What Is Air Duct Cleaning? Pros, Cons, and What the Experts Say

Ductwork in HVAC systems is everywhere, running through your walls, floors, and ceiling to channel temperature-controlled air throughout the house. Air duct cleaning is when a professional uses specialized tools to clean deep into the lengths of your home’s ductwork. Let’s take a look at how this works and if it’s worth doing.

What Is Air Duct Cleaning and Why Is It Done?

Air duct cleaning starts with a professional inspection of vents and air ducts throughout your house with specialized cameras or mirrors. Then, a pro sets up a special vacuum and connects it to the ductwork while vents are blocked to increase pressure. As they vacuum the air out, pros often shake the ducts to loosen as much dirt and dust as possible.

After this, your contractor may arrange for additional steps. If they find moisture in the ducts, they’ll recommend repairs for the ductwork, as well as a fungicide spray to prevent mold or mildew. If smells are an issue, they can spray deodorizers. They may also offer advice on the best filters for your system and other methods of improving your home’s air based on what the system needs.

Is Air Duct Cleaning Worth It?

Air duct cleaning is worth it in specific cases. Back when air duct cleaning first started rising in popularity, the EPA conducted a study on duct cleaning and how important it was for home health issues.

They found that air duct cleaning isn’t incredibly effective for the average homeowner. However, the EPA does note that duct cleaning is useful for anyone with vermin problems or a known mold issue. Allergies or strange smells may not be fully alleviated by air duct cleaning. And as long as they are in regular use, air ducts collect only mild amounts of particles, most of which are caught by HVAC filters or adhere to walls.

This means that you have to keep up with regular filter changes and HVAC inspections. If you fall behind on inspections, your system could get bogged down, and problems could arise that require duct repairs or cleaning.

Signs You Need Air Duct Cleaning

Cleaning air ducts isn’t as effective when nothing specific is wrong. So, when should air ducts be cleaned? There are several signs that findinga professional air duct cleaner near you is a good idea. These include:

• The HVAC system hasn’t been used in years, and lots of dust has visibly built up in the system.

• Air ducts have been infested by pests like rats, mice, or insects that have created nests inside.

• There is visible mold or a mold-like substance in the ducts or on the air vent covers.

• There’s a larger moisture issue in your home.

• You’ve recently had a remodel, and the ducts are filled with construction dust.

• You have multiple pets that shed a lot, and their hair has built up inside the ducts.

For some of these problems, you need a specialized pro. Mold, for example, should be handled by contractors with certification in mold remediation, while pest issues should first be dealt with by a pest control expert who may also offer cleanup services. If you do hire general air duct cleaning services, you’ll pay between $270 and $500.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Homeowners don’t have access to commercial-sized vacuums or the tools to reach deep down into the ductwork, so call a pro if you know you need air duct cleaning. This is especially important because they could find mold or pests in the ductwork, neither of which is safe to handle without the proper experience. 

There are a few things you can do to keep your ductwork in good condition without a cleaning, though. Every six months, take a clean, damp cloth and, using a light touch, clean inside the ducts to an arm’s length. You can also remove air vent covers monthly and soak them for a deep clean. This is where most of the dust from regular activity will accumulate, and it’s also an easy way to check on overall duct health.