Essential Tips for Air Duct Maintenance
Learn when and why air duct cleaning is crucial.
How Frequently Should You Address Air Duct Maintenance?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) doesn't endorse routine air duct cleaning. Instead, they suggest it should be done as necessary, especially under specific circumstances:
• Construction Projects: After construction work, especially involving drywall, due to the resulting dust.
• Infestation: When there's evidence of rodents or insect infestation in the ducts.
• Accumulation of Dust and Debris: If dust and debris accumulate and are released into your home from the supply registers.
• Increased Energy Bill: A noticeable spike in your energy bills may indicate a need for cleaning.
• Dirt or Dust Around Vents and Registers: Visible accumulation of dirt or dust around vents and registers.
• Ducts Older Than 10 Years: If your building is over 10 years old and the air ducts have never been cleaned.
• Allergy Sufferers: If someone in your home suffers from allergies, periodic cleaning may be beneficial.
• Persistent Unpleasant Odors: If you notice a constant, unpleasant odor in the air, even when the system is running.
• Frequent Air Filter Changes: If you must change air filters more often than every three months.
• Excessive Dust Despite Regular Cleaning: If your home seems to accumulate dust quickly despite regular cleaning.
• Reduced Airflow: If there's a significant reduction in airflow, it might be due to excessive dirt, obstructing the proper movement of the blower wheel or coil.
Regular monitoring for these conditions and addressing them promptly will help ensure your air ducts contribute to a healthier indoor environment.