Homeowners know that routine maintenance on a property requires a lot of work. From the roof to the foundation and everywhere in between there are things that must be inspected, cleaned and repaired on a regular basis. One area not to overlook is the air conditioning and heating system. When air duct cleaning is part of a normal routine, homeowners will realize a number of perks.

Air duct cleaning involves a rather meticulous process to clean out dust, dirt and debris from a central heating and cooling system. Not only do professional services remove these things from a system, but many also take steps to disinfect the ducts to kill mold and bacteria. Other routine maintenance, such as coil cleaning, typically goes along with this type of service.

The top five reasons to make air duct cleaning a part of regular maintenance are:

1. Money savings. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that even less than .04 inches of dust in a cooling system's coils can lessen efficiency by as much as twenty one percent. When air duct cleaning is a part of normal maintenance, coils get cleaned in the process. This can make heating and cooling a home as efficient and affordable as possible.

2. System protection. It is estimated that roughly nine out of 10 central heat and air systems fail simply because routine maintenance has not been performed. Replacing parts in a central heating system can be quite costly. A total replacement can set a homeowner back thousands.

3. Air quality. With U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimating that most people spend between 60 and 90 percent of their time indoors, the need for fresh, clean air is very clear. Air duct cleaning is considered very important by many because it can help improve indoor air quality. Dust and debris can become trapped in air ducts if they are not cleaned on a routine basis. When this happens, the particles can be released back into the air. Even if family members do not suffer from allergies, the particles can cause problems with breathing, among other things.

4. Allergen reduction. If allergies are a problem with family members, this kind of home maintenance procedure can prove vital for making a home livable. Air duct cleaning can also help reduce the amount of allergens in the air. From dust mites and pollen to mold and more, regular air duct cleaning can reduce allergens that circulate through a home thanks to a heating or cooling system.

5. Improved smell inside a home. Since air ducts can harbor mold and bacteria, they can also push out rather bad smells when a system is in operation. Regular air duct cleaning can remove this issue almost entirely.

Although there is no strict duct cleaning schedule to be followed, air duct cleaning should be performed at least once every three to five years. Homes with pets, small children and issues with lots of tracked in dust and dirt might require more regular duct cleaning. Keeping up with this task can save a homeowner a lot of money and troubles down the road.