Is duct cleaning necessary?

Many wonder if they should have their heating and cooling ducts cleaned so they can improve their home’s indoor air quality. But there hasn’t been any hard evidence to show that duct cleaning improves indoor air quality or prevents health problems, so we don’t routinely recommend it. Exceptions would be if you find mold growth inside the ducts (first eliminate the moisture that caused the mold), the ducts have become home to rodents or insects, or the ducts are clogged by debris (usually from a remodeling project). To check for these problems, take off the register covers and shine a light down the duct as far as you can see.

There are plenty of furnace maintenance tasks you can do yourself. We’ll show you how here.

How to clean ductwork

This is a job best left to the professionals. If you decide to have the ducts cleaned, be prepared to spend $350 to $1,000 for a thorough job that includes cleaning the entire heating and cooling system. Be wary of companies that offer “specials” for $100 or less, since they usually don’t do a complete job. And take before and after looks at your ducts to make sure you see a difference.

You may not need to clean your heating and cooling ducts every year, but dryer ducts should be ignored. Find out how often you should clean your dryer duct here.

Next, check out 8 myths about saving energy at home:

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Myth #1: Close the vents in rooms you don't use

Usually this does not save energy. The way a residential heating and cooling system is designed, the air handler (or blower) moves a certain amount of air no matter what vents are opened or closed. So, closing registers may reduce the total amount of air moved by the blower, which reduces its efficiency. Wondering if it's time for a new furnace? Our experts offer advice to help you decide.

Jeld-Wen

Myth #2: Replacing old windows is the best way to save on energy bills

False. Replacing windows is very expensive. While it's true that new windows are more energy efficient and they make your home more comfortable and can raise the resale value, they won't pay for themselves in energy savings. In fact, they tend to save the least energy per dollar invested because they are so expensive. Photo: Courtesy of Jeld-Wen

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Myth #3: Ceiling fans cool the room

It feels like fans cool the room, but really, they don't. What they do cool is your skin, as long as the air temperature is below 90° F. Ceiling fans make you feel more comfortable, so you may require less air conditioning, but they don't cool the air itself. In fact, the ceiling fan motor actually generates heat! Got a wobbly ceiling fan that's driving you crazy? Here's how to fix it.

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Myth #4: During heating season, turning down the thermostat at night and when you're out of the house doesn't really save much energy

Not true! Utility companies have done studies that show 5 to 8 percent energy savings when the thermostat was turned back 5 to 8 degrees at night and during the day when no one was home. Check out these inexpensive ways to theft-proof your home.

Brielle

Myth #5: When it's cold outside, heavy curtains or drapes help save energy

Usually, this is not true. While you may feel fewer drafts when you're near the window, the air between the cold window and the fabric cools and falls faster than the air in the rest of the room. So, if you like the look of cozy, heavy window coverings, consider it an aesthetic choice and not an energy-saving measure. Photo: Courtesy of Brielle

CHUYKO SERGEY/Shutterstock

Myth #6: Turn something off and it stops using electricity

Easy enough, right? Except it doesn't really work that way. The problem is "vampire" electricity use, which is when something is plugged in and when you switch to "off" it continues to draw electricity to power their latent systems and sensors. This is true for microwaves, TVs, space heaters, coffeemakers, phone chargers, computers and more. Whenever possible, it's best to pull the plug to save energy. Here's how to save $100 or more by finding and fixing energy vampires.

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Myth #7: The higher up you turn the thermostat, the faster your house will heat up

Nope! It just doesn't work that way. Jacking up the thermostat wastes energy. Set your thermostat at the temperature at which you're comfortable and leave it there. Check out our DIYers guide to heating repairs.

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Myth #8: Use electric space heaters to make some rooms warmer

This practice will actually cost you more! The electricity required to fire up those space heaters comes at a high price. It's more efficient to leave doors to the rooms open and evenly heat the space.    

Is duct cleaning necessary?

Many wonder if they should have their heating and cooling ducts cleaned so they can improve their home’s indoor air quality. But there hasn’t been any hard evidence to show that duct cleaning improves indoor air quality or prevents health problems, so we don’t routinely recommend it. Exceptions would be if you find mold growth inside the ducts (first eliminate the moisture that caused the mold), the ducts have become home to rodents or insects, or the ducts are clogged by debris (usually from a remodeling project). To check for these problems, take off the register covers and shine a light down the duct as far as you can see.

If you decide to have the ducts cleaned, be prepared to spend $350 to $1,000 for a thorough job that includes cleaning the entire heating and cooling system. Be wary of companies that offer “specials” for $100 or less, since they usually don’t do a complete job. And take before and after looks at your ducts to make sure you see a difference.