Most people only remember to consider air ducts when there is an unpleasant smell, a dusty house they can’t seem to clean, or their symptoms start to flare up from dust and allergens. Duct cleaning is not an activity performed equally across homes and families. There are different standards for duct cleaning that are home and family-specific. Here is what we can expect when looking into duct cleaning in the Park City area.
The Baseline: Every 3 to 5 Years
According to the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), professional duct cleaning is recommended for a typical home with moderate foot traffic, no pets, and no air quality concerns. For this circumstance, the recommended duct cleaning frequency is typically every 3 to 5 years.
The average 6-room home produces approximately 40 lbs. of dust per year. Some of this dust enters your heating and cooling system and, over time, returns to your living spaces.
Cleaning Frequency by Home Type
Typical Single-Family Homes
In the absence of pets, recent construction, or health-sensitive occupants, the 3-5-year recommendation is appropriate. However, if your HVAC system is in use all year, err on the longer side of this recommended time frame.
Homes With Pets
Most people don’t realize how quickly shedding pets fill ductwork with hair and dander. With one pet, a thorough clean may be postponed. With multiple pets, that cleaning will be needed much sooner, usually once every 2 to 3 years.
Homes With Allergy or Asthma Sufferers
Dirty ductwork is not a cause of suffering for people with allergies or asthma, but it worsens the burden. Dust mites, pollen, mold spores, and dander circulate each time the system runs. For homes with someone who has asthma or allergies, a good rule of thumb is to arrange Park City duct cleaning every 2 years.
Second Homes and Vacation Rentals
Park City homes differ from the typical nationwide profile. Rentals with high turnover bring in allergens, dust, and outdoor debris. Ductwork collects contaminants faster and isn’t practical for high-turnover rentals. Park City vacation rentals may need to consider annual or biennial duct cleaning.
Challenges associated with seasonal homes that are vacant for long periods include settling dust in ducts, rapid changes in humidity and airflow, and stagnant air. Before renting again, a duct inspection and cleaning is recommended.
Recently Renovated or Newly Built Homes
Newer construction doesn’t always handle post-construction cleanup. Renovations, especially large ones, can cause building materials to clog ventilation ducts. New builds can also have the same problem. Unless the air ducts are cleaned, the air quality can remain poor for 6-12 months after construction is complete. The best time to schedule your Park City duct cleaning would be before you completely move back in or when you give your tenants the keys.
Signs Your Ducts Need Attention Now
Here are a few instances where you don’t need to wait for your next routine air duct cleaning:
- Evidence of mold growth inside ducts or around supply registers
- The smell of stale air coming from the supply registers
- Dust buildup that’s back on surfaces within a few days of cleaning
- Uneven heating or cooling in different rooms
- Indication of pest activity after evidence includes droppings, nesting material, etc.
- Moving into a home that was built without any scheduled duct cleaning
At least one of these circumstances will warrant a call to a Park City duct cleaning company, even if it is not your scheduled duct cleaning.
The Bottom Line
Duct cleaning frequency depends on how your home is used, the people residing in it, and everything it has been through. Many homes fall within the range of 3 to 5 years, but this timeline can vary due to various factors. There are many factors that can affect cleaning frequency. Some of these can be the presence of pets, allergies, construction, and seasonal vacancies. It is best to contact a certified Park City duct cleaning company to assess your duct cleaning needs and determine the right cleaning frequency for you.