Do HVAC Air Ducts Need Maintenance and Cleaning?

Homeowners spend a lot of time ensuring their furnaces and air conditioners are well maintained and as efficient as possible. But have you ever thought much about your HVAC air ducts?

When you think about heating and cooling your home, it only makes sense to focus on the furnace and air conditioner. But it isn’t the only part of your HVAC system that needs regular maintenance. The furnace might produce warm air, the air conditioner might create cooled air, but without the ductwork, the conditioned air would never make it to each room in your home.

As air flows throughout your home, it impacts the condition of the ductwork. It’s not just air that blows throughout your home, it takes dust, pollen, and other contaminants with it. And after years of working, they can get dirty, leak, and deteriorate. It’s all a matter of time.

The Environmental Protection Agency states:

“Duct cleaning has never been shown to actually prevent health problems. Neither do studies conclusively demonstrate that particle (e.g., dust) levels in homes increase because of dirty air ducts. This is because much of the dirt in air ducts adheres to duct surfaces and does not necessarily enter the living space. It is important to keep in mind that dirty air ducts are only one of many possible sources of particles that are present in homes. Pollutants that enter the home both from outdoors and indoor activities such as cooking, cleaning, smoking, or just moving around can cause greater exposure to contaminants than dirty air ducts. Moreover, there is no evidence that a light amount of household dust or other particulate matter in air ducts poses any risk to your health.”

Duct cleaning isn’t necessarily a bad idea. Even the EPA recommends it in certain circumstances.

• If you do an extensive remodel
• If you have an infestation with rodents or insects
• If you have visible mold growth
• If your ducts are clogged with visible debris

All are reasons to consider air duct cleaning.

But in many cases, your annual HVAC maintenance visit is enough to catch any potential problems that may exist within your HVAC system.

An HVAC system cleaning checks the HVAC ducts and ensures the main supply duct and all branch ducts are clean and well maintained. This also includes the return air ducts. It checks all grills and diffusers. It checks, cleans, and repairs all major furnace components. It replaces the air filter. And if a technician notices any problems, it will investigate further.

That alone is usually enough to ensure your HVAC system is working effectively.

Have you had your yearly checkup for your HVAC system this year?