The National Recommendation
The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recommends having your air ducts professionally cleaned every 3 to 5 years. However, this is a general guideline — your home's specific conditions can shorten or lengthen that timeline significantly.
Why Idaho Homes May Need More Frequent Cleaning
Idaho's climate presents unique challenges for indoor air quality. The dry, arid conditions in Eastern Idaho mean more airborne dust circulates through your home. Seasonal pollen from sagebrush, grasses, and trees can accumulate inside your ductwork. And during wildfire season, smoke particles can infiltrate your HVAC system and linger long after the air outside has cleared.
Signs Your Ducts Need Cleaning Now
Regardless of the timeline, certain signs indicate your ducts need immediate attention. Watch for these common indicators:
- •Visible dust blowing from vents when the system runs
- •Musty or stale odors coming from the vents
- •Increased allergy or asthma symptoms indoors
- •Dust buildup on furniture returns quickly after cleaning
- •Uneven airflow between rooms
- •Higher than normal energy bills
Situations That Call for Earlier Cleaning
Some circumstances mean you should schedule duct cleaning sooner rather than later, even if it hasn't been three years:
- •After a home renovation or remodeling project
- •Moving into a new or previously owned home
- •After a wildfire season with heavy smoke exposure
- •If you have pets, especially those that shed heavily
- •Smokers in the household
- •Family members with respiratory conditions
The Bottom Line for Idaho Falls Homeowners
For most Idaho Falls homes, we recommend duct cleaning every 2 to 3 years — slightly more often than the national average due to our local climate conditions. Homes with pets, allergy sufferers, or recent renovations should consider annual inspections. A professional inspection can help determine exactly when your system needs attention.