Having your air ducts cleaned is an investment in both your ventilation system and the quality of air you breathe every day. Like any home improvement that enhances comfort and well-being, it comes with a cost, one that varies based on the size of your home and any additional services required. That’s why it’s important to know not just how much duct cleaning may cost, but also when it’s necessary. No one wants to pay more often than they need to, but waiting too long can negatively affect your indoor air quality, HVAC performance, and overall health.
How Often Should You Clean Your Air Ducts?
As a rule of thumb, we recommend having your air ducts professionally cleaned every 3 to 5 years, depending on your household:
- Every 3 years, if you have pets, children, or allergies
- Every 5 years for smaller or low-occupancy homes
- Immediately after any construction, renovations, or major HVAC updates
Situations That Require Immediate Duct Cleaning
Certain life events and home conditions introduce debris, allergens, or contaminants into your ventilation system. These are times when cleaning shouldn’t wait:
After Renovation or Construction
Sawdust, drywall particles, and debris from tradespeople can easily fall into ducts. If you’ve had painting, flooring, or drywall work done or experienced water damage, schedule a duct cleaning right away. In some cases, an antimicrobial treatment may also be necessary.
Moving Into a Pre-Owned Home
Before settling into a previously owned home, make sure you’re not breathing in someone else’s pet dander, smoke, or dust buildup. Ask for duct cleaning as part of your closing agreement or request a cleaning allowance from the seller.
Moving Into a Newly Built Home
New homes are often worse than old ones when it comes to duct cleanliness. Construction debris, soda cans, sawdust, and other waste often end up in vents unless they were properly sealed during the build (which is rare). Have the ducts cleaned before you move in.
After Installing a New Furnace
Installing a high-efficiency furnace? Don’t hook it up to dirty ductwork. A clean duct system ensures maximum airflow and prevents your new system from working harder than necessary, prolonging its life and saving energy.
When Someone Has Allergies or a Chronic Illness
If someone in your home has asthma, allergies, COPD, or a suppressed immune system, clean air is critical. Duct cleaning, frequent filter changes, and indoor air quality testing can all help minimize symptoms and improve breathing.
What Makes Professional Duct Cleaning Different?
When it comes to duct cleaning, experience and equipment matter. At Planet Duct, our technicians are trained to clean all eight types of air ducts, ensuring thorough results that go far beyond the average vacuum service.
Watch this video to learn why professional-grade duct cleaning makes all the difference:
Not all duct cleaning companies are created equal. This video explains what to look for when hiring a professional—and why Planet Duct is Southern Colorado’s trusted choice.
Professional Air Duct Cleaning | Free Estimates From Planet Duct
At Planet Duct in Colorado Springs, we believe in educating our neighbors throughout El Paso County about when to have your air ducts professionally cleaned. It is always our goal to provide transparent education to ensure you have all of the information available to make an informed decision about when to make an investment that leads to improved air quality in your home. Fill out our easy, online form for an air duct cleaning estimate or contact the Planet Duct professionals to learn more.
