I keep seeing different opinions about duct cleaning. Some people say every year, others say only when there is dust, smell, or weak airflow. Our house feels fine most days, but the vents look dirty inside. How often should homeowners schedule duct cleaning?

The interval depends on the home. Pets, recent renovation, visible dust, allergy issues, and weak airflow can all change the timing. If the system seems clean and works evenly, homeowners may not need to rush, but regular checks still make sense.

I do not think every home needs the exact same schedule. A house with pets, renovations, allergies, or heavy HVAC use may need attention sooner than a place that stays clean and has good filters. In my case, the airflow from two vents felt weaker, and dust was collecting around the registers faster than usual. I used https://dryerventcleaningtoday.ca/how-ducts-are-cleaned-and-other-info-about-dryer-vent-cleaning/ to understand how ducts are cleaned and what signs matter before booking anything. That helped me avoid treating it like a random yearly task. After the cleaning, the airflow felt more even between rooms. I would schedule it based on symptoms, home conditions, and how long it has been since the last service.