Does Cleaning Air Ducts Help With Airflow?
Clean ducts mean improved circulation
Decreased airflow with your forced-air HVAC system could mean your air ducts are clogged or dirty. Over time, dirt, dust, dander, and debris can build up in your ducts.
If you notice dust and debris near your vents, you should call a pro to clean your air ducts. After all, keeping the air in your home clean and flowing freely is a top priority. Hiring a pro to clean your air ducts is worth it in many situations, especially when it comes to air quality. We’ll break down everything you need to know before hiring.
What Does Air Duct Cleaning Do?
Your HVAC system is essentially the lungs of your home, circulating air throughout the space. Over time, grime can accumulate in the ducts that help deliver air to your home's rooms. Dust, pet hair, dander, and even mold can be inadvertently circulated throughout your entire house if your ducts are extremely dirty.
Cleaning your air ducts aims to eliminate buildup and open them up for optimal airflow. Thorough cleaning will get rid of dust, pet hair, dander, mold, and any other debris so that your HVAC system isn't circulating dirty air. If your ducts have heavy mold, vermin, or debris buildup or if someone in your household suffers from allergies or respiratory issues, your system can benefit from a good cleaning, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Is Air Duct Cleaning Worth It?
It may be a waste of money to have your air ducts cleaned if you're not having serious problems with your air quality. You might just need to replace your air filters, clean your registers, and wipe down your return grilles to enjoy fresher air.
However, sometimes cleaning your air ducts is necessary to freshen things up. If you’re experiencing excessive airborne allergens, odors in your air ducts, pest infestations, or mold and mildew growth, a ductwork cleaning can help.
Benefits of Cleaning Air Ducts
Fresher air, fewer germs, and a longer life span for your HVAC system are some of the benefits of professional air duct cleaning. Cleaning air ducts can also help with airflow in your home, keeping the space comfortable year-round.
Reduces Air Pollution
Indoor air pollution can come from a variety of sources, including cooking, cleaning, and smoking. Even your furniture, wall paint, carpeting, or certain hobby and craft supplies can cause off-gassing of harmful VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that affect respiratory health. Air duct cleaning removes the pollutants that have built up on your ductwork and prevents them from being released into the air.
Combats Mold
Mold and mildew thrive in damp, moist environments—which can include your air ducts, particularly in more humid parts of the home. Bathrooms and kitchens are especially prone to mold concerns. A routine air duct cleaning may eliminate the spores that lead to mold growth (and the health problems that result). If you notice condensation on your air vents, it’s definitely time to check for mold and mildew and schedule a cleaning if necessary.
Helps the HVAC System Last Longer
When dust and debris pile up in your air ducts, your system has trouble circulating air efficiently. According to the EPA, cleaning all of the components of your HVAC system may improve the efficiency and, in turn, extend the life of your HVAC system. However, cleaning only the ducts may not result in a longer-lasting system on its own. That said, routinely cleaning them is still a good idea if you live with people suffering from allergies and respiratory issues.
It’s also worth noting that a 2016 study by the National Air Duct Cleaning Association (NADCA) found that “cleaning even lightly fouled heating and cooling systems can result in energy savings of 11%.”
HVAC systems cost $7,500 on average and last around 15 years. With routine duct cleaning and repairs, they can last 20 years or more.
How Often Should You Clean Your Air Ducts?
The NADCA suggests cleaning your air ducts every three to five years. If you have a furry friend who is a heavy shedder and someone in your home who’s allergic to them, consider cleaning your ducts more frequently to get rid of pet hair and dander that tends to build up in the ductwork.
The Environmental Protection Agency suggests having your air ducts cleaned if someone in your home is suffering from allergic reactions or unexplained illness. You can visually inspect or perform a smell test to determine if it’s time for a cleaning or repair. If there’s a moldy or musty smell in your vents, you likely need to address a moisture problem.
Ultimately, it will be up to you to decide if you’ll get an air duct cleaning and how often. Speaking with a local air duct cleaning pro can help you make an informed decision.
Cleaning Air Ducts Yourself vs. Hiring a Pro
While you can technically clean your air ducts yourself, hiring a pro will be more effective. You’ll also avoid accidentally damaging your air ducts while cleaning. The best tools for cleaning dirty ducts include industrial vacuums, specialized scrub brushes, snake cameras for duct inspections, and compressed air tools.
Cleaning your air ducts costs between $270 and $490 on average. This process involves inspecting the ducts to assess how much debris needs to be removed, accessing the entire duct system, loosening the debris with brushes and compressed air, and vacuuming it out.
That said, if no one in your home suffers from allergies or respiratory illness and if you can’t see any noticeable buildup inside your ducts, hiring a professional to clean them may not be necessary just yet. As the vents on your system get dusty over time, vacuum them or remove and clean them.
Tips to Improve Your HVAC System’s Airflow
There are a few tricks that will help improve your HVAC system's airflow overall.
Check the supply vents and return vents for blockages.
Open the vents if they’re closed.
Check whether you’ve replaced the filter recently. You should replace them every three months, depending on the filter type.
Run ceiling fans if you have them.
Schedule a routine HVAC maintenance service to ensure your system is running properly.