When the weather starts to get warmer, it’s time to tidy up and prepare for the change of season. While you clear out your closet and spruce up your yard, don’t forget that your ductwork needs a little love, too.

Ducts can collect dust, dirt, mold, and more during the winter and may need your attention. Here are a few tips to help you decide if cleaning your ductwork is necessary and how to do it.

1. See the signs that your ductwork needs to be cleaned.

Boiler Heating and Cooling offers five tips for cleaning ductwork in the spring.

One of the easiest ways to tell if your ductwork needs a cleaning is to check the registers. If they are coated in dark dust or have discoloration, it’s time to clean your ducts.

Here are a few other signs that mean your ductwork is dirty:

  • Your house collects dust consistently or excessively.
  • You experience allergy symptoms when turning on the heat or A/C.
  • Your house is over 10 years old and hasn’t had a duct cleaning.
  • You have difficulty with asthma despite taking medicine or using an inhaler.

2. Know when cleaning your air ducts is a big deal.

Boiler Heating and Cooling offers five tips for cleaning ductwork in the spring.

The jury is still out on how often you should clean ducts based on the above signs. But there are certain times when it’s essential to have your ductwork cleaned to keep your family healthy. Here are some of those instances:

  • Your home has been renovated recently.
  • There is evidence of an animal infestation in your ducts.
  • Your ductwork has mold growth.
  • Pet hair or other debris blows into rooms through the ducts, even after you clean the registers.
  • Persistent illnesses continue to occur in your home.

3. Understand the benefits of duct cleaning.

Boiler Heating and Cooling offers five tips for cleaning ductwork in the spring.

Cleaning ductwork has a variety of benefits for your health and your heating and cooling system. Tidying the ducts in your home can improve your health by removing airborne particles, including debris, dust, mold, pet dander, and pollen.

And, while having a healthy, happy family is your top priority, your heating and cooling system can also suffer when ductwork is dirty. Debris buildup can put more stress on your home’s system, use extra energy, and cause wear and tear. On the other hand, keeping your heating and cooling system clean can save you money and hassle in the long run.

4. Use the right tools.

Boiler Heating and Cooling offers five tips for cleaning ductwork in the spring.

Believe it or not, the ductwork in your home can be pretty delicate. Be careful as you work.

To clean your ductwork:

  • Replace your furnace filter
  • Use a vacuum to suck out dust and dirt from registers and furnace spaces
  • Use a long-handled brush (similar to a toilet brush) to scrub caked-on dust
  • Use a rubber mallet to gently knock dust loose from rigid ductwork
  • Use a screwdriver to remove air return vent covers for cleaning
  • You can cover air registers with paper towels or cleaning rags to prevent excess dust flying out as you clean other parts of your duct system
  • Be especially careful of any flexible ductwork, as it can easily tear; and watch for any duct joints that might come loose as you work

Cleaning your ductwork can reduce dust in your home, decrease odors, or relieve your allergy or asthma symptoms. It also helps keep your heating and cooling equipment in good working order!


Repairing or replacing your furnace or A/C unit shouldn’t be a headache! Since 2015, Boiler Heating & Cooling has helped hundreds of customers find lasting solutions and peace of mind. Visit our website, like us on Facebook, or give us a call!