Just like any other HVAC system, air ducts require regular maintenance to ensure maximum efficiency. As a general rule of thumb, the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recommends air duct cleaning every 3 to 5 years. With certain methods, that cleaning recommendation can be extended to 6 to 8 years.

Besides, What happens if you don’t clean your ducts?

Over time, without proper air duct cleaning and maintenance, the moisture will start to grow mold and mildew. The real problem here is due to what your ducts do: disperse air throughout a structure. If you have moldy air ducts, that mold is going to be blown all through your home or business.

Keeping this in mind, Does air duct cleaning make a mess? Will Air Duct Cleaning Make A Mess Of My Home? No, it won’t. If you hire a professional company to clean your air ducts, such as Dustless Duct, your home will be clean and tidy when they’re done.

Can dirty air ducts affect air conditioning?

Many homeowners don’t know this, but the excessive buildup of dirt and debris in the average home’s ductwork can interfere with the overall performance of both air conditioning and heating systems. …

Can dirty air ducts make you sick?

Develop Respiratory Infections, Disease

If your family is getting sick more than normal, experiencing coughing, sneezing, sore throats, runny noses, nasal congestion, headaches, and low-grade fevers, they may have upper respiratory infections as a result of dirty air ducts.

Can dirty air ducts make your house smell?

Dirty air ducts are not only capable of harboring odors, they can also circulate these unpleasant smells throughout the entire house. … Bacteria – the amount of dirt and dust that accumulates within an air duct system can be astounding. This debris can become a virtual incubator for bacteria, which can produce bad odors.

Do I have to move furniture for duct cleaning?

Yes, furniture! Many homeowners have asked us whether or not they need to cover up furniture before we arrive. The answer is no! We close up all of the vents to ensure that any and all contaminants inside the ducts are completely removed.

Does air duct cleaning make house smell better?

Dirty air ducts are not only capable of harboring odors, they can also circulate these unpleasant smells throughout the entire house. … Fortunately, a thorough cleaning and disinfecting of the air duct system is quite effective at combating bacteria.

How do you clean AC ducts yourself?


DIY Air Duct Cleaning Steps

  1. Remove vent covers and wash them. Remove your vent covers with your screwdriver. …
  2. Cover vent openings with paper towels. Cover the openings to your supply registers with a few paper towels. …
  3. Loosen the dust. …
  4. Vacuum it up. …
  5. Change your air filter. …
  6. Replace vent covers.

How do you clean AC vents?


Steps To Clean Your Air Conditioner Vents

  1. Intro To The Guide. …
  2. Remove the vents. …
  3. Vacuum the ducts. …
  4. Dust off your vents. …
  5. Prepare some soapy water. …
  6. Soak your vents for up to 15 minutes. …
  7. Dry your vents with a towel and put them back on. …
  8. Replace your air filter & turn your HVAC system back on.

Can you get sick from not cleaning vents house?

By keeping the ductwork clean, air quality improves, which helps improve the overall health of everyone living in the home. … Sick Building Syndrome – Dirty ducts also cause “Sick Building Syndrome,” which occurs when dust, pollen, pet dander and other allergens build up inside of the ducts.

Can my air vents make me sick?

Respiratory Issues

Coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath could all be symptoms you experience if there is decaying vermin or mold in your air vents. The American Lung Association warns that poor indoor air quality can contribute to the spread of bacteria, infections, and even lung disease in extreme cases.

Can mold in air ducts make you sick?

Airborne mold spores can cause a number of allergic reactions including watery eyes, nausea, headaches, skin irritation, and fatigue. Sometimes the conditions that allow mold to thrive are temporary.

Does duct cleaning help air flow?

Ductwork cleaning does not improve air flow (and can actually help impede it), does not permanently remove mold or odors, and, depending on the type of ductwork, actually cause damage. Consult a certified HVAC specialist to determine the best solution to maintain your ductwork.

How do you get rid of bad air duct smell?


Discover how to deodorize air vents in the home using our tips.

  1. Vacuum the Vent Cover and Duct. A good place to start when you are trying to get rid of smells from your vents is to vacuum the cover and the duct passage. …
  2. Clean the Vent Cover and Duct. …
  3. Change the Air Filters. …
  4. Call a Professional Service.

What do dirty air ducts smell like?

If the smell of sewage is permeating your house from your air ducts, then the most likely culprit is just what it smells like: sewage. If there’s a crack in your pipes or if the sewer line is backed up, then that would cause a smell of sewage.

Does duct cleaning get rid of odors?

You may love your household pets dearly, but they can contribute to the unpleasant odors in the home. … The fragrance of pet urine can be especially strong, and can cling to the dust within your homes air duct system. Unfortunately, the only way to get rid of this odor is to have your air ducts professionally cleaned.

How do I prepare my home for duct cleaning?


BEFORE WE ARRIVE

  1. Find Your Vents. Please provide access to all of your vents. Check behind furniture, in bedrooms, bathrooms and closets. …
  2. Clear Around Vents & Furnace. Please move all lamps, plants and breakables in the immediate vicinity of your vents. …
  3. Check for Asbestos (Homes Over 30 Years Old)

How long does it take to clean ducts in a house?

How long does an average ductwork cleaning session take? The typical single-family home’s air duct system takes between two to four hours to clean with a crew consisting of at least two technicians. Older homes and those with pets may take longer to clean.

Do duct cleaners need access to vents?

We will need access to every register in your home including those in bedrooms, bathrooms and closets. At this time you can also do a quick count (don’t forget your basement ceiling vents) to come up with an estimate of your total vents.

How do you get the smell out of air ducts?


Discover how to deodorize air vents in the home using our tips.

  1. Vacuum the Vent Cover and Duct. A good place to start when you are trying to get rid of smells from your vents is to vacuum the cover and the duct passage. …
  2. Clean the Vent Cover and Duct. …
  3. Change the Air Filters. …
  4. Call a Professional Service.

How do you make your vents smell better?


What Can You Put in Your Floor Vents to Make Them Smell Good When the Heat Kicks On?

  1. Dryer sheets.
  2. Double-sided tape.
  3. Clip-on air freshener.
  4. Essential oils.
  5. Dried lavender.
  6. Sachet.

Can I use a shop vac to clean air ducts?

Vacuum: When choosing a vacuum to clean your air conditioning vents, you want to make sure that you use a Shop-Vac or a vacuum which might get damaged. Many sharp elements like screws that tend to rest at the bottom of the air ducts get sucked up which may damage the hosing to the unit.

How do you clean an AC vent in the ceiling?

Vacuum the vents to remove most of the dust and dirt. Take a damp microfiber cloth to wipe the outside of the vent, as well as the wall and ceiling around it. Do not use water or cleaning chemicals, as these will smear the dirt around and make it more difficult to remove buildup!