How Often Should Air Ducts Be Cleaned in Minnesota?

The harsh Minnesota climate can do a number on your home’s air quality and filtration systems. And, air duct maintenance can often fall through the cracks when it comes to homeowner maintenance. So, how often should you have your air ducts cleaned in Minnesota? 

Routine cleaning of your air ducts ensures that these critical components can continue to adequately maintain your home’s air quality and comfort, protecting you and your family’s health. 

Total Comfort is here to help you safeguard your Minnesota home from natural allergens and contaminants building up in your air ducts. Let’s take a closer look at how often you should have your air ducts cleaned to keep your home at its healthiest and most efficient.

Is Air Duct Cleaning Necessary?

Air duct cleaning is every homeowner’s rightful duty in ensuring clean air continues to flow throughout their home. No matter how good your HVAC system is, it is still prone to the buildup of dust, mold, and allergens that accumulate in the air ducts. 

Maintaining a routine air duct cleaning schedule is a key solution to mitigate air quality and health issues in your household, particularly for those with pets, family members prone to allergies, and following renovations. Investing in professional duct cleaning is your pathway to a home with consistently cleaner air. 

Understanding the Contaminants in Your Ducts

Are you aware of what’s hiding in your air ducts? Your ducts are a refuge for more than just dirt and debris buildup; even pet dander, pollen, and insects find their way into your system. And their damp environment is even a host to mold spores, especially in humid environments like Minnesota summers. 

Homeowners must be aware of the types of contaminants that can accumulate in their ducts, especially in homes with pets, smokers, or those that have undergone recent renovations, where these contaminants build up more quickly and are present throughout the home. 

How Often Should Air Ducts be Cleaned?

The most asked question among homeowners: How often should air ducts be cleaned? 

Our general, professional recommendation is every 3 to 5 years. However, this should vary depending on a number of factors related to your living conditions. 

If You Have Pets

For many of us, our beloved furry friends make our house a home. However, they shed a lot, causing pet hair and dander to enter and clog your ducts and infiltrate your air quality quickly. We recommend that pet owners have their ducts cleaned every 2 to 3 years. 

If You Have Allergies or Respiratory Issues

If anyone in your family or home suffers from allergies or respiratory issues, having your ducts cleaned more frequently may be required. Contaminants like dust, pollen, and other allergens can trigger allergy symptoms and even worsen them. For the best allergy prevention, have your ducts cleaned every 2 to 3 years. 

Post-Construction Cleaning

Had a recent renovation or construction project at your home? Upgraded features are exciting, so don’t compromise your ability to enjoy them with contaminated air quality. If your home has had a recent project done, it’s a good idea to have your air ducts cleaned to avoid accumulated dirt and debris that can clog your HVAC system and ducts. 

Smokers in the Household

If someone in your household smokes, consider having your ducts cleaned more frequently. Tobacco smoke can create a buildup of residue that attaches to duct walls, leading to quicker clogs. 

How to Tell if Your Air Ducts Need Cleaning

There are some obvious signs that your ducts need a thorough cleaning, such as noticeably poor air quality that makes it difficult to breathe, or if you’re noticing visible contaminants like dust or debris inside your home. 

However, there are other warning signs that sometimes require a more proactive approach. Look out for the following signs to stay on top of duct cleaning in your home and avoid harmful allergies or other issues. 

You Notice Mold Growth

Mold growth is, unfortunately, a common symptom of a running HVAC system. It grows either from the condensation buildup on or around the system or as a result of a humid climate. 

Keep an eye out for mold in your air ducts, commonly found near vent registers. If you spot mold growth or smell a musty odor, you must call in the professionals immediately for mold remediation. This will help protect your home and family from dangerous health risks. 

Dust Around the Vents

A dirty air duct or vent is an immediate red flag that your HVAC system likely has a buildup of contaminants that are flowing freely through your ducts, causing dirty air to be dispersed throughout your home. This directly causes health risks, increasing allergy symptoms and triggering respiratory issues. 

Keep an eye on your system, and when it looks even the slightest bit dirty or dusty, call the certified HVAC team at Total Comfort for a trusted inspection. 

Increases in your Energy Bill

Normal periodic increases in your energy bill are expected, especially during transitions from one season to another. However, if you notice unusually large spikes in your energy costs, this could mean that your air ducts are not properly filtering allergens out of your home’s air. 

Your Home Has Gone Under Recent Renovation

If your home has recently undergone renovation or construction, a flurry of dust and debris was likely sent into your ductwork. 

The contaminants from construction sites are especially hazardous due to OSHA-regulated toxins and carcinogens; therefore, it is advisable to have your ducts inspected and cleaned immediately to prevent more serious respiratory issues. 

Zero Record of Prior Duct Cleaning

If your home is over 10 years old and there is no record of prior duct cleaning, chances are it has either never been done or is long overdue. 

Neglecting duct cleaning can lead to poor HVAC performance and compromised indoor air quality. If it’s been five to ten years since your last service, or you’re not sure, it’s time to take action.

How Professional Air Duct Cleaning Works

Professional air duct cleaning is a thorough process designed to remove dust, debris, and contaminants from both the interior and exterior surfaces of your ductwork, improving airflow and overall indoor air quality.

Much like the warning signs that indicate it’s time for cleaning, HVAC professionals often recommend this service for several reasons, such as after home renovations, to eliminate pests or critters that may have entered the ducts, or to address a buildup of dust, allergens, and other pollutants.

So, what does a professional air duct cleaning involve? Most cleanings are performed annually and use high-powered vacuums and tools to fully clear out the system. 

Here’s what you can expect during the process:

• Pre-Inspection: The technician assesses your duct system and identifies any areas of concern.
  
• Creation of Negative Pressure: A specialized vacuum system is connected to the ductwork to create negative pressure, preventing debris from spreading during cleaning.
  
• Dust Agitation: Brushes and compressed air tools are used to loosen dust and debris from the duct walls.
  
• Source Removal: The loosened particles are vacuumed out of the system completely.
  
• Whole-System Clean: Additional components, such as supply and return ducts, registers, and the HVAC unit, may be cleaned for optimal performance.
  
• Air Filter Replacement: A clean filter is installed to maintain improved air quality.
  
• System Testing: The HVAC system is tested to ensure everything is operating correctly post-cleaning.

DIY vs. Professional Air Duct Cleaning: What’s Better?

While it may seem more timely and cost-effective to clean your air ducts yourself, it’s a job best left to the professionals. DIY methods and tools often lack the power and precision needed to thoroughly clean ductwork and remove built-up debris. Using low-quality equipment or a lack thereof can also lead to damage to your ductwork, ultimately costing you even more. 

How to Maintain Clean Air Ducts

Professional cleaning is just the beginning—ongoing maintenance is key to keeping your ductwork clean and your HVAC system running efficiently. Between professional cleanings, follow these simple steps to help maintain air quality and extend the life of your system:

• Change air filters regularly to prevent dust buildup.
• Keep your home clean, especially floors and surfaces, to reduce airborne particles.
• Use air purifiers to help capture allergens and pollutants.
• Schedule regular HVAC maintenance to catch and address issues early.

Contact Total Comfort for Professional Air Duct Cleaning Services

A clogged air duct can severely compromise your home’s indoor air quality, creating an unsafe environment to live and breathe in. Achieve restored health and comfort in your home with routine air duct cleaning from the professionals at Total Comfort for expert air duct cleaning services. 

With our comprehensive air duct cleaning, you will have confidence knowing your Minnesota home remains healthy and happy through any Midwest season.