How Often Should Air Ducts Be Cleaned?

Most Fairfax homes benefit from duct cleaning every 3 to 5 years — sooner after renovations, pets, or visible dust.

Key points

• Most homes: every 3 to 5 years
• After renovation or construction: immediately
• With pets or allergies: every 2 to 3 years
• After a new home purchase: within the first year

The right interval depends on how much dust, pet hair and debris your system pulls in. Homes with pets, smokers, or recent renovation work should clean more often. A quick visual inspection of a return register usually shows whether it is time.