Is Duct Cleaning Worth It? What Homeowners Need to Know

Duct cleaning services are heavily marketed, but do you actually need them? Here's an honest look at when duct cleaning helps and when it doesn't.

When Duct Cleaning Makes Sense

Visible Mold Growth If you can see mold inside your ducts or on other HVAC components, cleaning (and addressing the underlying moisture issue) is essential.

Vermin Infestation If rodents or insects have been in your ductwork, cleaning removes debris and contamination.

Excessive Dust/Debris If visible dust is blowing from your vents or significant debris has accumulated in the ducts, cleaning can help.

After Construction Remodeling creates dust that ends up in ductwork. Cleaning afterward removes construction debris.

New Home Purchase If you don't know the history of the system, cleaning provides a fresh start.

When Duct Cleaning May Not Be Necessary

Routine Maintenance For most homes, regular filter changes and system maintenance keep ducts adequately clean. Annual duct cleaning is rarely necessary.

Allergy Relief Claims Research doesn't strongly support duct cleaning as an allergy treatment. Air filtration and humidity control may be more effective.

Energy Savings Claims While extremely dirty ducts can affect efficiency, cleaning typically produces modest energy savings at best.

What to Expect from Professional Duct Cleaning

• Legitimate duct cleaning includes:
• Opening access points throughout the system
• Using specialized tools to dislodge debris
• Using a powerful vacuum to remove loosened material
• Cleaning all components including coils and drain pans

Red Flags

• Watch out for:
• Extremely low prices (typically means poor service)
• Scare tactics about indoor air quality
• Pressure to add unnecessary services
• Claims of dramatic health or energy benefits

Our Honest Recommendation

Duct cleaning is valuable in specific situations but isn't necessary as routine maintenance for most homes. Focus on regular filter changes and annual HVAC tune-ups first.

If you're unsure whether your ducts need cleaning, we're happy to inspect and give you an honest assessment.