Excessive flooding or seepage? Stuck with the sniffles? Chronic cough? How long has it been since you’ve had your air ducts cleaned?

Experts recommend getting your air ducts cleaned every three to five years to cut down on the dust, allergens and mold in your home. A more routine cleaning might be necessary if your home is subject to flooding or excessive moisture, which can cause mold growth in the duct work if it’s not properly sealed and insulated.

• Any idea what’s in your ducts? In addition to years of dust, pet fur, mold and debris, service providers have found everything from beer cans to diamond rings (and some pretty gross stuff, too, but we’ll spare you the details).

• The Environmental Protection Agency recommends considering having your air ducts cleaned if your ducts have mold growth, vermin or excessive dust and debris in them. And while air duct cleaning hasn’t been conclusively proven to prevent health problems, having them checked is a good way to ensure that your system is free of mold and moisture, which may be precursors to a larger problem.

• To help between cleanings, you should also be sure to change your air filter regularly. Make sure to use a minimum of a MERV-7 filter for optimal results, or your coil could end up getting hit with debris the filter left behind.

• Some companies offer free duct inspections, which will help you decide if you need a cleaning. Give at least three calls for estimates before you choose one for your home and be sure any company you hire has appropriate state licensing (if it’s required) and follows National Air Duct Cleaners Association standards.

• It's normal for air registers to get dusty. You can remove and clean them yourself. But you should consider calling a professional if there is visible mold growth or they are clogged with excessive amounts of dust and debris. Check with duct cleaning companies and those companies that service your heating and cooling system

Angie suggests considering these factors when hiring a professional:

• What are your air ducts made of? Different materials require specific methods of cleaning.

• Ask the service provider whether they hold any relevant state licenses.

• Be wary of companies who make express claims about the health benefits of air duct cleaning. According to the EPA, such claims are unsubstantiated. 

• Air duct cleaning companies are often busiest in the summer. You’ll have better chances of getting an appointment if you schedule in the early fall, winter or spring.

• During routine maintenance of your heating/cooling system, ask your service provider to clean the cooling coils and drain pans.

• Remove dust and vacuum your home regularly.

• To prevent your ducts from becoming wet, repair any leaks or water damage. Make sure they are properly sealed an insulated in all non-air conditioned spaces such as attics and crawl spaces.