From ducts to dollars

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Published Date 2/26/2025

Did you know that by not keeping up with your home’s HVAC maintenance, you’re actually setting yourself up to be robbed? Realtor.com’s Joy Dumandan says there’s a dust denominator in every home that could be at the root of your problems, but there's a way to prevent expensive fixes by keeping up with the cleaning.

“While dust is everywhere, excessive amounts can cause not only appliance issues, but health issues as well. Even with daily wipe-downs, dust accumulates — a buildup of dirt, clothing fibers, dead skin cells, hair, and pet dander, among other materials,” she says. In other words, it’s not what you see; it’s what you breathe.

Dust finds its way into your air ducts and filters, placing a strain on your heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems. The easiest fix? Change your filters regularly. Dirty filters add up to unnecessary dollars spent.

"Many homeowners don’t realize that dust buildup is more than a nuisance—it costs them money," says AdvantaClean’s Jim Thoma. "Dust and debris can clog up your HVAC system, causing it to work harder, resulting in higher energy costs."

The U.S. Department of Energy says dirty filters can reduce your energy intake by up to 15%. Now combine that and the fact that your heating and cooling system is responsible for nearly half your energy usage, and you could potentially save 7.5% each month, says Dumandan. “It puts the cost into perspective: If your energy bill is $100 a month, you can save $7.50 every month. The higher your energy bill, the more you'll save.” Big whoop? It is when you receive that bill in the mail and your eyes pop out.

The air filters found in your ventilation system are designed to trap dust and other particles so that they're not released back into the air. These handy filters are made from materials like cotton, polyester, and fiberglass. Clean filters help the overall performance of your HVAC system.

Experts recommend changing air filters every one to three months, though different manufacturers might suggest otherwise. Air filters range from $10 to $100 or more, depending on size and brand.

"If you have pets or allergies, you might need to do it more frequently, but it’s a simple fix that helps keep your system running smoothly and prevents unnecessary strain," says Thoma.

So what are the big hints that tell you when it’s time to change your filters? The type of dust, the environment of your home, and how long the filters have been in your system all play a role. Ineffective filters will lead to a decrease in suction and an increase in dust going back into the air. Fine dust everywhere or a humid environment means changing them more often.

Listen to your system, too. If you hear it struggling, it can be a sign your filter is clogged and needs replacing.

"A dirty HVAC filter restricts airflow, kind of like a stuffy nose makes it hard to breathe. It prevents your system from operating at full capacity," explains Thoma. "A dirty or restricted filter can sometimes cause a whistling sound."

Plus, it’s all about those ducts, ‘bout those ducts, ‘bout those ducts (no treble). Okay – cute song, but aside from maintaining clean filters, homeowners might want to consider having the air ducts cleaned. “Air duct cleaning refers to the various HVAC parts of air systems. This includes the supply and return air ducts and registers, grilles and diffusers, as well as heat exchanger coils for heating and cooling, condensate drain pans, fan motor and fan housing, and the air-handling unit housing,” says Dumandan.

Getting your ducts in a row requires a budget, however. The average cost to clean an entire air duct system in an average-sized home ranges from $450 to $1,000, according to the EPA, depending on the service. Factors include the size of the system to be cleaned, the system accessibility, the climatic region, and the level of contamination.

When you decide to have your HVAC serviced, do your homework, says Dumandan. “Not all providers offer the same services. The EPA suggests talking to at least three different service providers and getting written estimates before deciding whether to have your ducts cleaned. When an HVAC specialist comes to your home, ask the pro to show you the contamination that will justify spending the money to have the ducts cleaned.”

Realtor, TBWS

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