8 Air Duct Cleaning Guidelines All Homeowners Should Know

You want your family to have the cleanest air possible in your home. And while having your ducts professionally cleaned may seem like it would help keep your air clean, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines say it’s not necessary unless you can see mold growth. Here are eight duct cleaning guidelines you should know before deciding whether to have yours cleaned.

1. Know the Research

The reasoning behind the EPA guidelines surrounding duct cleaning is pretty simple: They determined duct cleaning had little to no effect on dust levels in the home. The dirt in your air ducts tends to adhere to the surface of the ducts, so it actually doesn’t make its way into your home via the air blowing in. Also, duct cleaning hasn’t been shown conclusively to prevent health problems.

2. Read About the Air Duct Cleaning Process

When a top-rated duct cleaner near you cleans your air ducts, they use a special rotating bristle brush with a high-efficiency air particulate (HEPA) filter and a vacuum. The pro will move the device through your ducts several times to clean out any dirt, dust, or debris. Then, they usually perform a furnace and coil cleaning to finish the job.

3. Consider If Duct Cleaning Will Get Rid of Odors

When you have your ducts cleaned, the technician might spray on an anti-microbial spray that’ll make your home smell better in the short term. But usually, odors are caused by one of a few things:

• Outside air leaking in through improper seals

• Rodents and animal droppings or fur

• Mold or moisture

A regular duct cleaning won’t fix any of those issues. If you’re having problems with odors in your home, it might be a good idea to install an air purifier, either room-sized or—if it’s in your budget—a whole-home system.

4. Choose the Right Pro

If you decide to hire a local air duct cleaner to clean or replace your air ducts, make sure you check out at least three companies and compare pricing and practices. Asking for recommendations from friends and family is always a good bet to find contractors if you don’t know where to start. 

Interview potential providers and ensure they follow the National Air Duct Cleaners Association’s guidelines and have experience with systems like yours. Also, check to see they hold the appropriate state licensing, and get a written estimate for the job. Do your due diligence so you don’t fall prey to common air duct cleaning scams.

5. Change Your Furnace Filter Regularly

Your furnace filter’s function is to help your system run at its peak performance. Neglecting your furnace filter can drive up your energy bills, compromise your air quality, and make your system work harder. Change your filter at least every 90 days but more frequently (at least monthly) if you have allergy sufferers or pets in the home.

6. Vacuum or Dust Regularly

Reducing the dust in your home will not only make it look and smell better, but it’ll also help keep your ducts cleaner because you’re eliminating debris that can get sucked into your system. Go over your home frequently with a vacuum, preferably one with a HEPA filter, and dust with a device that picks up dust instead of a feather duster that just moves it around.

7. Repair Leaks Promptly

Immediately address any leaks that allow moisture where it’s not supposed to be, with your ductwork being no exception. If you suspect you have a leak in your ducts where water is getting in, have it repaired right away so mold doesn’t build up in your system.

8. Seal and Insulate Properly

Sealing and insulating your ductwork will increase its energy efficiency because less of the hot and cold air pumping through your system can escape. It can also keep pollutants out of your ducts, which means less need to have your ducts cleaned since dirt and grime aren’t building up inside them.