How Often Should You Clean Your Air Ducts? The Homeowner’s Guide

Your HVAC system works around the clock to keep your home comfortable, pulling in air, heating or cooling it, and sending it back through your vents. But while we pay attention to changing filters or adjusting the thermostat, the ducts themselves are often overlooked. The big question is: how often do they actually need to be cleaned?

Experts agree there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but there are clear guidelines to help homeowners know when it’s time. Below, we’ll cover the standard recommendations, the factors that can shorten the timeline, and the telltale signs that your ducts are overdue for professional cleaning.

How Often Experts Recommend Duct Cleaning

The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), which sets industry standards for safe and effective cleaning, recommends having your ducts professionally inspected once a year. If the inspection reveals a need for a full cleaning, that is when you need to have it scheduled. In other words, NADCA advocates that homeowners have their ducts cleaned as-needed, and only based on the recommendation of a trained and certified duct cleaning professional. 

Even in a spotless home, dust, pet hair, pollen, and other particles naturally settle inside ducts over time. Once buildup reaches a certain point, it can restrict airflow, make your system work harder, and circulate allergens back into your living space. Keeping ducts on a cleaning schedule ensures your HVAC system runs efficiently and helps protect indoor air quality.

Situations That Call for More Frequent Cleaning

There’s a good reason why NADCA does not set any “rule of thumb” guidelines for the frequency of home duct cleaning: while every 3-5 years may work for many households, some homes need duct cleaning more often. This is why NADCA recommends an annual inspection. Many factors can contribute to increasing the frequency of your cleanings: 

• You have pets that shed hair and dander.
• Someone in your home smokes indoors.
• A family member has allergies, asthma, or respiratory sensitivities.
• You’ve recently completed renovations that left drywall dust or debris.
• Your home has experienced water damage or mold issues.

In these cases, ducts can collect harmful particles faster, meaning waiting several years between cleanings could put your family’s health and comfort at risk.

Red Flags That Your Ducts Need Cleaning Now

Sometimes, your HVAC system will give you clear clues that it’s time to call a professional—no matter when your last cleaning was. Watch for these signs:

• Dust blowing from vents when the system turns on.
• Musty or moldy odors coming through your registers.
• Uneven airflow between rooms or a sudden spike in energy bills.
• Increased allergy symptoms among family members while at home.

If you notice any of these issues, scheduling a cleaning right away can restore your system’s efficiency and improve the air you breathe.

Easy Maintenance You Can Do Between Cleanings

Professional duct cleaning itself isn’t something you need every year, but there are simple steps you can take to keep your system in better shape between inspections:

• Change air filters regularly—most homes need replacements every 1–3 months.
• Dust and vacuum vents and registers so debris doesn’t get pulled into the system.
• Book routine HVAC inspections, which can catch small problems before they become expensive repairs.

These habits won’t replace duct cleaning, but they will extend the time between professional services and help your HVAC system perform at its best.

The Bottom Line

Air duct cleaning is one of those maintenance tasks homeowners often forget, but staying on top of it makes a big difference for both health and comfort. Whether you stick to the annual inspection guideline or just need more frequent service because of pets, allergies, or renovations, keeping ducts clean should be part of your regular home care routine.

When it’s time, don’t just call the first company that shows up online. Work with a TrustDALE certified duct cleaning provider, where you’ll know the service has been vetted for quality, integrity, and reliability.