Top 3 Benefits of Air Duct Cleaning
Discover the benefits of air duct cleaning, when you might need it, and who to hire to do the job right.
By Anne Fonda
Most of us don’t give our HVAC system’s ductwork a lot of thought. Out of sight, out of mind, as the saying goes. But just because most of the ducts in your home are hidden, it doesn’t mean you should ignore them.
If you’re curious about whether you should hire that duct cleaning service advertised in the local coupon packet or flyer, keep reading.
#1 Improved indoor air quality
Depending on your circumstances and the condition of your ductwork, air duct cleaning may improve your indoor air quality (IAQ) by reducing indoor air pollution.
#2 Possibly improved HVAC system performance
If your heating and cooling system’s ductwork has a substantial buildup of dust and debris or even clogs in certain areas, that is negatively impacting proper airflow. The system has to work harder, causing increased wear and tear and other problems.
Air duct cleaning to remove clogs or excess dust and debris can improve airflow, and thus HVAC system performance.
It’s important to get to the root cause of the excess dust or clog. Leaking air ducts can cause excess dust as well as uneven heating and cooling. Work with an HVAC professional to fix the problem.
#3 Peace of mind
Lastly, if you’re concerned about indoor air quality, duct cleaning can give you peace of mind.
Signs you might need duct cleaning
It’s important to know that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says there is no need for cleaning air ducts regularly. They do, however, list several times when you DO need to hire a professional duct cleaning service.
These include:
- There is visible mold on your air ducts or other HVAC system components including vents, coils, filters, etc. Mold can cause adverse health effects.
- Rodents or insects have invaded your air duct system.
- Your ducts are clogged with excessive dust and debris or particles are released into your living space from the supply registers.
You can still have your air ducts cleaned even if none of these apply. The EPA says if the duct cleaning is properly done by a trained professional, there is no evidence that it would harm your health.
Hire the right air duct cleaning company
If your HVAC company also provides air duct cleaning services, you’re probably safe sticking with them to do the job. They know all about duct systems and can spot other issues such as disconnected ducts or leaky ducts.
If your HVAC service provider doesn’t clean air ducts, ask them for a recommendation. Cleaning ductwork requires special equipment (such as a rotary brush system and powered vacuum) and special knowledge. This is especially true if you are getting your ductwork cleaned because of mold.
The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) is a good place to start your search for air duct cleaning near you. That’s because certified members undergo specialized training and use specialized equipment to ensure they safely clean and restore your HVAC system.
Some companies offering rock-bottom pricing may not do a good job of air duct cleaning and may even damage your ductwork. They might also try to scare you or upsell you on services you don’t need. Watch this interview with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to learn how to avoid scams.
What does air duct cleaning cost?
The cost of air duct cleaning services will vary, depending on several factors. A professional job will certainly cost more than the $99 special you see on a flyer.
According to the EPA, you can expect professional air duct cleaning to cost between $450 and $1,000, depending on:
- The size of your home and ductwork system
- The type of ductwork (rigid sheet metal, flexible ducts, etc.)
- The level of dirt, dust, mold, or other contaminants
Prices today may be higher, as those EPA estimates are from a few years ago.
How often should I schedule ductwork cleaning?
Again, for most homes, ductwork cleaning is not needed every year like HVAC maintenance is. Follow the EPA guidelines regarding excessive dust/clogged ducts, mold, or an infestation of rodents or insects.
You should know that unless you resolve the source of mold issues, the problem will recur. Learn how to prevent mold in your HVAC system.
Things you can do yourself
We certainly don’t recommend you try to do duct cleaning yourself, but there are some things you can do to help keep your ductwork system clean after the professionals leave.
- Practice good HVAC air filter maintenance. Change the filter regularly (every 1-3 months).
- Dust and vacuum regularly – at least once a week.
- Remove visible debris from beneath a removable floor vent.
- Consider installing a whole-house air purification system.
- Schedule professional HVAC maintenance in the spring and fall.
- If you have small children, make sure they are not dropping things into the floor registers.
When you do all of the things above, you will keep your ductwork cleaner and improve your indoor air quality.
Work with the HVAC experts
If you’re concerned about the condition of your ductwork, whether you think it’s dirty, has mold, or your ductwork may be leaking, talking with your local Trane dealer is a good place to start. They can evaluate your ductwork and airflow, and make recommendations including duct cleaning, duct sealing, and more.
They can also go over options to improve your indoor air quality. Get started now.
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
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