How often should furnace air ducts be cleaned?

If you have dogs or cats, you might need your ducts cleaned more often. Check with a company like STANLEY STEAMER and see if they offer this service, and ask how often it should be done.

If you change your heater filter regularly- you may not have to do it at all. I have never had it done. (oil heat)

Hi, I was told once a year if someone has any kind of breathing issues. That said I also have been told every 2 to 3 years. Aaaarrrrgggggg GOOD LUCK.....Gigi

There are polarizing schools of thought on this. If you have a properly installed and functioning system, it is not necessary unless renovations in the home have been made where debris could have entered the system. Then there are those that are hell bent on having their systems "cleaned." When in reality if you change your filter and vacuum your intake vents and otherwise have a yearly inspection - you are good to go. Some of these companies prey on weakness, allergies, pet dander, you name it. Do your homework, have an annual HVAC checkup. Here is what the EPA says . . . Decide for yourself.

https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/should-you-have-air-ducts-your-home-cleaned

I have several thoughts to share on this one. I have cats so I change my air filters frequently but do not clean the duct work. (mobile home). I do however vacuum out the ducts annually. If you have health concerns, please consult your local a/c company or oil company for their recommendations. Be safe. Be healthy. Best of luck.

If you smoke or your furniture gets dusty right after you clean, I would say every 2-3 yrs.

I just had a new furnace and a/c installed. We are currently doing some small renos, so we will have the ducts cleaned afterwards. Our electronic air filter had failed, although I cleaned it 1x/month. When I turn on the furnace, I can smell residual dust.

I would have it cleaned if moving into a new for you home, because you would be surprised at the junk that can be in them...house and drywall dust, lint, rodents (yuck). I would also have it done, if you see a lot of dust accumulating on your furniture, or like in my case, you can smell dust when you turn the furnace on.

I don't think it needs to be done often. Our pulmonologist told us to avoid the companies that spray cleaners in the ducts, since the liquid can become trapped and eventually mould.