Before answering this question, it is important to make sure to understand exactly what is meant by air duct cleaning.  Generally having your air ducts cleaned means that you are having the complete system of your cooling and heating systems cleaned.  This includes all the components of forced air systems from the air supply and air return ducts to the registers, grills and diffusers of the system.  It also includes having the cooling coils and heat exchangers cleaned as well as the drip pans, the fan and the housing unit.  This might seem like a lot, but if you are going to clean the system, it should be done right.  If part of the system is not cleaned, then you are defeating the purpose of getting your air ducts cleaned. 

 Now that you know what is meant by having your air ducts cleaned, let us explore how often you should have your system cleaned.  Most professionals in the industry recommend that you have your air duct system thoroughly inspected for proper working condition about every two years.  During this inspection, they should be able to tell you if the system needs to be cleaned.  With most homes, the air ducts will only need to be cleaned every five years or so.  This is why it is important to make sure to get that every two year maintenance check.  If they see that it needs to be cleaned more often, then there might be something wrong with your system. 

So just how much is it going to run you to make sure that your home and family are safe from indoor pollution?  Well, I am sure that you have seen many advertisements in your mail for air duct cleaning services.  The cost for air duct cleaning typically ranges anywhere from 400 to 1000 dollars depending upon the size of your system and how much of a problem you have with contamination.  For the average person who has been keep up with regular maintenance, it will cost much less because they have kept up on it. 

Money aside, it is definitely something that you want to consider having done if you own your home.  Having your air ducts cleaned will not only make your system last longer, but it will provide a much healthier environment for you and your family.  Letting your air ducts go untreated year after year after year will allow the system to become contaminated.  By this I mean that even though you don’t see or smell anything wrong, the contaminated materials are floating all through your house and affecting everyone.  The contamination that will be found ranges from mold to dust, and pollen.  If you or any of your family members have allergies, this will only serve to increase the allergic reactions.  If left untreated, the mold in your air ducts will infiltrate into your home and could potentially cause major illness. 

Based on the information above, there is no reason to have to think about having your complete cooling and heating system checked or about having your air ducts cleaned.  It really does not cost much in comparison to the wellbeing of yourself and your family. When you do decide to have it done, make sure to get several quotes from professionals as well as making sure to understand exactly what each company means when they say they are going to clean your air ducts.  Many companies advertise cleaning your heating and cooling system only to clean the air ducts, not the whole system.  Make sure to find a company that will clean your whole system.