Air duct cleaning

I used to think duct cleaning was important, then I read where it’s not necessary unless you’ve had major construction inside your home. I’m no expert, but I read it in multiple places. You could consult your heating/AC guy, if you trust him.

@celia16
Thank you. Good to know. We have not had any major construction done. It will be expensive to have our ductwork cleaned but if it is recommended then I will have it done. My biggest worry is bringing up more particulates, etc as a result of doing this. I do not really have a relationship with an HVAC guy.

@leisa , maybe those who work in that area will chime in. I’ve considered an air purifier. I need to research it. Do you have allergies?

I've read the same as Celia and have not had my a c ducts cleaned, but I don't have forced air heat for heat. I'm also not allergic to dust.
I looked for a good source quickly and found this from Canada. It seemed to summarize what a couple others were saying. It is for patients with asthma, but I think the principles would hold for us or maybe be even tighter.

It doesn't sound like you suspect mold, excessive buildup of dirt, or rodents which is when they advise it.
https://asthma.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/asthma_duct_cleaning_eng.pdf

@pacathy
Good info resouce @pacathy. I have also read the same thing about air duct cleaning. Mostly a scam unless evidence mentioned in the paper shows otherwise.

If you go to the EPA website, you'll find that duct cleaning is not necessary under most circumstances. Disturbing the residue inside can present more problems than leaving it as is, especially for asthmatics. The most important step to take, and more cost effective, is the annual HVAC furnace/AC checks and changing your filter every 2-3 months. I have two air purifiers, one in my bedroom and one in the living room and use them only when the weather forces me to be be enclosed, like wintertime. The opposite applies for those living in the desert and have 24 hour A/C use. While the furnace/AC is active, the purifier "cleans" whatever is coming into your home from those units -- and when they aren't in competition with outside air coming through open doors and windows.

Good info. I have 2 air purifiers that run 24/7 (one in bedroom). I change those filters along with the HVAC filters, so based on the comments so far, I think that I will not touch the duct work.
I appreciate the feedback!

@leisa It's a really good thing to get an HVAC company you can trust and rely on. Perhaps you can ask those who live around you or on other neighborhood social media sites for recommendations about who they choose to use. Usually 1-3 names will consistently come up and also "For heaven's sakes don't call [whoever]!"

We have AC only and a propane fireplace for heat. It's a very small 1k sq ft house. I make my AC appt in March way before we have to turn it on so I can beat the rush of people who wait till the last min and drive the HVAC people nuts. AC always pooh poohs duct cleaning with the same thing, "That creates more problems." I call the propane company to come check out the fireplace and clean out anything that may need cleaning in late Aug/early Sept, again way before the season rush.

It's a really good idea to get your system serviced every season.

@leisa
We had it done once and there were a lot of dust particles floating around for days afterwards, but what came out of the ducts was disgusting.

A whole home HEPA filter may be a good option for clean air in general (construction or NOT)