What shortens the life of an air conditioner?

• <div><p>While most air conditioners can last between 10 and 20 years, they will only last this long (or longer) if properly taken care of. Routine maintenance and inspections help keep your AC unit running in tip-top shape but understanding what factors will decrease its lifespan will also help keep your unit running cool.</p><p>Some things that shorten your AC’s lifespan include:</p><ul><li><p>Extreme outdoor conditions, like high humidity or extensive salt spray </p></li><li><p>Improper installation</p></li><li><p>Extended run times, either by the unit being too small or the thermostat setting too low</p></li><li><p>Not performing required maintenance</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Does cleaning air ducts help with airflow?

• <div><p>You may occasionally notice less air movement from your home’s furnace and air conditioning system. <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/air-duct-cleaning-can-improve-air-circulation.htm">Cleaning air ducts can help with airflow</a> through the HVAC system. However, quite a bit of dust and debris inside the ducts wouldn’t restrict airflow enough that you could feel it. As a first option, try changing the furnace filter to improve airflow.</p></div>

Get matched with top air duct cleaners in Nashua, IA

Q: Why is there dirt around my air vents?

• <div><p>HVAC systems push air around, causing dust and dirt to accumulate. Some dirt around air vents is normal, but if you notice a significant accumulation in a short time, that indicates a problem with the system. Clean the vent covers, replace the air filters, and call in a pro for an inspection. </p></div>

Q: How do I clean my return air vents?

• <div><p>Clean return air vents by using a microfiber cloth soaked in warm, soapy water (or a mild cleaning solution, like vinegar and water). Wipe the interior of the vents, paying close attention to the corners and crevices where dust likes to hide. Use a vacuum brush attachment or handheld model instead of a cloth if desired. Additionally, once or twice a year, remove your air vents and soak them in warm soapy water for 30 minutes before cleaning, drying, and putting them back on.</p></div>

Q: How often should evaporator coils be cleaned?

• <div><p>Your evaporator coils should be cleaned at least <b>once per year</b>. However, the frequency of cleaning depends on your air conditioning system age and performance. If your system is old, keeps breaking down, or continues to underperform, you should have your evaporator coils cleaned twice per season. </p><p>Your home&rsquo;s location also plays a central role. For example, if you live in climates with a lot of moisture, humidity, wind, dirt, or dust, you&rsquo;ll likely need to have your coils cleaned more than once yearly. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Air Duct Cleaning pros in Nashua, IA

*The Angi rating for Air Duct Cleaning companies in Nashua, IA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Air Duct Cleaning needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Air Duct Cleaning companies in Nashua, IA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Air Duct Cleaning needs.

Last update on November 23, 2025

Find Air duct cleaners in Nashua

Second Nature (Formerly FilterEasy)

5.00(

)

Second Nature (Formerly FilterEasy)

5.00(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Second Nature, formerly FilterEasy, empowers its members to achieve long-lasting, sustainable home wellness with convenient subscription plans, including high-quality home air filters and refrigerator water filters. We exist to simplify home wellness, to make it so easy and convenient that it becomes second nature. Learn about our products and subscribe at www.SecondNature.com/home.

AKA Services

No reviews yet

AKA Services

No reviews yet

21 years of experience

AKA Services Inc. is located in the Waterloo/Cedar Falls area and serves most neighboring counties and cities in Iowa. Owner Aaron Anderson is committed to offering residential, commercial, and industrial cleaning services in the most courteous, timely, and professional way. Our service capabilities are endless and no matter the size of your job, we can handle it! We have over 17 years of experience and our extensive line of commercial-grade equipment and experienced employees are ready to serve you!

Global Plasma Solutions

5.00(

)

Global Plasma Solutions

5.00(

)

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Global Plasma Solutions is a manufacturing company that sells air purification systems primarily into the commercial and residential markets. Home owners can benenfit from our systems as they are easily adapted to any HVAC system. Go to www.gpshvac.com to find a certified contractor near you to have one installed within your home.

Cedar Valley Steamatic

5.00(

)

Cedar Valley Steamatic

5.00(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Steamatic has over 40 years experience in the cleaning industry. We are a full service contractor, meaning we can handle your resotration job from start to finish including mitigation and the entire rebuilding process. We are licensed general contractors and Steamatic technicians are IICRC certified in fire, water and mold restoration. We offer 24 hour service on emergency services which includes fire and water mitigation.

Environmental Testing & Research Laboratories, Inc

4.85(

347

)

Environmental Testing & Research Laboratories, Inc

4.85(

347

)

Customers say: True professional

Recommended by 93% of Angi customers

ETR Laboratories in an analytic laboratory with a broad range of commercial, industrial and individual clients. We provide analytic services using a wide variety of scientific methods including GC/MS, IC/MS, GIR, NMR and SEM equipment. We can do particle analysis, organic and inorganic chemical analysis and micro analysis on biological and other materials. Private water analysis is our specialty. Award winning. Additional DBA - Environmental Testing & Research Laboratories Inc, ETR Labs, ETR Laboratories.

"as advertised"

Nancy C on July 2018

"as advertised"

Nancy C on July 2018

Air Duct Cleaning questions, answered by experts

HVAC systems push air around, causing dust and dirt to accumulate. Some dirt around air vents is normal, but if you notice a significant accumulation in a short time, that indicates a problem with the system. Clean the vent covers, replace the air filters, and call in a pro for an inspection.

While most air conditioners can last between 10 and 20 years, they will only last this long (or longer) if properly taken care of. Routine maintenance and inspections help keep your AC unit running in tip-top shape but understanding what factors will decrease its lifespan will also help keep your unit running cool.

Some things that shorten your AC’s lifespan include:

Extreme outdoor conditions, like high humidity or extensive salt spray
Improper installation
Extended run times, either by the unit being too small or the thermostat setting too low
Not performing required maintenance

You may occasionally notice less air movement from your home’s furnace and air conditioning system. Cleaning air ducts can help with airflow through the HVAC system. However, quite a bit of dust and debris inside the ducts wouldn’t restrict airflow enough that you could feel it. As a first option, try changing the furnace filter to improve airflow.

Clean return air vents by using a microfiber cloth soaked in warm, soapy water (or a mild cleaning solution, like vinegar and water). Wipe the interior of the vents, paying close attention to the corners and crevices where dust likes to hide. Use a vacuum brush attachment or handheld model instead of a cloth if desired. Additionally, once or twice a year, remove your air vents and soak them in warm soapy water for 30 minutes before cleaning, drying, and putting them back on.

Your evaporator coils should be cleaned at least once per year. However, the frequency of cleaning depends on your air conditioning system age and performance. If your system is old, keeps breaking down, or continues to underperform, you should have your evaporator coils cleaned twice per season.

Your home’s location also plays a central role. For example, if you live in climates with a lot of moisture, humidity, wind, dirt, or dust, you’ll likely need to have your coils cleaned more than once yearly.

The Nashua, IA homeowners’ guide to air duct cleaning services

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