Many homes use a three-to-five-year assessment interval, but the calendar alone cannot determine need. A clean, well-sealed system with good filtration may go longer, while a major renovation can create an immediate reason to inspect.
Factors that shorten the interval
Shedding pets, smoking, pest activity, water damage, heavy construction and a poorly fitted filter can all change conditions. The best decision combines maintenance history with visible inspection.
Dryer vents follow a different schedule
Unlike whole-home ducts, dryer exhaust lines should generally be assessed annually because lint restriction affects heat and fire safety. Learn about dryer vent cleaning.