Clean your air ducts every 3 to 5 years, and sooner if you have pets, allergies or a recent renovation. Have the furnace cleaned and inspected every year before the heating season, change a standard 1-inch filter every 1–3 months, and clean the dryer vent once a year. Alberta furnaces run for most of the year, so it is better to clean too early than too late.
Key takeaways
- Ducts: every 3–5 years. Sooner with pets, allergies, smokers, renovations or a new build that has never been cleaned.
- Furnace: clean and inspect every year, ideally in September or October before the cold sets in.
- Filter: every 1–3 months. Check monthly from October to April.
- Dryer vent: every year. More often for large families or long vent runs.
The Alberta home air maintenance schedule
Here is the schedule we recommend for Calgary, Airdrie and nearby homes. It is built around a long heating season, dry winter air and smoke from wildfire seasons.
| What | How often | Best time | Who |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air ducts (supply, return, trunk lines) | Every 3–5 years | Spring, summer or early fall | Professional |
| Furnace clean & inspection | Every year | September – October | Professional |
| Furnace filter (1-inch) | Every 1–3 months | Check monthly October – April | You |
| Dryer vent | Every year | Any time | Professional |
| Lint trap | Every load | — | You |
| Bathroom exhaust fans | Every 1–2 years | With your duct cleaning | Professional |
| Hot water tank flush | Every year | With your furnace service | Professional |
When to clean your ducts sooner than 3–5 years
The 3–5 year range is for an average home. Move it closer to every 2 years, or book now, if any of these apply:
- Pets. Pet hair and dander collect in the return ducts quickly, especially with more than one dog or cat.
- Allergies or asthma in the home. Cleaner ducts mean fewer particles are pushed back into the air every time the furnace runs.
- Renovation or new build. Drywall dust is very fine and spreads through the whole system. New homes are often handed over with construction debris still in the ducts.
- You just moved in. You don't know the previous owner's habits, pets or smoking history, so start with clean ducts.
- Smoke. Indoor smoking, a wood-burning fireplace, or a summer of wildfire smoke drawn into the house.
- Visible signs. Dust puffing out of the vents when the furnace starts, grey buildup around the registers, or dust coming back days after you clean.
Why the furnace needs a yearly clean in Alberta
In Calgary, the furnace can run from early fall to late spring, and on cold nights it barely stops. All of that air passes through the blower and over the heat exchanger. Dust that builds up on the blower wheel reduces airflow, so the furnace has to run longer to heat the house. A yearly visit is also when a technician can spot a cracked filter rack, rust, or a part that needs a licensed HVAC repair, before the coldest week of the year.
All of our packages include a furnace cleaning and inspection, a standard filter change and a hot water tank inspection or flush-out, so one visit covers most of this schedule. See what each package includes.
The filter: the cheapest thing you can do
A clean filter is the best way to keep your ducts clean for longer. A standard 1-inch pleated filter should be checked monthly through the heating season and changed every 1–3 months. If you hold it up to a light and can't see through it, change it. Pets, renovations and smoke all mean changing it more often. Thicker 4–5 inch media filters last longer. Go by the manufacturer's date, not just how it looks.
Have an HRV? Don't forget it
Many newer Alberta homes have a heat recovery ventilator (HRV), which brings in fresh air and pushes out stale air. Its filters should be checked every few months and its core cleaned about once a year, following the manufacturer's instructions. A clogged HRV brings in less fresh air, which can lead to window condensation and stale air in winter. We clean ventilation systems as part of our residential services.
Dryer vent: yearly, for safety
A dryer vent is not about air quality. It is a fire-safety item. Lint that builds up in the vent pipe is very flammable. Read our full guide to the warning signs of a clogged dryer vent.
Wondering what it costs to get everything on this list done? Here are our furnace and duct cleaning prices for Calgary and Airdrie.
Book your furnace & duct cleaning
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Frequently asked questions
How often should air ducts be cleaned in Calgary?
Every 3 to 5 years for most homes. Clean sooner if you have pets, allergies or asthma, smokers, a recent renovation, a newly built home, or if you see dust blowing out of the vents.
How often should a furnace be cleaned?
Once a year. Alberta furnaces run for most of the year, and a yearly clean and inspection helps keep airflow, efficiency and safety where they should be. Book it before the heating season starts.
Should I clean the ducts in a brand-new house?
Yes, it is a good idea. New builds often have drywall dust, sawdust and construction debris left in the ducts. Book a cleaning after possession, once the final finishing work is done.
Do I need duct cleaning after a renovation?
Usually yes, if there was drywall sanding, demolition or flooring work and the furnace was running during it. Fine dust spreads through the whole duct system. Clean once the dusty work is completely finished.
How often should I change my furnace filter?
Change a standard 1-inch filter every 1 to 3 months. Change it monthly if you have pets, allergies or are renovating. Thicker 4–5 inch media filters can last 6 to 12 months; follow what the manufacturer recommends.
