Short answer: every three to five years for a typical New Orleans home, and every two to three years if you have pets, allergies, high indoor humidity, or a recent renovation. Businesses with heavy foot traffic or sensitive occupants should plan on the shorter end.

Why South Louisiana is different

Our climate works against clean ductwork. Humidity sits high for most of the year, air conditioners run nearly nonstop from spring through fall, and moisture inside ducts gives dust and mold spores a place to settle. A duct system that would stay reasonably clean for five years in a dry climate can need attention sooner here.

Signs your ducts need cleaning now

• Visible dust or debris blowing out of supply vents when the system starts
• A musty or stale smell that shows up when the AC runs
• Allergy or asthma symptoms that get worse indoors
• Dust that returns on surfaces within a day or two of cleaning
• Recent construction, drywall work, or flooring replacement
• Water intrusion, a roof leak, or a flooded slab in the past year
• Rodent or insect activity in the attic or crawlspace

What a professional cleaning includes

A proper job is more than running a vacuum over the registers. The technician puts the system under negative pressure, agitates the inside of each duct run so buildup releases, and captures it before it can recirculate. Supply and return trunks, registers, grilles, the blower compartment, and the coil area are all part of the work. Sanitizing follows when mold or bacteria are present. The whole visit usually takes two to four hours for an average home.

How to make a cleaning last longer

• Change filters every 30 to 60 days during heavy AC season
• Keep indoor humidity between 40 and 50 percent
• Seal leaks in attic ductwork so it stops pulling in dust
• Address plumbing or roof leaks immediately
• Vacuum and dust regularly, especially in homes with pets

When to call a professional

If you can see growth inside a duct, if there has been any water event, or if someone in the building is dealing with ongoing respiratory symptoms, do not wait for the next scheduled interval. Gulf States Services Group provides air duct and HVAC cleaning, mold and mildew remediation, and indoor air quality inspections across the New Orleans metro. Contact us to schedule an assessment.

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