How Often to Clean Air Ducts: By Household Scenario
Every home is different. Here’s how often you should clean ducts depending on your situation:
Standard Home
- Every 3–5 years (per NADCA guidelines).
- Helps maintain efficiency and clean indoor air.
Households with Allergies or Asthma
- Every 2–3 years.
- Dust, pollen, and pet dander trapped in ducts can trigger symptoms. Regular cleaning can bring noticeable relief.
Pet Owners
- Every 2–3 years (more often with multiple pets).
- Pet hair and dander accumulate quickly in ductwork.
After Renovations or Construction
- Immediately after the project.
- Drywall dust, sawdust, and debris settle deep into ducts.
Smokers in the Home
- Every 2–3 years.
- Smoke particles cling to duct walls, causing odors and indoor air quality issues.
High-Pollution or Dusty Areas
- Every 2–3 years.
- Homes near highways, factories, or in wildfire-prone areas collect pollutants faster.
Vacation Homes or Seasonal Properties
- Every 5–7 years if lightly used.
- Dust still settles, but slower than in full-time residences.
What Happens If You Never Clean Your Air Ducts?
Neglecting duct cleaning isn’t just about dust. Over time, dirty ducts can cause:
- Higher energy bills – clogged ducts restrict airflow, forcing your HVAC system to work harder.
- Shorter HVAC lifespan – dirt and debris wear down motors, coils, and fans.
- Health risks – mold spores, bacteria, and allergens circulate with your air.
- Persistent odors – smoke, pets, or mustiness that won’t go away.
- Fire hazard – in extreme cases, excessive lint or debris near heating components can ignite.
What to Expect with Professional Duct Cleaning Services
Professional duct cleaning is more than sticking a vacuum in a vent. At COIT, here’s what we do:
- Inspection – Checking ducts for mold, pests, and buildup.
- Protective setup – Covering floors and furnishings.
- Negative air system – High-powered vacuums create suction to pull debris.
- Rotary brushes & air whips – Dislodge stuck-on dust, pet hair, and debris.
- Cleaning HVAC components – Registers, coils, fan motors, and air handler.
- Final sanitizing (optional) – Eco-friendly treatments to reduce bacteria or odors.
Most professional duct cleanings take 2–4 hours depending on your home size and system condition.
Call the PROs at COIT for a professional clean!
The Cost of Air Duct Cleaning
On average, homeowners pay $450–$1,000 for professional duct cleaning (NADCA). Costs vary by:
- Home size and HVAC system capacity.
- Accessibility of ducts.
- Level of contamination (mold, pests, or heavy dust).
- Number of technicians needed.
While it might feel like an investment, clean ducts often pay off in:
- Lower utility bills
- Fewer allergy symptoms
- Less frequent dusting and cleaning inside the home
Myths vs. Facts About Air Duct Cleaning
Myth: Duct cleaning isn’t necessary.
Fact: EPA and NADCA both confirm cleaning is important if there’s visible mold, pests, or heavy buildup. Preventive cleanings also improve system efficiency.
Myth: You need ducts cleaned every year.
Fact: For most homes, every 3–5 years is enough unless you have pets, allergies, or recent renovations.
Myth: You can DIY duct cleaning.
Fact: Household vacuums don’t reach deep into ducts. Professionals use specialized equipment to clean thoroughly and safely.
How to Keep Ducts Cleaner Between Services
You can extend the time between professional cleanings with a few simple habits:
- Change HVAC filters every 2–3 months (or more often with pets).
- Vacuum and dust regularly, especially near vents.
- Seal leaks in ductwork to prevent debris from being pulled in.
- Schedule annual HVAC maintenance to catch problems early.
- Control humidity to prevent mold growth.
COIT’s 70+ Years of Air Duct Cleaning Expertise
For more than seven decades, COIT has been helping homeowners breathe easier. Our technicians follow NADCA-certified cleaning standards, and we use state-of-the-art equipment to make sure your ducts and your air are truly clean.
When you call COIT, you get:
- A thorough inspection and cleaning.
- Honest pricing with no hidden fees.
- Experienced technicians who treat your home with care.
- Guaranteed results.
Ready for cleaner air? Call the pros at COIT today and let us help you breathe easier.
Call the PROs at COIT for a professional air duct cleaning
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Duct Cleaning
How often should I clean my air ducts?
Most homeowners should plan to clean their air ducts every 3–5 years, according to the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA). However, how often you should clean your air ducts really depends on your lifestyle and environment. If you have pets that shed, family members with allergies or asthma, smokers in the house, or if you live in a dusty or polluted area, you may want to clean your ducts more frequently—about every 2–3 years. Renovations or water damage can also be a reason to schedule cleaning sooner.
Can dirty ducts make me sick?
Yes, dirty ducts can impact your health. When air ducts are clogged with dust, mold, bacteria, or pet dander, those contaminants circulate through your HVAC system and into the air you breathe. This can trigger allergy symptoms, asthma flare-ups, respiratory irritation, or even sinus infections. People with compromised immune systems, young children, or seniors are especially sensitive.
Does duct cleaning save energy?
Yes, cleaning your ducts can improve your system’s efficiency and help lower your energy bills. When dust and debris build up in ducts, the HVAC system has to push harder to move air through your home, and that extra strain means more energy use and higher costs. By keeping your ducts clean, you’re allowing air to flow freely, which helps your heating and cooling system run more efficiently.
Can I clean my ducts myself?
You can clean parts of your system yourself, like vacuuming vent covers or dusting registers, but most of the ductwork is hidden behind walls and ceilings. A standard household vacuum can’t reach deep enough to remove buildup inside the ducts, and trying to do it yourself could damage the system. A professional service is needed for a thorough, safe, and effective air duct cleaning.
What happens if I never clean my ducts?
If you never clean your ducts, you can expect more than just extra dust around the house. Over time, dirty ducts can reduce your HVAC efficiency, drive up your utility bills, and shorten the lifespan of your heating and cooling system. The air you breathe can also suffer since contaminants like mold spores, dust, and bacteria will continue circulating.
How long does the process take?
The length of time it takes to clean your ducts depends on the size of your home and how dirty the system is. For most average-sized homes, professional duct cleaning takes about 2–4 hours. Larger homes or systems with heavy buildup may take longer. It’s a good idea to plan for at least a half day, especially if technicians are also cleaning coils, fans, and other HVAC components.
Do commercial buildings need duct cleaning too?
Yes, commercial buildings often need duct cleaning more frequently than private homes. Offices, schools, hospitals, and other facilities have higher occupancy and stricter air quality standards. That means their ducts collect dust, allergens, and contaminants more quickly. Most commercial buildings should follow a 2–3 year schedule to maintain safe, clean air for staff, students, or patients.
How do I choose a reputable duct cleaning service?
When it comes to choosing a duct cleaning company, certifications and reputation matter. Look for a provider that’s NADCA-certified (National Air Duct Cleaners Association), since that means they follow industry standards. Read customer reviews, ask about experience, and make sure they provide upfront pricing with no hidden charges. The safest bet is to pick a company with strong credentials, transparent pricing, and a proven track record, like COIT.
