There's no single schedule for every home. The better question is whether your ducts have a reason to be cleaned.
The EPA guidance on duct cleaning suggests considering cleaning when ducts have visible mold, signs of pests, or so much dust and debris that particles come out of the vents.
Clean sooner if
- You have pets that shed.
- Someone has allergies or asthma that are worse indoors.
- You finished a remodel.
- You moved into a home with unknown duct history.
- You see buildup around the vents.
When you can wait
If you change a good filter on schedule, the vents stay clean and nobody has allergy problems, you may not need a cleaning yet. During our inspection we look inside several vents. If the ducts look clean, we'll tell you.
Keep ducts cleaner between cleanings
- Change your HVAC filter on schedule.
- Vacuum vent covers and return grilles every few months.
- Cover vents and returns during remodeling.
