A Guide for Healthier Homes and Better Air Quality
If you’re like many Portland homeowners, you probably don’t think about your air ducts very often. But did you know your HVAC system could be circulating dust, mold, pollen, and pet dander throughout your home? That’s why regular air duct cleaning is more than just a good idea — it’s essential for maintaining clean, healthy air indoors.
In this post, we’ll explain how often you should clean your ducts, the signs it’s time, and what makes Portland homes especially prone to buildup.
Why Air Duct Cleaning Matters
Your ductwork acts like the lungs of your home. Every time your heating or cooling system turns on, it pushes air through a network of vents and returns. Over time, dust, debris, and contaminants build up inside those ducts — and they get pushed right back into the air you breathe.
Benefits of duct cleaning include:
- Improved indoor air quality
- Reduced allergy and asthma symptoms
- Lower dust accumulation on furniture and surfaces
- Better HVAC system efficiency
- Removal of mold, bacteria, or pest contaminants
How Often Should You Clean Your Ducts?
Most HVAC experts, including the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), recommend professional cleaning every 3 to 5 years. However, in Portland’s damp, pollen-heavy environment, many homeowners benefit from more frequent service.
You should consider cleaning every 2–3 years if:
- You have pets that shed
- Someone in your home has allergies or asthma
- You’ve recently remodeled or renovated
- You notice visible dust near vents
- You’ve had mold, smoke, or water damage
- Your home is more than 10 years old and has never had a duct cleaning
Portland-Specific Factors
Living in Portland presents unique challenges that can impact your indoor air:
- Rain and Moisture: Portland’s wet climate can lead to moisture in ductwork, which supports mold growth.
- Pollen: Spring and early summer bring heavy pollen, which can settle in your HVAC system and trigger allergy issues.
- Wood-Burning Stoves & Fireplaces: Common in older Portland homes, these can contribute to airborne particles that circulate through vents.
- Urban Dust: Homes near downtown or high-traffic areas often accumulate more soot and fine dust inside the system.
What to Expect During a Duct Cleaning
At TrueAir PDX, we use high-powered vacuums, rotary brushes, and sealed equipment to clean your entire system — including registers, returns, main ducts, and HVAC components. We also offer optional disinfectant treatments safe for families and pets.
The process typically takes 2 to 4 hours, depending on your home size, and results in noticeably cleaner air.
Ready to Breathe Cleaner Air?
If you’re unsure when your ducts were last cleaned, or if you’ve noticed dust, odors, or allergy symptoms in your Portland home, it might be time to schedule a service.
📞 Call TrueAir PDX at (503) 212-9073 or [Request a Free Quote Online] to get started.