some local Trane dealers provide duct cleaning services. If your local dealer doesn’t ask them for recommendations. They may also recommend checking your ductwork system for leaks. Leaky ducts can lead to excessive dust as well as increase the chances of mold growth.
Anne Fonda, Content Writer
A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need.
She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism.
When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.
Expert review by Kimberly Sexton, Senior Systems Engineer
Expert review by Erin Smith, Product Marketing Manager
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