Signs it may be time
- You just moved into a home and don't know when the ducts were last cleaned.
- You finished a remodel, and drywall dust or sawdust may have reached the system.
- Pets shed heavily and hair collects at the registers.
- You can see dust or debris around the registers, or it blows out when the furnace starts.
- You find droppings, nesting material or insects in or near the ducts.
What you can do between cleanings
Change the furnace filter on schedule, and use the filter type your furnace maker recommends. Keep registers and return grilles clear of furniture, rugs and curtains so air can move. Every so often, take off the register covers and vacuum them and the area just inside the openings.
Wisconsin seasons
Furnace season is long here, so the system moves a lot of air from fall through spring. Homes closed up for winter keep that air, and the dust in it, circulating inside. Cabins and seasonal homes that sit empty can collect dust, insects or nesting material, so it is worth a look when you open them up.
Common questions
Does duct cleaning help with allergies?
Research on the health benefits of duct cleaning is limited. Changing your furnace filter on schedule and keeping dust down around the house are what help most. If you have health concerns, talk to your doctor.
How often should I change my furnace filter?
Follow the guidance from the filter maker and the furnace maker, since the right interval depends on the filter type and your system. Check it more often during heavy use, or if you have pets.
Should I clean the ducts when I buy a house?
It can make sense, especially if the home was empty, had a remodel, or you see dust or debris at the registers. Looking inside the ducts before you move in lets you decide with real information.
Can I clean the ducts myself?
Homeowners can vacuum the register covers and the area just inside the openings. Cleaning the full duct system takes a professional with the right equipment.
Want a hand? See our cleaning services or where we work.