Columbus, IN Air Duct Cleaning

Your home’s ductwork plays a major role in keeping air moving through your HVAC system. Over time, dust, debris, and even mold can collect inside those ducts. While some buildup is expected, too much can reduce airflow and force your HVAC system to work harder. At Greenwell, we offer air duct cleaning for homes and businesses across Louisville, Kentuckiana, and Columbus, IN to help keep your system running efficiently and your indoor air clean.

When done properly, air duct cleaning clears out years of buildup deep within your system. It’s not always necessary, though. Knowing when to schedule service, and when to skip it, can save time and money.

Is air duct cleaning necessary?

Air duct cleaning isn’t something every home needs on a regular schedule. In fact, most homes don’t require it unless there’s a specific issue. Some signs that cleaning may be a good idea include:

• Dust blowing from vents when the system runs
• Visible mold inside ducts or on components
• Rodents or insect activity in the ductwork
• Persistent odors coming from vents
• More dust around the house than usual, even after cleaning

So, how often should air ducts be cleaned? For most households, every 3 to 5 years is sufficient. Homes with pets, recent renovations, or family members with allergies may benefit from more frequent service. For commercial buildings, air duct maintenance may be part of a routine building management plan.

If you’re not sure whether your system needs it, a quick duct inspection from Greenwell can help you make an informed decision based on what’s actually happening inside your home.

Air duct cleaning methods

A typical air duct cleaning service starts with a full system inspection. This helps identify any major blockages, signs of contamination, or structural damage before cleaning begins. From there, technicians use a combination of methods depending on your system’s layout and condition. These may include:

• High-powered vacuums to remove loose dust and debris
• Rotary brushes to scrub interior duct surfaces
• Compressed air tools for dislodging stubborn buildup
• Air duct sanitizer when there’s mold, bacteria, or strong odors
• Air duct sealing if gaps or leaks are found during service

The goal is to clean thoroughly without damaging the ductwork. That’s why Greenwell uses proven air duct cleaning methods and equipment designed specifically for HVAC systems. In some cases, sealing duct joints after cleaning can improve energy efficiency and help prevent future dust buildup.

DIY air duct cleaning

Homeowners often ask about DIY air duct cleaning and whether it’s possible to handle the job themselves. While you can tidy up vent covers and vacuum near the openings, fully cleaning ductwork is another matter. Most of the system is inaccessible without special tools.

That said, you can still take a few helpful steps. Here’s how to clean AC duct work at a basic level:

• Shut off your HVAC system
• Remove and clean vent covers with soap and water
• Use a vacuum with a hose attachment to reach just inside the ducts
• Wipe down visible surfaces
• Replace the HVAC air filter regularly

These efforts can reduce surface dust but won’t address deep buildup or issues farther into the system. For a thorough cleaning, it’s best to leave it to professionals.

How to prepare for air duct cleaning

If you’re getting ready for service, there’s not much you need to do, but a little preparation helps the visit go smoothly. Here’s how to prepare for air duct cleaning:

• Move furniture away from vents and registers
• Clear space around access panels or equipment areas
• Keep pets safely out of the way
• Let your technician know if there are any rooms of concern

Depending on your home’s layout, the crew may also need access to the attic, basement, or utility room. Preparing in advance allows the team to work efficiently and ensures your entire system can be reached.

Is air duct cleaning worth it?

That depends on what’s going on in your home. If you’ve had construction work done, live with pets, or notice musty smells from the vents, cleaning your ducts can make a noticeable difference. It may also help with dust control and indoor air quality in homes with allergy sensitivities.

So, when is air duct cleaning necessary? It’s usually worth doing if you’ve never had your ducts cleaned and your system is several years old. It’s also a good idea if you’re noticing reduced airflow or odd smells. Commercial air duct cleaning may be scheduled more routinely due to higher air circulation demands.

There are air duct cleaning pros and cons to consider. On the plus side, cleaning can improve HVAC performance and reduce allergens. But it’s not a cure-all, and unnecessary cleanings won’t provide much benefit. At Greenwell, we always provide honest recommendations based on what your home actually needs.

Whether you’re interested in home air duct cleaning, commercial service, or air duct sealing after cleaning, our team is ready to help. If you’re in Louisville, Kentuckiana, or Columbus, IN, reach out today to schedule an inspection and find out if your system could benefit from a professional cleaning.