How Often Should You Clean Your Air Conditioning Ducts?

Did you know that indoor air can be up to 5 times dirtier than the air outside your front door? According to the EPA, air inside the average American home is 2-5 times more polluted than air outdoors. At best, this means your respiratory system is working harder, and at worst, this pollutant buildup can have adverse effects on your health.

Regular duct cleaning can help improve indoor air quality. Indoor pollutants include dirt from outdoors, skin cells, pet dander, fragrances, gases from cleaning products, and off-gassing from paint, carpets, plastics, and fabrics, which can accumulate in modern, weather-proofed homes. Let’s explore when experts recommend air duct cleaning, exceptional circumstances that make cleaning vital, and how to determine if your ducts are due for a cleaning!

Do You Really Need to Clean Your Air Ducts?

In certain circumstances, yes, you absolutely must clean your air ducts to avoid risking your health or damaging your air conditioner. Here are some of the situations when a thorough duct cleaning is needed:

– Visible mold growth on your ducts
– Infestations by insects or rodents
– Large amounts of dust and debris build up (more common in Phoenix)
– Recent remodel or home renovation project

Visible mold needs to be removed immediately for your health, and for similar reasons, a thorough cleaning is necessary after a rodent or insect infestation. Rodent droppings leave behind bacteria and odor as well, while a long dust storm season or a home remodel leaves your ducts caked in grit and dirt. In these cases, an air duct cleaning will remove pollutants before they can spread throughout the house.

6 Signs Your Air Ducts Might Be Dirty

Are you unsure if your ducts need cleaning?

– Do you or anyone in your household have allergies, especially unexpected allergies or allergies that have worsened over the last few years?
– Is anyone in your home living with pet allergies?
– Do you dislike the way your house smells? Moreso, are there any foul or unusual odors coming from your vents?
– Is your HVAC unit slowly becoming less efficient, causing it to run constantly and produce less cold air? This could be from clogged air ducts.
– Do you have visible dust fanning out from your vents and registers?
– Is your house always relentlessly dusty?

These are all signs that your air conditioning ducts could be grimy and your household might benefit from a duct cleaning.

AC Duct Cleaning Recommended Schedule

Regular air duct cleaning, every 3-5 years, is all the average home needs to stay ahead of pollutants. Arizonans may want to consider the 3-year mark, given the high levels of dust native to the area. Air conditioners in Arizona have their work cut out for them due to:

– High demand and extended use due to long, hot summers. Expect to run yours from May to September, at least.
– Extreme temperatures, in the high triple digits, are common.
– A significant amount of fine desert dust particles in the air clogs filters.
– Dust storms and other weather events that push huge amounts of dirt and dust into the air create a fog-like haze that can linger and clog your entire air conditioning system, including ducts.
– Other factors, such as having multiple pets, smoking indoors, or having a household member with asthma, might accelerate your recommended cleaning schedule.

Air Conditioning Preventive Maintenance Tips

Help your indoor air quality and extend the life of your air conditioner by:

– An ounce of prevention, etc. Schedule your annual pre-summer inspection and get ahead of any issues to start the summer season strong.
– Replace your filters monthly, especially during the hot summer months.
– Check your filter after significant dust events and replace it if needed.
– Make sure the area around your registers and vents is clear.
– Dust and vacuum your home often, especially if you have pets.
– Dust or vacuum all vents and registers regularly to keep them clean and free from debris.
– Take any leak seriously and address it immediately.
– While usually dry, Arizona can have bursts of oppressive humidity. Consider a dehumidifier during the monsoon season.

What is the Average Cost of Air Duct Cleaning in the Phoenix Area?

Air duct cleanings in the Phoenix area (including Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, and Tempe) start around $900 and can reach $2000 plus. Factors determining your duct cleaning price include:

1. Who you hire: A reputable company will charge more than a company that is cutting corners.

2. The size of your house: A larger home means more vents and ducts to clean.

3. The cleanliness of your vents: The presence of anything like mold or rodent residue will add to the cost.

Choose Same Day Air Repair for Phoenix Air Duct Cleaning

Ready to schedule an air duct cleaning in the Phoenix area and its neighboring cities, Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, and Gilbert? Call Same Day Air Repair at 602-560-7349 today!