When was the last time you thought about the condition of your home’s air ducts? Most homeowners don’t, and yet the state of your ducts can significantly affect indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and even the overall comfort of your space. At The Ductibles in Calgary, we often encounter ducts that haven’t been serviced in years — so let’s walk through how often they should be cleaned, why it matters, and how to know when it’s time.
Why duct-cleaning matters
- Dust, pollen, pet dander, and other debris accumulate in the ductwork over time — these contaminants get circulated every time your furnace or HVAC system is running.
- Restricted airflow due to clogged ducts forces your system to work harder, which means higher energy bills and more wear-and-tear.
- Poor duct cleanliness can contribute to indoor air symptoms: allergies, stuffy rooms, odd smells, or uneven heating/cooling.
- For homeowners concerned about indoor health (especially with kids, pets, or sensitive occupants), clean ducts are a key component in delivering better air. At The Ductibles we use high-pressure cleaning methods combined with a system check-up to ensure your ducts and furnace are operating properly. theductibles.com+1
How often should you clean them?
There’s no “one-size-fits-all” but here are general guidelines:
- Every 3-5 years is a good baseline for many households with standard occupancy and no major air-quality issues.
- More often (every 1-2 years) if you have pets (especially shedding pets), allergies/asthma, smoke exposure, recent renovation (which kicks up a lot of dust), or living in a dusty or industrial-adjacent area.
- Also consider cleaning sooner if you notice signs (see next section).
Signs that it’s time now
- Vents or registers are visibly dusty or covered with film.
- You smell musty or stale air when the HVAC system runs.
- Some rooms are warmer or cooler than others even though system settings are correct.
- You recently had pets, renovation, or new carpeting that may have added significant dust load.
- Your system seems to “kick on” more often or runs longer than it used to.
What the process looks like at The Ductibles
- We perform a high-pressure air cleaning of the duct network and unlimited vents (under our standard duct-cleaning plan). theductibles.com
- We replace the standard air filter.
- We do a basic system check-up to ensure your furnace or HVAC is in good condition.
- Optional add-ons (such as dryer vent cleaning, humidifier/HRV cleaning) can be bundled for better value.
- We offer satisfaction guarantee: if you’re not completely happy, we work to make it right or refund. theductibles.com
Final-take
Don’t wait until you’re noticing major issues. Scheduling duct cleaning proactively every few years helps you breathe easier, reduce your heating/cooling costs, and extend the life of your HVAC system. If you’re in Calgary (or the surrounding area) and want to check whether your ducts need attention, contact us for a quote and we’ll walk you through it.