Vent cleaning in the Pacific Northwest has gotten complicated with all the service providers and marketing claims flying around. As someone who’s dealt with air quality issues in homes throughout the Seattle area, I learned everything there is to know about when duct cleaning actually matters and when it’s just hype. Today, I’ll share it all with you.
Why Vent Cleaning Sometimes Makes Sense
Probably should have led with this section, honestly. Clean ducts won’t transform your life — but in certain situations, they genuinely help. Here’s when vent cleaning actually delivers value:
Respiratory Relief
Ducts accumulate dust, pet dander, and other particles over years. If you’ve noticed increased allergy symptoms indoors or visible dust blowing from vents, cleaning removes that accumulated gunk. The air circulating through your home becomes noticeably cleaner.
Efficiency Gains
That’s what makes duct cleaning endearing to us efficiency nerds — clogged ducts force your HVAC system to work harder. Clean ducts reduce airflow resistance, which can translate to lower energy bills and less strain on your heating and cooling equipment.
Safety Considerations
Excessive lint and debris buildup in ductwork creates fire risk, particularly in older homes or those with dryer vents routed through long duct runs. Professional cleaning reduces this hazard.
The Bottom Line
Vent cleaning isn’t something most homes need annually — that’s overselling it. But every few years, or after renovations, pest infestations, or visible mold, professional duct cleaning genuinely improves indoor air quality. Your lungs and your HVAC system both benefit when there’s actually something to clean out.
