Duct cleaning is an important maintenance step for your HVAC system and your home in general. However, it doesn’t need to be done with the same regularity as air conditioning and heating maintenance, which are annual jobs. You can develop a specific schedule for duct cleaning, or you may choose to have it done whenever it’s necessary.
But how can you tell when it’s necessary, and what is a good estimate for how often you’ll likely need it? We’ll look at this more below. You can always call us to schedule an appointment for duct cleaning in Rochester, NY or to ask any questions you may have about the process.
1. You’ve never had duct cleaning done before
This is the easiest sign. If you’ve already lived in your home for several years and never considered having duct cleaning, then you’re likely already due for it. If you’re not the original tenant of the house, then the ducts might be quite dirty.
2. It’s been 3 to 5 years since the last cleaning
This is a good scheduling idea for duct cleaning: having it done every 3 to 5 years. It only takes about a year for enough dust and other debris to collect along the duct walls to create a thin layer, so after 3 to 5 years that layer will be enough to create resistance against airflow and begin to cause problems for your household. If your home has pets, children, or smokers, then the frequency will probably be closer to 3 years.
3. The house seems to always be dusty
The ductwork can serve as a reservoir for debris that will continue to circulate through your home if it’s not cleaned out. When the ducts become dirty enough, they’ll start to leave more dust around the home. When you notice that all the cleaning and dusting you do doesn’t seem to make a dent in layers of dust in the home, it’s time to look into duct cleaning.
4. Heating and cooling bills are abnormally high
One of the best reasons to have regular duct cleaning is to prevent a steep rise in the cost to use your HVAC system. Dirty ductwork creates resistance against airflow and forces the HVAC system, whether it’s heating or cooling, to work harder than it should. Pay attention to those spikes in your utility bills, as they may be warning you it’s time to have the ducts professionally cleaned.
5. A visual inspection shows the ducts are clogged
Yes, you can make a visual check on the inside of your ducts even if you can’t see most of them. Unscrew the vent cover to one of the supply ducts in your house, then reach down inside it with your phone and use it to take a digital picture with a flash. If the image you see looks like a clogged car air filter, then the ducts need cleaning.
Triple O Heating, Cooling, Electrical & Plumbing Is Your One-stop Shop for HVAC, Plumbing and Electrical. Arrange for duct cleaning services with us today.