If the air quality at your home or office seems poor, you may need duct cleaning services. Some hints that it’s time to get clean air ducts include an increase in cold sharing around the office, worsened allergy symptoms or visible dust and dirt near air intakes and registers.

Depending on the type of problem you have, you can employ several different methods to get your ducts cleaned. If the trouble is minor, a house cleaning service (or you) can clean the most visible parts of the ducts and registers. Professional duct-cleaning agencies should handle moderate to severe cleaning needs. Here are some things to do:

1. Decide if your air ducts need cleaning

2. Hire an air duct cleaning service

3. Prevent the ducts from becoming filthy again

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Decide if your air ducts actually need commercial duct cleaning

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), you should have your air ducts cleaned for one of the following reasons. First, if there is visible mold or mildew in the ducts, it needs removing. Second, you should obviously address ducts that have infestations such as bugs or mice. Finally, address those ducts with excessive dust and debris that visibly release such particles into your home.

I recommend: Here is a checklist the EPA has put together to determine if your air ducts need cleaning, along with other helpful hints.

Hire an air duct cleaning service

You may receive coupons in the mail or see advertisements in magazines for air duct cleaning services. As with any practitioner, not every air duct cleaning service is equal. Some questions to ask include: Do you have a business license? How many years have you been in business? Do you have special equipment to deal with the presence of mold or mildew? Are you insured and bonded? How much do you charge? What sort of air duct cleaning equipment do you use? Make sure to get an estimate in writing up front before work begins. Avoid paying in full before work begins; you may want to wait until the work is finished before paying, or only pay half the money upfront.

I recommend: DUCTZ is a nationwide duct-cleaning service from which you can solicit quotes. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) maintains a listing of member companies.

Prevent the air ducts from becoming filthy again

Purchase high-quality air filters that catch dust and dirt before it blows through the registers into your home or office. If mold and mildew in the ducts is problematic, hire a company that specializes in mold removal to fix the underlying problem. Consider purchasing a dehumidifier to help remove moisture in the air (mold and mildew love damp environments). Sweep and vacuum carpets frequently to avoid dust build up.

I recommend: Filtrete air filters block most air pollutants that can pass through ducts.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Ask your friends, family and coworkers for duct cleaning company recommendations. If acquaintances have had good (or bad) experiences with commercial air duct cleaning services, it cuts your research time significantly.