• How often should my ducts be cleaned?

Typically air ducts should be cleaned every 3-5 years to clear out any accumulation within the system. Unsure if you need it? Ask your expert to check your ducts to see if cleaning is needed during your next maintenance! We will visually inspect your duct system and recommend cleaning if it is needed.

• What are common signs that my ducts need to be cleaned?

Because we live in a high-humidity environment in Southeast Florida, neglected ducts can quickly become a breeding ground for allergens. We recommend keeping an eye (and nose) out for the following tell tale signs.
Visible Dust and Debris: If your vent covers look fuzzy or blackened, it’s a clear sign of buildup.
Musty or Stale Odors: Moisture is our biggest enemy in SEFL. If you smell a “dirty sock” odor or a damp, musty scent when the air is running, there could be biological growth or mildew inside the ductwork.
Increased Allergy or Asthma Symptoms: If your family is sneezing more often or experiencing itchy eyes only while indoors, your ducts may be circulating pollen or pet dander through your house.
Uneven Airflow: Are some rooms icy cold while others stay humid? Blockages in your ductwork can prevent conditioned air from reaching every corner of your home equally.
Recent Renovations: If you’ve recently done home improvements, construction dust often finds its way into the return vents, settling deep within your system.

• How can I keep my ducts clean?

In Florida’s heat and humidity, your system is active nearly year round. The key to keeping your ducts clean is to ensure proper filtration and maintenance of your AC system.
Change Your Filters Regularly: This is the #1 rule. Check your filters monthly and replace them at least every 90 days—or sooner if you have high dust buildup or pets. High-efficiency filters act as a gatekeeper, stopping dust before it ever enters your ducts. The higher the MERV Rating on the filter, the better the filtration and dust stoppage.
Keep Your Home Clean: It sounds simple, but your HVAC system is a giant vacuum. Dusting and vacuuming your home (especially near return vents) prevents hair, dander, and allergens from being sucked into the system.
Maintain Your Humidity Levels: High humidity can lead to moisture buildup in your vents, which allows dust to “stick” and promotes biological growth. We recommend keeping your home’s humidity between 45-55% to keep the air crisp and the ducts dry. Humidity above 60% is a good indicator of a AC or home dehumidification problem.
Seal Your Registers: Ensure your floor and ceiling vents fit tightly against the drywall. If there are gaps, your system can pull in dust and insulation from your attic or crawlspace directly into the airflow. Family Air Experts can seal your registers during our duct cleaning visit.
Schedule Annual HVAC Maintenance: During a professional tune-up, our technicians at Family Air Experts check your blower motor and cooling coils. If these components are clean, the air moving into your ducts stays clean, too.
Address Leaks Immediately: If you have leaks in your ductwork, they can pull in unfiltered air from “dirty” areas like the attic. Sealing these leaks keeps the dust out and the cold air in.