Cleaning Air Ducts Scam or Not?

[onevthoki]

I'm saying that was gross!!

[old_cold]

Think I could have added my new thread to this one....oooops.

[golfgal]

We have had our ducts cleaned in 2 houses, just once each. It does cut down on the airborne dust and in both cases, each cleaner said that unless you smoke, have pets that shed a LOT or do some construction (drywall dust) having them done once every 5-10 years should be enough.

[Cattknap]

Our house is 25 years old and from looking inside one of the registers, I would say that the ducts have never been cleaned - they are completely caked (1/4 inch) with matted dirt/dust. We are changing our $50 furnace filters every 6 to 8 weeks - when it should be once or twice a year.

Next week we are having the ducts cleaned and sanitized. Then we are having a steam whole house humidifier installed the next day. Carpets cleaned 3 days later.....we are hoping to cut way down on our winter allergies, as well as the dust which seems to be pervasive in this house. Will report back.