There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question should air ducts be cleaned in your home. You should work with your heating and air conditioning contractor to evaluate the ductwork in your home to see if it needs to be cleaned. Here are some questions to ask to help decide if duct cleaning is called for:
- Is there a visible accumulation of dust or other debris inside your ductwork or coming out of your grilles and registers?
- Do you have evidence of rodents or insects inside your ducts?
- Is there visible mold growth in your ducts or are there areas of your ducts that stay moist all the time?
- Do you notice unpleasant odors in your home whenever your air conditioning or heating system blowers come on?
If you answered “yes” to any of those questions, you should have your ducts professionally cleaned to remove mold, dust and debris. As part of the cleaning job, your contractor should also clean the blower motors, fans and heat exchangers in your system. Clean ductwork and dust-free moving parts can improve your system’s energy efficiency and might make your indoor air healthier for your family.
The presence of excess dust buildup, other debris, insects or rodent droppings could indicate problems with your ductwork that should be addressed. If your ducts are efficiently designed and properly sealed, duct cleaning should not be necessary more often than every few years. If your ducts are excessively dirty, have your contractor check for leaking seams, places where duct sections have come apart, gaps around the filter and places where water is seeping into your system. By repairing damaged ducts and preventing moisture buildup, you may eliminate the need for frequent duct cleaning.
Call us at James Lane for help with your duct cleaning and maintenance. If you’re still asking, should air ducts be cleaned in your home, we can help you with the answer. We have worked throughout the Wichita Falls area since 1957 providing safe and efficient cooling and heating systems for homeowners and businesses.
