As a homeowner or business owner, you’ve likely wondered what the right air duct cleaning frequency is for your building. Should you clean your HVAC yearly? Is the frequency of cleaning central air ducts different than others? These are all great questions and ones we answer in this guide for residential and commercial properties.
Read on to learn more about how often you should be cleaning your air ducts for residential and commercial buildings. You can also discover the importance of Houston air duct cleaning, how to tell if you need it, and what you can do to reduce the amount of contaminants entering your ducts.
Is air duct cleaning really worth the money?
Yes. Air duct cleaning can be worth the investment, but its value depends on certain factors, such as the condition of your system and the contractor you use for the job. If your system has not been cleaned in several years or you’ve noticed increased respiratory symptoms or allergic reactions while inside, a professional cleaning would be worth the time and money.
Of course, the contractor you choose is a big factor in getting your money’s worth. So, ensure you hire a professional and highly qualified air duct cleaning professional like Top Star Air Pros. We perform free estimates, which include a thorough inspection to determine the state of your air duct or HVAC system.
Our team also takes pictures before and after throughout the process to show the work we complete and to ensure you feel your money was well spent.
What the EPA Says About Air Duct Cleaning
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “Duct cleaning has never been shown to actually prevent health problems. However, there is evidence that dirty heating and cooling coils, motors, and air handling units can make your HVAC system less efficient.”
This means air duct cleaning isn’t the single solution to cure poor indoor air quality, but it can make a meaningful difference in your system’s energy efficiency, saving you money in the long run.
How do I know if my ductwork needs to be cleaned?
If you’re not sure if your HVAC system needs cleaning, there are some common signs for both residential and commercial buildings to keep an eye out for.
You should seek out air duct cleaning services if you experience the following:
- Visible dust around air vents: If you regularly see dust accumulating on vent covers or notice particles being released when the HVAC system runs, it could be a sign that your ducts are circulating contaminants through your space.
- Unexplained respiratory issues or allergy flare-ups: Poor indoor air quality caused by dirty air ducts can aggravate allergies, asthma, or other respiratory symptoms. If you notice these symptoms in yourself or others only in the building, it could mean severe indoor air contaminants.
- Moldy or musty smells when the system is running: A persistent odor coming from your vents may indicate mold or mildew inside ductwork, which can pose serious health risks and should be addressed immediately.
- Reduced airflow from vents: If some rooms feel stuffier than others or airflow seems weaker than usual, a buildup of dust or debris in the ducts could restrict ventilation and reduce your system’s efficiency.
- Recent pest infestation or rodent activity: If rodents, insects, or other pests have made their way into your air ducts, they can leave behind waste, nesting materials, and bacteria that compromise your air quality.
If you spot any of these red flags, it’s time to contact a professional Houston air duct service before the problem gets worse.
Recommended Air Duct Cleaning Frequency
The recommended air duct cleaning frequency depends on the type of property, local environment, and the needs of building occupants. With that said, let’s dive into how frequently residential and commercial buildings should clean their air ducts.
Residential Air Duct Cleaning Frequency
The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recommends cleaning air ducts every 3 to 5 years for most homes across the U.S. However, because of the climate associated with the area, Houston homeowners should seek air duct cleaning every 2 to 3 years.
Here is why more frequent air duct cleanings are necessary for Houston homeowners:
- High pollen: Houston’s extended allergy seasons mean more pollen circulating in the air and, eventually, your ductwork.
- Humidity levels: Houston is known for its high humidity, which encourages mold and mildew growth within your air ducts.
- Usage during long summers: As your system runs longer over the hot months, your ductwork will collect all types of contaminants, such as pollen, dust, dander, and debris.
- Presence of indoor allergens: Homes with pets and smokers will have higher levels of dander, dust mites, and odors.
- Sources of fine dust: If you live near busy roads, industrial districts, or a construction site, your air ducts are more susceptible to collecting pollutants like fine dust.
- Respiratory conditions: For those with respiratory conditions like asthma or allergies, you may want to seek air duct cleaning more often to reduce potential triggers of symptoms.
Commercial Air Duct Cleaning Frequency
For commercial buildings, air duct cleaning frequency will vary widely depending on the building’s size, occupancy, and the type of work being performed. That said, commercial buildings should have their air ducts inspected annually, with cleanings scheduled every 2 to 5 years.
Your commercial property may require more frequent air duct cleaning if it has any of the following qualities:
- High occupancy: Office buildings, retail stores, coworking spaces, and many other high-occupancy environments would benefit from more frequent air duct cleaning. With more people inside the building, there is a greater amount of dust, dander, and indoor pollutants that accumulate in the ductwork.
- Industrial/manufacturing operations: Facilities that produce fine dust, fumes, and other airborne particles as part of their operations (factories, workshops, labs, etc.) will need more regular air duct cleaning.
- Sources of moisture: Commercial buildings with strong sources of moisture, such as kitchens or pools, can expect higher humidity levels. As a result, you should clean your ductwork more regularly to prevent mold and mildew accumulation.
- Renovations/construction: Any recent remodeling or construction in the building should prompt an air duct cleaning, as these operations produce vast amounts of air pollutants that gather in the ductwork.
How to Keep Your Ducts Clean Between Visits
While routine cleaning is essential, you can also take steps to keep your ducts cleaner between visits.
Here’s what you can do to keep your air ducts cleaner until your next service:
- Change filters: Replace your HVAC filters every 1 to 2 months to prevent dust, pet hair, and allergens from entering your ductwork. New filters also help your system operate more efficiently, reducing energy costs.
- Annual inspections: Schedule annual inspections for your HVAC to ensure your system is running smoothly and air ducts are in good condition. Professionals like Top Star Air Pros can identify damaged or poorly sealed ducts, which are common sources of dirty air ducts.
- Clean up dust: Regularly dust and vacuum your home or business to reduce the amount of dust that makes it into your air ducts. Dust around vents, baseboards, and other high-traffic areas to cut down on air pollutants.
- Air purifiers: Consider adding HEPA air purifiers to your home or business. These devices reduce the number of airborne particles in the building and subsequently in your air ducts.
Find Reliable Air Duct Cleaning in Houston
Work with a licensed professional to protect your building’s air quality and your system’s efficiency. Top Star Air Pros understands Houston’s unique climate and how it can impact your indoor air quality.
So don’t hesitate to call our team today for a free estimate. We’ll perform a thorough inspection of your system before giving you a quote on the job. Then, we’ll provide before and after photos so that you know the full exstent of our work.
Give us a call today at (832) 990-9333 to schedule now or fill out the form on our contact page.