How often should air ducts be cleaned?

The Environmental Protection Agency recommends cleaning air ducts as needed. Although it does not encourage routine cleaning, it does encourage routine filter changes and yearly inspections of the heating and cooling system.

Cleaning the air ducts might be necessary if anyone in the home or office is suffering from allergy flare-ups. Other indicators include visible mold, rodents or dirt escaping from the vents. If mold is suspected, it can be confirmed by a laboratory since some substances are similar in appearance to mold. If the system's heat is generated by burning fuel, it needs to be checked each fall or winter for carbon monoxide risk. When it is time to clean, it is important the company cleans all parts of the system and not just the ducts.